# Native American Art-Inspired Synths The Buchla Thunder Overlay Transforms the Sensel Morph Synth By Riley von Niessen | Published 2019-05-06 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buchla-thunder References: [sensel](https://sensel.com/pages/the-sensel-morph) Sensel first introduced its [Sensel Morph](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-midi-controller) [multi-touch controller](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glyph-keyboard) that's MPE-compatible 30 years ago with fewer than 100 units created, however the brand has revitalized the [synth](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electronic-musical-instrument) with the Buchla Thunder overlay, with the tactile update giving the instrument a whole new feel. The design of the overlay takes its inspiration from Native American art, with the different keys laid out symmetrically to offer an intuitive feel that makes it fun to play around and experiment with. To use the Buchla Thunder overlay, users can simply be plug it in, or connected with Bluetooth. When any of the 27 keys are activated, they transmit a different note and are sensitive to the level of pressure used, as well as the direction of movement. This enables the overlay to maintain its simplicity and accessibility, while also offering users plenty of versatility. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 19% | Activity: 25% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Mpe-compatible Synths:** The Buchla Thunder overlay introduces a new level of tactile interaction in MPE-compatible synths, opening up opportunities for more expressive and immersive music creation. - **Native American-inspired Art:** The design of the Buchla Thunder overlay draws inspiration from Native American art, presenting an opportunity for artists and designers to incorporate cultural aesthetics into new products and experiences. - **Symmetrical Key Layout:** The intuitive and symmetrical key layout of the Buchla Thunder overlay offers a unique user experience that can be explored for innovative user interfaces in various industries. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Music Technology:** The development of MPE-compatible synths with tactile overlays presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the music technology industry. - **Art and Design:** The fusion of Native American-inspired art with technology provides opportunities for artists and designers to create unique and culturally rich products, installations, and experiences. - **User Interface Design:** The symmetrical key layout and intuitive design of the Buchla Thunder overlay opens up possibilities for innovative user interfaces in industries ranging from gaming to virtual reality. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Quirky Strummable Synths](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electronic-synth.md) - [Stackable Modular Synths](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3tonic.md) - [Hybrid Music Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phase8.md) - [Hand-Sensing Musical Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roli-airwave.md) - [Compact Bio-Synth Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pocket-scion.md) - [Expressive Hardware Synths](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-regen.md) - [Artist-Designed Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tame-impala.md) - [Intuitive MIDI Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matrix-midi-controller.md) - [Hexagonal Music Composition Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/music-composition-keyboard.md)