MATRIXSYNTH: Sonica Synthesizer by Frank Eventoff #585


Tuesday, September 08, 2015

Sonica Synthesizer by Frank Eventoff #585

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Sonica Serge Synth Instrument, Frank Evantoff Number 585.

Own a part of synthesizer history. One of very few surviving, fully working Sonica Instruments. One sold at auction for $3,416.00

This example is in excellent condition, no damage other than one small ding (size of a BB) in the base of body. No corrosion on battery connections, original case, unmarked original instructions (even has unused stamp for warranty return). This instrument was bought new and put in a closet and recently found.

You are bidding on an extremely rare FULLY WORKING electronic synthesizer instrument by Frank Evantoff, called the Sonica. Number 585 of only 650 produced. Shaped like small lute with a guitar like neck which fits perfectly into the hand. By touching the frets on the neck the instrument produces notes best often described as between a theremin, sitar and a violin.

Frank invented the force sensing-resistor FSR. "After Mattel had used the concept for the "Magical Music Thing," Frank Evantoff developed a more precise keyboard and incorporated it into this new instrument, which he called The Sonica.

In 1979, the first Sonicas were produced, a collaboration with Larry Heller. There were 650 eventually built, but very few are seen nowadays. Serge Tcherepnin of Serge synthesizers (analog modular) did the oscillator design, and the oscillator inside the Sonica is indeed a Serge oscillator. The bodies have an interesting gourd/phallic shape, and were carved red alder wood with hand rubbed lacquer and covered with brass plates. This instrument is hand made even the circuit boards are hand printed. The neck is incredibly comfortable, and easily fits into the hand, facilitating the sliding action used for playing the Sonica.

The sound of the Sonica can best be described as somewhere between a theremin, sitar and violin. When run through a simple delay, an amazing array of soundscapes are derived. The front panel features a Key/Pitch Knob, and an On/Off Volume Knob. It boasts 15 keys with additional half step notes.

It also features three buttons. Analog “Slider” which is a tremolo type effect, Analog “Tone” which is actually a tonal boost, and “Half-Step” which raises the note an octave. It features a built-in speaker, with an 1/8 inch output to connect to an amplifier or recording device. It runs on one 9-volt battery which is installed by accessing a plate on the backside of the device.

The Sonica really shines when sent through a tube amplifier, producing a crystalline sound unlike anything I’ve heard before.

Please check out youtube of looping, etc. and history of The Sonica by Frank Eventoff.

Comes with original unmarked/no tears instructions (even has unused stamp for warranty return)."

No comments:

Post a Comment

To reduce spam, comments for posts older than one week are not displayed until approved, usually same day. Do not insult people. For items for sale, do not ask if it is still available. Check the auction link and search for the item. Auctions are from various sellers and expire over time. Posts remain for the pics and historical purposes. This site is meant to be a daily snapshot of some of what was out there in the world of synths.

PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE HOME


Patch n Tweak
Switched On Make Synthesizer Evolution Vintage Synthesizers Creating Sound Fundlementals of Synthesizer Programming Kraftwerk

© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH