TADAO KIKUMOTO - Creator of the Roland TB-303 & TR-606

I realize I've never posted an image of TADAO KIKUMOTO. Here he is. The man behind the legendary Roland TB-303 & TR-606.

Posted today @Roland_US:
"#TBT with the developer of the Roland TB-303: Tadao Kikumoto. Discover more about the history of the #TB303 and its impact on music culture: roland.com.."

"The Roland TB-303 is a machine like no other. With an unmistakable sonic signature brimming with warmth, energy and character, the iconic silver box defined the acid house movement of the late 1980s. Widely misunderstood when launched in 1981, the true revolution began several years later when electronic music producers rediscovered the quirky box, unleashing the hypnotic, liquid sound that captivated a generation. While we may never really understand why the 303 sound makes people want to dance, there is no denying its power, influence, and unwavering ability to get a party started. It just works, even after all this time.

An engineer called Tadao Kikumoto was hard at work on a new product that would accompany Roland’s TR- 606 drum machine. Mr. Kikumoto’s plan was to develop a machine to recreate the sound of an electric bass guitar, for solo performers to practice with and even take out to gigs. The two machines would link up and play at the same tempo via DIN Sync technology, providing a programmable and highly portable ‘backing band’."

Early ad featuring Ocsar Peterson with the HR-70, TB-303 & TR-606, originally posted here, and in black & white with text here.

Tokyo Festival of Modular Set for November 16 - 17

TFoM 2018 digest Published on Aug 1, 2019 Tokyo Festival of Modular

"Tokyo Festival of Modular 2018 official digest video.

TFoM is organizing modular synthesizer exhibition , demo , lectures and live concerts from the world wide .

http://tfom.info/"

PURPOSE OF THE EVENT:

to promote awareness of and interest in the modern modular synthesiser and it’s extensive creative possibilities;

to showcase both local and international electronic musicians performing with modular synthesisers;

to give the opportunity for some of the many manufacturers producing Eurorack synthesiser modules to promote their designs in what is currently a limited market in Japan.

CONCEPT

The modern resurgence of modular synthesisers has brought the organic and esoteric beauty of analogue electronics in harmony with advances in digital technology.

This momentum has been enhanced by a growing desire for physical hardware interaction with real circuits among a generation of musicians, producers and sound designers tired of preset sounds and of being a slave to the mouse and screen.

Most of all, the open patchable format of modulars makes sound exploration virtually infinite in configurability and creative experimentation.

Pushing the boundaries further and faster than anywhere else is the portable and affordable Eurorack format for modular synthesis, spearheaded by Doepfer in 1995 but now joined by a dizzying array of boutique companies.

Oraculum Solar (extended trailer)

Published on Aug 1, 2019 PositronMusic

"Fragmento de Oraculum Solar, obra transdisciplinaria que explora las posibilidades de la transducción de especies endémicas y nativas de México a través de la síntesis modular y su propulsión a través de la energía solar.

La película completa muy pronto.

Por favor use audífonos para una mejor experiencia.

Excerpt of Oraculum Solar, a transdisciplinary work that explores the possibilities of transduction of endemic and native species of Mexico through modular synthesis and its power through solar energy.

Complete movie coming soon.

Please use headphones for better experience."

Buchla

Vintage Roland RS-101 1970s Analog String Synthesizer Keyboard SN 391371

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via this auction

Roland's first string synthesizer and first to debut Roland's ensemble effect, the RS-101 is a 61 key, fully polyphonic bitimbral (string and brass) analog synthesizer, featuring tone control and vibrato.

5 octave (F to F) / 61-key
Full polyphony
Keyboard is split into 2 parts with each having:
Strings I
Strings II
Brass
Slow attack & Volume Soft switches

Tone Sliders (Brass & Strings)
Sustain sliders for upper and lower register
Vibrato slider
Tuning knob
Master volume slider

2 mono 1/4" outputs (High and Low)
Serial 391371
37 lbs
37 x 14 x 7"

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Just Sounds: Modal Electronics CRAFTsynth 2.0

Published on Aug 1, 2019 Noisegate

"What does the Modal Electronics CRAFTsynth v2.0 sound like?
Here is our "Just Sounds" Video that reveals just what this little synth with a big sound can do.."

Crafting the Score of APOLLO 11 with Matt Morton | TIFF 2019

Published on Apr 5, 2019 TIFF Originals

Highly recommend this film if you haven't seen it on the big screen, IMAX if possible. Just saw it for the first time yesterday. The soundtrack featuring the Moog IIC is great - very John Carpenter-esque. Be sure to see Matt Morton on Moog IIIc Modular Synth and the Apollo 11 Soundtrack, and check out the latest Apollo inspired synth rorschach posts here.

