Workshop 1

Weds 12 Aug, 6–7:30pm BST

Workshop 2

Thu 13 Aug, 6–7:30pm BST

Listen to the Radical Chip in action

Build your very own Radical Nails synthesiser at home using just household objects and our DIY set, posted to you and included in the ticket cost. Participants will be instructed on the assembly of their DIY synth by Dirty Electronics (John Richards) in this pair of online workshops, hosted via Zoom.

The Radical Nails is a digital wavetable synth – don’t be deceived by its low-tech appearance! At the centre of the Radical Nails is a mini microprocessor (the Radical Chip) with pre-programmed 5 pseudo-wavetables and 9 algorithms making 45 combinations that are randomly selected. The sounds range from gritty digital sounds and extreme noise to pure tones. The sounds may also be thought of as programs that have complex behaviours that can be interacted with by touching the nails of the instrument. The Radical Nails continues in the spirit of Dirty Electronics’ low-level electronic music projects. It explores freeform and prototypic methods of construction and is built from a range of materials: wood, nails, wire, and electronic components.

Over the course of two Zoom sessions, participants are invited to get stuck in assembling their own Radical Nails, continuing at their own speed following directions and a printed guide. Dirty Electronics will interject tips and anecdotes on how to build the synth and discuss broader ideas of music for DIY electronics. By the end of the second session, participants will have built their very own Radical Nails, and there will be opportunities to experiment with different sounds that can be made.

What you’ll need

Nails x8 (can be screws, range of sizes – recommended size c. 40/45mm)
Wood base (deep enough to take/hold the nail/screw) (size c. 18 x 8cm but can be odd size, off-cut)
Hammer (or equivalent)
Battery (PP3)
Headphones or small amp/speaker (synth has a 3.5mm mini jack socket)

Optional tools

Soldering iron and solder
Pliers
Blu-tack (3rd hand)
Some extra nails (different sizes)

No prior knowledge needed, all ages and abilities welcome. Please note that this workshop requires dexterity and may be unsuitable for those with limited mobility. If you have any questions regarding suitability for this workshop or if the price is a barrier to your ability to attend, please get in touch with sophie@nonclassical.co.uk

Admission: £30 plus postage and packaging of kit (standard delivery, large letter 100g, padded envelope)

Please allow ample time for postage when purchasing tickets to ensure your Radical Nails Synth kit arrives in time for the workshop.

Buy Tickets

Approximate shipping times

UK (next working day)
EU (3-5 working days)
Non-EU (6-7 working days)

See the full Nonclassical Academy programme >>

About the artist

John Richards is a composer and musician who works in the electroacoustic spectrum, and has received recognition for his experimentations with improvisation and home-made instruments. A versatile sort, he has previously collaborated with Gabriel Prokofiev, in the collective Nerve8, and has both played with Napalm Death band members and performed at IRCAM.

A champion of the D.I.Y. and lo-fi, Richards shuns high-end equipment, in favour of what he calls “dirty electronics”. Richards has released an album on Nonclassical with the pianist GeNIA, in which these practices are combined with her piano expertise.