Oberheim Strummer and Drummer

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"The Oberheim Strummer will transform your keyboard playing into a stunning and convincing performance featuring realistic guitar articulation. By looking at such factors as the range of the guitar. the number of notes being played. chord position, and the velocity of the performance. Strummer can transform the incoming MIDI data out into performance data emulating that of a real guitarist. Performance data may be delayed, echoed, harmonized, transposed and sent back out on multiple MIDI channels. In addition to control over strum direction and speed, the Strummer also features Chord Capture for real time single finger chords. Individual picking patterns and riffs may be assigned to a single key. for real time performance playback. You can even control the number of "strings" being strummed via keyboard velocity. Strummer Keyboard players now can emulate guitar techniques on their synthesizers and samplers to create incredibly authentic guitar sounds. The Strummer listens to chords played on a MIDI keyboard and plays them back through a MIDI sound source (synthesizer or sampler) just as they would be played from a guitar. Chord voicings will now be correct to accurately reproduce guitar sounds and the chords can actually be 'strummed'

The Strummer can change the speed and direction of the "strums" just by changing the way the keyboard is played. Also, the Strummer has the ability to distinguish between chords and single notes, allowing chords to be sent over one MIDI channel, while single notes are sent out over a different channel (like a solo lead guitarsound).

The "Strummer" includes features such as:
o MIDI Delay (Echo).
o Adjustable Delay and Decay Rates.
o Multiple MIDI Channel Output.
o Velocity Switching.
o Keyboard Splitting.
o Chord Voicing Variations.
o Arpeggiation.
o Chord Capture (Adjustable Single Finger Chords).
o Transposition of MIDI Delays (Great for MIDI Harmonizing).
o Ability to synchronize to MIDI Timing Clocks (External Sync).
o MIDI Program Change.
o Supports MIDI Sysex for storage of user defined patches."

"The "Strummer" listens to chords played on your MIDI keyboard and plays them back to your MIDI sound source (Synthesizer or Sampler) just as they would be played from a guitar. Not only will the chord voicings be correct, but the chords can actually be "Strummed!" With the "Strummer," you can even change the speed and direction of your "Strums" just by changing the way you play your MIDI keyboard. Also, "Strummer" has the ability to distinguish the difference between chords and single notes, allowing you to send chords out on one MIDI channel (Distorted Guitar Sound for example) while your single notes are sent out on a different channel (i.e. Solo Sound). Your keyboard may have a great guitar sound, but can you play a great guitar part? Yes. The Oberheim Strummer will transform your keyboard playing into a stunning and convincing performance featuring realistic guitar articulation.

By looking at such factors as the range of the guitar, the number of notes being played, chord position, and the velocity of the performance, Strummer can transform the incoming MIDI data out into performance data emulating that of a real guitarist. Performance data may be delayed, echoed, harmonized, transposed and sent back out on multiple MIDI channels. In addition to control over strum direction and speed, the Strummer also features Chord Capture for real time single finger chords. Individual picking patterns and riffs may be assigned to a single key, for real time performance playback. You can even control the number of "strings" being strummed via keyboard velocity." box shot

Oberheim Strummer

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"'The "Strummer' listens to chords played on your MIDI keyboard and plays them back to your MIDI sound source (Synthesizer or Sampler) just as they would be played from a guitar. Not only will the chord voicings be correct, but the chords can actually be 'Strummed!' With the 'Strummer,' you can even change the speed and direction of your "Strums" just by changing the way you play your MIDI keyboard. Also, 'Strummer' has the ability to distinguish the difference between chords and single notes, allowing you to send chords out on one MIDI channel (Distorted Guitar Sound for example) while your single notes are sent out on a different channel (i.e. Solo Sound). Your keyboard may have a great guitar sound, but can you play a great guitar part? Yes. The Oberheim Strummer will transform your keyboard playing into a stunning and convincing performance featuring realistic guitar articulation.