"Composer Matt Morton discusses the process of crafting the score for Apollo 11. He discusses the origins of the music, the instruments he used, and the labourious process of recording, and he breaks down the elements of a cue.

Directed by Todd Douglas Miller (Dinosaur 13), Apollo 11 recounts the momentous days and hours when humankind took a giant leap into the future. Miller's frequent collaborator Matt Morton wrote, orchestrated, performed, recorded, and mixed all of the music for the film and its trailers using instruments available at the time of the 1969 mission, including the Moog Synthesizer IIIc, the Binson Echorec 2 (tube echo), and the Mellotron (keyboard).

Crafted from a newly discovered trove of audio recordings and 65mm footage — including shots of the launch, the inside of NASA's Mission Control, and recovery and post-mission activities — Miller’s immersive documentary yields surprising moments of humour and camaraderie, along with remarkable new insights into key events of the celebrated 1969 lunar voyage.

Now playing at TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Special thanks to NEON, CNN Films, and Milan Records."

Synth Kid Caitlin back with TONTO

Published on Aug 1, 2019 The Mad Music Machine

"Caitlin was invited to a special backstage tour at the National Music Centre in Calgary.

This included the chance to try out some unique and historic instruments, the highlight for her was undoubtedly creating and playing a simple patch on TONTO."

You can find previous posts featuring Caitlin here. See the label below for more posts featuring TONTO.

Colorado Modular Synthesizer Festival

Published on Aug 1, 2019 Mayen Music

"🎛🎚🎧🎼🎵This is a short video of the amazing Colorado Modular Synthesizer Festival that happen this past weekend. In this festival you had live acts happening all day long, conferences and an interactive section where you could test modules, ask questions and learn more about Modular Synthesizers and Synthesis."

Roland The synthesizer 2nd edition

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via this auction

"Roland The synthesizer 2nd edition set of 4 booklets:

- A Foundation for Electronic Music (67 pages)
- Practical Synthesis For Electronic Music Volume One (103 pages) with illustrations of the System 100
- Practical Synthesis For Electronic Music Volume Two (108 pages)
- Multichannel Recording For Electronic Music (48 pages)

Ultra Rare and vintage issues from Roland with instructions and examples on the subject
Lots of pages of information from the master in excellent condition (never used)"

For those content with a digital version, you can find them on Analog Industries website here.

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Moog Opus-3 Keyboard Synthesizer

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via this auction

"Moog Opus-3 Keyboard Synthesizer in perfect working condition. Keyboard was just serviced by WD machines in Miami and sounds amazing!"

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Subtle | Dreadbox Nyx

Published on Aug 1, 2019 Nostalgic Ruckus

"There is some character in there..."

WMD AXYS - Eurorack Transitions - "Loop and Swap"

Published on Aug 1, 2019 WMDevices

"Eurorack and modular synth performances can benefit from using different techniques to transition from one "song" or mood to another. This can be achieved in a number of ways depending on the gear you are using and what techniques best suit the feeling at the time.

In this video, Alex covers a technique he's calling the "loop and swap". Using our newest Eurorack Module AXYS and creating a hybrid eurorack and computer setup (microsoft surface), he demonstrates how to record a loop of something you are already playing in order to give you a time buffer to create something new and move on.

This is a basic demonstration of the idea and could be elaborated on a ton.

AXYS is a super useful module and has tons of uses that we'll be showcasing in the next few videos we release. This is just one of them."

Kraft Music: TipTop Forbidden Planet & Moog Grandmother Giveaways

Kraft Music if giving away a TipTop Forbidden Planet eurorack module and Moog Grandmother for their Synths of Summer Month! Full Details at the following links:

TipTop Forbidden Planet

Moog Grandmother

INGEN DSI TEMPEST EXPERIMENT TWO

Published on Aug 1, 2019 INGENUK

"The DSI Tempest. More evidence of this amazing machine.

Kicks summed to left channel going through the 2 pole, everything else summed through the right channel going through the TC Electronic T2."

Point Of Departure Sample Pack OUTSIDER SOUND DESIGN

Published on Aug 1, 2019 Outsider Sound Design

"Point Of Departure is a one-shot percussion and FX sample pack created using a set of Mungo Enterprises Eurorack synthesizer modules as the sole sound source. Designed and refined for cinematic experimental electronic music. 150 samples in total. 96k sample rate, 24 bit wav files.

Available for purchase at www.outsidersounddesign.com
https://outsidersounddesign.com/produ...



All product names used in this website are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Outsider Sound Design. These trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products used for the sample set."

