Could these be used as control surfaces...?

[drissa]

I discovered a fantastic site, featuring loads of old control surfaces usually hired to the film industry. Do you think the controls/switches on this sort of thing could be incorporated into a DIY bending/MIDI control surface...?

http://www.bobsbits.tv/Component.aspx?catid=5&resid=891

Forgive me if I'm way off - I have minimal electrical knowledge. But if the pots still function mechanically, could they not be pressed into service for other signals...?

[Circuitbenders]

theres a few people that make working synths housed in old test equipment cases and vintage electronic enclosure. Tim kaisers stuff for a http://timkaiser.org/instruments or check out this steampunk circuit bent/synth gallery http://www.musicradar.com/news/tech/17-amazing-steampunk-synthesizer-mods-224905/1

Theres no reason why anything with knobs and switches on that Bobs Bits site couldn't be made to actually work as a synth or a control surface, as long as they were real pots and switches. Theres certainly some interesting parts for sale in the special offers section http://www.bobsbits.tv/SpecialOffers.aspx

[drissa]

Thanks for the reassurance. I can feel a new project coming on - one that leaves a stack of half-finished creations and no music to show for it... ; )