Make a Musical Instrument: Electric Scrap
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EmailTurn scrap and junk into a musical instrument that can be played through an amp! Learn the fundamentals of electric wiring and create a playable instrument out of salvaged parts in this playful and creative workshop.
Under professional supervision, this workshop will provide you with a wide range of tools and salvaged parts to be used in the creation of an electric instrument, you will also wire yourself a safe and perfectly functional jack lead to use with your instrument.
You are welcome to bring your own parts into the workshop which you would like to transform into a playable object (if you have an object in mind, please let your host know in advance and we can think through how we may be able to work with it).
The instruments will always respond to percussive applications, but there can be options to install strings to the instrument (however, this workshop will not be able to support individuals in fretting the instrument to be played like a guitar). Despite this, individuals have the option to bring a harmonic instrument, such as an old acoustic guitar, and convert it into an amplifiable instrument with further modifications).
This workshop is about a playful and creative introduction to creating instruments out of scrap, so the outcomes of this workshop will not satisfy individuals looking for sensibly functional and quality musical instruments.
The sound quality produced will be of a low fidelity due to the low-budget component used for electrifying the instrument (a Piezo transducer). However, individuals are welcome to bring better quality Piezo transducers if they wish, and your hosts will be able to support the construction of instruments.
Age restrictions: 16+
| Adult (General admission) | £18 |
| Child (Under 14 years) | £14 |
| Student | £14 |
What people are saying
Oct 2023
Mathew’s a sound guy. I had a problem finding the place. I think I put misleading info in my cale...
How to get there
Facilities
- Toilets
- Wheelchair accessible
On the day
We will be working with soldering iron/solder, participants 10-14 years old will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Sparks Bristol is located in Broadmead and easily accessible by all main bus routes through the centre - E-scooter and bike parking are close by - This workshop is located through the workshop archway, in the Department of Reuse and Resources
Changes happen, don't worry
You'll be hosted by
No Small Thing
Located in the Sparks 'department store with a difference' in Broadmead, No Small Thing delivers a wide range of creative re-making, repair and maintenance sessions, talks and other events. Founded by creative Jenny, their aim is to share positive, practical actions that keep resources in circulation for longer, putting less demand on the Earth for virgin resources.
Matthew Dommett (He/Him)
Graduate of CSM/UAL's 3D Fine Art course, having shown work in both the Saatchi Gallery and Tate Modern, Matt has deep affections for skip diving and hoarding tools. He currently works as an Aluminium Fabricator and Machinist and hosts the Spark's Repair Cafe every Sunday with No Small Thing's Jen Ford.
Any questions?
Ask your question directly to No Small Thing.