The ElektroCaster, designed and developed by German innovator Frank Piesik, is not just an instrument; it’s a manifesto on the future of musical technology. This project shatters the traditional mold of the electric guitar, transforming it into an open-source, modular, and 3D-printed guitar synthesizer hybrid. It functions as a fully playable electric guitar while integrating sophisticated electronic features typically found only in high-end synthesizers or specialized MIDI controllers.
The Revolutionary Modular Design
Last month, we wrote about The Hot Mess 2025, and this month, we check out another take on the electric guitar.
At the core of the ElektroCaster is a profound commitment to adaptability and accessibility, driven by its modular and open-source nature.
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V-Slot Aluminum Framework: Unlike traditional wood-body guitars, the ElektroCaster utilizes V-Slot aluminum profiles for its main structural elements. This framework allows components to be easily bolted on, removed, or repositioned, making the instrument inherently modular.
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3D-Printed Components: Most of the non-structural parts, including the body wings and control housings, are designed to be 3D-printed. This dramatically lowers the barrier to entry for builders and encourages customization.
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Parametric Modeling: The design files are parametrically modeled in software like OpenSCAD. This means that users aren’t just downloading a static file; they can adjust fundamental aspects—such as string count, scale length, and string spacing—to create a version perfectly suited to their needs.
Advanced Electronic Features
Piesik integrated several novel electronic features that push the instrument beyond simple sound amplification and into the realm of complex synthesis and interactivity.
1. The Interactive LED Fretboard
The neck is fitted with a stunning and highly functional addressable RGB LED fretboard. This feature moves past simple aesthetics:
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Visual Feedback: It can display information such as scales, arpeggio patterns, and sequences directly to the player.
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Learning Tool: It acts as a powerful teaching aid, instantly illuminating correct note positions and scale shapes.
2. Touch Sensing and Control
To integrate synthesis and control, the ElektroCaster incorporates touch sensitivity directly into the playing surface:
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Touch-Sensitive Frets: The frets themselves are wired to be touch-sensitive. This allows the player to trigger notes or control synthesizer parameters simply by touching the fret, opening up possibilities for playing sequences or drum patterns without traditional strumming.
3. Hexaphonic Pickup System
A crucial component for its synthesizer capabilities is the hexaphonic pickup.
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Individual String Output: This type of pickup provides a separate, isolated signal path for each of the six strings.
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Advanced Processing: This allows for advanced signal processing, polyphonic synthesis, and precise effects control where, for example, a different filter or effect can be applied to each string independently.
4. The “KickUp” Actuators
Perhaps the most radical feature is the built-in system of actuators known as the “KickUp.”
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Automated Playing: A series of solenoids are installed beneath the strings. These can be programmed to rapidly “kick up” and strike the strings from below.
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Rhythm and Sequence Generation: This feature essentially replaces the picking hand for certain functions, enabling the guitar to play programmed sequences, rhythms, and even drum patterns autonomously.
Connectivity and Core Electronics
The brain of the ElektroCaster is the powerful Teensy 3.6 microcontroller, which manages all the electronic functions, from the LEDs and touch sensors to the complex hexaphonic data stream.
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Standard Jack & RJ45: The instrument features both a standard 1/4″ instrument jack for analog audio and an RJ45 port. The RJ45 connection is used for combined power delivery and high-speed data transfer, facilitating communication with a computer or synthesizer module.
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PCBs and Controllers: The instrument is packed with custom-designed Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) to handle the routing and processing of the numerous signals generated by the sensors and pickups.
Project Status and Community Focus
It is important to note that the ElektroCaster is not a commercial product.
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Working Prototype: It is an actively developed, working prototype and an ongoing open-source project.
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DIY Platform: Piesik intends the ElektroCaster to be a platform for other “makers,” engineers, and musicians to experiment with new ideas in guitar technology. Building one requires significant effort and a diverse skill set, including 3D printing, CNC routing, soldering, and coding.
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The Future is Open: The project thrives on contributions and is an evolving exploration of how manufacturing (DIY 3D printing) and electronics can redefine traditional musical instruments.
More Weirdness
For those interested in the cutting edge of music technology, the ElektroCaster offers a unique, highly technical opportunity to build, customize, and revolutionize the electric guitar.
If you like weird and wonderful guitars, then check out the Donut Guitar, IKEA Guitar, Hurdy Gurdy Guitar, and the Pizza Guitar
More Information
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