SOUNDS OF CIRCUITS
The easiest way to start circuit bending
is “playing open circuits.” That’s where you
open up an audio device and use your hands
or alligator clips to mess with the board
inside and see what it sounds like. But it’s
almost as easy to permanently “bend” any
suitable device by soldering on a few wires
and switches. We’ll explain how, and then
show you how we transformed a Casio SK-5,
a common, 80s-era sampling keyboard, into
an unstoppably flexible sound organ and
sonic effects generator.
A word of caution: Do not attempt to circuit
bend anything that needs to be plugged into
a wall, such as a VCR or a television. These
devices use high voltages, and playing with
the circuitry inside might injure or kill you.
Circuit bending is for battery-powered toys
and instruments only.

When not sticking her hand in electronic equipment, Cristiana Yambo spins industrial beats on the DJ table and hides by day in the guise of a computer programmer. Sabastian Boaz doesn’t just circuit bend as a hobby but also uses his creations in recording and performing synthpop and industrial music.