My FUN BOX Multi-Trigger Project

[cheapthrill]

Not too long ago, I did some modifying to an old Yamaha DD-5 to use with my TD-8 via MIDI (which is in this thread). Last month, I added four inputs to it so that I could use four external triggers instead of the built-in pads of the DD-5. I had spare materials laying around the house which gave me some ideas, so I decided to put them to use and have some fun. I eventually came up with this multi-trigger thing which, for lack of a better name, I call the "fun box".



There are four pieces of PVC pipe that act as the triggers, each with a piezo adhered to the end of it. The piezo is then wired through to a push-button terminal on the back. I also DIYed a cable snake to be used specifically for connecting the fun box to the DD-5 (or any other device with 1/4" inputs). It is all mounted on a 1" oak dowel that fits perfectly into a spare cymbal stand base that I have. I was going to just spray-paint it all flat black, but since I still had a little red pigment left, I decided to stain it to match my shells more.



I made it to be adjustable so that I could use it horizontal, vertical, or any degree in between. When it is more vertically positioned, I can drag the stick across the triggers for a sort of "washboard" effect, or I can focus on only the top trigger. When it is more horizontally positioned, I have better access to each trigger bar for playing little melodies or whatnot. I also tried to leave enough space in between each bar so that I could put the end of the stick in there and "rattle" it between two bars. Each trigger of the fun box also corresponds to a built-in pad of the DD-5 which I am using, so I have four identical MIDI triggers on each end of my kit.



I hope you enjoyed the weirdness!

[one2many]

Man that is cool. This site has given me so many weird ideas. It's almost a bad thing I came here. The next 1000 dollars I make (which will probably be spread out of a time peirod of 6 years will go to DIYing cause of this place

[sciomako]

Cool. The timber finish is a nice touch.

p.s. I'm wondering if you will get cross-talk...

[Hellfire]

Wow! Now, this kicks butt! I love the ingenuity of the project. Like I away say, once one knows the ins and outs of DIY'ing edrums, it is just a matter of manipulation. This is a perfect example.

[Poco Askew]

Very weird - in a good way!
I love it - great idea. Looks like a fun box.

[cheapthrill]

I'm glad you guys enjoy the weirdness.

sciomako, that was a concern when I initially designed it, but luckily there are absolutely no crosstalk issues. I think this is because there are actually neoprene foam rings sandwiched between the piezos and the wood side panels. The ring does two things; it holds the bar in place to prevent it from rolling, and it also blocks vibration from reaching the piezo. It requires a strike directly to the bar to cause a trigger.

one2many, this entire project (everything you see in the picture excluding the carpet and walls) cost me less than $20, although I did already have the DD-5 and some spare materials at my disposal. But even if you started from zero and had to buy everything, I bet you could still do it for under $100. I think it really depends more on how much time you can invest into a project... even if you don't have the cash, you can still design projects to build for when you do.

[jman 31]

I assume that you don't use the pads on the drum machine anymore? Very cool idea by the way!

[one2many]

Originally Posted by cheapthrill

I'm glad you guys enjoy the weirdness.
...one2many, this entire project (everything you see in the picture excluding the carpet and walls) cost me less than $20, although I did already have the DD-5 and some spare materials at my disposal. But even if you started from zero and had to buy everything, I bet you could still do it for under $100. I think it really depends more on how much time you can invest into a project... even if you don't have the cash, you can still design projects to build for when you do.

Well I was kinda exaggerating that statement. I doubt that this entire conversion with extras is going to cost 1000 dollars but it won't be cheap. I've already drawn out the diagrams for my toms not for cymbals because I'm still not so sure what to do on those (IE location of piezo, wiring, etc. Although I'm considering what you did on your 3 zone ride with choke with the box right in the middle). I'm still part less and I've yet to try and get my dad to go along with it but this DIY stuff is something I really wanna do.

[Hellfire]

Originally Posted by cheapthrill

I'm glad you guys enjoy the weirdness.

sciomako, that was a concern when I initially designed it, but luckily there are absolutely no crosstalk issues. I think this is because there are actually neoprene foam rings sandwiched the piezos and the wood side panels. The ring does two things; it holds the bar in place to prevent it from rolling, and it also blocks vibration from reaching the piezo. It requires a strike directly to the bar to cause a trigger.

one2many, this entire project (everything you see in the picture excluding the carpet and walls) cost me less than $20, although I did already have the DD-5 and some spare materials at my disposal. But even if you started from zero and had to buy everything, I bet you could still do it for under $100. I think it really depends more on how much time you can invest into a project... even if you don't have the cash, you can still design projects to build for when you do.

I was wounding if you had some foam rings in there. Great ingenuity. I sent you a PM let me know what you think.

[racer52]

Way Cool ..did some one say that already?
add some more and have an electronic vibraphone

[Hercules]

That's excellent cheapthrill - useful, attractive and cheap!!

What more could you ask for? (how about 2 of them.....)