The Chopper Tone – Classic Arcade Custom Controller

Written by Ean Golden on March 4th, 2011 108 Comments

Anyone who has ever casually browsed through our domestic cable must have stumbled upon such gem’s as the “American Chopper” and discovered the unique world of beautiful custom motorcycles. Possibly inspired by that aesthetic, one of our readers has created his own custom Hot Rod: a classic looking arcade controller fitted with all the trimmings including flared faders and a gorgeous wood surface. Continue reading for more photos, tips on building your own DIY controller and even a great video demonstrating this unique instrument in action!

BUILDING MY “CHOPPER TONE”

By: Nick Francis

I think it was a post last year on Create Digital Music (with the announcement of the availability of the builder brain) that inspired me to consider building my own custom MIDI controller. After using Ableton Live for almost five years with standard controllers (Axion 25, Launchpad), I really wanted something that could be used in an intimate live performance situation like coffee houses, living rooms, small theaters. Instead of the standard plastic or aluminum, it had to be wood with soft round edges. I also wanted the face of the instrument with its buttons and pots and sliders to face the audience, rather than be sitting on a desktop, out of view. Something you could play on your lap and (with a strap) standing up. Kind of a cross between an elegantly smooth-carved jewelry box, and a guitar body. Most of all, I wanted this instrument to feel warm and beautiful.

Last fall, I attended a short talk at the Seattle Decibel Festival on building DIY MIDI controllers with Ean Golden. The one suggestion of Ean’s that really stuck with me was this: “Take your time with the design; look at every angle and every possibility.” I took this to heart particularly in regard to working with wood.

As far as choosing the components, pretty much straight away I purchased the Livid Brain and also bought turn boards, slide boards, and a breakout board from them. For buttons, I really dug those arcade buttons that are used on the MIDI fighter. The action and response to the touch are just really great, so I bought 32 black ones directly from DJTT.

For the design of the faceplate, I found some free software from frontpanelexpress.com, which served my purposes. I spent several months toying with all kinds of enclosure shapes and arrangement of components. Here’s a shot of the faceplate:

Because the thickness of the faceplate would have to be around 1/4″, it was necessary to make some adjustment for my pots and sliders (which are designed for thinner sturdier material). I decided to cut a rectangular hole in the faceplate with the exact shape of the slider pot and then attach the slider on top with some kind of guitar pickguard material.

Now to the enclosure. I decided to go “all-in” and hire someone who had some skills. My wife was friends with a fellow in town named Carlos, who did custom woodworking. Carlos had a nice business doing custom furniture work on boats and yachts. Luckily, he was also a big music fan and hosted a weekly world music show on a local radio station. When I came to him and explained and described my project, he totally got it. Carlos suggested a 1/4 inch plywood top of maple burl, with the frame made out of walnut.

One week later the enclosure came back. Here’s what it looked like:

The next project was finishing the wood. I decided to use a very simple, though time consuming process of using Danish finishing oil. Each day I’d put a coat on and then wipe it down. I put nine coats on. By that last coat, it was really starting to shine.

The design for the pickguards came from a Gibson Thunderbird Bass, which were purchased from stewmac.com. Here’s what it looked like about halfway through.

The last assembly section was with the button matrix. Tedious, but doable. And here’s the finished product, both the outside look.

and the inside look.

THE CREATIVE RESULTS

LESSONS LEARNED

Know what your needs are and what you want out of your controller; only go the DIY route if no other controller exists for what you want.
Spend as much time in the design phase as you can; visualize how all the parts will fit in your enclosure, and how you see yourself using it, because once you start, it’s hard to turn back. And once you’re done, it’s inevitable that you’ll see how you could’ve done it better. For me, this was the biggest takeaway from Ean’s talk in Seattle last fall.
Be creative and unique with your enclosure. make something that’ll make fellow controllerists and lay-people stop and do a double-take.
If you’ve never done a major DIY electronics project before – DO NOT FEAR. You can do it. Just take your time, go step by step, and ask for help. There are loads of tutorials and instructions on all kinds of stuff online. And don’t be afraid to ask an experienced neighbor, friend, or acquaintance. Live real time mentoring is great.
Enjoy the process, even when you’re stuck or frustrated. This is a prime reason for any DIY project; you learn so much along the way.
Once you’re done, start making music…and don’t stop!

