A modular approach to large string array electronic musical instruments such as specialized harps, zithers, sympathetic string arrays, the Harry Partch Kithara, the Harry Partch Harmonic Cannon, and other large string array electronic musical instruments is presented. A mounting frame is used to interchangeably secure a plurality of a plurality of musical instrument modules, each comprising a plurality of strings configured to vibrate and create electronic signals. An electronic interface is configured to transmit electrical signals from the plurality of musical instrument modules to an external system. The electronic interface can be configured to provide a multichannel output. The arrangement can further comprise either or both of at least one audio mixer and at least one signal processor.

A purely electronic musical instrument controller (without audio-frequency vibrating elements) for generating music control signals, such as MIDI-format control signals, and comprising arrays of strumpads is disclosed. The electronic musical instrument controller can include one or more of a (push)-button, touchpad, pressure sensor, ribbon controller, impact sensor, slider control, knob control, expression wheel, joystick, chord button array, switch, multiple-position selector, and internal sound-synthesis elements for internal audio signal generation. The electronic musical instrument controller can transmit control signals to an external system and receive control signals from an external system. Control signals can be of MIDI format. The electronic musical instrument controller can be secured on a stand or arrangement for attaching a strap, the strap enabling the electronic musical instrument controller to be worn by a user.

A customizable electronic musical instrument includes a mounting frame for securing a plurality of user-installable electronic musical modules of various types including a type for generating at least one control signal responsive to user operation, a type for generating audio signals, responsive to a control signal. The instrument can transmit outgoing audio electrical signals to an external system and can include internal sound amplification. The instrument includes one or more types of controller elements such as a keyboard, touchpad, strumpad, impact sensor, slider control, expression wheel, joystick, ribbon controller, button, switch, pressure sensor, multiple-position selector, knob potentiometer, and further comprises at least one music synthesizer element. Control and audio signals may be routed among modules by a switch or bus. Audio signals can be mixed by a multichannel audio mixer and/or processed responsive to at least one control signal. Outgoing control signals responsive to controller electronic musical modules.

This invention provides a signal processing and signal synthesis technique from a family of signal processing and signal synthesis techniques designed to readily interwork or be used individually in creating new forms of rich musical timbres. A real-time controllable mix of a plurality of multiple output frequency-reduced signals and the cross-products of these signals provides rich animated harmonically partitioned spectra. Mixing parameters may be recalled from stored program control or modulated in real-time by arbitrary control signals, including envelope generators, low-frequency oscillators, and those derived from an original input signal, and specifically including the amplitude of an original input signal. The real-time controllable mix may have multiple outputs and be subjected to further signal processing and multiple-channel amplification. The invention may be used individually or in conjunction with other signal processing and signal synthesis techniques in creating new forms of rich musical timbres.

A customizable electronic musical instrument includes a mounting frame for securing a plurality of user-installable electronic musical modules of various types including a type for generating at least one control signal responsive to user operation, a type for generating audio signals, responsive to a control signal. The instrument can transmit outgoing audio electrical signals to an external system and can include internal sound amplification. The instrument includes one or more types of controller elements such as a keyboard, touchpad, strumpad, impact sensor, slider control, expression wheel, joystick, ribbon controller, button, switch, pressure sensor, multiple-position selector, knob potentiometer, and further comprises at least one music synthesizer element. Control and audio signals may be routed among modules by a switch or bus. Audio signals can be mixed by a multichannel audio mixer and/or processed responsive to at least one control signal. Outgoing control signals responsive to controller electronic musical modules.