Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Rick Wakeman's Polymoog 203a Restoration
video upload by synthpro
"Hey Guys,
In this video I take you through the restoration of Rick Wakeman's Old Polymoog that now belongs to Steve. (he purchased it from Rick and has a letter of authenticity) I preserved some areas while completely restoring and servicing others to keep this a historical unit but also very much usable.
This unit in particular would have been used on the YES album, 'Going For The One'.
Needless to say this was a very exciting project for me growing up listening to Rick Wakeman/YES as well as my appreciation for Dr. Dave Luce and the Polymoog.
Special thanks to Steve for giving me the opportunity to work on this Polymoog!
Thank you Rick Wakeman, for all the inspiration you gave me as well as million of others through your music and performances.
Sincerely,
Jareth
P.S- here are a few videos with Rick and the Polymoog:"
Playlist:
1. Yes - Going For The One Sessions Part 15
2. Yes - Wonderous Stories (Official Music Video)
3. POLYMOOG PROMOTIONAL FILM PT.1
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: DIY, MOOG, synth guts, Synth Techs
LABELS/MORE: DIY, MOOG, synth guts, Synth Techs
Oberheim FVS-1 Custom Built for Ronnie Montrose, Vintage 4 SEMs & 2 Sequencers
Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this eBay listing
"Bought this 27 years ago from the keyboardist, Gary Hull, who played keyboard on 2 Montrose albums and also toured with him 1990-94. Gary also modified this Oberheim Four voice for Montrose to add sequencer functions. This Oberheim has 4 great sounding late 70's SEM Units and 2 later model Sequencer modules that are quantized, and output 4 channels to the 4 SEMs. A remote keyboard controlled by the Keyboard Module allows spilts and 4 note polyphony and many options for control. A programmed Expressionist MIDI to CV interface is included so the four voice is also controllable polyphonically over MIDI.
--
The Four SEMs have been calibrated tuned and checked for complete noise free operation in 2026. The keyboard has been leveled and bushings replaced and plays perfectly. In 2026 the power module and output module were restored by Synth Smith, an analog repair specialist with over 30 years working on analog synths. I did not change much from what Montrose had done to this synthesizer. He was well known for his customization skills. I did add VCF controls and pots for all the SEMs so you can control from remote LFO's. The Programmer has never been connected in the Oberheim since I have owned it. In 2026 the Programmer battery was replaced and testing revealed it does work, but is not wired, and wiring it would be a lot of new wiring.
INCLUDES:
Oberheim FVS-1 in Custom Metal Case 27.5 wide, 23.75 High, 5 deep(inches)
49 Key Keyboard in Custom Metal Case
2 keyboard cables, power cable, Manual and Notes
MIDI to CV Rack Convertor Expressionist Programmed ($650 refund if not needed)
Hard Shell Pro Road Case for Main Unit
SHIPPING:
Only for Sale in North America due to size and weight
$500 Flat Fee for Shipping 3 Boxes, refund if less
Shipped Freight fully insured with tracking
Freight company will schedule delivery to your house
Box 1 - Main Unit 68 pounds 33 X 30 X 13 (Inches)
—
2 smaller boxes Shipped Fed Ex Ground
Box 2 - Keyboard 19 pounds 36 X 16 X 8
Box 3 - 18 pounds MIDI to CV, Manuals, Cables, Misc. 24 X 17 X 8"
via this eBay listing
"Bought this 27 years ago from the keyboardist, Gary Hull, who played keyboard on 2 Montrose albums and also toured with him 1990-94. Gary also modified this Oberheim Four voice for Montrose to add sequencer functions. This Oberheim has 4 great sounding late 70's SEM Units and 2 later model Sequencer modules that are quantized, and output 4 channels to the 4 SEMs. A remote keyboard controlled by the Keyboard Module allows spilts and 4 note polyphony and many options for control. A programmed Expressionist MIDI to CV interface is included so the four voice is also controllable polyphonically over MIDI.--
The Four SEMs have been calibrated tuned and checked for complete noise free operation in 2026. The keyboard has been leveled and bushings replaced and plays perfectly. In 2026 the power module and output module were restored by Synth Smith, an analog repair specialist with over 30 years working on analog synths. I did not change much from what Montrose had done to this synthesizer. He was well known for his customization skills. I did add VCF controls and pots for all the SEMs so you can control from remote LFO's. The Programmer has never been connected in the Oberheim since I have owned it. In 2026 the Programmer battery was replaced and testing revealed it does work, but is not wired, and wiring it would be a lot of new wiring.