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

I just love this project, it really brings an entirely different set of influences into a world of controllers and music software normally dominated by high technology. It also never ceases to amaze me how many unique and special people are attracted to the world of DJing with controllers. Nick is hardly what you might assume our typical reader is like and I just love that.

- Ean Golden

Here are a few details about Nick from his own words:

I’m Not a DJ (not in the way you guys are) but a longtime radio broadcaster, specializing in programming and production, with an focus on jazz.
I’m also the Music Director at KPLU in Seattle (NPR), and jazz24.org
I’ve had a passion for chopping up and reconfiguring audio ever since the days when 1/4 inch tape & razor blades were the tools.
I really love and appreciate what you guys are doing and think these new digital DJ tools are fantastic.

I Loved This Article >

Afrowhitieeee

Incredible – really awesome controller and i think your Fats Waller mashup sounds great!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=715877430 Edwin Oppedijk

Wow – beautiful peace of custom gear and very nice remix.
Synthetix

really great. never before have I viewed a midi controller as an actual instrument in this way.
Kobb

Amazing mashup! The best thing Ive heard in a long time. True genious at work.
Anthologic

Great looking controller… even better mash-up!!!
Rdperry

Wow, it’s so weird to see a midi controller being used to mess around with jazz music, not to mention that beautiful piece of artwork. Great job Nick!
Michielygil

that wiring is so clean!
http://amazonbeat.blogspot.com/ Plauto

Quite unique and very beautiful, perhaps of great value, when the Native Instruments wake up and create a step pattern sequencer to be used with cue points, when this occurs abandonment Ableton Live.
joemaffei

Where did you get the circuit boards?
http://twitter.com/djmarcelektro Marco F

Wow that was an amazing video! I loved the fact that you used your controller like an instrument AND played a jazz mix with it! You must have put a lot of effort into that and it shows in the video. If there’s a new project I can’t wait to see it!
I1Kirm

I’m speechless. You just opened a whole new world of possibilities to me. And the mashup was great! Well done
another

Nick wants us to call him as big daddy with these last sentences ” really love and appreciate what you guys are doing and think these new digital DJ tools are fantastic.” =)
http://www.facebook.com/people/PaulHolland-DoubleDutchdj/100001027166218 PaulHolland DoubleDutchdj

all the info for specs is in the article dude! Use those peeper’s
http://www.facebook.com/people/PaulHolland-DoubleDutchdj/100001027166218 PaulHolland DoubleDutchdj

Seriously huge massive piles of respect, on so many levels you done a great job!
TENOTCH

BRAVO!!!!
sD

This manages to be both classy AND badass.
http://guerrilla-stoemp.blogspot.com La Japonaise Moustachue

Amazing!!!!!!!! (Both the controller and the mashup)
R3 bonaire

hopy respect from Bonaire. as you say yourself ,not a DJ but i give you a true controllerist. 1/4 inch tape and razorblades are build in your chopper(for me also 30yrs ago). I know a Jazz Cafe that would like to have you play live……just frkn awsome man…..
http://www.cooloutmusic.com COOLOUT

I hope this becomes a solid trend in controllerism…more diversity in users and the performed material.

The controller looks stunning. The only things I would have added would be some sort visual LED feedback and a system to label the knobs and buttons. That thing looks too good to just use a cheap homemade labels.

The idea of performing with the controller in your lap like you would an acoustic guitar seems like a really viable approach. You could just put the laptop on the floor with zoom on ableton cranked up.

