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Roger Linn Design LinnStrument

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$1,200.00 to $1,555.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (3)

2 Critic Reviews

All time low price

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Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated June 16, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (10)

$1,200.00 4 available Used

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4.7 (31)

$1,555.00

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Average Price: $1,378

High-end/Boutique

$99

$300+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Pad Controllers category, Roger Linn Design LinnStrument is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

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Description

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Introducing the Roger Linn Design LinnStrument MIDI Performance Controller, a revolutionary way to interact with your musical instruments. This USB/MIDI controller redefines expressiveness in modern keyboards and synthesizers, offering a unique, adaptive, and highly expressive playing experience.

Imagine a world where every note responds to your touch, polyphonically, in three ways: loudness, pitch, and timbre. With the LinnStrument, each note's expressiveness can be modulated simultaneously based on your touch, allowing for unprecedented control and an immersive playing experience.

Beyond its touch-sensitive capabilities, the LinnStrument's eight rows of notes introduce innovative string-like tuning. Each row spans two octaves and can be individually tuned, much like strings on a guitar. This opens a world of new possibilities for experimenting with chords, intervals, and scales.

To complement its extraordinary control capabilities, the LinnStrument features color LEDs under the playing surface. These intelligent lights provide instant visual feedback on "natural" notes and can highlight specific notes in various colors, aiding in navigation and playability.

Key Features:

Highly expressive MIDI controller
Simultaneous modulation of loudness, pitch, and timbre based on touch
String-like tuning with individually adjustable rows
Color LEDs for visual note feedback
200-note USB/MIDI controller
Innovative row-based sensor arrangement
Compatibility with PC/Mac/iPad or iPhone
No drivers required (class-compliant)
Easy integration with USB and MIDI I/O
Powered via USB, optional power supply sold separately

Product specs

Available since	April 2015
USB	Yes
Bluetooth	No
5-pole DIN MIDI	Yes
Ethernet	No
Pads	200
Diplay	No
Rotary Knobs	0
Fader(s)	0
Drawbar	No
Expansion	No

FAQs

What makes the Roger Linn Design LinnStrument different from a traditional MIDI keyboard?: The LinnStrument offers expressive control by sensing finger movements in five ways, unlike traditional MIDI keyboards that only detect on/off key presses. This allows for nuanced musical expression similar to acoustic instruments.
How many pads does the LinnStrument have, and what are they used for?: The LinnStrument has 200 pads, which are used for playing notes and controlling various musical parameters with expressive touch sensitivity.
Is the LinnStrument compatible with standard USB connections?: Yes, the LinnStrument is compatible with standard USB connections, allowing for easy integration with computers and other USB-equipped devices.
Does the LinnStrument support Bluetooth connectivity?: No, the LinnStrument does not support Bluetooth connectivity. It connects via USB or 5-pole DIN MIDI for data transmission.
Can the LinnStrument be used with any synthesizer?: The LinnStrument can be used with any synthesizer that supports MIDI input, but it excels with synths that support MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) for enhanced expressive capabilities.

Videos

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Roger Linn

Close up with LinnStrument

Roger Linn

Roger Linn Linnstrument - SonicLAB Review

sonicstate

The Inventors of Synth (Roger Linn, Dave Smith & Tom Oberheim) - Sweetwater Gearfest 2015

Sweetwater

An Evening with Roger Linn | LinnStrument | Part I

Pyramind

Roger Linn Interviewed by Sweetwater

Sweetwater

What's a Linnstrument And Why You Need One

Thales Matos – Pop Music Production

Basic chords & scales on LinnStrument

Roger Linn

LinnStrument Theremin, played by Roger Linn

Roger Linn

Linnstrument Demo by Roger Linn

Cutoff Pro Audio

NAMM2015 Roger Linn LinnStrument

Analogue Zone Showroom / Synths and Studio

Reviews

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PROS

Solid build, conceptually mature, well supported
Intuitive layout for stringed instrument players
Endless options with firmware customization available
Can be used wirelessly with additional gear
Expressive and fun, with a steep but rewarding learning curve
Enables experimental and orchestral synth writing
Isomorphic layout aids in understanding music theory
Constantly updated with new features
Compatible with MPE for nuanced control
Works standalone, without a PC

CONS

Takes time to get used to the play surface
Some traditional keyboard techniques, like mod wheel use, may not translate directly

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roger Linn Design LinnStrument.