By looking at such factors as the range of the guitar, the number of notes being played, chord position, and the velocity of the performance, Strummer can transform the incoming MIDI data out into performance data emulating that of a real guitarist. Performance data may be delayed, echoed, harmonized, transposed and sent back out on multiple MIDI channels. In addition to control over strum direction and speed, the Strummer also features Chord Capture for real time single finger chords. Individual picking patterns and riffs may be assigned to a single key, for real time performance playback. You can even control the number of "strings" being strummed via keyboard velocity.

The "Strummer" includes features such as:
MIDI Delay (Echo).
Adjustable Delay and Decay Rates.
Multiple MIDI Channel Output.
Velocity Switching.
Keyboard Splitting.
Chord Voicing Variations.
Arpeggiation.
Chord Capture (Adjustable Single Finger Chords).
Transposition of MIDI Delays (Great for MIDI Harmonizing).
Ability to synchronize to MIDI Timing Clocks (External Sync).
MIDI Program Change.
Supports MIDI Sysex for storage of user defined patches."

Oberheim Strummer PERF/X

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"The "Strummer" listens to chords played on your MIDI keyboard and plays them back to your MIDI sound source (Synthesizer or Sampler) just as they would be played from a guitar. Not only will the chord voicings be correct, but the chords can actually be "Strummed!" With the "Strummer," you can even change the speed and direction of your "Strums" just by changing the way you play your MIDI keyboard. Also, "Strummer" has the ability to distinguish the difference between chords and single notes, allowing you to send chords out on one MIDI channel (Distorted Guitar Sound for example) while your single notes are sent out on a different channel (i.e. Solo Sound). Your keyboard may have a great guitar sound, but can you play a great guitar part? Yes. The Oberheim Strummer will transform your keyboard playing into a stunning and convincing performance featuring realistic guitar articulation.

By looking at such factors as the range of the guitar, the number of notes being played, chord position, and the velocity of the performance, Strummer can transform the incoming MIDI data out into performance data emulating that of a real guitarist. Performance data may be delayed, echoed, harmonized, transposed and sent back out on multiple MIDI channels. In addition to control over strum direction and speed, the Strummer also features Chord Capture for real time single finger chords. Individual picking patterns and riffs may be assigned to a single key, for real time performance playback. You can even control the number of "strings" being strummed via keyboard velocity.

The "Strummer" includes features such as:
o MIDI Delay (Echo).
o Adjustable Delay and Decay Rates.
o Multiple MIDI Channel Output.
o Velocity Switching.
o Keyboard Splitting.
o Chord Voicing Variations.
o Arpeggiation.
o Chord Capture (Adjustable Single Finger Chords).
o Transposition of MIDI Delays (Great for MIDI Harmonizing).
o Ability to synchronize to MIDI Timing Clocks (External Sync).
o MIDI Program Change.
o Supports MIDI Sysex for storage of user defined patches."

NOS Oberheim Strummer w/ Original Box

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"Latest software version (3.1)

The 'Strummer' listens to chords played on your MIDI keyboard and plays them back to your MIDI sound source (Synthesizer or Sampler) just as they would be played from a guitar. Not only will the chord voicings be correct, but the chords can actually be 'Strummed!' With the 'Strummer,' you can even change the speed and direction of your 'Strums' just by changing the way you play your MIDI keyboard. Also, 'Strummer' has the ability to distinguish the difference between chords and single notes, allowing you to send chords out on one MIDI channel (Distorted Guitar Sound for example) while your single notes are sent out on a different channel (i.e. Solo Sound). Your keyboard may have a great guitar sound, but can you play a great guitar part? Yes. The Oberheim Strummer will transform your keyboard playing into a stunning and convincing performance featuring realistic guitar articulation.

By looking at such factors as the range of the guitar, the number of notes being played, chord position, and the velocity of the performance, Strummer can transform the incoming MIDI data out into performance data emulating that of a real guitarist. Performance data may be delayed, echoed, harmonized, transposed and sent back out on multiple MIDI channels. In addition to control over strum direction and speed, the Strummer also features Chord Capture for real time single finger chords. Individual picking patterns and riffs may be assigned to a single key, for real time performance playback. You can even control the number of 'strings' being strummed via keyboard velocity.

