How to Get a Circuit Bending Project Started

Circuit bending is one of the most creative ways to make random weird noises. It involves soldering and wiring contact points on the circuit boards of common sound-producing electronic items like children's toys or synthesizers to alter the sounds such items make. The wiring is attached to switches that can then be used to control the "bent" circuit and create strange, unique, and interesting sounds. Circuit bending is commonly associated with noise music, but such improvised musical instruments have been experimented with by a variety of musicians.

In this free video series, our expert Amanda Claire will show you how to find and bend circuits to make new instruments and sound generators. She will teach you the basics of electronics, all about the circuit board itself, and how to find and experiment with circuit bends to create new sounds. Amanda will also teach you how to use gator clips to test different bent sounds, how to install an audio jack to amplify your new musical instrument, and how to measure, strip, tin, and solder wire to the contact points on circuit boards to bend circuits. Amanda will teach you about looping effects, logic scrambler effects, body contacts, potentiometers, the lick and press method, the chopstick method, and the unpredictability of circuit bending. Finally Amanda will show you how to decorate your new instrument, install different kinds of switches and buttons, and how to keep yourself safe when soldering and creating great new interesting sounds.