“Gone are the days of actually “punching” in the number. And gone are the days of angrily slamming down the phone, or even thoughtfully placing it on the kitchen counter for your mom to pick up (it was for her!). For better or worse, we’ve largely traded in those clunky devices for sleek smartphones that don’t encourage the same kind of playfulness. But what if we could preserve a bit of that fun and rescue some tech from obsolescence in the process?
During this workshop, we will focus on the creative reuse of the common office phone and keypad console dock. Found in abundance at recycling centers and dumps, these devices are easy to repurpose as musical instruments with a few “hardware hacks.” First, we will rewire the phone, using the speaker component as a microphone to produce that unmistakable crunchy, lo-fi sound. Next, we will build a 9V battery adapter to power the keypad console and add a ¼” audio output to amplify and effect the multi-toned synth engine that produces the dial beeps.
By the end of the workshop, each participant will leave with a completed Beep Phone: a working phone mic, and a corresponding keypad synth powered by a 9V battery - each with its own audio output.”