About this project
Our Goal
It's no secret that the electric guitar changed modern music and popular culture as well. Introduced by Les Paul in the 1930's, the electric guitar started a revolution in sound technology that continues even today.Our goal is to do the same for the world's most popular instrument, the beloved harmonica -- an instrument that has not changed for over 200 years.
The TurboHarp/ELX is the first electric harmonica in history.... the product of a 20-year labor of love by one of the leading innovators in the harmonica world. We wish for the ELX to open new vistas for musicians to express themselves: both musically and vocally.
So What Exactly Is The ELX?
The ELX is actually an acoustic diatonic harmonica that is surrounded by twenty electronic sensors, one for each reed. Kindof like an electric guitar. But unlike an electric guitar which uses magnetic pickups that are susceptible to noise, the ELX relies on optics. Each optical sensor contains a teeny tiny photo-sensitive transistor that measures the light reflected by the reed eminated by a nearby light emitting diode (LED). The sensor generates a voltage that is then patched to an electronic effects unit.
Using a standard 1/4" jack the ELX can be connected to any audio amplifier, mixer board, or recording device. And with virtually no feedback the volume can be cranked all they way up to "10" and blow the doors off the room!
The most dramatic feature of the ELX is the ability to patch through an electronics effects box (e.g. guitar pedal.) We have tested dozens of them with the ELX and found that the Digitech RP70 multi-effects unit offers the most vesatility for a very reasonable price. It is included in our "Deluxe" setup, pre-programmed with some of our favorite effects, including: distortion, delay, chorus, harmony, tremelo, and all combinations thereof.
Another unique feature of the ELX is the ability to separate the output of the reeds into separate channels. We've experimented with several configurations, and found that if you connect the "blow" notes to one channel and the "draw" to the other, it creates some really cool separation effects - like the music moving left to right back and forth. (Check out www.turboharp.com for some examples of what I mean.)
Stereo Output Waveform:
We Need Your Help
We're very eager to introduce the ELX to the public. With our prototypes in hand, we're asking for your help and support on Kickstarter to complete the tooling and circuit board production. We're proud to say that everything will be made in the USA!
We hope you'll join us and become part of a harmonica revolution. Tell your friends!
FAQ
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The ELX uses a regular acoustic harmonica, like a Hohner Marine Band or Special 20, available any music store.
They are easily exchanged, e.g. to change keys.
There are several that will fit but we most highly recommend the Special 20. -
Yes! The ELX was designed around a standard acoustic harp precisely for this reason: to preserve its "touch and feel."
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We realize its difficult to judge how you might like a musical instrument without actually playing it. We don't want you to feel stuck with something you dont want, or will never play. So we will offer a 30 day satisfaction guarantee.
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The Generation 1 ELX featured two halves of the housing making it tedious to insert the harmonica body properly. Generation 2, features a much more sleek and efficient hinged housing so the harmonica body can be quickly interchanged, cleaned, or taken apart to amaze your friends.
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
31
Backers
$5,685
pledged of $15,000 goal
0
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Funding Unsuccessful
This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on July 13, 2011.
Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more
Groovy Harp Package. Receive our a set of (6) decals and 2 Groovy Harp harmonicas featuring our patented TurboLid, as seen on the ELX. The perfect and colorful reminder of your support! (add $5.00 for international shipping)
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
TurboJammer or TurboTwenty Deluxe Package. Choose between a set of (6) TurboJammers or (1) TurboTwenty Deluxe. We will also list you as a contributor on our website. (add $5.00 for international shipping)
Pledge $150 or more Pledge $150 or more
Base ELX Package.You will receive one of the first 100 production ELX's, with power supply, cable and pouch - ready to plug in to any guitar amp. The base version will retail for approximately $299. We will also list you as an ELX contributor on our website. (Free shipping within the US, add $5 for international shipping)
Pledge $250 or more Pledge $250 or more
Deluxe Edition ELX Package. You will receive one of the first production ELX's. You will also receive a gig bag and pre-programmed RP-70 effects unit. (add $8.00 to your pledge for shipping within the US, $12 for international shipping)
Pledge $325 or more Pledge $325 or more
All the above PLUS, you will receive one of our limited first-generation prototypes (as seen in the video) IMMEDIATELY upon conclusion of this campaign. Only five of these are in existence; we're willing to part with two of them.
Project By
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Jim Antaki, PhD the inventor of the ELX, is a biomedical engineering professor by day. His accomplishments include developing the first maglev heart-assist pump for infants.
As a labor of love, he has devoted 20+ years to the technological advancement of the harmonica. He strives to improve the enjoyment of this delightful instrument--through research of physics, physiology, and phonetics and by engineering innovations that enhance the playing experience.
