no edit summary
No edit summary |
|||
Line 5:
== Aesthetics ==
Fabricating attractive front panels for a synthesizer can be a real challenge. Great care should go into creating an attractive synthesizer. The quality of work put into a guitar build, chrome fittings, pearl inlays, exotic woods all help inspire the musician and so it should be with the synthesizer. The design of a good-looking system requires much time spent mentally going over the various relationships of the modules and how the instrument will be used.<ref name="henry">''Build a Better Music Synthesizer'' by Thomas Henry, Tab Books, 1987, {{ISBN
It's usual for front panels to have the function or model name along the top edge and the designer's name or the brand name along the bottom edge.
Line 27:
Controls for particular functions can be grouped together by panel graphics. Individual controls labels can be with text and others with graphics. Scales can be indicated with tick marks. Signal routing can be indicated. Besides writing or painting directly on the panel by hand, there are a number of different methods to add labelling. Traffolyte laminate or Dymo embossed labels were once common. Adhesive labels tend to fall off after a while. Laser printed graphics are common now, as well as a variety of iron-on transfer methods.<ref name="fpemw" />
Note that for some of the methods listed here panels can be given a protective coating of matte or gloss clear lacquer after labeling. Some materials are attacked by acrylic or vinyl coatings. Vinyl resists flaking and chipping better than acrylic.<ref name="infill">[https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=52927 Infilling DIY engraved panels?], Muff Wiggler forum, Feb. 2012</ref><ref name="electech">Electronic Techniques: Shop Practices and Construction Paperback by Robert S. Villanucci, Alexander W. Artgis and William F. Megow, Prentice Hall, 1998, {{ISBN
=== Adhesive polyester ===
| |||