As a kid, I built a number of different projects from Radio Shack. I was fascinated by all the different parts and how they worked. While it was a great hobby, I didn’t keep up with it and I eventually lost interest.
As I got interested in synthesizers about 10 years ago, I slowly started becoming aware of all the stuff one could build on their own. Due to the explosion of the internet, one can find hundreds of projects to build with regards to making music. Around a year ago, I finally decided to jump into the fray with both feet.
For the longest time, I’ve wanted to get into using analog synthesizers. Buying a commercial one, though, can get quite expensive. I was lucky enough to pick up a Dave Smith Mopho but as with many things, I wasn’t satisfied with just one synth.
Since I did have a decent amount of electronics know how, I decided to start building my own stuff. Not only is it cheaper but you do end up learning quite a bit in the process. Right now I’m building a Soundlab Mini Synth which will be a great edition to my little collection. I hope to be finished with it by the end of the year. After I’m done with that one, I’ll immediately move on to the SN-Voice which is based of a chip that was used in many arcade machines of the late 70’s and early 80’s.
So, how does one get into electronics as a hobby in the musical sense? Well, if you’re truly starting from the beginning, there are a couple of books that will put you on the right path. There are a number of websites out there that can help you but personally feel more comfortable having a real book in my hands.
There are many people who have cut their teeth on books by Forrest Mims and Getting Started in Electronics is one of the best books available. Some of the information in there will be a little out dated but I’d say about 95% of it or more is still very relevant. I still own my copy from when I was a kid.
A book that I picked up not too long ago is is Electronic Projects for Musicians. It may seem to be a little on the out dated side as well but it’s still quite relevant just as it was with the Mims book. You can even still buy kits from Paia for some of the projects that are within the book.
