Browsing around various MIDI innovation sites recently, I stumbled upon the Shaper MIDI/synth controller. Though it has familiar elements you may have seen elsewhere (not least the guitar) it is — probably — unique in how notes are played and manipulated.
Most controllers are still keyboard based, even if they have additional built-in features such as aftertouch or other sensors. The Shaper uses strings and pitch controllers. However, just because it uses strings and looks a little guitar-like, the creator (is keen to point out that the playing experience is very different to that of a guitar.
The Shaper brings human expression to synth voices — which are controlled over MIDI in whatever module or other sound source you connect to — creating spontaneous bends, slides, vibrato, glissando and portamento effects.
Each string on the Shaper can be assigned its own MIDI channel, and also has its own independent MIDI pitch bend control.
There’s also a ‘bend and sustain’ features which allows you to take your hand off the string, and leave the note sustaining at the same pitch. This opens new possibilities in counterpoint, harmony and chords.
Hardware wise, the Shaper features PCB technology, 6x neck/pitch strings and 6x body/trigger strings, plus two master controller strings for adding effects such as pitch bend, filter and LFO modulation, and so on.
Each string has a touch sensor enabling software control of a variety of note muting and sustain effects.
Three play modes (two staccato and one sustain) are available for varying playing style.
There is also a huge number of settings for controlling how the Shaper can be played and manipulated, which can be viewed on the hardware/software page.
It’s also well worth taking a look at the demonstration video for much more explanation of what Shaper can do.
The Shaper is currently in prelaunch, and will likely come in early 2027. So no pricing or availability details at present. That said, a high-end Shaper is expected to cost around $2,000-$3,000, but with potential for a lower-cost, more mainstream instrument as well — one which could have the synth built in.
The biggest issue at present, it seems, is that very few people know about the instrument at all, with the site’s own statistics stating “Synth players using the Shaper: 0% / Musicians who can play the Shaper: 0% / Musicians who even know this category exists: negligible”.
Hopefully we’ve added a little to the knowledge factor at least.
Shaper is designed and manufactured in Oxford, UK by Rush Systems Ltd.
