Rare MUSE TRIADEX Sequencer Synthesizer

via this auction

More pics at the auction while up.

"The Muse is a music composer machine or digital synthesizer and melody composer,
involving early logic modules in a unique circuit that allows the possibility of 14 trillion musical note combinations
The Muse is an algorithmic music generator: it uses digital logic circuits to produce a sequence of notes based on the settings of various parameters.
The four small sliders in the lower-left control Volume, Tempo, Pitch, and Fine Pitch.
The switches to either side are used to start and stop the sequence, or to step through it note-by-note.
Of the eight larger sliders on the right, four control the musical intervals used (labeled A, B, C, and D), and four control the theme (labeled W, X, Y, and Z).
A rest can be substituted for the lowest note by flipping a toggle switch.
The exact logic behind the composition engine is rather technical, and not exactly intuitive.
The tempo clock can be slaved to that of another Muse(if you can find one) allowing for multi-part compositions.


The Muse is the subject of U. S. Patent 3610801, and their patent abstract of this electronic music composer reads as follows:
In the apparatus disclosed herein, a note generator is controlled by a long term, quasi-periodic function which is in turn generated by applying digital feedback in preselected combinations around a digital register.
The register comprises means for holding a plurality of bits of digital information in a given order, e.g. a shift register or counter, the held information being changeable according to a predetermined pattern in response to input signals applied thereto.
Digital feedback is provided by applying to the register at least one input signal which is obtained according to a preselectable or adjustable code from bits of information obtained from various points in the register itself.
The apparatus thus, in effect, composes music as distinguished from merely synthesizing sound."

"Rare and extremely collectible! The Triadex Muse is the first digital musical instrument. Very Few of these were produced. Some say it was the first of its kind.

Designed in early 70's by two MIT professors: Marvin Minsky and Edward Fredkin. About that time, Minsky was moonlighting on the set of 2001 A Space Odyssey teaching Stanley Kubrick about Artificial Intelligence as he created Hal.

SPECS:

Model: Muse-1

Serial no. 00883-116
AC 115-125v 60CPS 40w
ok50Hz

Made in USA Triadex, Incorporated Newton, Mass

MEASURES approx 13 1/2" across, 10 3/4" side, 9 3/4" tall.

CONDITION: Appears to be in very good WORKING Condition. The Built in speaker Sound is good. Start ON-OFF, auto hold and step, the tempo, volume, pitch, fine pitch sliders all work for sure. The other 4 "interval" & 4 "theme" program sliders seem to "click" as they should to change the pattern etc. The vertical lights on the right seem to function as designed. I did not test the "rest normal" & "external normal" speaker switchs or any the jacks on the underside.

Cleaning the sliders to sliders more smoothly is up to you, I'm not messing with them as they seem to work ok. (I do not have a manual)

Cool Original circuit-bent type sound manipulator."