Welcome to Just Say Noise! This is a platform to display my Oscillators, Contact Microphone Instruments, Circuit Bending and various music and video projects, as well as, to connect with others who share similar interests. My Oscillators are low voltage instruments that produce audio tones controlled by buttons, knobs and switches. My Piezoelectric Microphone (Contact Mic) Instruments  are "found objects" or reworked musical instruments with the addition of a Contact Mic. A Contact Mic converts vibrations into an audible signal. Circuit Bending or Hardware Hacking is the short-circuiting of electronic devices such as children's toys, radios or games to create new sounds never intended by the designers of the device. The new sounds can be controlled using buttons, knobs and switches inserted into the short-circuited signal paths.

     So why do I hack toys and build noisemakers? I guess I do this to satisfy my own creative, musical and do-it-yourself curiosity. I have always enjoyed exploring, constructing and taking things apart to figure out how they work. In light of our obsessive consumption, mass produced waste and culture of violence, I feel that transforming or re-purposing a discarded product into a unique instrument is an artistic, empowering and subversive act. But mostly, I hack toys and build noisemakers because it's fun.

     This site is primarily for documenting my journey through audio and visual exploration, instrument (de)construction and to inspire others. I do sell some of my creations for those who are interested. They are available directly from me or at Old Town Music and the Trade Up Music stores in Portland, Oregon. Check out the Buy One page for pictures of the items I have sold. If you have questions, comments or suggestions please post a message in the Guestbook or send me an email. Additional videos of my Noisemakers can be viewed on my You Tube Channel. I hope this site and my creations inspire you to MAKE SOME NOISE! Thanks for looking (and listening).    - Jason Ferris