They do write books that show you how to do those things, but they wouldn't give you the equipment and facilities. When you are starting out at something it is nice to spend time with people who actually do the work.

I cut my own hair.

I jerk myself off.
Does that count?

I've gotten into DIY audio this past year, starting with building a pre amp from a circuit that was recommended to me by a tube guru friend of mine. After that, I built a phono stage from a kit (Bottlehead Seduction) I also upgraded the caps in that piece. Finally, I built a single ended direct heated triode amp utilizing the 45 tube. All of this was done with phone/email assistance from the tube friend, without his help I could not have done it, so I guess it wasn't a total DIY effort, but a start in the right direction. I found learning amp building very difficult and still feel like my knowledge and skills are rather limited.

There is a definite sense of satisfaction from DIY electronics: fixing it yourself, listening to your own creation, savng money etc....

The DIY electronic thing is starting to seep into the rest of my existence as I'm trying to become more self reliant in other areas.

My band is a DIY affair, we do all of our own stuff, no managers or labels or any of that stuff, much more satisfying, way less pressure. Don't do our own recording though...

I will repair my motorcycle and cars whenever possible, change the oil, repair household appliances, plumbing, grow tons of vegetables and herbs, have brewed beer, jar vegetables, fix my guitars and cabs, I have my own business which keep me busy with print and interactive design work.

Generally, I take amps to someone who knows what they're doing, but have always wanted to learn how everything works, recommendations anyone?

I dress myself.

Christopher J. McGarvey wrote:I dress myself.

Yes, but _Dragon ties your shoes.

Mr. Chimp wrote:

Christopher J. McGarvey wrote:I dress myself.

Yes, but _Dragon ties your shoes.

Yeah...

Well...

I eat my own food.

I can repair pedals, cables, amps, guitars, and most other audio equipment. I'll also make new cables out of other "broken" ones.

I'm too cheap to buy books about repairing things, so I'll download them.

I self-release my music (create artwork/liner notes/burn the copies myself, etc.) If I'm playing a show, I'll print my own flyers for it. I know how to splice tape.

I've also fixed "broken" cell phones and other electronic devices with nothing but a piece of scotch tape. Sometimes the simplest ways are the best ways.

i'm terrible with electronics, so i always have to send that out.

but i can build websites, design in print and web form. i'm not bad with some recording techniques. i also know how to use a camera (worked in photography for six years professionally). all this comes in handy while being in a band.

i can also cook and sew, which is handy on tour!