Simple Synthwave [Novation Circuit, Audiokit FM player (iOS), Roland JV1080 VST]

Published on Aug 1, 2019 Flak Cannon

"Simply put, a very Simple Synthwave track. Created with Novation Circuit, Audiokit FM Player and Roland JV1080 VST.

The bassline is played by FM Player (iPad) which is controlled by the Circuit. Pad sound is from the Circuit as well. The electric guitar comes from the JV1080 VST which was later added on top of the other two elements."

Bastl Instruments KASTLE + BITRANGER + THYME Lo-Fi Square Wave Synth Jam #TTNM

Published on Aug 1, 2019 THE TUESDAY NIGHT MACHINES

Jamming with my little Bastl Instruments Orchestra ^^

♥ SUPPORT: http://bit.ly/ttnm-support ♥

Buchla MARF ext inputs | MARF and 277 delay

Published on Aug 1, 2019

"Be sure to checkout my Patreon page for early access and exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/synthtodd
Here's a rough and tumble dive into the External Inputs of the Buchla MARF. What an amazingly deep arbitrary function generator! Don Buchla was indeed a genius!"


Published on Aug 1, 2019 Todd Barton

"Be sure to checkout my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/synthtodd
Had some fun allowing the two sequencers of the MARF to drift in and out of phase and also used CV to the delay speed on the 277 to change the overall pitch of the sequence plus the delay speed effect. Enjoy!"

Let's build a Buchla-Style Patch in VCV Rack

Published on Aug 1, 2019 Omri Cohen

"Well, I can only hope to own once a Buchla of some sort, but for now, I'm experimenting in VCV Rack :)
This is my attempt at building a Buchla style patch, using mostly modules from the Nysthi collection that are modeled after and inspired by existing Buchla modules.

If you like what I do and want to support my work, consider joining my crew on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/omricohen

Here is the patch - https://patchstorage.com/lets-build-a..."

speaker

Published on Aug 1, 2019 zack dagoba

"Weird vocal-like patch on the Emu Modular. I'm using the Universal Active Filter quite a lot here. See http://myblogitsfullofstars.blogspot.com"

Eau Claire Thunder, Volca Drum, Happiness, Body Mod

Published on Aug 1, 2019 theonetrueaen

"One of the great things about running a pedal company is putting together zany rigs and making instagram clips. Check out the best of the Volca Drum doing battle with our pedals."

Dwarfcraft

Dave Smith Instruments Pro 2

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via this auction

"The Pro 2 is a super powerful monosynth with digital oscillators, parallel analog filters, digital bbd, and an awesome sequencer. Although it is thought of as a monosynth there is the ability to address the four oscillators separately for paraphonic use. The possibilities are very open with this unique synthesizer layout! There is truly nothing quite like this powerful flagship."

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Sequential Circuits PROPHET 5 Rev 2 SN 0186

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via this auction

"Sound will make doves cry

The good

Every key, button, knob, pitch and mod works as it should.

Saving works

Cv gate all working

Replaced power supply

Amazing tone raw organic feels like always in movement

Wood in nice condition overall


The bad

Three keys not aligned properly as seen in pics.

Took it to a synth tech here in LA several years ago to deal with an issue where the 4th voice seemed to not be going through the filter, envelope or mod etc. would just voice as a raw osc. Tech diagnosed it as an issue with the poly mod section. I believe it is fixed and does not occur on new created patches. But I have experienced the problem on some of the presets. It's an issue that should be investigated further by a tech. "

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Baldwin Discoverer DS-50 organ / synthesizer / drum machine combo instrument SN BC2802487

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via this auction

"In great physical shape, includes original power cord and music sheet stand.


“Volume” and “Mic” pots are a little scratchy but overall everything sounds great and appears totally functional except for the following which I’m unable to test —


~ “Program Record” section (can’t find a manual online and can’t figure how to use this)

~ “EXP.” input (don’t have an expression pedal to test this)

~ “DC12V input (not aware of the function of this additional power input.. maybe it is utilized for the “Program Record” section???)


LOCAL PICKUP ONLY — located near the Salt Lake City / Northern Utah area"

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Roland JD-800 Synthesizer, Pristine Condition, Completely Overhauled SN ZC67650

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via this auction

"Originally purchased from an Ebayer in Japan, who had completely gone through this synth with a fine tooth comb. The infamous red glue issue was repaired and a brand new key bed was laid down, all red glue removed, and all weights were epoxied back into the keys. I attached a photo to show that. All sliders were completely gone through and cleaned as well and they slide like they would have when it was originally selling at music stores. When it arrived in the US I went inside and de soldered the leads on the transformer from the Japan 100v and soldered to the US standard of 120v, eliminating the need for a step down converter. There is zero scratches, blemishes, or dings on this synth and has been meticulously cared for including dust covers when not in use."

