This cool project turns a boring Ikea lamp into a theremin-like synth. Pretty cool. I really like the updated instructions — but real instructions would be nice too. I guess this is more a show piece than a how-to. Nonetheless, it can still inspire someone so I’m posting it anyways.

One thing I’d add is a switch so that the lamp can still be used as a plain lamp. Flick the switch and it would turn into a noisy monster.

Sunnan Synth / ikea hack from Jan van Nuenen on Vimeo.

Robert Moog, may he rest in peace, invented a legendary voltage-controlled filter (VCF). It’s the low-pass filter that gives the MiniMoog its characteristic sound. YUSynth has published the schematics, parts list and PCB layout for the MiniMoog VCF.

[ link ] [ via ]

“ADACHI’s self-made instruments are consists of simple electronic circuit, almost case built in tupperware. They never can make precise pitch, but have good sound and noise, easy to operate and carry and worked by battery. Of course the funny and pretty looks are important aspects.”

Tupperware Synthesizers [link][via][via]

Here’s a good idea: use an old SoundBlaster card and turn it into a cheesy-sounding General-MIDI box. If I were a porno film producer, I’d definitely need a couple of these for the soundtracks.

DIY general MIDI synth from an old Soundblaster [link & link][via]

This isn’t exactly a set of instructions, but anyone familiar with the Arduino should be able to make up something similar to this. With nice pads (think recycled mousepads) and some nice packaging, this could make up a great electronic drum set.

I’ll be exploring this in the next year as I’d really like to have a drum set at home, but lack the space and don’t want to spend much money on this. Plus, the ability to control a drum machine by playing “real” drums is more interesting (to me) than playing a “real” drum. I can’t get enough of that TR-808 bass drum.

DIY Arduino MIDI Drum Kit [link]

Check out these instructions on how to build your first synthesizer.

Granted, it’s not a Jupiter-8, but it’s fun to build, fun to play with, and cheap to build too. You can also bend it if you want to get even crazier sounds out of it. I built one myself last year, so I know what I’m talking about. I used the strip board layout and it worked out great. See it in the picture.

Build Your First Synthesizer [link]