INCLUDES:
Oberheim FVS-1 in Custom Metal Case 27.5 wide, 23.75 High, 5 deep(inches)
49 Key Keyboard in Custom Metal Case
2 keyboard cables, power cable, Manual and Notes
MIDI to CV Rack Convertor Expressionist Programmed ($650 refund if not needed)
Hard Shell Pro Road Case for Main Unit
SHIPPING:
Only for Sale in North America due to size and weight
$500 Flat Fee for Shipping 3 Boxes, refund if less
Shipped Freight fully insured with tracking
Freight company will schedule delivery to your house
Box 1 - Main Unit 68 pounds 33 X 30 X 13 (Inches)
—
2 smaller boxes Shipped Fed Ex Ground
Box 2 - Keyboard 19 pounds 36 X 16 X 8
Box 3 - 18 pounds MIDI to CV, Manuals, Cables, Misc. 24 X 17 X 8"
Monday, May 18, 2026
AMYboard - the $29 DIY modular synth running Python.
video upload by
via Brian Whitman of AMYboard
"Today, we’re launching a new music hardware platform! Meet the AMYboard, a 10HP modular-sized synthesizer brimming with inputs and outputs for digital and analog audio, MIDI, and two CV channels.
The AMYboard firmware runs Micropython, and can be controlled and programmed over the web, where you can share your own creations with others. You can also use AMYboard in Arduino to create music devices of your own design. It’s only US$29.90 - a very inexpensive way to get started making your own modular-capable synths. It can be powered over USB or a 10-pin modular power cable, and comes with a 10HP laser-cut faceplate. You can buy one today!
AMYboard is powered by AMY, the synthesis and effects toolkit that DAn Ellis and I have been working on for the past few years. AMY is a beautiful-sounding, efficient re-creation of classic analog synths – like the Juno-6 – and FM synths – like the DX-7. It can also act as a sampler, play WAV files, or let you make your own synthesizer setups in code from bare oscillators, effects, and filters. AMY is open-source and runs on all sorts of hardware. It already powers some neat synths like the Diapasonix, the Spark, and our own Tulip Creative Computer. AMYboard is our “reference hardware” for AMY - running the same ESP32-S3 as Tulip with 8MB of RAM, but with new features including both analog and S/PDIF (digital) audio input and output, enabling live effects, sampling, and filters. We’ve also added an SD card for sample storage, and an I2C host port for connecting your own displays and knobs!"
AMYboard launches with AMYboard online – a web based simulator and control surface for the AMYboard. You can experience AMYboard online before even buying an AMYboard. AMYboard online runs the same core engine as the AMYboard hardware (ported to WebAssembly) so you can set up and interact with the synthesizer over the web. When you’re ready, you plug in your AMYboard, download your patch, or control it in real time over the web, including the capability to edit and store code on your hardware that will boot up the next time you turn it on. AMYboard’s default firmware allows anyone to code their synth creations in MicroPython running on the hardware; the AMY synthesis engine itself runs in bare-metal C, but you can load your own “sketches” onto the board to build complex environments. For example, here’s a generative house track with a Derrick May custom “WOODPIANO” FM patch. Or here’s a TB303 + 808 acid setup. Or add a filter and reverb to a DX7 patch. AMYboard online also comes with AMYboard World, an online community for AMYboard users to share sketches with each other. We’re really excited to see your cool creations, please do share them!
See Brian Whitman's full post on AMYboard for additional details and links.
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: AMYboard, DIY, eurorack, New Makers, New Modules, News, python
LABELS/MORE: AMYboard, DIY, eurorack, New Makers, New Modules, News, python
Towards a new WaveTerm?
video upload by WPalmWT
"My current work based on the CommBusTerm from Michael Indlekofer.
more about Michael Indlekofers project: https://sourceforge.net/projects/comm...
