I got my speedbump installed on my 128 today and I really feel like this is a game changing upgrade. Having a physical reference makes pitch slides without looking a lot easier, and the bump is basically perfectly shaped for controlling the y axis.
On the stock surface I find I have to really limit the amount of y axis modulation in my patches because it's just too difficult to control, but almost instantly on the speedbump I feel like I have control that's comparable to using a seaboard. The shape is great to be able to feel exactly where your finger is - just by touch you can center it or move to both extremes, or anywhere in the middle just by recognizing how different positions feel.
An unexpected side benefit is it feels easier to use all 3 dimensions independently. Sliding x
while applying consistent pressure is smoother and the way the angle changes as you roll over the bump avoids the problem I used to have where I'd naturally apply more pressure when my finger is flatter
I'm definitely going to be buying one for my 200 as soon as they're available. It's a bit early to say for sure but I feel like this should be the stock surface, I'm yet to notice any downside
Speedbump surface
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DarkenedMonastery DarkenedMonastery https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=586286
- KVRer
- 24 posts since 24 Oct, 2022
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- KVRist
- 173 posts since 22 Aug, 2019
Bumpy surface creator here! I'm glad to hear you like it.
Big thanks to Roger for all the support (3D model, vendor contact, silicone & low friction coating recipes, mailing list shoutout, engineering feedback...), and also to the early backers like yourself who helped fund the purchase of the mold. I had originally quoted a 2 month lead time which turned into 6 months as we did two mold adjustments to optimize the surface curvature.
Thanks to Geert who helped find those surface adjustments, I can't say I perfectly matched his request, but we gently flattened the top of the ridge to make the home position a little more comfortable. The tricky part was finding a balance between making it flat on top without making it too flat so that the finger gets lost. Also, blending the curve so that you don't feel a transition between the flat and the curve.
After Superbooth I'll make a proper announcement video, but the surfaces are shipping now here : https://soundwork.shop/linnstrument
Here's a quick video of me playing the surface on a patch with gratuitous amounts of distortion O:)
Big thanks to Roger for all the support (3D model, vendor contact, silicone & low friction coating recipes, mailing list shoutout, engineering feedback...), and also to the early backers like yourself who helped fund the purchase of the mold. I had originally quoted a 2 month lead time which turned into 6 months as we did two mold adjustments to optimize the surface curvature.
Thanks to Geert who helped find those surface adjustments, I can't say I perfectly matched his request, but we gently flattened the top of the ridge to make the home position a little more comfortable. The tricky part was finding a balance between making it flat on top without making it too flat so that the finger gets lost. Also, blending the curve so that you don't feel a transition between the flat and the curve.
After Superbooth I'll make a proper announcement video, but the surfaces are shipping now here : https://soundwork.shop/linnstrument
Here's a quick video of me playing the surface on a patch with gratuitous amounts of distortion O:)
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- KVRist
- 51 posts since 18 Jan, 2022
I saw one of these in person today, they look very nice!
As a 200 owner, I'm wondering if you're interested in starting a sign-up/interest survey for potentially doing a run of 200 sized surfaces?
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- KVRist
- 188 posts since 10 May, 2018
as soon as I’ve got the money, I’m getting a black one. I think this is exactly what I’m looking for!
One question, though: is there any difference in fuel between the black ones and the white/clear ones?
One question, though: is there any difference in fuel between the black ones and the white/clear ones?
Mike Metlay, PhD (nuclear physics -- no, seriously!) 
listen to me: Mr. Spiral | join the fam: RadioSpiral | my gig: Atomic Words LLC (coming soon)
listen to me: Mr. Spiral | join the fam: RadioSpiral | my gig: Atomic Words LLC (coming soon)
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- KVRer
- 23 posts since 1 Apr, 2022
Just got mine and I love it. I was a little skeptical because I never really had an issue with the normal playing surface but this is simply an upgrade. Put me on the list for when you do a batch for the full size Linnstrument. I also agree that these should be the default playing surface.
My only thing is I wish I could still see visually where the fret cells begin and end.
My only thing is I wish I could still see visually where the fret cells begin and end.