All of this reminds me of how Futureman from Bela Fleck’s band is really from the future: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BPpy1lLvys
Karlos Santos

Ladies & Gentlemen I think we have a new hero in our midst.
That is a stunning application of controllerism. What a guy.
Tcharles

As both a swing dancer and a swing DJ I can only express my thanks a thousand times : there are too few mashups/remixes of this kind and it’s really inspiring.

As a controllerist I can only say : damn! This controller is better-looking than my last girlfriend =)
Santielenaiscool

awesome work, i’d like to have something like that one day, i disagree with the “used like an instrument” to me it’s still used like a controller to activate clips and mix/fx them rather than an instruments to play notes, have you ever seen the Zendrum, http://www.zendrum.com/ that’s next on my list
http://corporation.tumblr.com corporation

wow. loving the jazz mash and the beauty of the controller.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=663316880 Phil Morse

Second all of the above, inspiring stuff.
Mikael

truly incredible, fantastic work. Allowing the usage of the controller so the audience can see what’s going on is a great idea!
fleater

I have been following this for some time on the Livid Instruments website as an Ohm64 user and lover!
Well done for this gorgeous piece of kit!
M Live

Pure Genius!!!
Rokku

Gibson Thunderbird bass or Gibson Firebird guitar…there was never a Fender Thunderbird…

Sorry, long time bass player.
http://www.facebook.com/4P1ay Tomii Forsythe

pure amazing.
http://www.facebook.com/piopro James ‘Pioneer’ Burkill

PURE QUALITY!!! in every sence of the work fantastic work :0
Fusor010

Ean, my friend, thanks…
http://soundcloud.com/cpoynter cpoynter

Amazing. Simply amazing. It’s so great to see that it isn’t just my generation staying on the cutting edge of technology and creativity. What an inspiration!!!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Nick-Francis/726367250 Nick Francis

You’re right Rokku. I never corrected the original post from the forum. Gibson it is.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Nick-Francis/726367250 Nick Francis

Thanks to all of you for your attention & respect. I so much appreciate it. I really believe that digital music making is the folk music of the 21st century. It’s a beautiful thing to watch it all evolve & be a small part of it too. NF
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_DUFCQ3PPGO2NG4NGZFQM567X4Q Aaron

What kind of boards did you use for all your wiring and how much were they
http://www.facebook.com/people/Nick-Francis/726367250 Nick Francis

http://www.lividinstruments.com/hardware_builder.php
http://www.graphicdesignstolemysoul.com Priscilla

Beautiful Nick. You seem like a true gentleman, who appreciates the art of music.
Dj caine

ha ha I just knew youd like this one wicked :-)
Mr Draxx

NOW THAT’S BEING A KID AND HAVING FUN! CLASS ACT HANDS DOWN. THANK YOU NICK FOR THE INSPIRATION
LOL

very clean build… but the controller looks really heavy and akward to have in your lap… especially since it is the size of a install console…..

With what your using it for seems like you should shoot for something half the size/weight thats more lap or “guitar strap” friendly replace half them buttons knobs with 1 shift button/rotary and lighten your load!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Nick-Francis/726367250 Nick Francis

Appreciate the critique. The shift button/rotary thing is a good suggestion. (I think it’s a modification that can work with what I have now.) Although it might appear to look heavy, it’s not. (The front and back pieces are 1/4″ plywood–very light. Ironically, the most weight comes from the 20 metal pots). And whatever awkwardness I show comes mostly from the unfamiliarity of using it. The tactile feeling of this thing is amazing; it’s a joy to behold…literally.
http://djtechtools.com Michael Mitchell

awesome work!
joemaffei

duh.
http://www.facebook.com/people/PaulHolland-DoubleDutchdj/100001027166218 PaulHolland DoubleDutchdj

