SynthStar

"I'm writing to let you know that I've launched a new synthesizer database site – yes, another one:

http://www.synthstar.com

Of course I know that there are already several synthesizer database sites out there – but they all lacked one thing, which was a decent search feature. None of them let you search by individual synth specifications, so I've stepped in and created a site with an exhaustive advanced search function. If you check out the advanced search page, you'll see what I mean:

http://www.synthstar.com/advancedSearch.php

Here, you can pretty much go crazy with the search parameters. If you wanted to find a list of all synths made between 1979 and 1995 with a chorus effect, you can do so. Looking for a synth that has an aftertouch-capable keyboard as well as a minimum of three oscillators? Can do.

Apart from that, each synth page has its own comments area, and I've compiled resource links for just about every synth in there. I also tried to keep the design low-key so that pages would load quickly and also to make it easier for visitors to find what they're looking for faster. Almost all of the information entered in the database was culled from product manuals when possible, and from other sites when absolutely necessary. For the record, Sequencer.de has by far the most complete and accurate set of synth information on the web.

All of the data entry for this site was done by myself, for all 641 synthesizers in the database (I did turn up a few which I didn't see on any other synth DB site). Because of this, I'm sure that some errors were introduced, or some synths missed, so I'd ask that visitors use the correction form if they notice something wrong. A reference would be appreciated if something is found, to save me a bit of leg work since I'll need to research it anyway.

One note I should make: right now there are no modular synthesizers in the database. Initially I did start adding these in, but quickly realized that they wouldn't work with the site because their specifications vary so widely and it's difficult to put these in a searchable database alongside "normal" synths and still return accurate results. So for now I'm holding off on that, and may instead launch a sub-site at some point in the future that would list each individual synth module rather than treating all of the modules as one big theoretical machine.

One thing I would definitely appreciate is image submissions – you'll notice that there aren't a lot of synth images on the site right now. It just wasn't feasible for one person to get permission to use images for 641 synths, so instead I'm going to rely on the kindness of visitors to get these up there. I really, really appreciate anyone who is able to take the time to help me out with this part of the site.

This took me a long time to put together, and I'm happy that I've reached the end of this project – I hope people find the site useful! I plan on adding more to the site and continually improving it as time goes on, so anyone is welcome to email me with their comments and suggestions to admin@synthstar.com. :)"