Circuit bending

thumb|Probing for "bends" using a jeweler's screwdriver and alligator clips

Circuit bending is the modification of circuits in electronic devices such as children's toys and digital synthesizers to change or control their sound output, usually by dismantling the machine and adding components such as switches and potentiometers.

Circuit bending has commonly been associated with noise music, though many other contemporary musicians have experimented with it.

Experimental process

thumb|A circuit-bent [[Walkman]]

thumb|right|A 1989 Kawasaki toy guitar used in a circuit bending project

The process of circuit bending involves experimenting with inexpensive second-hand electronics that produce sounds, such as toys, keyboards, drum machines, and electronic learning products.

thumb|right|A Yamaha PSR-6 used in a circuit bending project

Innovators

Serge Tcherepnin, designer of the Serge modular synthesizers, discussed his early experiments in the 1950s with the transistor radio, in which he found circuit points that responded sonically to touch, and wired them to "body contacts" on the plastic chassis. This experience inspired him to begin building circuit bent instruments intentionally. Ghazala coined the term "circuit bending" for the practice in 1992.

Starting in 1984, Swiss duo Voice Crack began creating music by manipulating common electronic devices in a practice they termed "cracked everyday electronics."

Peter Gabriel
Modified Toy Orchestra
Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo)
Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails)
Voice Crack
Paul Meany (Mutemath, Twenty One Pilots)

References

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External links

oddmusic.com's circuit bending section – Gallery of some of Reed Ghazala's work, facts, history, tutorial, benders guide, tools of the trade and more
GetLoFi a circuit bending blog with a lot of circuit bending tips and resources
Interview on Circuit Bending with Igor Amokian Part I

Circuit bending

Experimental process

Innovators

See also

References

Further reading

External links