Worthwhile DIY kit (audio, test equip., cool toy) for newbs

[cincin]

I'm learning basic electronics and loving it, but I'm still a total newb.

I'm itching to solder and do more hands-on learning (along with the theoretical learning), and I'm out of things to fix or modify. So I started looking for cheap DIY kits/projects that might yield something fun or useful. I'd appreciate any recommendations you might have for a fun and worthwhile DIY project!

I'm mostly into audio and music (synths, drum machines), but I'd also be interested in building a tool that might be useful for future electronic works (still need an o-scope, variable power supply, etc), or a cool tech toy just for fun (I saw a thermal imaging kit advertised on here, but it's a bit pricey).

It obviously doesn't have to be a packaged kit, it could be some schematics/instructions/parts list.

I'm not looking to spend much.

Thanks!

[Manul]

Not exactly what you asked, but these are quite cool and fun books, likely available as pdf's online:

101 Spy Gadgets for the Evil Genius
Electronic Gadgets for the Evil Genius

[tunk]

- signal generator, e.g. ICL8038, XR2206
- LM317 PSU kit

[ledtester]

I'm mostly into audio and music (synths, drum machines), ...

It obviously doesn't have to be a packaged kit, it could be some schematics/instructions/parts list.

I'm not looking to spend much.

You might check at this youtube channel:

casperelectronics synthesizers
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-optxul3FrunxcuQlMYbrg

e.g. videos like this:

Casper Electronics DIY synth building. Part 1: Oscillators
https://youtu.be/FaoJaLmZaL4

which shows how much you can do with a single logic chip + some resistors and caps.

[cincin]

which shows how much you can do with a single logic chip + some resistors and caps.

That might just be exactly what I'm looking for! Bonus points for the process being educative. Cheers!

[RJSV]

   I built a LESLIE (tm) SPEAKER personal copy.
Not sure about trade and legal laws: certainly don't be going into that business...but...

   At any rate you use a 12 inch speaker, for nice good bass end bottom. Speaker points upwards, plus there needs to be a bearing, co-axial, I used 3 thin 'spokes' suspending that bearing, while you've got a rotating 'horn' up there, using the bearing.
   Another option, puts speaker up top, enclosed in wood box, points down, into mouth of rotating horn. Like a carousel, I liked to include a strong metal axel, plus a second ball bearing raceway (roller skate-like), down at bottom end of axel shaft.
   It helps to use a low power Variac, I got lucky and salvaged a nice Variac... No pulse EMFs caused by electronic switching for motor speed. Variacs produce adjustable voltage outputs, with no pulse output.
   For reference, see most Hammond Organ literature.
   Great for 'airing out' your guitar sound space...

[pqass]

These should keep you busy for a while:
https://sound-au.com/
http://musicfromouterspace.com/

[Jan Audio]

You have single supply ?, then search for single supply schematics.
Most schematics are dual supply.