Self-explanatory. I would like to get started building my own midi controller. I have plenty of experience in making music, but zero experience building hardware, electronics, etc. Let alone designing them.

My guess is that a pre-designed controller would be a good place to start, I just don't know which.

Despite this lack of experience, I have a background in 3D modeling and know how to code. Recently a bunch of 3D printing businesses opened in my city, so I have, at the very least, the means of making the parts.

Thoughts?

 

All beginnings are difficult, but I think it's a great decision to try something new. Here are a few suggestions:

1. DIY USB Midi Controller With Arduino: a Beginner's Guide
https://www.instructables.com/DIY-USB-Midi-Controller-With-Arduino-a-Beginners-G

2. Livid Builder Box Kit (No longer Available?!)
https://lividinstruments.com/products/builder
Review: Livid Instruments Builder Box

Building your own MIDI controller just got a whole lot easier thanks to Livid Instruments' Builder Box kit (powered by the Brain Jnr.) G.W. Childs makes his own in this video & text review.
https://ask.video/article/audio/review-livid-instruments-builder-box

3. Mini UNTZtrument: 3D Printed MIDI Controller
Build a 16 button MIDI drum machine!
https://learn.adafruit.com/mini-untztrument-3d-printed-midi-controller/overview

4. MaKey MaKey + MidiMidi Software
https://feelyoursound.com/midimidi

5. OpenDeck Board (Shantea Controls)
https://shanteacontrols.com

6. This is how I build my own MIDI controllers for less than US$40.00
www.musiconerd.com/this-is-how-i-build-my-own-midi-controllers-for-less-than-us40-00-and-how-you-can-build-yours-too

7. Build a MIDI Controller with Arduino
https://midi.org/build-a-midi-controller-with-arduino

 

Last edited: Nov 11, 2025 at 3:36 PM