Vintage Synthesizer Books

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Pictured:

1. The Musician and the Micro (1982)

The Musician and the Micro (1982)
by Ray Hammond

From the back sleeve:

• “The hit record charts are now dominated by computer-aided instruments. Using many pop star examples, exclusive interviews and photographs, this fascinating book explains in a highly readable manner, the exciting world of microprocessor and computerised musical instruments.

• The development of computer-aided musical instruments has been rapid and ignorance caused apprehension among many young musicians. Also, many teachers and members of the music industry are wary of the implications resulting from the availability of inexpensive computer aids.

• To remedy this situation, the book sets out in a a simple language, the development of the instruments, analyses their performance and delights in the benefits which may be derived. It then discusses an exciting and wide range of products now available.

• Reading the book, even a non-musician will understand the interplay of music and the new musical technology - the instruments, their practical use, the alternative types available and the truly amazing future prospects for computer-aided instruments.

• As a bonus, an important chapter deals with computer-aided learning tools. Teachers are just beginning to discover that such instruments encourage learning, expand student’s horizons and make excellent “patient” tutors. Another equally important chapter also concerns the adaptation of home computers into music-making instruments.”

• NOTE! These books are new and unused, from old stock, but 40 years of shelf life has left some rash on their covers.

• Paperback, 192 pages - With lots of nostalgic illustrations.
ISBN 0-7137-1299-6

2. Synthesis (1976 - 1st printing) by Herbert Deutsch

Synthesis (1976) - First printing
An introduction to the History, Theory & Practice of Electronic Music

A historical publication, from the man who stood at the cradle of the Moog synthesizer: Herbert A. Deutsch.

Including 7” 33rpm vinyl: “Tape Study” (Deutsch while performing a number of audio experiments and manipulations).

Library binding* - 120 pages
ISBN 0-58284-043-6

NEW FROM OLD STOCK
* Initially a softcover edition, but hardbound in preparation for a synth-library-to-be, a library that never became a reality. Now it is time for them all to make place for other activities. Keep an eye on this shop, because a lot more of them will appear.

3. DAS SYNTHESIZER HANDBUCH - Bernd Schreiber

SYNTHESIZER TRANSPARANT GEMACHT
by Bernd Schreiber - 1980

Rare German publication from the early days of commercially available synthesizers, with explanations based on the use of the Korg MS- and PS series. Since the theory of all analogue synths is similar, this book can be used to understand and program many other synths from that era. If you speak German of course.

Inhaltsverzeichnis:
Musik und ihre Instrumente
Mittel zur Klangerzeugung bei Synthesizers
Erklärung zu den Blockshaltbildern des MS-10
Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO)
Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF)
Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA)
Envelope Generator (EG)
Modulationsgenerator (EG)
Rauschgenerator (Noise Generator)

Diverse Sektionen des MS-10
Ringmodulator
Sample-and-Hold
Modulations-VCA
Signal Processors
Analog Sequenzer
Digital Sequenzer
Interface Systeme
Preset Synthesizer

Mehrstimmige und polyfone Synthesizer
Vocoder
Digitale Rhythmusgeräte
Echogeräte und Phasen-Effektgeräte

Originally a paperback, I actually damaged it a bit (folding back a corner while inserting it into a bookcase, which is still visible. Reason enough to have it bound into a hard cover to avoid further damage. Afterward i had this done with many synth books, to be part of a synthesizer library and guarantee them a long life. A library that never became a reality. Time to clean out the bookcase. The contents are still as new and in excellent condition.

4. Synthesizermusik und Live-Elektronik - 1985

Synthesizermusik und Live-Elektronik
Geschichtliche, technologische, kompositorische und pädagogische Aspekte der elektronischen Musik
Günther Batel / Dieter Salbert – Möseler Verlag 1985.

Aus dem Vorwort:
“… Die gegenwärtige Bedeutung der elektronische Musik spiegelt sich in zahlreichen Veranstaltungen wider, von denen das jährlich stattfindende “Synthesizer-Musik-Festival” in Braunschweig (Leitung: Dieter Salbert) zu einer festen Instutition geworden ist. Neben Konzerten, Workshops und Instrumentalkursen finden hier regelmäßig Symposien zu verschiedenen Problemen der elektronischen Musik statt. Hieraus resultierende Ergebnisse zum Thema “Radiophonische Musik” sind unterdessen im ersten Band der Reihe “Beitrage zur Gegenwartsmusik” erschienen. Die Idee zu diesem Buch ging nicht nur aus der Arbeit für das Synthesizer-Musik-Festival hervor, sondern resultiert auch aus Lëhrveranstaltungen über elektronische Musik, Synthesizer- und Computerkompositionen am Seminar für Musik der Technischen Universität Braunschweig und an der Fachhochschule Braunschweig. Hinzu kommen Erfahrungen aus dem Einsatz von Synthesizern im schulischen Unterricht und in der Feizeitpädagogik. Es ist das erklärte Ziel dieses Buches, einen Beitrag zum Verständnis des wesensmerkmale zeitgenössiger elektronischer Musik zu leisten und zielgerichtete Impulse für einen kompositorischen Umgang mit Synthesizern und Musikcomputern zu vermitteln.”

Ein sehr seltene Ausgabe und außerdem nagelneu! Ursprünglich ein Brochur Ausgabe, aber gebunden für eine Synthesizerbibliothek die leider niemals realisiert worden ist.

106 Seiten
ISBN 3-7877-3534-8