| Have you ever wanted to build your own musical | | | | as important as a high quality concept. Once you |
| instrument? If so, you are not alone. You have | | | | have experience in instrument building, then you |
| many options when building an instrument. You | | | | can consider using more expensive parts. |
| can build a traditional instrument using parts you've | | | | Building an Inexpensive Musical Instrument |
| purchased or scrapped from existing instruments. | | | | It is crucial to keep this hobby as affordable as |
| You can take a traditional concept for an | | | | possible. You do not want to commit yourself to |
| instrument and add your own take. Then, of | | | | too much financially because you may regret it. |
| course, you could also take a whole different | | | | Additionally, if the instrument you create doesn't |
| approach and create an original instrument. This | | | | work right, then you will lose money on the deal. |
| guide is not intended to tell you what to build, it | | | | The cheaper the instrument is that you build, the |
| will simply offer some advice on how to go about | | | | more money you will have to build a better |
| it. | | | | version of it when you know what you're doing. |
| Getting Started | | | | Tips and Advice |
| The very first thing you should do is decide what | | | | Here are some general things to keep in mind |
| type of instrument you plan to build. You can | | | | when designing your instrument. First, make sure |
| choose a woodwind, brass, string, percussion, or | | | | your instrument has tuning capabilities; that way |
| electronic instrument. Either way, making that | | | | you can make true notes without any serious |
| decision is the best first step because that will | | | | conversion. Second, it might be a good idea to |
| limit the types of supplies you will need. After | | | | have a keyboard on-hand so you can compare |
| deciding what you want to build, you should get a | | | | the notes your instrument creates to real musical |
| tool kit that matches your preferences. Then, you | | | | notes. Third, make sure that your instrument has |
| should look for the types of parts you think you | | | | a practical application - don't build an instrument |
| will need. | | | | that you couldn't use in a band or solo |
| If you are going to make a simple instrument like | | | | performance. |
| a drum, then you won't need to buy many things. | | | | Finally, have a great time. When you take on a |
| However, if you are going for something more | | | | hobby like this, your intention should be to have |
| complex, like a new style of guitar, you should | | | | fun and create something that you can call your |
| buy a low cost used guitar to scrap it for parts. | | | | own. Do not take on instrument building as a |
| Additionally, you should look for low-cost parts in | | | | hobby if you have any reason to believe that you |
| the classifieds section of a newspaper or at a | | | | might not like it, because there are plenty of |
| used instrument shop. | | | | other things you can do for a hobby. Keep your |
| Finally, think of this as a learning instrument or | | | | options, and your mind, open every step of the |
| starter instrument: a high quality instrument is not | | | | way. |