Seeed Studio Minichord Synthesizer Open-Source MIDI Musical Device
Seeed Studio Minichord Synthesizer Open-Source MIDI Musical Device
Description
Seeed Studio Minichord Synthesizer is an open-source MIDI musical device created for fast, expressive music making in a compact handheld format. The Minichord Synthesizer features 21 chord selector buttons for quick chord changes, a harp touch zone for note triggering, custom presets for personalized sound design, and USB MIDI support for use with computers, DAWs, and digital music setups.
This Minichord is designed for musicians, creators, educators, and experimenters who want a pocket-sized MIDI synthesizer that is easy to play and easy to customize. Seeed Studio describes it as a fully open-source project, giving users access to the design and hardware resources for modification and creative extension. It is also a co-create collaboration with Benjamin Poilve.
Features
- 21 chord selector buttons for fast and intuitive chord selection.
- Harp touch zone for expressive note triggering and musical performance.
- Custom presets for flexible sound setup and musical experimentation.
- USB MIDI connectivity for DAWs, computers, and digital instruments.
- Fully open-source design for hardware and workflow customization.
- Compact pocket-sized format for portable music creation.
- Co-created with Benjamin Poilve as part of Seeed Studio's co-create line.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Open-source MIDI musical device |
| Chord Control | 21 chord selector buttons |
| Performance Area | Harp touch zone |
| Presets | Customizable user presets |
| Connectivity | USB MIDI |
| Open-source | Yes |
| Dimensions | 182 mm × 99 mm × 24 mm |
| Package Contents | Minichord (assembled) ×1 |

Hardware Overview



Applications
The Minichord Synthesizer is well suited to music creation, USB MIDI performance, creative jams, and rapid prototyping of musical ideas. Its compact size and open-source nature make it a strong fit for portable music workflows, education, and hands-on instrument experimentation.
- USB MIDI controller use with computers and DAWs
- Pocket-sized music creation and creative sketching
- Custom musical interface experimentation
- Education and music technology learning
- Open-source instrument modification and prototyping
Product List
- Minichord (assembled) ×1
Other Content
What makes Minichord different
- The Minichord combines chord selection, a harp touch zone, and USB MIDI in a single compact instrument.
- It is designed for immediate playability while still supporting custom presets and open-source modification.
- The official Minicontrol web interface adds a convenient way to manage settings and customization.
Resources
FAQ
Can the Minichord Synthesizer work as a USB MIDI instrument?
Yes. Seeed Studio states that the Minichord Synthesizer functions as a USB MIDI instrument via USB connection.
Is the Minichord open-source?
Yes. The Minichord is presented as a fully open-source project, with hardware resources and design materials available for customization.
Who is this instrument for?
The Minichord is aimed at musicians, creators, educators, and experimenters who want a compact MIDI musical device for performance, prototyping, and creative sound exploration.
1. General Shipping Information
- We provide reliable shipping services with a tracking number for each order.
- Shipping addresses must be entered in English and should not contain special symbols, so that the courier system can recognize your location correctly.
- Please make sure your shipping address is accurate before placing your order. We ship strictly according to the address provided at checkout.
- In-stock orders are usually dispatched within 1 business day after order confirmation.
- Estimated delivery times refer to the period after dispatch and do not include order processing time, weekends, public holidays, customs inspection, or force majeure delays.
- If you need to cancel or modify your order, please contact us before the order is marked as “Shipped”. Once shipped, the order cannot be canceled or changed.
🚀 Need Faster Shipping?
If you require expedited shipping, please contact our customer support team at info@openelab.io for a customized quote based on your destination.
2. Shipping Rates & Options
Shipping rates are calculated based on order value, destination, and available shipping methods. The final available options will be displayed at checkout.
