The TurboHarp ELX is the world's first and only truly electric harmonica. Think of it as the "Les Paul" of harmonicas. Redefined.
Thank you for checking out our project, the TurboHarp ELX. We have dedicated 20 years to harmonica research and innovation. We've spent the last 2 years dedicated to completing a handful of Generation 1 ELX prototypes, putting them in the hands of professional musicians. With the valuable feedback received we're ready to introduce Generation 2 to the public and we need your help to get them produced.
So what exactly is the ELX?
The ELX is a diatonic harmonica that incorporates twenty individual pickups, one for each reed. Unlike an electric guitar which uses electromagnetic pickups, the ELX relies on optical sensors. Each optical sensor (pickup) converts the reed vibration to an electrical signal that is then transmitted to the signal conditioner box. The sensor works by measuring the reflected light from a light emitting diode (LED) by a photo-sensitive transistor.
Using a standard 1/4" jack the ELX can be connected to any audio amplifier or recording device. And with virtually no feedback the volume can be cranked to be heard across the room!
The ELX was designed to accept any Hohner Special-20 harmonica body. It can also be used with similarly sized harmonicas, including the Marine Band etc. but may require extra shims to assure a proper fit.
Our Goal
It's no secret that the electric guitar changed modern music and popular culture as well. Introduced in the 1930's, the electric guitar started a revolution in sound technology that continues even today.
We're opening the doors for harmonica musicians to express themselves and bring a new dimension to their music. Harmonicas can be heard in all varieties of music, whether in the background or often for whaling solos. Imagine the harmonica musician/band, to have a choice for electric vs. acoustic. The possibilities are endless.
We Need Your Help
We're ready 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 portion.
We hope you'll join us and become part of a harmonica revolution. Spread the word!
(hinged TurboLid cover design)
FAQ
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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.
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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.
37
Backers
$4,998
pledged of $20,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on June 3, 2011.
Funding period
May 4, 2011 -
Jun 3, 2011
(30 days)
- 2 created · 1 backed
- Has not connected Facebook
- Website: turboharp.com
Pledge $5 or more
2 backers
Enjoy the sweet satisfaction of helping revolutionize the harmonica! We will list you as a contributor to the project on our website and send you a Harmonica Beware decal.
Pledge $15 or more
15 backers
Junior Package. Receive all of the above + a TurboJunior harmonica 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
2 backers
TurboJammer package. Receive two of our intermediate harmonicas (also featuring our patented TurboLid). You choose from 6 keys and any color TurboLid! We will also list you as a contributor on our website. (add $5.00 for international shipping)
Pledge $95 or more
1 backer
Pro Level. You will receive two (2) TurboTwenty harmonicas, featuring the same body and TurboLid design as the deluxe and limited edition ELX! Choose between 16 keys and 12 TurboLid colors. We will also list you as a contributor on our website. (free shipping within the US, $5.00 for international shipping)
Pledge $195 or more
1 backer Limited (99 of 100 left)
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 $225 or more
4 backers
Deluxe ELX Package. You will receive one of the first production ELX's with the upgraded Special 20 harmonica body! The deluxe version will retail for approximately $325. We will also list you as an ELX contributor on our website. (add $8.00 to your pledge for shipping within the US, $12 for international shipping)
Pledge $275 or more
10 backers
Limited Edition ELX Package. You will receive one of the first production ELX's, signed by the inventor himself, Dr. James F. Antaki. You will also receive a gig bag and pre-programmed RP-70 effects unit. You can choose to have the signature on the inside or outside of the TurboLid. The signature version is only being offered through Kickstarter. Wow, now don't you feel special! (add $8.00 to your pledge for shipping within the US, $12 for international shipping)
Pledge $325 or more
2 backers All gone!
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.
