Performance-Driven Design Stelia is designed around a player-focused workflow, combining expressive control with a natural and responsive acoustic guitar feel. Alongside detailed manual articulation control, the instrument includes intelligent performance features such as automatic hammer-ons/pull-offs and a smooth slide transition system, helping phrases flow naturally during performance. These behaviors are designed to enhance realism while keeping the player fully in control of every musical expression and articulation change. Core Articulations (Pick-Based) All core articulations in Stelia were performed using guitar pick (plectrum) technique, providing clear attack, precise articulation, and a defined acoustic character. This approach allows the instrument to perform naturally in both rhythmic strumming patterns and detailed melodic passages, while maintaining the dynamic energy and articulation expected from a steel-string acoustic guitar. Included pick-based articulations: Sustain Palm Mute Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs (Half-Tone / Whole-Tone) Trills (Half-Tone / Whole-Tone) Interval-Based Slides (±1, ±2, ±3) Open Chords Percussive Chords Guitar FX Expressive Sustain (Finger-Plucked) Stelia includes two dedicated Expressive Sustain articulations performed with finger technique, created for more intimate, fluid, and expressive melodic playing. Neutral Mode: Finger downstroke movement across all strings E–A–D thumb-style downstroke with G–B–E upward finger movement These articulations offer a softer and more organic sustain response, particularly suited for lyrical phrasing, ambient textures, and dynamic solo performances. Auto HO/PO Automatic hammer-on, pull-off, and slide transitions during legato-style playing, without requiring manual switching to dedicated interval articulations. Slide Chain Engine Converts larger melodic intervals into smooth multi-step slide and legato transitions for more natural guitar movement. When enabled, the system combines slide and hammer-on/pull-off samples to create fluid intermediate transitions. Interval Control via CC3 Hammer-ons, pull-offs, trills, and slides support real-time interval control via CC3, allowing seamless switching between: Half-Tone (semitone) Whole-Tone Minor Third This enables fluid melodic movement while maintaining full control over interval width during performance. Chords & Percussive Performance Stelia includes a dedicated collection of recorded open and percussive chord articulations, designed for realistic strumming, rhythmic definition, and dynamic acoustic guitar performances. All chord articulations were performed using guitar pick technique to maintain clear attack and consistent transient detail. Natural Playback Behavior All articulations are based on authentic recorded performances, preserving natural timing variations, string interaction, pick noise, and the physical response of the instrument. Multiple velocity layers and round robins are implemented where appropriate to reduce repetition and maintain a more natural playback feel. Optional Internal Controls Stelia includes a set of subtle internal controls for shaping the performance while preserving the natural core tone of the instrument: Hall Reverb (CC91) Chorus / Stereo Width (CC93)
Release Noise Control (CC21)
The Auto HO/PO system allows automatic hammer-on, pull-off and slide transitions during legato-style playing, without manually switching to the dedicated interval articulations. When the feature is enabled, Stelia automatically detects overlapping notes played on the same string and triggers the appropriate transition sample.
The Slide Chain function enables chained slide transitions for larger intervals, creating smooth and realistic movement between notes. When enabled, Stelia automatically breaks larger intervals into a sequence of smaller slide and legato transitions, instead of jumping directly to the target note. This results in a more natural, guitar-like movement across the fretboard.
Recording and Sound Quality Stelia was recorded in 96 kHz / 24-bit true stereo resolution, capturing detailed transients, natural string response, and a wide dynamic range. The instrument was recorded using a spaced pair (A/B) stereo setup with two Neumann KM184 condenser microphones, providing natural spatial depth, realistic left-right imaging, and authentic room interaction. This approach results in a wide, detailed, and immersive stereo image suitable for both intimate solo performances and layered arrangements. Signal chain used during recording: Neumann KM184 (A/B spaced pair) Avalon 2022 AD preamp Avalon VT-747SP analog compressor / EQ All articulations were captured as real guitar performances, preserving natural timing, finger noise, string friction, and physical interaction with the instrument. Library Content 10,449 high-resolution stereo samples 13.4 GB uncompressed / 7.7 GB NCW Multiple velocity layers depending on articulation Up to 8 round robins depending on articulation System Requirements Full version of Native Instruments Kontakt 6.7 or later (Kontakt Player is NOT supported) Windows 10 or later / macOS 10.15 or later Minimum 8 GB RAM recommended
Recent Updates & Improvements v1.0 • Initial public release • Built on the latest generation of the Headway Studios guitar engine, incorporating technologies developed and refined throughout the evolution of Nylis, including Auto HO/PO, the Slide Chain engine and dedicated Expressive Sustain transitions
You can purchase Stelia at the following stores.