0:00 – Intro
2:29 – The Idea
3:18 – Keyboard on Waves
6:20 – Envelope on Waves"
Yellow custom
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: Arturia, Behringer, custom, DIY, Love Hultén
LABELS/MORE: Arturia, Behringer, custom, DIY, Love Hultén
Sunday, May 17, 2026
DIY eurorack modular synth SSI2190 6band Voltage Controlled Filter Bank
video upload by HAGIWO
"My 91th original eurorack modular synth DIY projects.
SSI2190 mixer IC based fix frequency filter bank.
Full analog, PCB-made.
PCB manufacturing data can be downloaded from Patreon.
https://www.patreon.com/posts/pcb-dat...
working documents (schematics)
https://note.com/solder_state/n/ne96e..."
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: DIY, eurorack, HAGIWO, New Modules, News
LABELS/MORE: DIY, eurorack, HAGIWO, New Modules, News
Friday, May 15, 2026
☠️🤖💀👹💀🤖☠️OBLIQUENCER HARMONICONSTELLATION DRUM MACHINE ☠️🤖💀👹💀🤖☠️
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Jeannie 2 - Test with 12 Voices and Bequad-Filter
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: DIY, Rolf Degen, TubeOhm
LABELS/MORE: DIY, Rolf Degen, TubeOhm
Die Minibooth: Synthesizermesse für die Jugend - Interview mit Tim Joppien
video upload by AMAZONA Music Mag
Click CC for subtitles once the video starts.
Googlish video description follows (original German further below):
"Interview with Tim Joppien from Minibooth, conducted by Heiner Kruse at Superbooth 2026.
Additional Links:
https://toern.live/
https://www.lev-berlin.de/angebot/key...
00:00-01:07 Introduction
01:07-02:00 How long has Minibooth existed? / Electronic music for children
02:00-03:33 How did you get involved with Minibooth?
03:33-04:32 Which device for whom? (Part 1)
04:32-04:55 The action at the Minibooth stand at Superbooth
04:55-08:30 Which device for whom? (Part 2) — Who was/is involved?
08:30-10:34 The same thing every year, or something new every year?
10:34-12:15 Gammon – Modular Synthesizer Ensemble
12:15-13:45 Workshop format / Space allocation / Hourly rotations vs. an open foyer for browsing
13:45-15:19 Korg Phase 8 for kids, Soma Enigma, Playtronics, Musical Beings Tembo, Teenage Engineering
15:19-16:05 Headphone splitters, headphones for kids vs. adults, the family-event atmosphere
16:00-17:00 'Ick mach Welle' https://www.killekill.com/category/ic...
17:00-17:37 Tracks created during workshops"
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Making of Eins, Zwei, Drei MUSIC VIDEO by Look Mum No Computer | UK Eurovision Entry 2026
video upload by THIS MUSEUM IS (NOT) OBSOLETE
"A look behind the scenes of the Eins, Zwei, Drei music video!
Follow-up to this post where you can find the video for Eins, Zwei, Drei.
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: DIY, LMNC, Synth TV and Film
LABELS/MORE: DIY, LMNC, Synth TV and Film
🎹 Arp 2500 - "Viewer Question" video #synth #arp2500 #filter #music #analog #modular #ARP
video upload by Ian Nieman
"Today I am answering a viewer comment/request. If there is something you want to know feel free to ask away and I will try and respond. Can be about synths, music, production, previous stuff I have done etc ..."
Also see 🎹 🤿Arp 2500 - "Deep Dive" into the 1047 Multimode Filter/Resonator #synth #arp2500 #filter #music
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
GreyScale - KOSMOS2
video uploads by plantssystem
https://github.com/plantssystem/KOSMOS2
"PlantsSystem has released 'KOSMOS2 – Pico2 Edition,' a new version featuring the PRA32-U2/M synth engine.
This version ports KOSMOS2's 4-part generative architecture to the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 (RP2350), achieving stable real-time synthesis through a multi-core DSP, I2S audio, and independent sound engines for each part.
Key Features of KOSMOS2 Pico2 Edition:
- **4 independent generative parts** (Melody / Bass / Chords / Sequence)
- **PRA32-U2/M engine running on Core 1** with stable 44.1kHz I2S output
- **Real-time control via TouchOSC or external MIDI**
- **Automatic generation of scales, chords, arpeggios, and patterns**
- **Color-coded note visualization** integrated with the hardware UI
- **Fully deterministic generative behavior** with per-part randomization
- **Optimized for the RP2350**, delivering improved DSP headroom and stable multi-synth operation
This release marks the first fully stable port of KOSMOS2 to the Pico 2 platform, incorporating fixes for RP2350 DSP initialization behavior and optimizations for the PRA32-U2/M process loop timing.
