Frap Tools Magnolia: From Eurorack to a Polyphonic Analog Synth

video upload by Music Journey with Paul

"At Superbooth 2026 I talked with Gattobus, who was involved in the development of Magnolia, about the idea behind this unusual instrument and what makes it different from a traditional analog polysynth.

Magnolia combines elements of classic analog synthesizers with ideas coming from the modular and West Coast synthesis worlds - including complex oscillators, wavefolding and through-zero FM.

We also talk about its fully analog VCOs, discrete circuits designed by Frap Tools, polyphonic aftertouch keyboard, its distinctly Italian design and why, despite its experimental architecture, Gattobus considers it an extremely playable and musical instrument."

Chapters
00:00 What is Frap Tools Magnolia?
00:35 Demo #1
01:08 Inside Magnolia: discrete analog circuits
02:02 Polyphonic aftertouch and the Fatar keyboard
02:23 Italian design - like a Lamborghini?
02:39 West Coast synthesis, wavefolding and through-zero FM
03:25 Demo #2
04:39 Gattobus' role in developing Magnolia 05:10 The story behind Frap Tools
05:45 Demo #3