The materials/types of wood used would make this a lot lighter than it looks. The obvious cool thing about DIY controllers you can tailor it exactly to personal taste. If this little beauty was mine I think I’d long for a back lit arcade mod like the one’s found in this other epic diy vintage TechTools post http://www.djtechtools.com/2009/06/22/more-arcade-buttons/
Soundshock

Go out and Publish this great tune !
rasmus

he is the shit :)

damn it i love jazz and im really amazed what the guy and ableton live are able to do. very creative
Bigbeatzz

Epic
http://twitter.com/Stphnvlstk Stphnvlstk

This project takes the word badass to a whole new level. People like you inspire me! Looking forward to a new video when you have really mastered your new instrument!
Coldfuzion

That’s simply awesome!
http://www.djaleem.com Aleem Mohamed

Well done Nick. All the best.
Educateteam

Awesome Job on the controller and the track! The controller looks very elegant – market them to and through DJTT =)
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=530718492 Pablo ‘Charlie’ Rodriguez

I just have a word!!.. Awesomenessssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Zac Kyoti

Thanks Nick, for the beautiful work and the creative application of sound. I’ve always loved the idea of controllers as instruments rather than simply consoles. There’s some interesting work going on out there with this trend – misa guitar, zendrum, reactable, onyx ashanti, etc, – I think you’re definitely on to something with the chopper tone!
Taz

So cool to get to see someone else’s interpretation on controllerism and potential benefits of using it.
earl panda

i just fell in love with a piece of wood and some plastic attached on it!
great work nick! this really is a big inspiration!
Nicky H

Beautiful – thats not a word normally associated with controllers – great job!
razmakati

Blown away!!

This is awesome

Thanks alot!!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001768084621 Rolf Ski

Nick, you’re the man. Truly inspirational stuff. Seeing this only wishes me for more diversity in the digital dj world.
OGP

Big up! Does Nick Francis produce his own music does anyone know?
http://twitter.com/ruslanmusic Ruslan

Man I can only imagine how good the build quality is. This guy is an OG!
John Smith

Great post and even greater piece of kit i’m sure this will inspire many to make their own controllers from here on in. But please try not to flex your neck so much. I’m a sports therapist and this will really cause you problems in the long run. I’m sure once you are more familiar with it you will look down less, much like a guitarist. Also big up to all the other comments on here for showing this senior member some much deserved RESPECT.
Uncledj401

TOTAL Old Man Crush.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=44602925 Derek Richard

yah, that things epicccccc, repeating what everyone else has all ready said, Great Work, simply amazing.
Evan

Yeah i would describe this as more of a “Live Re-Edit”
http://twitter.com/GUNNERBASS GUNNER BASS

OMC Nick Francis you Legend YOU! Jawdropping stuff and a badass performance bro.
Anonymous

Nick I want to compliment you on this milestone achievement. It’s good to know that people who are older and wiser are turning to DJTT for inspiration. That was an incredible remix. I love Jazz music, just like I love Deep House and Techno. I hope some djs or musicians would someday stop the hate and accept the revolution occurring within the music industry.
Peace!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=519701030 Sam Parker

the idea of remixes of jazz music for coffee bar type environments is absolutely amazing and completely unique.
http://www.facebook.com/ronniemcbride Ronnie McBride

That has to be one of the classiest controllers and concept I have seen in a long time. Very inspirational work.
Adexcgvr

This doesnt look like a DJ instrument at all. It’s more like a guitar or a bass. And thats un a good way :)
http://www.facebook.com/colin.mcgonagill Colin McGonagill

Love the remixing. Sounds so Classy. I want to try this with some of my sets now. I am going to have to get some “good” music now.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Nick-Francis/726367250 Nick Francis

Thanks OGP. I produce and host a weekly radio show (16 years running). It’s called “Quietmusic”, a very mellow jazz-meets-ambient mix. I post an hour of my show every week and have a nice following over at Mixcloud:
http://www.mixcloud.com/quietmusic/
Andie

You sir, are a legend.
Good

Great job on the controller, great article, more innovative stuff like this.

