So I recently started doing some DIY stuff with electronics and music. I’m starting out by putting together some kits from various websites and going through Nicolas Collins’ book: Handmade Electronic Music: The Art of Hardware Hacking. Once I got over the initial hesitation to just try and solder, its been really fun. I still have a long way to go with soldering, but I’m going to take it slow and not try anything too big too soon. Right now I’ve made a little passive mixer, a lo-fi amp (from getlofi.com), and an Atari Punk Console (APC, kit from Synthrotek).
Here’s a video of me playing with my APC using my lo-fi amp. The Atari Punk Console is also called a “Stepped Tone Generator” and was originally introduced by a dude named Forrest M. Mims III. It’s fun.