Circuit-bending: Build Your Own Alien Instruments

  • Fans will get bent out of shape if they miss the first book to cover circuit-bending-"bending," for short-the method by which an electronic toy or a device such as a keyboard is short-circuited and modified to create an entirely different sound
  • Written by the inventor of the technology, this book covers the tools of the trade, shows how to build a bending workshop, and reveals secrets that will have readers of all levels making sweet music in no time
  • Readers learn basic bends, body contacts, and other bending skills, as well as ways to create bent instruments from a variety of popular toys and electronic devices
  • Features some of the author's own unique creations

Biography

Reed Ghazala developed the technique of circuit-bending in 1967, following the chance encounter of a transistorized amplifier with an unidentified object in his desk drawer. He can often be found writing music, sculpting, taking photos, hunting mushrooms, building things that fly, or indulging in other creative pursuits as befits a true Renaissance man.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

Part I: Exploring Circuit-Bending Today.

Chapter 1: Bending the Headspace of Electronic Design.

Chapter 2: Circuit-Bending’s New Instrumentarium.

Chapter 3: Considering a New Music.

Chapter 4: Bending for Business.

Part II: Building Your Circuit-Bending Workshop.

Chapter 5: Tools of the Trade.

Chapter 6: Your Electronic Parts Supply.

Chapter 7: The Well-Behaved Workspace.

Part III: Dr. Frankenstein, May We Proceed?

Chapter 8: Soldering Your Way to Nirvana.

Chapter 9: Designing Your Personal Alien Orchestra.

Chapter 10: Building the Bent Instrument.

Chapter 11: Bending Beyond the Basics.

Chapter 12: Finishing Techniques.

Part IV: Eighteen Projects for Creating Your Own Alien Orchestra.

Chapter 13: The Instrumentarium: An Overview.

Chapter 14: Project 1: Original Pushbutton Speak & Spell Incantor.

Chapter 15: Project 2: Common Speak & Spell Incantor.

Chapter 16: Project 3: Speak & Read Incantor.

Chapter 17: Project 4: Speak & Math Incantor.

Chapter 18: Project 5: The Casio SA-2 Aleatron.

Chapter 19: Project 6: The Casio SA-5 Aleatron.

Chapter 20: Project 7: The Realistic Concertmate 380 Aleatron.

Chapter 21: Project 8: The Casio SK-60 Aleatron.

Chapter 22: Project 9: Casio MT-140 Aleatron.

Chapter 23: Project 10: Casio SK-1 Aleatron.

Chapter 24: Project 11: Mall Madness.

Chapter 25: Project 12: The Inverter.

Chapter 26: Project 13: Electronic Rap Pad.

Chapter 27: Project 14: Bent Book Strip.

Chapter 28: Project 15: Cool Keys Bent Music Stick.

Chapter 29: Project 16: Fisher Price Electronic Womb.

Chapter 30: Project 17: The Harmonic Window.

Chapter 31: Project 18: Hyper Sax.

Closing Words.

Appendix A: One Dozen of the Best Generic Bends.

Appendix B: Benders’ Resources.

Appendix C: Common Electronic Components and Their Schematic Symbols.

Index.

Sign up now to get free exclusive access to reports, research and invitation only events.
Featured Download
/downloads/product/19/avg-anti-virus-free-edition/

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

Note: This review covers version 8.5 of the software. This software is now in version 9.0. Antivirus program AVG 8.5 Free offers solid features and ...

Computerworld newsletter

Join the most dedicated community for IT managers, leaders and professionals in Australia