Again good job nick
Gbrown44

I actually clapped a round of applause to you… Good work sir.
Gbrown44

And might I come back and say i’m truly inspired and delighted at your age (even though you did not post it)… As I was wondering if the desire would die out one day, you give me hope that it never will…
Anonymous

I am, completely and utterly awestruck!
RICERIDER2010

beautiful! hell of a job!
http://1ikkai.com/?p=1550 ????MIDI???????The Choppertone | ????/ikkai

[...] Nick Francis?????????Ableton Live????????The Choppertone??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Francis??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????MIDI??????????????Livid Builder Kit??????????????????????DJ tech tool`s fighter??????????????????????????????????????? [...]
http://www.facebook.com/Danny.Riot.the.Dj.Mellen Danny RiottheDj Mellen

what a breath of fresh air, this truly puts a sunday smile on my face….
I have been putting of a few mods lately because I was afraid to, but I guess I know what I am going to do today, with a great mellow mix from your mixcloud…
thanks m8
Muzikmonkee

I rarely comment on posts here but all I can say is WOW. I am a fan nick. I love that you prove that the love of music is timeless and ageless
Nancreations

Nick, congratulations on your work. I find it very inspiring, and I feel that this community thanks to people like is becomming an excelent resource not only for technical stuff, but also of influence for people to try and do their own thing musically. You made my day man!
http://www.deepbass.com/portfolio Brad Shaw

Wow, just wow. Really gorgeous work on your controller, quite the inspiration. Your remix is bordering on the Jackin’ House sound from known sometimes as Swing House. See what Flapjack Records from Chicago is doing with the likes of Frankie J, Wattie Green, Scrubfish and Laurence et all using jazz/swing samples and a jacking house beat. You could have a nice little hit there on your hands!

Damn double post. Tried to remove it through Disqus but it only made it “Guest”… sorry!
Guest

Wow, just wow. Really gorgeous work on your controller, quite the inspiration. Your remix is bordering on the Jackin’ House sound from known sometimes as Swing House. See what Flapjack Records from Chicago is doing with the likes of Frankie J, Wattie Green, Scrubfish and Laurence et all using jazz/swing samples and a jacking house beat. You could have a nice little hit there on your hands!
http://www.bizmuth.com DJ Bizmuth

I can’t wait to see what else you come up with. This controller looks like it has a ton of potential, and I love the symmetrically angled faders. Cheers!
http://www.facebook.com/anthonytay Anthony Tay

This is absolutely jaw dropping incredible.
http://www.facebook.com/zachfeldman Zach Feldman

This just made my night-the controller is beautiful beyond belief and a true instrument! Your remix was also amazing, I’ve never even considered working in jazz. You’re an inspiration, keep up the great work!
http://djgirish.com DJ Girish

Awesome. Very inspiring.
Anonymous

Way to go Nick! What a beautiful controller!
http://djtechtools.com/forum/showthread.php?p=191415&posted=1#post191415 Bonito_

really nice,

i have a question, how was the wiring of the button made to be kept that simple?
Anonymous

Beautiful controller
Teo

I read here alot and have to say that this is by far one of the most inspiring pieces to date… Watch out Ean…lol
Teo

I read here alot and have to say that this is by far one of the most inspiring pieces to date… Watch out Ean…lol
Diego

i wanna be his son
Diego

i wanna be his son
Blake Lawrence

I was already proud to know Nick and to have worked with him in radio. And now I’m floored by this truly astounding invention! It’s important that more of the world (outside of the broadcasting biz) gets to know what an innovator he is, and here’s the proof.
Blake Lawrence

I was already proud to know Nick and to have worked with him in radio. And now I’m floored by this truly astounding invention! It’s important that more of the world (outside of the broadcasting biz) gets to know what an innovator he is, and here’s the proof.
http://createdigitalmusic.com/2011/05/a-controller-love-supreme-beautifully-crafted-wooden-jazz-controller-with-ableton-live/ A Controller Love Supreme: Beautifully-Crafted Wooden Jazz Controller with Ableton Live