KOSMOS2 Pico2 Edition is released for integration into custom hardware builds."
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: DIY, Grayscale, MATRIXSYNTH Members, New DIY, News
LABELS/MORE: DIY, Grayscale, MATRIXSYNTH Members, New DIY, News
Siel DK80 Synthesizer Repair - Weird Power Supply Issue
video upload by gstormelectro
"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2026
Today I've got a Siel DK80 with an issue. Both 7-segment displays are very dim, and also the front panel LEDs are faint. Seems like a power supply problem. What I noticed is when I depress the power button fully to turn it off, the display and leds come back to full brightness. Seems that the power switch might be going out. Let's teardown the synth and replace the switch to see if it fixes the issue."
G-Storm Electro:
MUSIC https://gstormelectro.bandcamp.com/
BLOG http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
LISTEN/DOWNLOAD http://soundcloud.com/gstormelectro
REVERB https://reverb.com/shop/gstormelectro
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: DIY, G-STORM ELECTRO, MATRIXSYNTH Members, Siel, Synth Techs
LABELS/MORE: DIY, G-STORM ELECTRO, MATRIXSYNTH Members, Siel, Synth Techs
Sunday, May 10, 2026
X1L3 - ALLEYKAT - DEV - NINE LIVES - NO REGRETS - module test build - swinsid - eurorack module
video upload by X1L3
The ALLEYKAT gets a front panel.
"First and flawed test build of the Alleykat module.
Nine lives - no regrets......
Completed the next schematic revision today ready for submission to fab. In doing so i ended up spending an hour on this flawed test piece knocking this up for a bit of fun.
When you consider how good it sounds (in a c64 kind of way) in it's current state, it becomes quite obvious how cool it will be when the filter is online and all the parameters are active. The test boards had numerous errors on them which have rendered the ring/sync and octave hopping inactive. The filter cutoff and resonance were also mis-routed in the schematic which rendered the filter unusable.
Swinsid in circuit this time. Does a decent enough job, but i've yet to see how it performs in comparison to a real SID or a superior clone when the ring/sync and filter come into play. The only difference i hear using just the waveforms and pwm compared to the usual 8580 i use for testing is that the swinsid doesn't sound as bright.
With a bit of luck i've fixed everything that was wrong with the first attempt and the next revision will work properly."
Free OTO Biscuit WebMIDI Editor
video upload by coyotesynth
"Download here:
https://github.com/Coyotesynth/OTO-bi...
Biscuit WebMIDI editor is an free augmented editor for the hardware OTO Biscuit FX, which controls all the parameters of the OTO Biscuit, but also adds some additional features, like Preset Manager, Preset and Parameter randomizing, Preset Morphing, Full LFO Modulation Matrix, Step Filter with smoothing function."
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: DIY, New Editors, News, OTO
LABELS/MORE: DIY, New Editors, News, OTO
Some superb Superbooth booths ( 2026 )
video upload by Floyd Steinberg
"Here's my Superbooth 2026 walkthrough."
HÄLP ZIS CHANNEL
https://www.patreon.com/floyd_steinberg
https://floydsteinberg.gumroad.com/
https://floydsteinberg.bandcamp.com/"
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: Ableton, Aircraft Designs, Bastl Instruments, BLEASS, Dirtywave, DIY, Expressive E, Instruo, MATRIXSYNTH Members, Meng Qi, Meyer, New Controllers, New DIY, New Makers, New Tools, News, Playtronica, Stepan Engineer, Superbooth, Yamaha
LABELS/MORE: Ableton, Aircraft Designs, Bastl Instruments, BLEASS, Dirtywave, DIY, Expressive E, Instruo, MATRIXSYNTH Members, Meng Qi, Meyer, New Controllers, New DIY, New Makers, New Tools, News, Playtronica, Stepan Engineer, Superbooth, Yamaha
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #151: SammichFM - Song 3
video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces
"This is the third recording with the SammichFM. It is a streamlined, compact version of the MIDIbox FM synthesizer DIY kit. Designed around the OPL3 chip YMF262 (4-Operators with 4 different waves), which was a famous sound chip from the 8 bit computer era (e.g. Sound Blaster 16 soundcard), it can play 4-sounds with 6-voice polyphony each.