Some additional features include: Adjustable Delay and Decay Rates. Velocity Switching. Chord Voicing Variations. Chord Capture (Adjustable Single Finger Chords). Transposition of MIDI Delays (Great for MIDI Harmonizing). Ability to synchronize to MIDI Timing Clocks (External Sync). MIDI Program Change."

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Oberheim Strummer Perf/x

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via this auction

"The "Strummer" listens to chords played on your MIDI keyboard and plays them back to your MIDI sound source (Synthesizer or Sampler) just as they would be played from a guitar. Not only will the chord voicings be correct, but the chords can actually be 'Strummed!' With the 'Strummer,' you can even change the speed and direction of your "Strums" just by changing the way you play your MIDI keyboard. Also, "Strummer" has the ability to distinguish the difference between chords and single notes, allowing you to send chords out on one MIDI channel (Distorted Guitar Sound for example) while your single notes are sent out on a different channel (i.e. Solo Sound). Your keyboard may have a great guitar sound, but can you play a great guitar part? Yes. The Oberheim Strummer will transform your keyboard playing into a stunning and convincing performance featuring realistic guitar articulation.

By looking at such factors as the range of the guitar, the number of notes being played, chord position, and the velocity of the performance, Strummer can transform the incoming MIDI data out into performance data emulating that of a real guitarist. Performance data may be delayed, echoed, harmonized, transposed and sent back out on multiple MIDI channels. In addition to control over strum direction and speed, the Strummer also features Chord Capture for real time single finger chords. Individual picking patterns and riffs may be assigned to a single key, for real time performance playback. You can even control the number of "strings" being strummed via keyboard velocity.

Some additional features include: Adjustable Delay and Decay Rates. Velocity Switching. Chord Voicing Variations. Chord Capture (Adjustable Single Finger Chords). Transposition of MIDI Delays (Great for MIDI Harmonizing). Ability to synchronize to MIDI Timing Clocks (External Sync). MIDI Program Change."

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OBERHEIM STRUMMER

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"THE FOLLOWING IS QUOTED FROM THE OWNERS MANUAL

The Strummer by Oberheim was the first of the new generation of the Oberheim Perf/X, “Performance Expansion” MIDI modules.

The Strummer takes MIDI notes and chords that are played on a keyboard and changes them into the way they would be played on a guitar. You have control over all settings. You set strum rate and direction, lead enhancement, chord voicing, and arpeggiation patterns and 28 other parameters.

The Strummer has 96 presets including 64 permanently in ROM from the factory and 32 user presets in RAM for your custom programs.

The Strummer can record short phrases of “riffs” and play them back when triggered from the keyboard. You select a “trigger key”, play the riff and then press stop. If you press the “trigger key” again at the end, the riff is looped and starts vamping (repeating) until stop is pressed. These “riffs” are stored globally and can be used at any time from any preset!

The Strummer has dynamic MID control over a number of its parameters. Strum speed can be varied by velocity as can the number of notes used in a chord. You can even program chords “on the fly” using “Chord Capture”. Once a chord is ‘captured’ it is held globally until a new one is captured.

The Strummer fully supports System Exclusive allowing external storage and remote editing of Strummer programs."

OBERHEIM STRUMMER

via this auction
"THE FOLLOWING IS QUOTED DIRECTLY FROM PAGE 2 OF THE OWNERS MANUAL

The Strummer by Oberheim was the first of the new generation of the Oberheim Perf/X, “Performance Expansion” MIDI modules.

The Strummer takes MIDI notes and chords that are played on a keyboard and changes them into the way they would be played on a guitar. You have control over all settings. You set strum rate and direction, lead enhancement, chord voicing, and arpeggiation patterns and 28 other parameters.

The Strummer has 96 presets including 64 permanently in ROM from the factory and 32 user presets in RAM for your custom programs.

