I built a synth for my daughter
Creative
music synthesizer
SHOW HN2025
1,278points
209comments
#7of 3,837 in 2025
Top 1%of 2025 by points
How HN took it
LovedMost comments that take a side are positive
55 positive, 39 neutral or asking, 3 mixed, 2 critical, out of 99 comments about the project. Thread score +0.57.
Idea: 23 for, 0 againstDesign: 14 for, 1 againstExecution: 4 for, 0 againstPricing: 2 for, 0 against
The thread, comment by comment
Each row is a top-level comment and its replies, in HN's order. Select a cell to open that comment on HN.
positive neutral or mixed critical about another commenter or something else the maker
What HN said
What people liked
Musical and polished design
From 3 comments
I want to commend you for making this actually musical. Too often these basic synths aimed at kids are little more than a noise maker unless you really know what you are doing.…
beAbU on HNWhat I love about this is how physical it is. So yeah, there's some board running DSP. but the design is amazing. It really relates to some recent posts also in HN about many…
rock_artist on HNIt's beautiful and the demo video shows how someone with music background can make even such a limited tool sound so amazing.
nimrody on HN
Physical knobs and buttons feel inspiring
From 1 comment
What I love about this is how physical it is. So yeah, there's some board running DSP. but the design is amazing. It really relates to some recent posts also in HN about many…
rock_artist on HN
Objections
Not kid-proof; repetitive sounds may annoy parents
From 1 comment
As a EE nerd, I love this project. As a parent, it's the sort of toy I want to smash as the repetition drives me insane. What should I make that captures the awesomeness of this…
_adamb on HN
Requests
Kickstarter or purchase option
From 3 comments
Thanks for all the kind words and feedback. There are some comments expressing interest in supporting a Kickstarter etc. If you're interested in receiving updates you can leave…
random_moonwalk on HNThis is an inspiring project! I would love to see more stuff like this and updates if you decide to evolve the project further.
greasegum on HNWow, what an amazing demo for such a simple synth. Great work! If you ever start a Kickstarter, I’d be happy to donate. If it inspires some kid out there to get into music…
helsontaveras18 on HN
Headphone jack
From 1 comment
Great work! This brings back memories of futzing with knobs on a boombox as a kid. For your sake, I hope you built a heaphone jack.
fny on HN
Questions
Is the plastic safe for children?
From 1 comment
Is the plastic and other materials you used safe for children?
dazamarquez on HN
Does the daughter actually use it?
From 1 comment
This is phenomenal, but my biggest question is (which is probably a more of a long-term one that comes from genuine curiosity/fascination, not doubt): does she use it/enjoy it?…
thomasqbrady on HN
Alternatives named
Dato Duo
From 3 comments
What an awesome project. It looks fabulous! Reminds me of the Dato Duo I have. The "Dato Duo" is also a synth aimed at kids. It allows 2 kids to play together. it is made by a…
BjornW on HNWere you aware of the Dato Duo (https://dato.mu/)? It's very cool for kids, except for the fairly steep price point. The advantage is that it's limited, so it greatly reduces the…
woolion on HNReminds me of the concept of the Data DUO, very inspiring
eat_your_potato on HN
Teenage Engineering PO
From 1 comment
> A 3D-printed enclosure is fine for a prototype, but a real product likely needs injection-molded parts, which require expensive tooling. For kid-friendly toys, yes. But for…
fainpul on HN
Korg monotribe
From 1 comment
The korg monotribe is magic for kids
dep_b on HN