Switched On: Austin’s new music electronics store is open for business providing repair, restoration, education, consultation and an array of vintage musical instruments. Come celebrate with us, check out the store, and enjoy live performances by some of Austin’s finest synthesizer bands.
Austin, TX is very lucky to have a truly cosmic soul such as Eric Archer. Eric designs and hand builds brilliant and complex drum machines and various electronic instruments, some of which he showcased at this year’s 5AAASP analog synth party and at the recent 999 drum machine circle.
In honor of all the makers, crafters, circuit benders, freestyle clothing editors, and science fair enthusiasts that will be convening on our fair city for Maker Faire, I thought it would be appropriate to mention a hidden gem for all electronic enthusiasts. now most of us flock to the internet or Radioshack or even Fry’s for most of our component needs. but there is not much of an alternative if just want to go down to a shop and ask some questions. I have known about MC Howards for years but i hadn’t been back since my circuit bending days in high school. i went back and was glad to know this hole in the wall mom and pop circuit shop is still there. the only people i know who know of this place are people who basically grew up here because it is a tiny shop in a commercial wholesale supply district. surrounded by tile warehouses, pvc suppliers and basic computer repair shops, is this place with halls of resistors, ICs, diodes, transformers, and all manner of basic electronic components. also love the style of pricing; in that most stuff is priced but the general tendency is to just eyeball whatever small pile of stuff you want and they put it in a little static free ziplock and give you an even dollar amount that rarely breaks the double digits. the guy working the register even had handouts for a small project on how to build a device that separates hydrogen from water in a manner fitting to apply to ones motor vehicle to reduce fuel consupmtion. So for those looking for weird discontinued ICs or a single component you dont want to have to order multiples of just to make the shipping worth it; this place is highly recommended.
more pics here: Read More »