The Strummer can record short phrases of “riffs” and play them back when triggered from the keyboard. You select a “trigger key”, play the riff and then press stop. If you press the “trigger key” again at the end, the riff is looped and starts vamping (repeating) until stop is pressed. These “riffs” are stored globally and can be used at any time from any preset!

The Strummer has dynamic MID control over a number of its parameters. Strum speed can be varied by velocity as can the number of notes used in a chord. You can even program chords “on the fly” using “Chord Capture”. Once a chord is ‘captured’ it is held globally until a new one is captured.

The Strummer fully supports System Exclusive allowing external storage and remote editing of Strummer programs."

Oberheim Strummer

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"Oberheim came out with this in the early 1990s along with it’s product the Drummer. a midi drum pattern sequencer. The Strummer will transform your keyboard playing into a stunning and convincing performance featuring realistic guitar articulation. By looking at such factors as the range of the guitar, the number of notes being played, chord position, and the velocity of the performance. Strummer can transform the incoming MIDI data out into performance data emulating that of a real guitarist. Performance data may be delayed, echoed, harmonized, transposed and sent back out on multiple MIDI channels. In addition to control over strum direction and speed, the Strummer also features Chord Capture for real time single finger chords. Individual picking patterns and riffs may be assigned to a single key for real time performance playback. You can even control the number of "strings" being strummed via keyboard velocity. With Strummer Keyboard players now can emulate guitar techniques on their synthesizers and samplers to create incredibly authentic guitar sounds. The Strummer listens to chords played on a MIDI keyboard and plays them back through a MIDI sound source (synthesizer or sampler) just as they would be played from a guitar. Chord voicings will now be correct to accurately reproduce guitar sounds and the chords can actually be "strummed".

The Strummer can change the speed and direction of the "strums" just by changing the way the keyboard is played. Also, the Strummer has the ability to distinguish between chords and single notes, allowing chords to be sent over one MIDI channel, while single notes are sent out over a different channel (like a solo lead guitarsound).

In addition, the Strummer includes many other important features:
· MIDI Delay (Echo)
· Adjustable delay and decay rates
· Multiple MIDI channel output
· Velocity switching
· Keyboard splitting
· Chord voicing variations
· Arpeggiation
· Chord Capture (adjustable single finger chords)
· Transposition of MIDI delay (great for MIDI harmonizing)
· Synchronizes to MIDI timing clocks (External Sync)
· MIDI program changes
· Supports MIDI Sysex for storage transfer of user defined patches"

Oberheim Strummer demo

YouTube Uploaded by canmarcvancouver on Dec 3, 2010

"Here is an idea of what the classic Oberheim Strummer from 1991 can do to single notes playing a metal drum sound on a TX7.

The strummer is was designed to sit in between a midi keyboard controller and the desired midi sound device. In this case a dx7 and a tx7.

The Strummer's midi input "listens" to what a keyboardist plays and the midi output plays it back out modified to sound like a guitarist had strummed it instead. From a 3 note chord it can makes a 6 string riff. You can edit to make all sort of riff strokes.

Obviously nothing can sound as authentic as a real guitarist & the Strummer is no exeption.

However, The magic happens when it is used to trigger sounds it was not designed for, such as the metal drum sound here."

Oberheim Strummer Perf/x

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""The "Strummer" listens to chords played on your MIDI keyboard and plays them back to your MIDI sound source (Synthesizer or Sampler) just as they would be played from a guitar. Not only will the chord voicings be correct, but the chords can actually be 'Strummed!' With the 'Strummer,' you can even change the speed and direction of your "Strums" just by changing the way you play your MIDI keyboard. Also, "Strummer" has the ability to distinguish the difference between chords and single notes, allowing you to send chords out on one MIDI channel (Distorted Guitar Sound for example) while your single notes are sent out on a different channel (i.e. Solo Sound). Your keyboard may have a great guitar sound, but can you play a great guitar part? Yes. The Oberheim Strummer will transform your keyboard playing into a stunning and convincing performance featuring realistic guitar articulation. Power and MIDI cable not included"

Oberheim Strummer Keyboard to Guitar MIDI Chord Converter w/ Original Box

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"In excellent condition with its original box, this Tom Oberheim design is sort of like a MIDI guitar synth in reverse order - it lets you play keyboards and out comes the notes of a guitar chord into your existing synth or sampler.