2.1 Germany Domestic Shipping
| Shipping Method | Order Value | Cost | Est. Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Post | €0.00 - €50.00 | €4.95 | 2-4 Business Days |
| Deutsche Post | Over €50.00 | Free | 2-4 Business Days |
|
DHL Paket (Faster Delivery) |
€0.00 - €50.00 | €6.95 | 1-3 Business Days |
|
DHL Paket (Faster Delivery) |
€50.00 - €100.00 | €2.00 | 1-3 Business Days |
|
DHL Paket (Faster Delivery) |
Over €100.00 | Free | 1-3 Business Days |
2.2 Selected EU Countries / Regions
Available EU shipping destinations are shown at checkout based on your shipping address. For orders shipped to selected EU countries or regions outside Germany, we use FedEx Regional Economy.
| Shipping Method | Order Value | Cost | Est. Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx Regional Economy | €0.00 - €100.00 | €7.95 | 3-5 Business Days |
| FedEx Regional Economy | Over €100.00 | Free | 3-5 Business Days |
EU orders may be fulfilled from our Munich warehouse or, when applicable, from our Shenzhen warehouse depending on inventory availability. For EU member states, OpenELAB covers applicable import duties and taxes under DDP service where required.
2.3 United States
| Region | Shipping Method | Order Value | Cost | Est. Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Continental U.S. (50 States) |
USPS Ground Advantage | €0.00 - €45.00 | €4.95 | 3-7 Business Days |
| USPS Ground Advantage | Over €45.00 | Free | 3-7 Business Days | |
| USPS Priority Mail | €0.00 - €45.00 | €16.95 | 1-4 Business Days | |
| USPS Priority Mail | Over €45.00 | €14.95 | 1-4 Business Days | |
|
Non-Continental U.S. (AK, HI, PR, etc.) |
USPS Ground Advantage | €0.00 - €60.00 | €6.95 | 5-9 Business Days |
| USPS Ground Advantage | Over €60.00 | Free | 5-9 Business Days |
Non-Continental U.S. regions include Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and U.S. Armed Forces addresses.
2.4 International Destinations Outside the EU
For selected international destinations outside the EU, including Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Norway, shipping rates are as follows:
| Order Amount | Shipping Cost |
|---|---|
| €0.00 - €300.00 | €19.95 |
| Over €300.00 | Free |
For non-EU destinations, import duties, taxes, and customs fees may be charged by the destination country and are the responsibility of the recipient.
3. Warehouses & Fulfillment
Our products may be stored in our Munich, Arlington, and Shenzhen warehouses. The actual shipping warehouse depends on product availability and destination.
3.1 Munich Warehouse
For products stored in our Munich warehouse, we use Deutsche Post or DHL Paket for domestic deliveries within Germany. For selected EU destinations outside Germany, we use FedEx Regional Economy.
3.2 Arlington Warehouse
For products stored in our Arlington warehouse, we use USPS or UPS for deliveries within the United States.
3.3 Shenzhen Warehouse
For pre-order items or products fulfilled directly from our Shenzhen warehouse, we arrange reliable international shipping based on destination and inventory status. For EU member states, OpenELAB covers applicable import duties and taxes under DDP service where required.
4. Inventory, Pre-orders & Split Shipments
- Inventory Status: Please check the product page for real-time stock information. If an item is out of stock in our local warehouses, it may be marked as “Pre-order”.
- Pre-order Fulfillment: Pre-order items may be shipped directly from Shenzhen or restocked to a local warehouse first before final delivery.
- Split Shipments: If your order contains both in-stock and pre-order items, we may ship them separately. No additional shipping fee will be charged for split shipments caused by our fulfillment arrangement.
5. Customs, Taxes & Delivery Issues
5.1 Customs and Taxes
For EU Member States:
Whether shipped from Germany or China, OpenELAB covers applicable import duties and taxes under DDP service where required. Customers in EU member states should not be charged additional import duties or VAT upon delivery.
For destinations outside the European Union, such as Switzerland, Norway, and the United Kingdom, import duties, taxes, and customs fees may be charged by local authorities upon delivery. These fees are the responsibility of the recipient.
5.2 Damaged, Delayed, or Lost Parcels
Please inspect your parcel upon delivery where possible. If you notice visible damage, please report it to the courier and contact us as soon as possible. This does not affect your statutory consumer rights.
If your parcel is delayed, lost, returned to sender, or the tracking information has not updated for an unusual period of time, please contact us at info@openelab.io. We will assist you in checking the shipment status with the courier.
5.3 Incorrect Address or Failed Delivery
If a parcel cannot be delivered due to an incorrect or incomplete address provided by the customer, refusal of delivery, or failure to collect the parcel, additional shipping or return costs may apply.
6. VAT
For orders within the EU, VAT is collected at checkout according to the applicable destination rules. No additional VAT should be collected upon delivery for EU member state orders covered under our DDP shipping arrangement.








