Build Your Own Synth!

Ready to build your very own synth but don’t know where to start? No worries – you’re in the right place! As someone who is interested in electronic music, cute and creative products, and DIY, this is the perfect project for young musicians.

Welcome to the Fish Synth Docs, your step-by-step guide to creating the Fish Synth! This unique synth comes with a convenient strap, making it easy to take your sound on the go for all your events. 

It features 3 adjustable dials, sound-controlling buttons, and a headphone jack for personal listening. Plus, it has a pedal plug for connecting other effects and creating a daisy-chain setup. Let’s dive in and get started!

Daisy Seed

3 Dials

4 Buttons

1 Guitar Jacks (For pedal)

Speaker

3D Print File OR Cardboard Box + Exacto Knife

Fabric / Bag Strap / Chain

Arduino

The first step in building your Fish Synth is to order the DaisySeed online. This component, which acts as the "brain" of your synth, is where all the code will be loaded. Be patient as it will take some time to arrive from California.

While waiting for the DaisySeed to arrive, start planning what effects you want your synth to have. Explore the DaisySeed coding library to find the effects that suit your needs. Once you've selected the desired effects, you'll need to wire them to the appropriate switches.

Dial 1 - Switch Sound Effect

Dial 2 - Volume

Dial 3 - Miscellaneous / Tone

Button 1 - On/Off

Button 2 - Chord C major 7

Button 3 - Chord G major 7

Button 4 - E major 7

When using Arduino for coding, it is essential to follow the DaisyDuino Set-Up Guide. A variety of video tutorials are available on the ElectroSmith YouTube channel, as well as a comprehensive Start-Up guide on GitHub.

Start-Up Tips:

1. Ensure the "Extra Step" STM32 package is downloaded, as it is crucial for the setup. If unable to obtain it, request it from another source.
2. In Arduino, select "DFU" as the upload method.
3. It may be necessary to press and hold the Boot button while pressing the Reset button a few times to allow Arduino to properly recognize the board.

To code the effects, start by reviewing the multiple Daisy Seed examples available in the Arduino environment. 

 The goal is to combine the relevant portions of each example into a single, cohesive file.

By doing this, you'll be able to tailor the code to your specific needs and create the desired effects. The example code is available through the link provided below, offering a starting point to help guide the process.

Begin by soldering the various buttons, dials, and plugs onto the board. Ensure you connect the correct wires to the outside dials so they correspond to the effects you wish to control. Take your time to ensure each connection is accurate.

You have two options for the case:

1. 3D Print the Case: Use the provided file to 3D print your case. If you don’t have access to a 3D printer, check with your local public library to see if they offer printing services. This file was made with TinkerCAD.
2. Cardboard Case: Alternatively, you can fold a custom cardboard case. If you choose this route, follow the instructions for cardboard assembly provided below. Note that, regardless of the case type, only the placement of knobs and buttons matters.

Solder the switches, dials, and other external components using wires. Ensure that all switches and dials are connected properly to the board and that they align with the designated holes in the case.

Once everything is wired correctly, screw the components into the case. Double-check that all connections are secure before moving on.

Before sealing the case by drilling or gluing it shut, test the synth to ensure everything is working properly. This is your last chance to make adjustments if needed.

For convenience, sew a bag strap using any fabric you have available. A jewelry chain was used in this example!

Congratulations! The Fish Synth is now complete. You should have a better understanding of musical synthesizers and can start creating music! Enjoy the process and the sounds you create!