Doepfer

Hi Bryan

> I'm looking into controlling devices that can produce gate and CV 
> signals but aren't keyboard-based. I know there are joysticks with 
> gate buttons and ribbon controllers and touch sensitive pads but what 
> else? 
Mallet controllers (mostly MIDI, but MIDI/CV-Converters can do the job; 
quite expensive). Drum controllers. Any tonal instrument or your 
voice(!) with a frequency to voltage converter.


I'm not opposed to DIY projects (I can solder OK) and I think
> the more different types of controllers the better (within reason and 
> budget). Simple and/or complex.
Keyboards are often used, because the _are_ within a reasonable budget.

The most simple CV/Gate controller can be made by a potentiometer and a 
switch.

On the other hand you should start to create sounds without the standard 
  envelope controlled main VCA. Try to control the VCA by a manually 
regulated voltage.
A very good start might be a ribbon controller for the pitch and a 
joystick for the loudness. I also could think of a bowed monochord 
controller.

Florian