[sdiy] Death of DIY?

[Kenneth Martinez]

> > true, but the other thing;- 'Why should I make it for $100 when I can
> > buy it for $120?' people are inherently lazy, if they can find an easy
> > way to do what they want, they will... kinda like water (shortest
> > path,etc)
>
> Sure, but if I need something now, why should I build it for $100 if I can
> get it readily assembled and tested for $120?

I must admit I fall into this category...

I played with electronics as a boy because of my dad's amateur radio hobby.
Never did get a radio license.  I stopped electronics work for a while -
software interest replaced that - until college, when I found it cheaper to
build some audio gear (e.g. small mixer) than buy it.  In 2000 I returned to
DIY when I couldn't find a local tech to fix my OB Xpander.  Working on that
made me realize I could build a rackmount synth module (without a big case,
keyboard, display, etc) that would do what I wanted and would be much cheaper
than a commercial version, and so I began synth DIY work.

I can't see trying to replace my Matrix-1000 with a homemade synth because I
like the features it already has and couldn't build one any cheaper that has
the same features and form factor, especially considering the time involved.
I did sell the Xpander and am building my own module which retains many of its
features (like its 15 filter modes) but adds others I want.  And I've built
the Minimoog VCF, VCA, and EGs from the service manual schematics...I may stop
there, or clone the VCOs and other audio circuits...but I do plan to sell my
Mini once I'm satisifed with my cloned circuits - mine is much cheaper (in
cost of parts, not time), and selling the Mini will free up lots of $$ for
other gear (DIY or otherwise).  However, if there was a good-sounding Mini
clone that was commercially available, prebuilt or kit, that was just a few
hundred dollars, I don't think I'd have gone to the trouble to make my own.
Sure, I'm curious about how things work...but I can't honestly say that <that>
alone has propelled me into DIY.

On the other hand, DIY synth circuits are kinda fun and rewarding in their own
way, now that I'm better able to make things that work ;-)   Who knows, if I
keep it up, my opinion may change over time.  If nothing else, my synth DIY
work to date has made me interested in modular synths.

I must also admit softsynths are getting more and more appealing...the ones
I've tried don't quite have the sound I want, but they're getting better all
the time...