Chordophones by Hopkin Instrumentarium: Experimental Stringed Instruments Collection

Introduction to Chordophones by Hopkin Instrumentarium

Chordophones is an intriguing collection of 10 experimental stringed instruments created by renowned instrument inventor Bart Hopkin. This collection includes all previously released unique Hopkin string instruments, along with a brand new addition exclusive to this product: the Stroked Zither. Crafted from diverse materials such as wood, steel, bass strings, styrofoam, water, and rubber, each instrument offers a distinct organic tonal character. Multiple microphone positions capture the nuances, and hundreds of ambient soundscapes are derived from the original source content.

Unique Instruments and Sound Design

The collection features instruments like Alt Alt, Aquaalt, Handsome Dan, Icicles & Pop Ice, Squiggly-Amejewar, Stroked Zither, Weighted Strings, and 2+2+1. Each instrument has a custom sonic identity, making them ideal for blending or doubling melodies. The library provides a modular 4-layer graphical user interface (GUI) and over 150 custom effects presets designed to inspire creativity and streamline composition.

Features of the Kontakt Interface

The Kontakt interface offers extensive sound-shaping controls, including automation-ready parameters such as swell, attack, release, offset, vibrato, filter, pitch (coarse and fine), articulation switching, cross-fading, and layering. Additionally, the library includes a versatile LFO system with selectable shapes, modulation targets, speed, intensity, tempo-sync, and fade-in time.

Users can apply 12 types of lowpass, high-pass, and effects filters with assignable modulation targets like velocity, modwheel, expression, after-touch, key position, and step-sequencer control. The customizable arpeggiator features velocity tables and controls for direction, timing, swing, randomization, and duration. A key and scale lock system helps constrain notes to common scales and keys for easier melodic composition and live performance.

Modular FX Rack and Reverb Options

The modular FX rack panel includes 27 DSP effect modules assignable in any of eight slots and order. Effects include phaser, flanger, delay, distortion, amp and cab simulators, compressors, EQ, rotator, and more. The reverb effect features convolution reverb impulse responses with 99 different rooms, halls, chambers, and outdoor environments, plus 40 custom FX impulses for sound transformation. Factory presets for FX rack chains are also provided.

About Bart Hopkin and the Hopkin Instrumentarium

Bart Hopkin has been active in instrument building, performing, composition, education, and ethnomusicological research since 1974. He has designed over 110 original musical instruments, emphasizing unusual and inventive acoustic art. He is also an established author with ten published books on instrument design and optimization. Soundiron proudly presents this distinctive series of bespoke instruments, unavailable elsewhere.

Compatibility and System Requirements

This library is licensed for use with the free Kontakt Player virtual instrument engine and the full retail version of Kontakt (version 8.1 or later) supporting VST, AU, and AAX plugin formats. It integrates into the Kontakt Libraries browser and requires online serial number registration via Native Instruments Native Access. The library is fully compatible with Komplete Kontrol and all S-Series Keyboard Controllers by Native Instruments. Purchasing this product qualifies users for a cross-grade discount toward the full unlocked version of Kontakt.

System Requirements: Windows 7 or higher (PC), macOS 10.12 or higher (Mac), Dual Core CPU, 3+ GB RAM, SATA or SSD hard drive recommended. Broadband internet connection required for digital download.

For a detailed walkthrough, watch the official video below: