Fastmatt - How to Circuit Bend a Speak & Spell (Howto Show)

In 2008 I got to travel to NYC to collaborate on a howto video for circuit bending. The resulting series called The Howto Show was hosted on MTV's website for about 10 years before they eventually took it down.
It was a memorable weekend and I hope the video continues to inspire others to tinker and create.
I still circuit bend and sell these vintage electronic toys - www.fastmatt.com
Video is ©2x4 Inc.
180 Varick Street
16th Floor
New York, NY 10014
212 647 1170
[e-mail]

[@professionalhater2809]

Maybe some map of your bends?

[@slowjenzblessedbeyondmeasure]

Fun video!

[@fastmatt_circuit_bent]

Glad you like it!

[@fawf9363]

Hello from Calgary, Canada @fastmatt.. I found one of your Circuit Bent Speak & Spell in a thrift store today and I didn't really know much about it, but it looked cool, so I bought it. It's the "Circuit Bent Speak & and Spell ROUND BUTTONS" model and it has a handwritten note at the back of the battery cover saying "Bent by FastMatt 1-13-08". When I figured out what it was, I installed 4 fresh batteries, but unfortunately it's not working as expected and I was wondering if you could repair this item and how much would it cost me. Thanks very much! Fabio.

[@fastmatt_circuit_bent]

Wow, what a trip that it ended up in a thrift store - that’s a great find as I sell that model for $249 normally when I have them in stock. But definitely happy to help! The first thing to check is that the batteries are in correctly as per the diagram, and make sure the metal contacts are touching them - the round button model’s battery contacts sometimes need a little adjustment. You then want to make sure the bend circuits are off. There are two switches on the sides - one is a 3-way loop switch - put it in the center position (off). The other switch is a two way (glitch). Put it in the lower (off) position. See the pitch knob? Turn it so that it is at the center of its travel, not all the way up or down. With those bends set that way it should work like it did from the factory. Next, turn on the power switch at lower right corner. THEN press the ON button on the keyboard. Did it come on? Should hear sound, see the display show ‘SPELL A’.

[@fawf9363]

@@fastmatt_circuit_bent Hi again and thanks for your quick reply. Sorry it took me a few days to respond. I know you sell this model for $249 and I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I downloaded the manual for this specific item and it's definitely acting weird. I get the "SPELL A" on the screen, but I can't get past that. Right switches are off, knob is on center, left switch is on and when I press the ON button, the message "SPELL A" appears, but that's it.. No matter what buttons I press, the machine doesn't do anything. Both blue lights are on. Not sure what's wrong with it and I imagine it would be difficult for you to tell me something with the poor description I'm giving you; but it would be great to get this machine working again. Any thoughts? Thanks again!

[@fastmatt_circuit_bent]

@@fawf9363 please email me privately and we can make arrangements. Email address should be visible on the manual😎 one way or another we’ll get it singing again.

[@fawf9363]

@@fastmatt_circuit_bent Email sent.. (hopefully I have the right email address. I sent two emails, first one bounced, second one hopefully went to the current email) Thanks!