NOPIA MK1 — A semi modular harmony generator
An instrument that invites you to play with the language of harmony. A love letter to music.
If you have ever struggled to translate complex chord progressions into your electronic music productions, a viral prototype has finally become a reality. Launching on Kickstarter, NOPIA MK1 is a semi-modular harmony generator that reimagines how we interact with music theory. By combining a unique static layout with an onboard hybrid sound engine, it allows you to play rich, dynamic chords and arpeggios without ever needing to memorize traditional keyboard shapes.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Name and Creator NOPIA MK1: A semi modular harmony generator by NOPIA (created by Martin Grieco and Rocío Gal).
What It Is NOPIA is a compact, portable chord-generating synthesizer. Billed as a "harmony machine," it converts musical theory directly into performable gestures, featuring both a built-in sound engine and comprehensive MIDI connectivity to control your wider studio ecosystem.
KEY FEATURES
Chord Builder Layout Instead of a traditional piano roll, the instrument uses a static layout that maps every key directly to scale degrees. This unified navigation system means you do not have to memorize complex hand shapes; you simply build chords based on their musical function.
Hybrid Sound Engine The onboard audio engine blends sample-based elements with virtual analog synthesis. It drives four distinct, simultaneous modules: Keys, Bass, Arp, and Pad.
Capacitive Strumming The interface features multitouch capacitive sensors. This allows players to physically "strum" notes within a chord or chromatically bend the pitch using natural hand gestures.
Independent MIDI Routing Living up to its semi-modular name, each of the four modules (Keys, Bass, Arp, Pad) has its own dedicated MIDI TRS output. This lets you sequence and control four different external synthesizers independently from one unified harmonic center.
Premium Portability Designed for both stage performance and studio sketching, it features a real-wood body and a pastel-colored, minimalist aesthetic that is perfectly sized to slide into a backpack.
REWARDS
Kickstarter Pricing Preorders just opened on September 15, 2026. Early backers can secure the NOPIA MK1 for a launch price of $650.
Options The campaign is focused entirely on the core NOPIA MK1 instrument and getting it into the hands of eager musicians.
Delivery The campaign is actively running and vastly funded. The creators will keep backers updated on manufacturing milestones and the timeline for worldwide shipping as production ramps up.
CONCEPT
The core concept is Tactile Harmony. The creators believe that the language of music should be inviting rather than intimidating. By engineering a harmony-first interface that reorganizes input around scale logic rather than traditional black and white keys, they aim to lower the theory barrier. It turns abstract harmonic ideas into physical, expressive gestures suitable for both immediate sketching and live performance.
INSPIRATION
The project is truly a labor of love that caught fire online. In 2023, creators Martin Grieco and Rocío Gal shared a video of their early prototype which unexpectedly went viral, racking up three million views in a single week. Recognizing the massive demand for an accessible "harmony machine," the passionate duo spent the next three years meticulously developing and refining the hardware. The result is an instrument designed as a love letter to music, bridging the gap between complex theory and intuitive play.