I used for the recording the following FX pedals:
Red Panda Raster 2, Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe, GFI System Specular Reverb 2.
The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. On some tracks Compressor and EQ where added in Cubase 13. The final song was then mastered using iZotope Ozone.
Well, I decided to go back to the basics, but at the same time make something useful for the synth community and do a kind of competition (I like competitions;-). What's my best synth for ambient music :-)"
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: Chiptune, DIY, MIDIBox, SammichSID, Yamaha
LABELS/MORE: Chiptune, DIY, MIDIBox, SammichSID, Yamaha
Interview: Tom Whitwell, Music Thing Modular
video upload by AMAZONA Music Mag
"Der Brite Tom Whitwell arbeitete als Journalist für die BBC und entwickelt heute mit seiner Firma Music Thing Modular Synthesizer-Module. Das Besondere daran ist der Open-Source-Gedanke, damit alle seine Module so nutzen können, wie sie es möchten. Auf der Superbooth 2026 spricht Tom Whitwell im AMAZONA-Interview mit uns darüber, wie sein Weg in die Welt der Synthesizer aussah und wie er die Zukunft der Szene sieht.
00:00 – Vorstellung von Tom Whitwell
00:21 – Vom BBC-Journalisten zum DIY-Synthesizer-Entwickler
01:51 – Synthesizer mit Open-Source-Gedanken
03:49 – Was Tom Whitwell heute aus seiner Zeit als Journalist nutzt
04:30 – Community-Gedanke von Music Thing Modular
06:33 – Zukunft der Modular-Szene
07:30 – Pläne von Tom Whitwell"
"British native Tom Whitwell worked as a journalist for the BBC and today develops synthesizer modules with his company, Music Thing Modular. What makes his work unique is its open-source philosophy, which allows anyone to use his modules exactly as they wish. At Superbooth 2026, Tom Whitwell joins us for an interview with AMAZONA to discuss his journey into the world of synthesizers and share his vision for the future of the scene.
00:00 – Introduction to Tom Whitwell
00:21 – From BBC Journalist to DIY Synthesizer Developer
01:51 – Synthesizers and the Open-Source Ethos
03:49 – What Tom Whitwell Still Uses from His Time as a Journalist
04:30 – The Community Spirit of Music Thing Modular
06:33 – The Future of the Modular Scene
07:30 – Tom Whitwell’s Plans for the Future"
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: DIY, eurorack, Interviews, music thing, Superbooth
LABELS/MORE: DIY, eurorack, Interviews, music thing, Superbooth
Saturday, May 09, 2026
Apparatus Mini Tube Synthesizer. Assembling in process
video upload by Eternal Engine EMI
"Just got the enclosures for our new tube synth Apparatus Mini — and I couldn't resist. Quickly recorded how it sounds fully assembled."
You might remember the Apparatus Mini project starting back in December. This is the first look at it in it's case enclosure.
GreyScale-KOSMOS2 v1.0.0
video uploads by plantssystem
https://github.com/plantssystem/KOSMOS2
"🎛️ KOSMOS2 v1.0.0
KOSMOS2 v1.0.0 — すべてが進化したジェネレーティブ音響システム。
4パートの自律生成エンジンとパフォーマンスコントローラーが、リアルタイムで音を“動かす”。
KOSMOSから大幅アップグレードされた、新しいGreyScaleのサウンドワークフロー。
操作性と音響が深化。"
"🎛️ KOSMOS2 v1.0.0
KOSMOS2 v1.0.0 — A generative sound system where every aspect has evolved.
A 4-part autonomous generation engine and performance controller work together to “bring sound to life” in real time.
A significant upgrade from KOSMOS, introducing GreyScale’s new sound workflow.
Deepened operability and sonic depth."
See dealers on the right for pricing and availability on gear.
LABELS/MORE: DIY, GreyScale, MATRIXSYNTH Members
LABELS/MORE: DIY, GreyScale, MATRIXSYNTH Members
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MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH
© 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








