The "Strummer" listens to chords played on your MIDI keyboard and plays them back to your MIDI sound source (Synthesizer or Sampler) just as they would be played from a guitar. Not only will the chord voicing be correct, but the chords can actually be "Strummed!"

You can even change the speed and direction of your "Strums" just by changing the way you play your MIDI keyboard. Also,"Strummer" has the ability to distinguish the difference between chords and single notes, allowing you to send chords out on one MIDI channel (Distorted Guitar Sound for example) while your single notes are sent out on a different channel (i.e. Solo Sound).

By looking at such factors as the range of the guitar, the number of notes being played, chord position, and the velocity of the performance, Strummer can transform the incoming MIDI data out into performance data emulating that of a real guitarist. Performance data may be delayed, echoed, harmonized, transposed and sent back out on multiple MIDI channels.

In addition to control over strum direction and speed, the Strummer also features Chord Capture for real time single finger chords. Individual picking patterns and riffs may be assigned to a single key, for real time performance playback. You can even control the number of "strings" being strummed via keyboard velocity.

Some additional features include: Adjustable Delay and Decay Rates. Velocity Switching, Chord Voicing Variations, Chord Capture (Adjustable Single Finger Chords), Transposition of MIDI Delays (Great for MIDI Harmonizing), Ability to synchronize to MIDI Timing Clocks (External Sync), MIDI Program Change.Harmonizing), Ability to synchronize to MIDI Timing Clocks (External Sync), and MIDI Program Change."

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Oberheim Strummer Perf/x, Keyboard to Guitar Chord MIDI Converter with Original Box

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"Oberheim Strummer Perf/x, Keyboard to Guitar chord MIDI Converter! This unit's memory was expanded in 1991 from 8k to 32k. Unit is functional powers up and ready to use. Comes with original manual and original power supply and original box."

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OBERHEIM STRUMMER Perf/x with Original Box

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"The Oberheim Strummer is a keyboard to guitar cord converter which interfaces via MIDI to your keyboard."

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OBERHEIM STRUMMER SYSTEM Keyboard to Guitar Chord Converter

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"Rare vintage Oberheim Strummer p/fx MIDI processor. Turns keyboard chords into simulated guitar strums and more."

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Oberheim Strummer Perf/x Keyboard to Guitar chord MIDI Converter with Original Box & Manual

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"Your looking at buying a Rare hard to find used Oberheim Strummer Perf/x Keyboard to Guitar chord MIDI Converter.The unit comes with 2 MIDI Cords,Power Supply and Original Manual and Box.The unit work's great with no issues.The converter listens to the chords played on your MiDi keyboard and plays them back to your Midi sound source just as they would be played from a guitar.The sound is like a realistic guitar.

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GuitarCapo+ - Guitar MIDI Controller for the iPad

GuitarCapo+ Teaser 1 - Controlling iGrand Piano Published on Sep 14, 2014

iTunes: GuitarCapo+ - TonApp AS | New iPad Deals on eBay

"Shows the next version of GuitarCapo+ used as a MIDI controller playing sounds from iGrand Piano from IK Multimedia"

This app reminds me of the Oberheim Strummer on steroids. The Strummer was a MIDI hardware device from Oberheim that took in MIDI chords played on a keyboard and then sent them back out in different guitar playing styles. This app allows you to physically play the strings on a virtual guitar interface.

GuitarCapo+ Teaser 2 - Controlling iGrand Piano with chord displays


Playing With GuitarCapo+

OBERHEIM STRUMMER

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"Keyboard to guitar chord converter."

