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The goal of this project is to modify a Commodore 64 computer so that in addition to being a computer it is also a rockin musical instrument.
I'd like to thank the following folks who made this possible:
Nak - For his paddle design (though it was a wee bit off)
sch�nberger - for inspiring me to actually wear my C64
tomtiki for giving me correct schematics.
And finally Paul Slocum for making Cynthcart
DISCLAIMER!!! If you are not sure what you are doing ask someone for help. I am not responsible for any damage done to your C64, cherished childhood memories, or person, if you follow some or all of these directions. Be careful with electronics and ALWAYS UNPLUG THEM when working on them.
For this project you will need the following:
A Commodore 64 (any model)
A Soldering Iron
Some wires (color coded is good, though mine is not)
A Cynthcart cartridge (these can often be found on ebay)
2 500k Potentiometers
A guitar strap
2 1/4 inch nuts and bolts
6 Washers (big enough to fit on a 1/4 inch bolt)
Some paint to make your C=BOARD fancy!
Here's a sample MP3: Noise in A
And another 8bit2, this one also features a Korg DS10
I'd like to thank the following folks who made this possible:
Nak - For his paddle design (though it was a wee bit off)
sch�nberger - for inspiring me to actually wear my C64
tomtiki for giving me correct schematics.
And finally Paul Slocum for making Cynthcart
DISCLAIMER!!! If you are not sure what you are doing ask someone for help. I am not responsible for any damage done to your C64, cherished childhood memories, or person, if you follow some or all of these directions. Be careful with electronics and ALWAYS UNPLUG THEM when working on them.
For this project you will need the following:
A Commodore 64 (any model)
A Soldering Iron
Some wires (color coded is good, though mine is not)
A Cynthcart cartridge (these can often be found on ebay)
2 500k Potentiometers
A guitar strap
2 1/4 inch nuts and bolts
6 Washers (big enough to fit on a 1/4 inch bolt)
Some paint to make your C=BOARD fancy!
Here's a sample MP3: Noise in A
And another 8bit2, this one also features a Korg DS10
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Signing UpStep 1So, exactly what are we doing?
Here's the plan. by the end of this we will have made the following modifications to a c64:
1. Get Cynthcart
If you just want to make music on your C64 this is the simplest way. Cynthcart is a solid sta6te cartridge that makes your c64 a synthesizer when you boot with it inserted. Most of the controls in Cynthcart can be done with the keyboard, though adding some knobs helps with certain aspects of it. Cynthcart can usually be found on Ebay, I got mine for a little over $20.
2. Paint it
Again, this is optional, but if you are going through all this trouble to mod your c64 you might as well give it a little war paint.
3. Add a strap
Sure, you could just sit it on a table and play it, but to truly rock out you need to WEAR an instrument. Thus the C=BOARD is also a C=TAR.
4. Add 2 control knobs
These knobs will be used by Cynthcart for a few different functions. While most of this can be done just using the keyboard, the knobs give you greater control and easier more analog input.
1. Get Cynthcart
If you just want to make music on your C64 this is the simplest way. Cynthcart is a solid sta6te cartridge that makes your c64 a synthesizer when you boot with it inserted. Most of the controls in Cynthcart can be done with the keyboard, though adding some knobs helps with certain aspects of it. Cynthcart can usually be found on Ebay, I got mine for a little over $20.
2. Paint it
Again, this is optional, but if you are going through all this trouble to mod your c64 you might as well give it a little war paint.
3. Add a strap
Sure, you could just sit it on a table and play it, but to truly rock out you need to WEAR an instrument. Thus the C=BOARD is also a C=TAR.
4. Add 2 control knobs
These knobs will be used by Cynthcart for a few different functions. While most of this can be done just using the keyboard, the knobs give you greater control and easier more analog input.
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Maybe routing some gameboy percussion through the filter...
But my C128 is too heavy for a keytar, need to get myself a C64. Too bad, they dont seem to be really cheap anymore (on ebay at least).