In this project we’re going to take inspiration from Len Keeler’s original Elastic String Bass. We’ll pick it up (no pun intended) and run with it, adding multiple strings for different tonal qualities, etch our own printed circuit board (PCB), and of course, demonstrate the instrument.
First we will breadboard the basic version of this circuit, which will introduce you to the LM386 audio amp, as well as show you how the IR emitter and detector “talk” to each other, turning interrupted infrared (IR) into audio.
Then we’ll etch our own PCBs, including one for the main circuit, and a pair for the LED holders (acting as the guitar’s pickups).
And finally, we will build a wooden body to mount everything on. I’ve used a piece of lumber, but you should feel free to modify the design with the materials you have available. Remember, unlike a traditional guitar, this circuit is sensing interrupted IR, not reverberating through the wooden body of the guitar.
Hi Drew – I can help. What OS are you on, and what image manipulation program do you use (Photoshop? GIMP?) – you only need to know the DPI if you want to make your own boards, otherwise you can send off the files and have them fabricated for you. However if you want to build it by Xmas making it yourself is the fastest – a friend and me made two sets of all the boards in one night.
If you are using Gimp how would you re-size the image in order to match the size?
I made this. It’s works! Thanks.
I am planning to make this project and wanted to know how much you spent on gathering the materials for this project
I spent 15 PLN(I come from Poland) or USD $4,78. My friend make for me wooden elements for free.
Probably a stupid question but why is the first 100k resistor clipper oriented differently than the other three?
Probably bad PCB.
Anyone knows any phototransistor similar to Radioshack 276-145 used in this project?
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Is it possible to tune so you can play some simple bass riffs?
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Would you send the schematic using the LM741 to andres199sergio@gmail.com? I don’t have access to the LM386
sorry, it’s andres1995sergio@gmail.com
Great update guys! I’m pumped that someone else picked this up and started running with it – especially since I can’t play guitar.
what value resistors are being used for the emitter and detector boards?
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