Karl Ekdahl is a musician and instrument designer who aims to create experimental instruments that can be mass-produced on a smaller scale, making them economically accessible to a wider audience. His work focuses on the interaction between instrument and human, as well as the exploration of non-traditional sound and music creation.

Karl will present his latest instrument, the Ekdahl FAR, a single-stringed electro-acoustic instrument that explores natural overtones through the use of an electro-mechanical “bow.” Unlike traditional instruments, which vary the frequency to produce different notes, the Ekdahl FAR employs precision digital control to excite natural harmonics in the string, generating distinct “notes.” This approach results in unique tones and scales that require a different compositional mindset, challenging conventional notions of “notes” in music.

The instrument seeks to bridge the gap between the acoustic/orchestral world and the realms of modular synthesis, live coding, and sequencing. It features a tactile interface that supports standard control protocols such as MIDI and CV, as well as direct interfacing via RS-232 serial communication.
As a real-world application of music theory and mathematical equations, the Ekdahl FAR produces surprising results that provoke questions and spark engaging discussions about sound, music application, and philosophy.