Junkyard Jam Band: DIY Musical Instruments and Noisemakers

I bought Junkyard Jam Band because I've been really interested in learning how to make quality, functional cigar box ukuleles using random items I find around the house and at thrift shops. I must say, when the book came, I was pleasantly surprised at how many other projects were in this book. It even has step by step instructions on how to wire your homemade instruments to be electric (then turn a radio into an amp!) I set the book down and my 15 year old son snatched it up and read it from cover to cover. I would have to say the only thing I might see as a problem for some people is that the book is very wordy. It has plenty of black and white photos, diagrams, and illustrations for reference but its definitely meant to be instructional. Personally, I think it's a great starter for someone who is serious about learning the craft.

Great book

Some simple ideas. You can turn about anything into a musical instrument.

Well written and fun. The projects really work and are just plain awesome. It makes me really happy when someone does the research, figures out how to to do it, and then writes down the stuff I wish I had time to figure out for myself.

Really goox book.

Ordered this for my husband for Christmas. He loved it! The projects will keep him busy a long time!

Great book for making instruments and having a 9yr old understand

great

Out of all the books I've read on DIY electro-acoustic instruments Junkyard Jam Band is perhaps one of the better ones. As the other review states the problem with any book like these, certainly if they are written in the US, is that most of the suppliers listed are US based. Most components are however universal although it may take a little understanding if you require an equivalent.I do however forgive the author because as it states this book is about junkyard instruments not about purchasing the finish item. There is always going to be a little bit of room for slight differences all the projects you should able to complete within Europe. You may even get an idea for an modified instrument of your own based on the book. The book itself starts with basic projects; a metal slinki, piezo element, jack and plastic cup. There is a interlude where the author touches on circuit-bending. The second part of the book has more complicated projects such as the roar kalimba where electronics are still only a small part. It is the third part of the book where electronics play a major role as we move into synthesis with a basic universal LFO based on a 555 timer which then leads into projects such as the twin -T Phaser/Wah. The final projects are an invader synth, Two modified invader synth turned into a Bleepbox 8-step analog sequencer.As a builder you are going to need a basic set of tools, soldering iron I however enjoyed reading the book and may try building some of the projects within it.

I don't understand the other reviews here. They harp on about differences between the UK and the USA. I haven't found a problem with any of this. Always in the book there is a description of the item as well as a US supplier code or two. Just go to the US supplier site, copy the description, and paste that into a UK Supplier search engine. Works for me.What I like is the way David works through the projects. There's a detailed set of steps that left me i no doubt what to do, in the easiest order. I am making an interesting fuzz box/preamp, and have just bought a wooden paint box from a charity shop to put it in.Some projects don't interest me, but even these are great to read for inspiration, and for me, that's what this book is about

Just started reading it