“The Road to Your Complete DIY Equipment” Now Starts!

Long time no see!
Starting today, I plan to write a series of articles on crafting audio equipment. Can I keep it going? We’ll see!
My goal is to create something that’s affordable, simple yet high-performing, with better sound quality than professional gear, and looks cool (according to my taste). Let’s aim to build a one-of-a-kind piece of DIY equipment.

Before we get started, here are some essential tools you’ll need.
I’ll also explain why each tool is necessary, so please understand the reasons and purchase accordingly.

1. Soldering Iron (Recommended: Hakko Presto with a switchable power range from 20W to 130W)

This is an absolute must. Whether you’re crafting or repairing, you’ll definitely need it.
The reason for the switchable power is that while 20W-30W is sufficient for crafting, sometimes 30W isn’t enough for repairs.
Fresh solder melts easily, but once it’s been used and solidified, the board’s patterns and the soldered parts can dissipate heat, making it harder to melt at the same temperature.

2. Rosin-Core Solder

I recommend SN60 or SN63, which are easy to handle. SN60 means a 60% tin and 40% lead ratio. Solder with silver or different ratios can be harder to melt, making them more challenging to use.

Kester / KESTER44 1-Pound Roll

I use KESTER44-SN63/37 and KESTER285-SN63/37, but since they are expensive, Japanese-made products are also fine.

3. Screwdrivers

Get one thick and one thin each for both Phillips and flathead.
In my experience, the thick Phillips and thin flathead are the most frequently used.
While you can find them at a dollar store, I recommend buying sturdy Japanese-made ones because cheap ones might not be hardened and can damage screw heads.
I personally use Vessel screwdrivers.

4. Spanner

You can also find these at a dollar store, but cheap ones can loosen as you turn them, making it difficult to hold properly and sometimes even causing injury. So, I suggest purchasing a decent one.
If it rattles when you shake it a few times while holding the handle, it’s a no-go. Spanners are surprisingly frequently used, so it's worth having a good one.

5. Nippers

Pickboy’s SC-150 String Cutter is the best choice.

Pickboy / SC-150 String Cutter for Steel Strings

It has an excellent cutting edge and can easily snip off excess component leads and wires without much effort. The thin blades can easily reach tight spots, making it perfect for precise cutting.
The sharpness, durability, and ease of use at this price point are exceptional.

6. Needle-Nose Pliers

No specific brand is required, but make sure to choose one with no unnecessary gap when the tips are closed.

Fernandes / R-1200

7. Tweezers

These are surprisingly often needed.
If you solder components as they are, they may have oil or rust, and even if the solder appears to adhere, it might not conduct.
Lightly rubbing the leads with tweezers can make them shiny and ensure the solder sticks properly. Although the tips are prone to bending, dollar store tweezers will do just fine.
They come in various shapes, so buy 2-3 types.

8. Ruler

Buy a 300 mm metal ruler from a dollar store.
You’ll need it to measure the length of circuit boards and cables, and to plan the layout of parts.
Also, when you have an itch on your back, a 300 mm ruler works best!

9. Wrench Set

Kikutani / SY-01

These are used for attaching knobs, but guitar and bass accessories can also be used if they fit. Have a range from 1 mm to about 3 mm in 0.5mm increments.

10. Digital Multimeter

This is the most expensive item, but a good one will last a lifetime. Choose a high-quality one based on your budget.
I recommend Fluke, the industry standard and the go-to for professional-grade testers.
The 87V is ideal, but since it’s pricey, a pocket-sized model will do.
The 101 model is cheaper, but can check continuity, resistance, voltage, and diodes, and it offers the same measurement accuracy as professional models.

11. Utility Knife

Any large utility knife will do, and it’s even better if you have spare blades.

12. Wire Stripper

Given that you might use Teflon wire, it’s essential to choose one with durability and a good cutting edge.
The Miller 821 is perfect.
I’ve used mine for years.
However, avoid using it to cut component leads, as doing so with Japanese products could damage the blades permanently.

13. Hand Drill

To cut costs, opt for a corded drill.
Cordless drills lose torque as the battery weakens, making them difficult to use. They’re also surprisingly heavy, which can be dangerous when using thin drill bits.
You’ll also need drill bits ranging from 1.5 mm to 7 mm.
While cheap drills are okay, use quality bits.
Poorly made bits might not align properly, causing them to wobble and become a safety hazard when rotating.

14. Power Strip

Finally, buy a power strip that can be placed on your workbench.
It doesn’t have to be expensive, but make sure it has a switch that allows you to turn everything on or off at once, to avoid leaving any equipment on after you finish your work.

I’ll do my best to minimize the need for special tools as we proceed with the DIY projects, but if you have these tools, you’re well-prepared to start your DIY journey

They should all fit in one drawer, so they won’t take up much space.
Once you have these tools, stay tuned for the next blog update.

The first DIY project we’ll tackle is making a “Guitar and Bass Exclusive High-Quality Direct Box”! Stay tuned!