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1979 ARP Omni 2 Vintage Analog String Synthesizer

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Published on Aug 1, 2019 keyboard resource

via this auction

"Works good. Top key is a little higher than the rest. Includes Hybrid hard case."

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Kawai SX-210 Analog Synthesizer SN K-6836

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via this auction

"Hi there, up for sale is a nice Kawai SX-210 Analog Synthesizer! It is fully functional and has been recently service, and sounds fantastic. Its an 8-Voice Programable Polyphonic Synthesizer. It can do it all, super lush, deep strings, sweeps, filters, effects, organs, AND it is fully equipped with midi so you can run it with your modern digital setup. This rare vintage beauty was made in 1983."

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01-The Arturia MicroFreak- Oscillator types A: Basic Waves

Published on Aug 1, 2019 AutomaticGainsay

"Here is a demonstration of the sound and functionality of the "Basic Waves" oscillator on the Arturia Microfreak."

Arturia MicroFreak videos by AutomaticGainsay

Mystic Circuits Portal - Wave Wrapping Distortion

Published on Aug 1, 2019 Mystic Circuits

"Portal is a wave wrapping distortion from another dimension. Similar to a wavefolder, Portal multiplies the harmonics of a signal going through it. However, instead of the output wave being folded over on itself once the input hits a certain threshold voltage the output will jump back to zero, creating a sharp transition almost like the wave has traveled through a Portal.

With three different simultaneously available flavors of distortion and four control voltage inputs, Portal is ready to transform just about anything into a perverse distortion of its previous form. From crunchy lows to piercing hisses and unparalleled squelch, the Mystic Circuits Portal is what you need to add intensity to your musical palette."

Roland RS-09 Organ / Strings Synth Sounds

Published on Aug 1, 2019 SUBTOKYOSHOP

KORG VOLCA MODULAR // Patch 4 // Sequential interruptions

Published on Aug 1, 2019 LESINDES

"Wiring should be quite clear by the video.

I returned this synthesizer recently -- and that's why:
The MODULAR is a synthesizer with a potential but also with a lot of NOs, unfortunately. I really like the idea of it but it has:
1. unlike all the other Volcas NO Midi input
2. NO seperate gate input -- combined CV/Gate in so special stereo mini jack to 2 mono mini jacks cable needed
3. LPG is very low, only half as loud as LPG1, or my Volca is broken?!
4. Gate or CV output of keyboard and sequencer only in these fiddle sockets.
5. Cables with the soft easily bendable ends feel and are very fiddly. The raw cable ends slide easily out of the sockets even though you only gently touch the cables!
6. The black pot underbeath in front of both Cutoff pots should be the control voltage patched in sockets A + B but even if it is turned fully conterclockwise (= minimum) there is still CV being let out. I don't know if there is a work around for that or if my MODULAR is part of faulty batch??!"

KORG MONO/POLY - Relaxing Ambient Chillout Music | Synth Demo

Published on Aug 1, 2019 synth4ever

"Korg Mono/Poly synth demo -- playing relaxing ambient chillout music soundscape on MonoPoly analog synth from Korg.

This relaxing ambient chill-out / new age synthesizer music created via oscillators, filter/envelope adjustments, LFO modulation, noise + Ventris reverb.

Filmed at www.synthpalace.net in Montreal, Quebec (Canada)."

ELEKTRONIKA EM 25 - Vintage Analog String synthesizer USSR Soviet 106 w/ Original Teal Bag

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Published on Aug 1, 2019 GLvintageSHOP

Sounds like Killers at 1:29.

via this auction

"EM-25 is an interesting Soviet string-synth that looks and feels like a curious cross between Moog Opus 3, Yamaha SK15 and ARP Solina. Like other Soviet synths, has got a distinct sound of its own and can easily compete with synths that have grown to become classics.

Organ has great vibe - I like its etheral and gentle vibe in upper register. It has one percussive drawbar (again a plus for total tonal variety).
EM-25's organ is quite interesting, potent and woody with full registers, almost acoustic sounding. With a touch of LXP-1 reverb, a single drawbar turns into real Cathedral organ!

Synth section (called brass on EM-25) is VCO fixed preset on both, with full filter section - but only one filter for all voices."

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nonlinearcircuits beat freq

Published on Aug 1, 2019 cirtcele

"Just trying out the proto-type. 2 beating VCOs drive the circuit, the output gate and CV are used to turn on and control a 3rd VCO."