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Circuit bending

In the Circuit bending world, there is a wealth of information and opinions that can be overwhelming for those seeking to better understand this topic. From different perspectives and approaches, Circuit bending has been the subject of debate and discussion throughout history, and its relevance in today's society continues to be a topic of great interest. In this article, we will explore the multiple facets of Circuit bending, with the aim of offering a complete and enriching vision of this very relevant topic. From its origin to its impact today, we will embark on a journey of discovery to better understand Circuit bending and its relationship with the world around us.

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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

A circuit-bent Walkman
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.[1]

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.[2]

In the late 1960s, musician and technologist Reed Ghazala happened upon a similar phenomenon when, according to his recollection, a metal object fell onto the exposed circuit of his RadioShack amplifier, shorting it out and resulting in unexpected sounds.[3] This experience inspired him to begin building circuit bent instruments intentionally. Ghazala coined the term "circuit bending" for the practice in 1992.[4][3][5] He was described by Motherboard as the "father of circuit bending."[6]

Prior to these experiments, other pioneers also explored the body contact idea, one of the earliest being Thaddeus Cahill (1897) whose telharmonium, it is reported, was also touch-sensitive.

Starting in 1984, Swiss duo Voice Crack began creating music by manipulating common electronic devices in a practice they termed "cracked everyday electronics."[7]

Notable users

See also

Kraakdoos

References

  1. ^ Mirapaul, Matthew (2004-04-08). "Circuit Benders Unlock the Long Riffs in Short-Circuits". The New York Times. Retrieved 2024-11-09.
  2. ^ Vail, Mark (2000-03-15). Vintage Synthesizers: Pioneering Designers, Groundbreaking Instruments, Collecting Tips, Mutants of Technology (2.00 ed.). Backbeat Books.
  3. ^ a b c Ghazala, Reed (2005). Circuit-bending: build your own alien instruments. ExtremeTech. Indianapolis, IN: Wiley Pub. p. 8. ISBN 978-0-7645-8887-7.
  4. ^ a b Ghazala, Reed (2021). "Circuit-bending and living instruments". In Hopkin, Bart; Tewari, Sudhu (eds.). Sound inventions: selected articles from experimental musical instruments. Sound design series. Abingdon, Oxon ; New York, NY: Routledge. ISBN 978-1-003-00352-6.
  5. ^ Deahl, Dani (2018-09-14). "Hacking a Furby in the name of music". The Verge. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  6. ^ Anderson, Brian (2014-08-07). "Meet Reed Ghazala, the Father of Circuit Bending". VICE. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  7. ^ a b "YULE 2008". Retrieved 2015-06-03.
  8. ^ a b c d Elhaj, Emily (2019-08-15). "Circuit Bending 101 (...and a little more)". Earthquaker Devices. Archived from the original on 2025-02-23. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
  9. ^ O’Neal, Sean (2011-01-14). "R.I.P. Trish Keenan of Broadcast". AV Club. Archived from the original on 2024-12-07. Retrieved 2025-12-13.
  10. ^ a b c d Yeaton, Sean; Pasternack, Alex (2011-06-22). "Motherboard TV: The Father of Circuit Bending: Reed Ghazala". Vice. Archived from the original on 2025-12-13. Retrieved 2025-12-13.
  11. ^ Leatherman, Benjamin (2010-09-16). "Why Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh Befriended Local Circuit Bender Corey Busboom". Phoenix New Times. Phoenix. Archived from the original on 2024-05-29. Retrieved 2025-12-13.
  12. ^ Scott-Bates, Paul (2022-10-29). "Modified Toy Orchestra: Silfurberg – album review". Louder than War. Archived from the original on 2022-10-31. Retrieved 2025-12-13.
  13. ^ a b Leatherman, Benjamin (2006-08-10). "Off on a Bender". Phoenix New Times. Phoenix. Archived from the original on 2022-01-18. Retrieved 2025-12-13.

Further reading

Wikious
Boobota
Sagapedia