Even though the laws of thermodynamics long ago ruled out the possibility of a perpetual motion machine, EZkeys Hybrid Harp comes very close. The laws of physics may still apply, but fact remains that this peculiar ‘machine’ has an inherent mojo that seems to make sure you’re never short of ideas. It literally runs and feeds off of you and your own imagination.

EZkeys Hybrid Harp presents five individual instruments, all layered, textured and saturated in various capacities to form unique and never-before-heard hybrids of sounds. The undisputed star of the group is an iconic Style 23 harp. In addition to this, a traditional Swedish nyckelharpa (or “keyed fiddle”), two harmoniums, a bowed glockenspiel and a set of ocarinas were sampled. Combined, this seemingly odd group of instruments – that in logical terms have no earthly business sharing the same sonic space – culminate in what must be described as a vastly puzzling audio universe of plucking, percussive, soaring, airy, beautiful and ever-so-slightly dissonant sounds.

Welcome to one of the most multifaceted EZkeys titles yet – one that will trigger parts of your creative mind you didn’t know existed. These are sounds ideal for anything you can imagine. Literally.

Five types of individually captured instrument types: a harp, a nyckelharpa, two harmoniums, ocarinas and a bowed glockenspiel

Each instrument can be called up individually using the ‘Raw Tweaks’ presets

In excess of 40 mix-ready presets, offering creative instrument blends of never-before-heard hybrids of sounds

For any type of music or production – ideally ambient soundscapes, scores and sound design

THE COMPONENTS

Although the overall idea and inherent strength of the Hybrid Harp lies in how the different audio components are layered in the presets, you can call up unprocessed versions of the instruments by selecting one of the ‘Raw Tweaks’ presets.

THE HARP.
The harp is a Style 23 by Lyon & Healy*, a classic brand out of Chicago, IL, with more than 130 years of harpmaking history to its name. This specific instrument model, which dates back to the late 1800s, has become iconic and is likely the most recognized harp in the world. It was sampled by harpist Pia Rosengren, who, on a side note, named her instrument Inez!

THE HARMONIUMS.
EZkeys Hybrid Harp includes two different harmoniums. These instruments are pump, or free-reed, organs that generate sound as one pushes its pedals up and down and air is allowed to flow past vibrating pieces of thin metal in a frame. They are possibly best described as portable pipe organs. Harmoniums have a long history and became very popular for use in smaller churches, chapels and schools all through the 20th century. In addition to the instruments themselves, organic sounds like squeaking wood and other textures were recorded. These are seamlessly added onto the samples for an extra rustic feel.

THE NYCKELHARPA.
The nyckelharpa (or “keyed fiddle”) is a traditional Swedish string instrument with a long history. It’s played with a bow and has its keys attached to buttons which serve as frets to change the pitch of the string. In many ways, it can easily be described as a mix between a violin and an accordion. This specific nyckelharpa was built by Swedish craftsman Enar Magnusson and sampled by Torbjörn Näsbom.

THE OCARINAS.
Ocarinas, which are a type of vessel flutes, belong to a family of instruments that are believed to date back at least 12,000 years. Although many variations exist, the typical ocarina is ceramic and has four to twelve finger holes. For the Hybrid Harp, three different ocarinas were captured.

THE GLOCKENSPIEL.
Although this classic tonal percussion instrument traditionally is played with mallets, a soaring and very rich tone can be produced by striking the edges of each of its metal plates with a bow. This is the method that was used for the Hybrid Harp.