[sdiy] where the **** do I start...

[Dave Magnuson]

At 10:31 AM 3/10/04 -0800, Kevin wrote:
>
>I am a grade-a newbie to this, no real experience whatsoever (in this
>field), and am trying to find a good first-timer DIY synth schematic.
>Something I can piece together as my funds are on the low side. I have been
>learning a lot from this list and am quite overwhelmed by all the info I
>have researched. I do have some experience in soldering, and used to wire
>generator systems and their controller networks. I am going to school in a
>few months to start on my EE, but I really want to start making pretty
>noises as soon as I can. :) Something simple, so I can figure how to put all
>the bits I have learned together?
>
>Kevin


For a first project, I'd hihgly recommend the Paia fatman.  Paia kits
aren't necessarily the "best" synths available, but the price is relatively
low when compared to anyone else.  The best part is the instruction
manual... they are very complete and well explained.  Scott Gravenhorst has
modified his Fatman with great results, so there's still some experimenting
that you can do after you get it working.

Other kit makers such as Blacet, Synthesis Tech, Wiard, Cyndustries,
Oakley, Ken Stone (trying to remember all of you!!) would all be great
places to start, but the cost will be higher.  You will probably only be
able to build one or two modules for the same price as a fatman.   The
difference is overall quality... you'll get nicer modules from the above
mentioned manufacturers, but you need to pay for it.

You could also try to start by scratch building something, but it takes a
bit more skill, and your chances of success will be a good deal lower for
your first few projects.  Start with an LFO (ASM-1 style?) and perhaps a
VCA (Korg MS20?).  These have a faily low parts count and would be a bit
easier than a typical VCO or VCF.  

Dave Magnuson

Resonant Frequency:
resfreq at hoohahrecords.com
http://www.hoohahrecords.com/resfreq/index.html
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