Hobbyist developers are using AI coding assistants to build custom firmware for synthesizers, samplers, grooveboxes and effects pedals, and the releases have piled up since September. The Verge reported on Monday, Oct. 19, that almost all of the new firmware was made possible by vibe-coding tools.

Before large language models, such mods were rare. They took deep expertise, and adding a simple feature like velocity sensitivity to a Korg Volca could take weeks or months, according to The Verge. Now hobbyists can turn cheap synths into full grooveboxes in a matter of days.

Elektron’s Model:Cycles, Digitone, Octatrack and Digitakt have all gained features with help from Claude.…