606 Modifications
The 606 has been the target of many modding endeavors because of it's low price. Luckily this has worked positively more often than not, and the mods on this page reflect that.
Before you attempt any modding, i suggest going to Music Machines and downloading the 606 schematics. Print them out and you should have a couple of nice big pictures of the circuitboards which makes it alot easier to plan out your funky mods.
If you plan on trying to fit large mods inside the 606 itself (and not in an external box), try sawing off the little plastic supports at the "top" of the PCB. Be careful if you take a saw to the PCB itself however, because it's very easy to cut off something important.
DISCLAIMER: NEITHER I NOR THE CREATORS OF THESE MODS WILL TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT YOU DO WITH THIS INFORMATION. IF YOU DAMAGE YOUR EQUIPMENT, IT'S YOUR FAULT, AND YOURS ALONE. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
output1.txt
output2.txt
These two text files describe an easy method of adding individual
outputs for each of your 606 drumsounds. The second file is a
clarification of the first for people who're still a bit worried after
reading the first one.
bassdrum.txt
This describes how to fatten up your 606 bassdrum. It's definitely a
must - after you've heard a modded 606 bassdrum you'll never want to go
back to the old one. You can also make the "fatness" continuously
controllable by putting in a variable resistor (pot) instead of a
static resistor.
ouch.txt
Attempt this at your own risk!
various.txt
tempo.txt
snare.txt
Filip Sneppe <email@not.available> has sent loads of hints on how
to play with your 606. From various cymbal/hihat mods to a fine-tune
tempo knob to snare mods it's all there.
Geoff Waterston 606 Mods
These are the extensive 606 modifications created by Geoff Waterston
and published in the British recording magazine The Mix.
analogs.txt
Tom Carpenter at
Analogue Solutions can turn your 606 into a monster machine, here's
the sales blurb.
fts.txt
Funk Tech Systems do
some 606 mods which greatly expand its sonic potential.
There are even more mods in there if you can find them... The easiest one is to open it up and locate a little white knob slightly to the right of the instrument mix knobs. This controls the snare snappy and toms reverb. It's an easy mod to cut the pot free from the PCB and attach the "legs" to wires stretching up to a new pot on the front panel.
And now for the juicy stuff:
finger.txt
A, erm, "mod" to make your 606 moo. Don't ask.
Solenoid <solenoid@europa.com> suggests painting the grooves in the 606 instrument level knobs with glow in the dark paint to make them slightly more visible when gigging in dark warehouses.
While we're on the subject of paintjobs, you can confuse the hell out of gearspotters by spraying your whole 606 a different color. The controls are so simple you're not likely to make any mistakes anyway. Or what about changing all the normal red LEDs with yellow, green, or even blue LEDs? Great for that retro sci-fi look. To add spice, why not take off the default volume and tempo knobs and replace them with bath taps? Then shrinkwrap it and enjoy your 606 in the shower!