Features and functionality

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The LinnStrument 128 includes a built-in step sequencer and does not require a power input jack, being entirely USB powered.
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LinnStrument is noted for its ability to sense touch in five ways polyphonically, a feature only five instruments currently offer.
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The LinnStrument includes a hardware MIDI DIN interface, allowing direct connection to synths without needing a computer or standalone MIDI interface.
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The LinnStrument's design supports diverse fingerings and chord positions, accommodating various playing styles and enhancing playability for guitarists.
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Comparisons

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The LinnStrument 128 offers a 4-octave range compared to the 5-octave range of the larger model, akin to a 15-fret guitar versus a full 24-fret guitar.
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The LinnStrument 128 competes with the ROLI Seaboard Rise 49, offering 128 keys versus the latter's 49, despite being less expensive.
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While the ROLI Seaboard offers a continuous surface for pitch slides, the LinnStrument utilizes the up and down axis for timbre manipulation rather than sliding between notes vertically.
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Software and compatibility

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Users can configure note lights to highlight specific scales and colors, aiding in customized playability.
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Use cases and applications

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It's possible to attach guitar straps to play the LinnStrument standing, similar to a Chapman Stick, offering a unique playing posture.
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The LinnStrument's grid layout is highly customizable, allowing users to set tunings like a guitar, making it more intuitive for guitarists transitioning to this instrument.
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User experience

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Roger Linn's customer service is highly praised, with users reporting personalized feature requests fulfilled within weeks.
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Critic Reviews

Roger Linn Design LinnStrument

soundonsound.com

The Roger Linn Design LinnStrument is a revolutionary MIDI controller offering unprecedented expressivity. Its grid-based design diverges from traditional keyboards, favoring a touch-sensitive surface that supports polyphonic aftertouch and multi-axis control. While it demands an initial learning curve and open-mindedness towards DAW compatibility, the LinnStrument's unique capabilities and top-notch build quality make it an appealing choice for innovative musicians. It excels in live performance and experimental contexts, though it might not replace a standard keyboard for all users. The LinnStrument stands out as a bold, intriguing instrument for those willing to explore its potential.

positive

Full Review

Roger Linn Design Linnstrument review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

LinnStrument is hailed as an inspiring and fun MIDI controller that feels like a true instrument, offering a unique three-dimensional touch experience. Its high-quality build and innovative features, like the multi-touch surface and customizable settings, make it a standout for expressive performances. The ability to easily execute fingered vibrato and slides, along with its guitar-like layout, broadens musical possibilities, especially for guitarists and string players. While it lacks internal sound, its affordability and creative potential make it a must-try for musicians seeking new performance avenues. No significant drawbacks noted.

positive

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

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Jordan Rudess

Keyboardist, Composer

Dream Theater

Verified via YouTube

Jordan Rudess plays the LinnStrument in this video, and mentions it in this Facebook post.

Comaduster

Music Producer

Verified via Photo

"Mobile Linnstrument Day!" Instagram post.

Simon Franglen

Keyboardist, Composer

Verified via Accsone

Mentioned in Franglen's testimonial for the accSone crusher-X.

crusher-X is spectacularly great. I’m finding new ways to use it every day. I’m especially finding the link with my ROLI and LinnStrument extremely creative.

Starcadian

Music Producer

Verified via Gearspace

In this Gearspace-hosted discussiom with fans, artist Starcadian states that he uses a Voicelive Touch 2 controlled by a Linnstrument for vocoder/talkbox effects in his live sets.