[sdiy] History of SDIY?

[Tim Ressel]

At the risk of sounding smart-ass-ish, define DIY.  If you are the first 
to do something, it that automatically DIY?  Is Robert Moog guilty of 
DIY?  What about Thaddeus Cahill and his Telharmonium, is that DIY?

--tim (and his highly intelligent bottom) ressel


On 5/29/2018 4:36 AM, Rob Kam wrote:
> Unlike for the history of electronic music http://120years.net/, apparently
> there's not much documentation specifically for the history of DIY
> electronic music equipment. I have some questions, if I may.
>
> How to define SDIY - it's not just exclusively synths, amateurs making
> electronic music circuits as opposed to plugging together ready-made parts?
>   
> When did SDIY begin and how has it developed over the years? Especially
> since the invention of semiconductors but before then should also be
> included. What were the significant moments and who were the pioneers along
> the way?
>
> Bob Moog sold Theremin kits in the 1950s. Guitar pedals began development in
> the 1960s. Before this there were guitar amplifiers with effects built in,
> and earlier still people used magnetic tape. The PAiA FAQ states that the
> 1970s were busy, the 1980s were quieter, (with the hobbyists being
> distracted by PCs) and that interest picked up again in the 1990s. PAiA has
> been producing synthesizer kits since 1972. Electronotes started in 1972.
> Various magazine articles by authors such as Tim Orr, John Simonton, Don
> Lancaster, Craig Anderton, etc. give some sort of indication. The earliest
> DIY electronic music instrument books seem to be from the early to
> mid-1970s.
>
> How to distinguish what's SDIY from R&D? Obviously the pioneers and
> inventors like Harald Bode and Kraftwerk had to DIY; does this get ignored?
> Does it begin with the electro-magnetic Helmholtz resonator?
>
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-- 
--Tim Ressel
Circuit Abbey
timr at circuitabbey.com