‘LinnStrumentalists’ Pioneering New Electronic Music Performance Techniques

Composer and inventor Roger Linn shared this video, which is a compilation of performances by ‘LinnStrumentalists‘ from around the world.

The LinnStrument is a MIDI controller that’s designed to go beyond the capabilities of traditional keyboard controllers, offering 5 types of polyphonic touch control (strike and release velocity, plus three dimensions of continuous control – left/right (x), front/back (y) and pressure (z).

As the video highlights, LinnStrumentalists are using the new controller in a wide variety and contexts, and they are pioneering new electronic music performance techniques along the way.

13 thoughts on “‘LinnStrumentalists’ Pioneering New Electronic Music Performance Techniques

  1. I love the LinnStrument, but it is a commitment, first financially, and then in the time spent becoming adept with it.

    It seems like the only way to try one of these is to order it. I wish there was one at my local music store I could take for a whirl – it is such a cool thing, but with a finite income, I don’t think I’d ever take that plunge, having never laid hands on it.

    I’ve watched many videos and it looks really promising, but so did the Seaboard and I find that impossibly uncomfortable and counterintuitive.

    1. I tend to agree with you about the time required to really master it, but these people were all clearly drawn to it, with great results. I loosely expected to hear more synth sounds than traditional emulative ones, but there’s no questioning the fluid quality of their work. Its all smokin’ good. There is very little appearance of release velocity in hardware synths, so maybe one of these or a small Roli is the way to add that to your rig. I’ve used it and its easy to get hooked on the sheer coolness factor.

  2. Hi Nebula,

    I agree that a time commitment is required to develop proficiency, but couldn’t you say the same for any instrument? It’s certainly much easier than a violin or wind instrument, and doesn’t require learning 12 fingerings for a single chord or scale as on piano.

    Regarding trying one out, unfortunately local stores are hesitant to buy in the volatile era of internet stores. But with over 1500 LinnStrument owners around the world, there’s a pretty good chance there’s one nearby who would be willing to show you his. Please email me at [email protected] and let me know where you live, and I’ll let you know if there’s one nearby.

    Thank you for your interest.

    1. hey mr. linn,
      a quick thing, if i may. by giving addresses of your customers to a third party you probably violate their privacy rights.
      p.s.: how do you like the mpc x? i know you came to loathe jack o’donnell, but i must say, the thing looks pretty impressive.
      best regards

      1. i did not write what you are incorrectly assuming. I would never give customers’ addresses to anyone. I would merely ask the customer if he is willing to show his LinnStrument to a local and potential buyer, and only then put them in touch.

        I am not aware of the MPC X and have no interest in it, but my understanding is the Akai is continuing to rehash my old ideas from 1986.

      2. I did not write what you incorrectly assumed. I would merely ask a customer if he is willing to show his LinnStrument to a local potential buyer, then only connect them if both consent.

        I do not know about nor have interest in the MPC X but it is my understanding that Akai is still rehashing my old design ideas from 1986.

        1. thank you, mr. linn. it’s an honour and a real pleasure to be in contact with you. you are truly a living legend. your products have inspired me a lot in my life and have kept me motivated to live my life. whenever i feel depressed or upset i listen to classic pop songs that were produced with the linndrum. (the dmx sucked big time 😉 sir, i have no words to describe my gratitude towards you. all i can say is that you are simply the greatest manufacturer of electronic music gear ever. keep up the good work.

  3. I must say that even having seen this in person a few times and Roger showing it to me, I was on the fence but after seeing the myriad of wonderful demonstrations here, my excitement has been sparked. It is truly an expressive instrument which allows one to control sound with great ease! While I am happy your creative genius continues, Roger, my wallet is not as happy 😉

    Well done, matey!

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