Flexur has released a playable prototype of a Trautonium-inspired synthesizer, offering free access to smoothly gliding sounds after the commercial project sold out. The original preorder closed at $1,399 with shipping delays of six to 24 months, making the open-source version a practical alternative for enthusiasts. The design features two floating touch bars, a subtractive engine with autotune, and a complex modulation matrix. It includes generous inputs and outputs for connecting to analog gear or digital systems via USB C. The team tested four functional prototypes to ensure the interface works for expressive play. This project highlights how niche hardware ideas can survive without mass production. It proves that community interest can sustain complex electronic instruments. The design draws on early electronic proto-instruments created by Trautwein and Oscar Sala. Modern recreations by Jürgen Hiller of Trautoniks inform the current build. Other projects from the same group include a bumpy LinnStrument variant. These tools cater to musicians who prefer slide-y and bendy controls over standard keyboards.
* Commercial preorder sold out at $1,399 with 6-24 month shipping
* Four functional prototypes tested before public release
* Open-source design allows free experimentation without cost
