PLEASE NOTE - This is a fiddly build, so PLEASE read the build instructions before buying and make sure you are confident taking on this project. Feel free to contact me to ask questions!

Convert a Stylophone into a fun, retro and multi-featured MIDI performance controller!

Add a MIDI output, four mode buttons, RGB indicator LED and an accelerometer that provides control over Pitch Bend and Mod Wheel by tilting the Stylophone from side to side or backwards and forwards!

The additional electronics piggyback on the Stylophone electronics and use the same battery set. It is still possible to play the Stylophone in the original way via its internal speaker at the same time as MIDI output is enabled!

I have applied this conversion to several "reissue" stylophones of the type sold in recent years. It is not designed to work with the original 1970s/80s analogue model (besides you would not want to be ripping the guts out of one of those classics anyway!). Please check out my Build Instructions to see some photos of the suitable type of Stylophone.

THE STYLOPHONE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE KIT!!

The finished device gives you:

• A self-contained, battery operated MIDI controller that looks like a Stylophone, plays like a Stylophone and, well, is a Stylophone.

• Can shift the MIDI note range of the Stylophone 20 note keyboard by +/-2 Octaves at a button press.

• Can "hold" notes with a button press so they sustain (MIDI note off is not sent after you stop playing them on the Stylophone) Great for drone notes on polysynths and for alternating note runs on monosynths. Easily kill all the ringing notes with another button press.

• Hold a button and tilt the Stylophone left and right for MIDI Pitch Bend or backwards/forwards for Mod Wheel control (Uses internal KXP5S accelerometer)

• Arduino compatible firmware (Atmega328) for extra hacktasticness

The kit contains:

• A "Brain" board PCB. This is the microcontroller board that runs the show. This board comes fully assembled. It includes the accelerometer chip and the RGB LED that shows through the front panel of the Stylophone to indicate the mode.

• An "Input" PCB. This small surface mount board piggybacks on the Stylophone's keypad and uses three input shift registers to read the stylus activity and relay it to the Brain. This board comes fully assembled.

• A "Buttons" PCB. This carries the 4 tactile switches that make up the new keypad on the back of the Stylophone.

• The kit includes all components needed: Panel mount DIN socket, ribbon cables, nuts and bolts, Kynar wire. For more info click here.

You will need tools, solder and Superglue with activator spray. A USBTTL programmer cable is required to complete this kit

This kit is not for everyone - it will be a challenge and it will be fiddly. However if you are a competent solderer and comfortable with dismantling and reassembling electronic devices then there is no reason you could not cope with this.

Disclaimer: I consider this to be a fairly complex build. I provide all the parts needed, full instructions, and I will support you as best I can. However I cannot guarantee that your build will be successful and I cannot offer a refund if it fails.