More by the author:

Garage Wall Storage Rack for Multiple Bikes, Scooters, and Assorted Items

Guitar Killswitch Install (Push-to-Mute and Push-to-Play)

About: Engineer, Clemson grad, writer, maker of random contraptions for fun and profit. More About JeremySCook »

Hello! In this Instructables I'll outline how to make your own sound-reactive guitar strap using addressable LEDs along with a Circuit Playground Express board.

Supplies

Parts:

Circuit Playground Express (CPE): [Amazon]
Aligator Clips: [Amazon]
Guitar strap for modification: Aliexpress, Amazon, etc
Zip ties

Tools:

Hole punch kit: [Amazon]
Hot glue gun

Code/Files:

Code [may need modification for # of LEDs used]
3D-Printed holder

*Note that Amazon links are affiliate

Step 1: Attach Holder and LEDs

Slide the battery and CPE board into place as shown, then hot glue the assembly to the end of the strap.

LED strips will typically have adhesive on one side, but poke some holes as shown and use zip ties to really fasten it down. Sewing would also likely work.

Step 2: Code

Install circuitpython code from this repository. You'll want to modify the NUM_PIXELS_EXTRA value to correspond to the number of LEDs on your strip (or PCBs as outlined below). Adafruit has lots of info on using and coding these devices here.

Step 3: Connect LED Outputs

Connect Vout and GND to the corresponding addressable LED pins. The control signal is via A0 per the way it is coded, but that could be modified. Note that the signal only goes one way.

Here Dupont connectors with alligator clips are used for an easy solderless connection, but soldering would be even better.

Step 4: PCB Version

While using an LED strip is fairly easy, if you happen to have extra PCBs with addressable LEDs onboard lying around, or want to purchase a few, you can do largely the same thing with them. Check out the video to see the process.