Plug your controller of choice in the MIDI in and plug the MIDI out into the MIDI in of your synth. The Stummer has a number of guitar-like playing styles that will take whatever you play in and play that out it's MIDI out jack. There are classic guitar strums and some other techniques as well. It's an interesting utility module from the Oberheim Perf series.

Oberheim Strummer

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The Strummer is a MIDI device that mimics various strumming techniques. You plug a MIDI controller into it and then it to your MIDI device. It does not produce or process audio, only MIDI.

Musikmesse: MESSE09: AAS Strum Electric Guitar Synth

See the write-up on Sonic State. A modern day Oberheim Strummer with it's own sound engine including amp models, effects and more.

LE STRUM - MIDI Chord Controller

Published on Jan 13, 2016 midierror

"A unique control surface designed by uber-human Jason Hotchkiss. Le Strum functions something like a cross between a Stylophone and an Omnichord.

Available here: https://www.tindie.com/products/midie..."

An interesting side note is that I own an Oberheim Strummer. It might have been the first if not only piece of kit you could use to generate guitar like cords with your synth. The problem with it was that it wasn't super intuitive to use. It didn't have any strum controls but was rather just a desktop box with a button based menu system where you selected what chords you wanted to use. LE STRUM looks like it would not only easily replace it, but can be used more as a physical controller for your synths. Very, very cool.

"A unique control surface that functions something like a cross between a Stylophone and an Omnichord. Comes FULLY CONSTRUCTED!

Connect LE STRUM to your MIDI synthesizer or computer running synth software, hold down a combination of buttons to select a chord, then use the stylus to play MIDI notes by touching the contact pads on the top right of the board. As the name suggests, you can strum across chords using the stylus, providing an unique and expressive MIDI controller.

LE STRUM's 36 chord buttons give you immediate access to 84 different chords (maj, min, dom7, maj7, min7, aug, dim for 12 root notes). You can also play sus4, add6 and add9 chord variations. It is great for learning about chord progressions and can be a helpful songwriting tool.

LE STRUM has several performance modes which are accessed by holding the MODE button while pressing one of the top row of chord buttons:

Mode+C : Basic mode - Stacked triads mapped across all 16 pads
Mode+D : Guitar strum mode - 6-string guitar open chords used (maj/min/7)
Mode+E : Guitar sustain mode - as above, but chord held after buttons released
Mode+F : Organ buttons - As Basic mode but chord triad plays on MIDI channel 2 as soon as button is pressed
Mode+G : Organ buttons with additions - as above but with sus4/add6/add9 options
Mode+A : Organ buttons with retrig - as above but chord buttons retrigger
Mode+B : Load User Patch
Mode+Bm : Save User Patch
Mode+B7 : MIDI Panic - All notes off
Mode+Strum Pad: Set MIDI velocity (16 levels)

User patch can combine settings for: play on make/break, damp on make/break, guitar voicing /stacked triads, additional guitar octave, enable added 4/6/9 notes, enable guitar chord bass notes, keep chord selection after chord button release, common note sustain on chord change, map chromatic/diatonic/pentatonic scale to pads, enable organ buttons on midi channel 2

LE STRUM has a special 6 string guitar mode, which knows basic major, minor and seven open chord fingerings for guitar. It can be used to lay down strummed guitar MIDI tracks without a MIDI guitar, and in a more convincing way that you could get from a keyboard. It's more than a toy, yessiree!

Designed for hackability (e.g. solder wires to the provided holes on the pads to make proper "strings" to pluck)
Transmits on MIDI Channel 1 for stylus activity and MIDI Channel 2 for Chord Buttons.
Output is to a standard MIDI 5-pin DIN socket.
A PP3 battery is required
Size 98mm x 75mm x 45mm (incl MIDI socket) Weight approx 120g with battery

An optional stand is available, please contact me for more information.

Please note that synthesizer hardware or software is required to make sound. LE STRUM is a MIDI controller and does not make any sound by itself!"

Note: I created a new midierror channel label for midierror moving forward. You can find previous posts by doing s a search on midierror. The creator of LE STRUM is Jason Hotchkiss.