Get Bent! 7.0, DIY Workshop: Circuit Bend a Speak & Spell

In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore circuit bending, the experimental process of modifying audio circuits to create new and unexpected sounds. The Speak & Spell series of educational toys, launched by Texas Instruments in 1978, has been a popular target for benders, and can spew out a variety of metallic glitch noises along with altered synthesis of human speech. This workshop is the 7th installment of Get Bent!, a series of circuit bending workshops initiated in 2007.

Each attendee will receive an original vintage Speak & Spell, Speak & Math, or Speak & Read to bend and take home. The workshop is open to all skill levels including beginners, but previous experience with soldering is helpful. We will provide guidance on "classic" bends suggested by Reed Ghazala (credited with coining the term circuit bending) and others, but please note that the bending process does have some inherent risk of damaging the Speak & Spell's audio circuit in ways that are not desirable. We will also supply switches and potentiometers for implementing bends.

Disclaimers:
- Attendees may also bring their own Speak & Spell to bend, but please note that old ('70s/'80s) devices are far easier to bend than modern reissues.
- Instruments supplied for bending may be missing some of their pushbuttons, have dim displays, or cosmetic wear and tear. If you prefer a pristine unit, please purchase one separately on eBay before the workshop.

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Background notes on Circuit Bending:
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_bending?wprov=sfla1)
"Circuit bending is modification of circuits in electronic devices such as children's toys and digital synthesizers to change or control their sound output, usually by dismantling the machine and adding components such as switches and potentiometers.
Circuit bending has commonly been associated with noise music, though many other contemporary musicians have experimented with it."
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Date: Sunday, November 30th, 2025
Time: 12 pm - 4 pm (Your bend duration may not last this whole time depending on your project goals and DIY experience)
Location: Synth Library Portland, 1256 Lloyd Center, Portland
(near DicePool game shop, Immediately inside to the right if entering from the 2nd floor Multnomah Street Parking Garage Entry Doors

Workshop Cost: $50, Includes materials cost.
(We will provide all necessary tools such as soldering irons. We will provide only lead-free solder, and we ask that you only use lead-free solder in the space if using your own tools/solder/soldering iron.)

Suggested age of attendees: 15+
No prior experience required; we can teach you how to solder
Total class size is limited to six, and tickets must be purchased in advance.