Building a Better Desk for Making Music

Over the past couple of years, I’ve been on a mission to improve the spaces in my life. I tackled the basement, revamped my workshop, and even created a dedicated Tron room for my 3D printers. But my office? It had become a disaster zone – a dumping ground for random stuff from all my other projects. I knew something had to change.

Music has always been a big part of my life, but I hadn’t been playing much lately. My goal was to remove all the barriers that kept me from making music and recording. The first step was redesigning my desk. My old desk was stuck in a corner which wasn’t the best use of space, especially if I wanted to integrate many of the instruments I’ve collected over the years.

I decided to get creative. I designed a new desk with a unique feature – a sliding tray that could hold my full-size 88-key keyboard. This wasn’t just any ordinary desk. I used a combination of black-stained plywood (actually India ink), cherry plywood, and a solid cherry top. The construction was a labor of love, involving lumber milling, biscuit joining, and some creative problem-solving with epoxy to fill in knots and imperfections.

The desk’s design was driven by one key constraint: accommodating my wide keyboard. I didn’t want massive support legs that would eat up more space. One side has a solid support that goes to the ground, with a small cabinet area for storage and a spot for my computer. The other side is more minimalist – just a leg with some storage for hanging instrument cables and headphones.

Finishing the desk was an adventure in itself. I experimented with India ink to get that deep black look I wanted, and took a friend’s advice on a clear coat finish that turned out amazing. The drawer, made from plywood with a maple edge, looks professional and clean. I even custom-notched a handle to give it a personal touch.

The sliding keyboard tray was perhaps the most intricate part of the build. I used special locking drawer slides that allow the keyboard to be tucked away completely when not in use, maximizing my knee room. When I want to play, I can pull it out fully in front of the desk. It was a bit of a gamble – the extended slides create a significant cantilever that I was initially worried about.

The result is something I’m genuinely proud of. The new desk is minimal, functional, and exactly what I needed. It solves multiple problems: it gives me easy access to my music, provides smart storage solutions, and looks great in the process. I’m committed to keeping the space clean and organized, seeing it as an opportunity to solve storage challenges creatively.

This project was more than just building a desk. It was about creating a space that reflects my passion for music and my approach to problem-solving. By taking the time to design something truly custom, I’ve transformed a cluttered corner into a workspace that inspires me. And honestly? I can’t wait to start playing music again. Thanks for hanging out with me. Now go make something awesome!