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