Synth-DIY -- how to start?

[alanp]

I've always been interested in analog synths, but the costs involved are scary. The full kit for the ASM-2 is something like a grand in AUD from Elby Designs, the PCB alone costs a hundred bucks.

Also, how do people deal with the front panels? The pots and jacks (which, from what I can tell, are almost never PCB mounted, meaning 'orrible amounts of pot wiring.)

Any synth-diy'ers here got any tips?

[jkokura]

I think frequency central might be a place to look for some ideas.

Jacob

[lars]

A website called "Papareil Synth Labs" also has some great resources and kits available.

[peterc]

yusynth.com had PCB designs for a nice set of modules but the site changed somewhat. I have it archived.....

They have a good list of links to various projects here:
http://yusynth.net/index_en.php?&arg=6

Peter

[Strategy]

Alan,
the key is starting small. I got started by a friend who was etching a lot of pcb's. also if you figure that at a grand, you are basically getting a synth that would be $2500-$3000 commercially, there you have it. Also, don't get kits. In the US I've found the kit markup to be silly, AND I don't like pcb mounted much so I tend to do my own control layouts and like to pick those parts myself. If you source the parts I think you can save a lot of money.

also bear in mind you only need a few synth modules to do very crazy stuff, so something like the ASM is sort of over the top depending on your desires. do you want to start with just a basic synth? PAIA Fatman is amazing sounding actually. If you want to go modular look at CGS but then source the parts yourself instead of buying parts kits from a 3rd party.

Strategy

[alanp]

Think I might go with the Frequency Central stuff, but do my own faceplates. I'd prefer to go with 6.5mm, not 3.5mm jacks. Plus Rick is a great guy.

[Strategy]

Rick's projects will be great. He has pcb's you can buy AND etch your own versions, they are nicely in between "building block" modules as well as having 'bells and whistles'.

[raulduke]

I'm getting started in modular, and have bought some of ricks (frequency Central) PCB's and front panels. Can't go wrong for the price!

[lincolnic]

I wish I didn't just learn about the Fatman...now I feel like I need it.

[alanp]

The Fatman uses V/Hz, not V/octave, so it's not compatible with Moog-type synths...

[jubal81]

I always thought the stuff at Music from outer Space looked great. He even has a guitar synth project that looks really cool.
http://www.musicfromouterspace.com

[lincolnic]

The Fatman uses V/Hz, not V/octave, so it's not compatible with Moog-type synths...

I can't afford Moog stuff anyway, so that's probably fine!

[lincolnic]

I always thought the stuff at Music from outer Space looked great. He even has a guitar synth project that looks really cool.
http://www.musicfromouterspace.com

Didn't someone here build one of these fairly recently?

[Leevibe]

I always thought the stuff at Music from outer Space looked great. He even has a guitar synth project that looks really cool.
http://www.musicfromouterspace.com

This. And I think the prices seem reasonable too.

[peAk]

I've always been interested in analog synths, but the costs involved are scary. The full kit for the ASM-2 is something like a grand in AUD from Elby Designs, the PCB alone costs a hundred bucks.

Also, how do people deal with the front panels? The pots and jacks (which, from what I can tell, are almost never PCB mounted, meaning 'orrible amounts of pot wiring.)

Any synth-diy'ers here got any tips?

Let me know what you end up with cause I may follow your lead if it's not too expensive. I want to start a synth as well.