Circuit-Bending: Build Your Own Alien Instruments

by Reed Ghazala

Fans will get bent out of shape if they miss the first book to cover circuit-bending-"bending," for short-the method by which an electronic toy or a device such as a keyboard is short-circuited and modified to create an entirely different sound Written by the inventor of the technology, this book covers the tools of the trade, shows how to build a bending workshop, and reveals secrets that will have readers of all levels making sweet music in no time Readers learn basic bends, body contacts, and other bending skills, as well as ways to create bent instruments from a variety of popular toys and electronic devices Features some of the author's own unique creations

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

450 pages, Paperback

First published July 25, 2005

Reviews

[6655321]

This is a book that makes you want to go loot toy stores for circuits to make into weird sound machines; also your tolerance may vary based on whether or not you can deal with Reed Ghazala being the sort of person who makes weed dad jokes and talks about alien music a lot.

[Jared Busch · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE book on circuit bending (the process in which one opens up an electronic toy, fucks with the circuits by soldering wires and switches and buttons to places they shouldn't thereby creating crazy sounds). It not only tells you how to circuit bend, Ghazala's enthusiasm makes you want to make it your new obsession.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The guy who wrote this is a little hippy dippy city, but, it covers all the basics (Maybe a little too well, i did'nt start circuit bending intending to sell...and I don't have like 5000 dollars to simply begin circuit bending...all the tools the man requires left me feeling lost)

But also, Funny stories about doing drugs, making out, turning people into human amplifiers via sexy stuff.

[Andy]

This is the forefront of my ref. library that sits on my desk. classic, informative and fun. breaks a lot of info and anti-theory down with good humor while a large portion of the book serves as a soldering how-to and blueprints for specific circuit mods.

[Matt Durant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covers the basics! Enjoyed his own stories of stumbling into modifications for "alien-music" as he calls it, but in terms of projects, there isn't much there that you can find a hundred times over online. Still worth checking out for beginners or Reed fans.

[Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for any baby bender.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

great introductory to the world of circuit bending

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Covers the simple basics of low voltage tweaking and manipulations in electronic toys and small electronics. This is one for the geek hobbyist. A'hem.

[Gypsy Novela · Rating 5 out of 5]

why let korg and roland have all the fun in designing what you place as a soundscape synth junkie? jimi hendrix did it. peter gabriel buys from this author.

[Mills College Library]

786.7192 G4118 2005