[...] Nick has build details on DJ TechTools, as posted in March: The Chopper Tone – Classic Arcade Custom Controller [...]
http://journal.ocular-witness.com/?p=6700 A Controller Love Supreme: Beautifully-Crafted Wooden Jazz Controller with Ableton Live – machine quotidienne

[...] has build details on DJ TechTools, as posted in March: The Chopper Tone – Classic Arcade Custom Controller [DJ Tech [...]
http://www.facebook.com/laurence.willis Laurence Willis

Nick, you truly are an inspiration to all of us. Making live remixes on your own custom midi controller….that’s what it’s all about. Keep jammin man!
http://hughs031.wordpress.com/2011/05/07/the-jazz-fan-who-invented-a-machine-to-make-his-own-mashups/ The Jazz Fan Who Invented A Machine To Make His Own Mashups | hughs031

[...] company called Ableton. I finished the project in February and was really proud of the work. I posted the whole build process on the forum at DJ TechTools, a website dedicated to DJs and other EDM [electronic dance music] [...]
http://myvubopefe.wordpress.com/2011/05/09/the-jazz-fan-who-invented-a-machine-to-make-his-own-mashups/ The Jazz Fan Who Invented A Machine To Make His Own Mashups | myvubopefe

[...] company called Ableton. I finished the project in February and was really proud of the work. I posted the whole build process on the forum at DJ TechTools, a website dedicated to DJs and other EDM [electronic dance music] [...]
http://www.djtechtools.com/2011/06/21/diy-midi-still-more-fun-in-2011/ DJ TechTools | DIY MIDI: Still More Fun in 2011?

[...] loved Nick Francis’s Chopper Tone when we featured it earlier this year. It has a beautiful aesthetic, and Nick really thought about his needs when it [...]
http://blog.mi.edu/post/Meet-the-Choppertone.aspx Musicians Institute Blog

Meet the “Choppertone” the First Performance-Oriented MIDI Controller…

Meet the “Choppertone” the First Performance-Oriented MIDI Controller…
http://www.djayggregator.com/2011/12/01/the-choppertone-custom-midi-controller-for-ableton-live-%e2%80%93-nick-francis-video-interview/ The Choppertone: Custom MIDI Controller for Ableton Live – Nick Francis Video Interview + | Djayggregator

[...] interview and intimate live performance and demonstration on his own custom-built MIDI controller The Choppertone along with Ableton [...]
http://stereoklang.se/blog/the-choppertone-custom-midi-controller-for-ableton-live-nick-francis-interview The Choppertone – Custom MIDI Controller for Ableton Live + Nick Francis Interview : Steelberry Clones

[...] More info here >> [...]
http://online-music-lessons.info/2011/12/the-choppertone-custom-midi-controller-for-ableton-live-%e2%80%93-nick-francis-video-interview/ The Choppertone: Custom MIDI Controller for Ableton Live – Nick Francis Video Interview + « Music Lessons « MUSIC LESSONS

[...] interview and intimate live performance and demonstration on his own custom-built MIDI controller The Choppertone along with Ableton [...]
http://vienne.co/gio-xach Helawowana68

I’m actually really pleased that readers did ask some tough questions about the new Moogerfooger in comments on that story, and I’ll make sure we get those questions addressed directly to the engineer. Talking to the actual engineer and not just going through the filter of marketing is really important to me.

If you’ve got more – particularly those from an engineering perspective – let us know.

I’m also excited to mix and mingle someone working with a major-name maker and some of the folks on the DIY side of things.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Nick-Francis/726367250 Nick Francis

Update: Finally! A new Choppertone video up now; mashing up “My Generation”. http://youtu.be/UeQO-_c5pcQ