As the title suggests, this is a MIDI controller built into a cigar box. It has gone through several iterations, the current version features 6 potentiometers, 6 buttons, 3 toggle switches, a Gametrak string controller, and a breakout board for five capacitive touch note switches.

You can see me using an early version of this box in this video:

Inspired by Hugh Jones’ gorgeous boxes, I built this one primarily as a live interface for performance after breaking several controllers over the course of a few years playing with Matthew Herbert + co.

For the code I used in this box, see the Teensy USB MIDI Controller page.

It’s a bit rough, but I’m pretty pleased with it! It’s loads of fun to play, certainly much better than an off-the-shelf controller (and probably cheaper too…).