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- KVRer
- 3 posts since 6 May, 2025
Got mine yesterday. First impressions: absolutely love it. I feel like I'm not looking at where my fingers are quite as much, and differentiating between x and y axis modulation is much more intuitive. It's not a massive change for me (partially because I'm only a week or two into learning the Linnstrument, anyway), but it's just that little bit easier to use, in my opinion. Maybe in a few months when I'm more used to it I'll put the original surface on and see how I feel about both. I got the white version because I didn't want to spend all that money and then discover I actually preferred the factory surface, but I probably will end up ordering the black one at some point because it looks so sleek. Great work, and thanks to Roger for making it so easy to replace parts on the Linnstrument, and for making the very easy to follow guide video on how to do so.
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- KVRist
- 173 posts since 22 Aug, 2019
Thanks everyone for the feedback.
@mrspiral, my impression is that the bumpy surface has nearly the same sensitivity feel as the factory surface. I haven't measured it precisely though.
@wakyt, thank you for chiming in with interest in a 200 surface, I've actually gotten a ton of messages about it. I'd say there's a 95% chance I'll make one. I want to wait a few weeks with the 128 surface in the field to see if there are any glaring issues before I order the mold. Please join the mailing list at www.soundwork.shop or insta/youtube @sound.workshop to stay in the loop when the 200 surface is ready to order.
@mrspiral, my impression is that the bumpy surface has nearly the same sensitivity feel as the factory surface. I haven't measured it precisely though.
@wakyt, thank you for chiming in with interest in a 200 surface, I've actually gotten a ton of messages about it. I'd say there's a 95% chance I'll make one. I want to wait a few weeks with the 128 surface in the field to see if there are any glaring issues before I order the mold. Please join the mailing list at www.soundwork.shop or insta/youtube @sound.workshop to stay in the loop when the 200 surface is ready to order.
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- KVRist
- 188 posts since 10 May, 2018
@tigerbalm it was great to meet you at Superbooth! It was a lot of fun trying out the Wiggler. I will be installing my black Speedbumpy very soon, and I will report on my results.
mike
mike
Mike Metlay, PhD (nuclear physics -- no, seriously!)
listen to me: Mr. Spiral | join the fam: RadioSpiral | my gig: Atomic Words LLC (coming soon)
listen to me: Mr. Spiral | join the fam: RadioSpiral | my gig: Atomic Words LLC (coming soon)
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- KVRAF
- 13119 posts since 7 May, 2006 from Southern California
Hi TigerBalm, did you bring a Wiggler to an LA Synth Club event a while back?
If you made one, I would definitely be on board with a white version for my 200. Looks great!
If you made one, I would definitely be on board with a white version for my 200. Looks great!
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- KVRist
- 173 posts since 22 Aug, 2019
Yes I did bring Wiggler to an LA Synth Club meetup almost a year ago.
Noted. I haven’t heard of any glaring issues with the 128 surface in the field, so good chance I’ll make the 200 soon.
Noted. I haven’t heard of any glaring issues with the 128 surface in the field, so good chance I’ll make the 200 soon.
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- KVRian
- 552 posts since 22 Jun, 2019
Very nice !
Best of luck with that
I'll probably be an early adopter for a black 200 one.
Best of luck with that
I'll probably be an early adopter for a black 200 one.
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- KVRist
- 173 posts since 22 Aug, 2019
I'm starting to see the first videos of the bumpy surface in the wild.
I've been a viewer of synthdiyguy Quincas for a long time so I sent him a surface as a thank you. He livestreamed the installation and first impression:
Instagram user Etienne_r made a musical sketch with it
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJl5aEYh ... BiNWFlZA==
I've been a viewer of synthdiyguy Quincas for a long time so I sent him a surface as a thank you. He livestreamed the installation and first impression:
Instagram user Etienne_r made a musical sketch with it
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJl5aEYh ... BiNWFlZA==
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- KVRAF
- 13119 posts since 7 May, 2006 from Southern California
That's rad, it was nice to meet you and to check out your device. Quite an interesting instrument. If you recall, I had a pile of banana jack based synths and I think you messed with the Lorre-Mill Keyed Mosstone I had with me.TigerBalm wrote: Sat May 17, 2025 1:41 pm Yes I did bring Wiggler to an LA Synth Club meetup almost a year ago.
If you could make it out to one of the upcoming LA Synth Club events with the Speedbump surface, that would be really cool. There are a number of Linnstrument users in the LA area and I'm sure they'd be interested. Our monthly meetup is on the first Monday of each month but there are a few other monthly events happening now.TigerBalm wrote: Sat May 17, 2025 1:41 pm Noted. I haven’t heard of any glaring issues with the 128 surface in the field, so good chance I’ll make the 200 soon.