Building Your Own Motorized Musical Instrument

Are you itching to dive into the world of electronic music but don’t want to break the bank on expensive equipment? If you’ve come across the Motor Synth Mkll, for example, the first synthesizer that uses electro-motors to produce notes, you’ve probably noticed the price, over $3,200. Truth be told, it doesn’t matter how much you love music. If you’re not a professional musician, this is a step cost to bear. 

Building your own motorized musical instrument can be a thrilling and budget-friendly alternative. Will it work? Nobody knows but you can learn during the journey and unlock new ideas. With a little creativity and DIY spirit, you can craft a unique instrument that unleashes your musical imagination.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about bringing your own musical creation to life. Building your own instrument allows you to tailor it to your preferences and experiment with different sounds and features. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about how to make the most of electronics and mechanics as part of your musical passion. 

Getting started: Simple electric motors

At the heart of your motorized musical instrument are electric motors. These humble yet versatile components can produce a variety of sounds when coupled with the right setup. Building a basic electric motor is surprisingly straightforward and requires only a few common materials like copper wire, magnets, and a battery. 
There are plenty of online tutorials and DIY kits available to guide you through the process. Before you know it, you’ll have your very own motorized sound generator humming away!

Repurposing existing motors

Don’t have the time or resources to build your own motors from scratch? You can repurpose existing electric motors from old appliances or toys to power your instrument. 

Salvaging motors not only saves you money but also reduces waste by giving new life to discarded items. With a bit of ingenuity, you can integrate these motors into your instrument design and create unique sonic textures.

Smooth operator: Improving motor function

One of the challenges of using electric motors in musical instruments is minimizing mechanical noise. Nobody wants their performance overshadowed by the whirring and clanking of motors. 

Fortunately, there are several ways to improve motor function and reduce unwanted noise. Upgrading to high-quality ball bearings can significantly enhance the smoothness and quietness of motor operation — it’s worth looking for a reputable bearing manufacturer to get it right. 

Additionally, proper lubrication and alignment are essential for optimal performance. 

Let your creativity soar

Building your own motorized musical instrument is more than just a technical endeavor—it’s a creative adventure. It could be fun to experiment with different motor configurations, circuit designs, and sound processing techniques to craft a one-of-a-kind instrument that reflects your musical vision. 

Whether you’re into ambient sounds, pulsating rhythms, or futuristic soundscapes, the possibilities are endless. Besides, you might find an unexpected niche on Spotify. You don’t need to have Beyoncé’s prod agency to upload your music on Spotify. 

Embarking on the journey of building your own motorized musical instrument is a thrilling and rewarding experience. Needless to say, this isn’t a project for everyone. But if you enjoy DIY and want to create a different sound, this could be a neat idea. From a musical perspective, you can think of it as your USP. And, as marketers say, a good USP is all you need to attract your audience.