I’ve noticed that many web visitors are interested in my custom composer’s desk, so I thought I would make the plans (such that they are) a bit easier to find. This is not supported, you have the plans and you’re on your own. But hopefully it’s useful to someone.
Plans and images ©2006-2018 Jeff Laity
Version 1.00, 2006
Built-in rack detail. Synths are still in the close rack for easy access, processing in the far rack
MIDI keyboard is at a lower height for easy playing. The desk surface is a bit high in practice. If you can find a way, I recommend lowering the desk surface somehow.
This little cubby with all the angles was so hard to visualize in my head, but I didn’t know how to sketch it out. It came out better than expected.
My initial ergonomic study. There was a tradeoff between (MIDI) keyboard height and desk height. I decided I’d rather be more comfortable composing than surfing the web.
Plans part 1. These are unsupported.
Playing with angles and sizes to find the right fit.
Rack detail
Cut list. This may have changed during construction.
Cut diagram for the three pieces of 4×8 oak plywood. I used oak 1×2 for edging, routing a groove on the side.
Rack rail detail. Here’s a tip: when building a rack, screw a blank panel to the top and bottom spaces. Then you have a perfect square to build around, and you won’t build a rack that’s too narrow or too wide.
Did anyone build their own desk? I’d love to see it. Please add a comment.
Aaron
April 2, 2018 at 9:23 pm
Nicely done, Jeff!
But where did the pencil sharpener go?
jlaity
October 13, 2018 at 5:55 pm
The Boston lives, it’s relocated onto another desk to the right of the composing desk. I use that for writing and occasional laptop use.