synthanatomy Rocks the Booth with Frap Tools Magnolia

Imagine being on a sprawling journey for a decade, crafting individual synth parts like a meticulous chef assembling a Michelin-star meal. That’s precisely the voyage Simone Fabbri and his Frap Tools crew embarked on before unveiling Magnolia. At Superbooth 2025, they unveiled a keyboard instrument that is, without a doubt, a game-changer in the polyphonic synth world. Initially known for transformative Eurorack modules, Frap Tools took a bold leap into unknown territory by creating this complex analog synthesizer.

Simone revealed in the interview that Frap Tools had long flirted with the idea of creating a full-fledged keyboard. The transition from modular to integrated synthesis required a significant paradigm shift, but it was a necessary evolution for the brand. After years of focusing on Eurorack components, the moment to assemble these elements into a cohesive, self-contained instrument finally arrived.

This step wasn’t taken lightly. The decision to prioritize a keyboard over expanding their effects line-up marked a decisive shift in strategy. Yet, the determination to incorporate effects into the keyboard itself speaks volumes about their commitment to crafting an instrument that stands on its own. Driven by a desire to push boundaries, Magnolia is more than just another synth—it’s the culmination of ten years of relentless development.

Frap Tools’ journey into the world of full-scale keyboards isn’t just a tale of technical prowess—it’s a testament to their unwavering persistence. As Simone details, they didn’t step into this venture with a clean slate. Rather, Magnolia drew from an existing pool of extensive knowledge and modular components. Their past work, including the brain-saw oscillator and Kunsa filter, laid a solid foundation for this new exploration.

Switching gears from modular units to a comprehensive polyphonic system posed its own set of challenges. But Fabbri and his team weren’t just cobbling together parts into a larger entity—they were refining them. Each voice in Magnolia benefits from the nuances honed in their module development era, transforming it into a sophisticated symphony of sound. The transition from the rough and tumble of modular synthesis to an all-encompassing keyboard wasn’t seamless, but the effort was undeniably rewarding.

Simone candidly discusses the hurdles of this transition, noting that despite the difficulties, they were fortunate to start from a place of strength. With established modules already setting the tone, they paved the way for a fluid transition into the polyphonic realm. While the journey was intense, the results, as demonstrated by the enthusiastic response at Superbooth, suggest that Frap Tools is very much onto something special. Their modular roots have provided a robust framework from which this magnificent synth dream has emerged.

With the Magnolia, Frap Tools didn’t just rest on their laurels after securing a solid sonic foundation. Instead, they ventured into packing this instrument with a host of dynamic features. Its modulation system is memorably accessible, equipped with three envelopes and three LFOs that can be swiftly routed without resorting to clunky menus. By simply hitting a source and twisting a knob, users can navigate the modulation matrix with ease, a nod to the company’s Eurorack roots.

The inclusion of a streamlined user interface means there’s no gargantuan screen to get lost in. Opting for a more tactile approach, Frap Tools ensures that users are focused more on creating rather than menu diving. This haptic focus channels the physical interaction of modular setups while providing just enough digital readout to keep users informed about key settings without the distraction of elaborate menus.

On the effects front, Magnolia offers a compelling hybrid path—housing both analog and digital circuits. It manages stereo effects on the summation of its voices, providing an analog distortion that blends audibly with digital effects. This duality reinforces the synth’s balance between old-school grit and modern precision. Frap Tools has succeeded in making Magnolia a versatile beast, blending innovation with an homage to both analog and digital heritages.

While the team at Frap Tools achieves one milestone with Magnolia, they’re already looking towards the horizon. Simone shared some hints about future developments during the Superbooth showcase, including whispers of a desktop version. While nothing has been set in stone, it’s clear that this is not the end of Frap Tools’ foray into full-scale synthesizers.

With plans for a patch library and potential MIDI CC compatibility, they’re clearly eyeing a seamless integration across different applications of electronic music production. This strategy not only broadens the utility of Magnolia but also helps it secure a lasting presence in studios and live rigs alike. As they continue to define the synth’s final interface, the company’s commitment to user-friendly design remains apparent.

Simone indicated that the Magnolia aims for a release shortly after summer, priced at a competitive 39.95 Euros. The fact that it’s made in Italy, close to their headquarters, speaks to the meticulous quality control that Frap Tools is known for. Expectation is already high, and given their track record, Magnolia is set to make quite a splash when it finally hits the shelves—poised to challenge and excite, leaving competitors scrambling.