Hardware mods

so last month my launchpad died, and I am feeling buttonless.

After thinking about it, I've decided to get the apc20, instead of another launchpad. I like the smaller buttons, the fact that it has more buttons (although not an equally spaced 8x8 grid, the layout actually lends itself well for what I want), and 8 sliders.

I don't want to use it with the live integration though... I just want to map all the buttons to midi.

This is going to be my main controller for my drummachine that I developed on my nord modular g2.

So, I want to do several things. I want to open it up and repaint the top, so I can get rid of their markings, and then paint sections on the top as per my own layout. Then I want to level it out since the orientation will be sideways, and I dont want it angled down to the right. I'm not sure if I want to do this by installing rubber feet, or by removing the side panels and making new ones that level it out.

And then another possibility, is doing this to two of them, and removing the side panels from the middle to squeeze them together to double the size. Why get one when you can have 2 for twice the price?

Anyways, I've never done a gear mod before, so it should be a fun project! Only downside is voiding the warranties, but hey $130 is a pretty fair price, so it's not a huge deal.

So, I think I might make a blog documenting the whole process, as that seems to be what the kids are doing these days.

Anyone else do these types of mods to their gear?

[youtubehd]7lD1rL-ions[/youtubehd]

This guy connected an APC40 and an APC20 together. Looks nice, although I would have put it on the other side. Anyways, he detailed how to take these things apart, so that's nice.

i feel like ucapps.de is worth a mention here -- see the midibox. some amazing shit people have built!

for design inspiration i guess!