Electroserf Vacuum Tube Synthesizer Modules

video upload by epeasant

"Introduction to The Electronic Peasant's Electroserf synthesizer modules, based on Russian 1J24b vacuum tubes from the cold war days. These subminiature pentode tubes were used in the early MiG jet fighter radios, at a time when the western world had already changed over to solid state electronics.

These tubes are long obsolete, but available in the surplus market. Their small size, low voltage requirements, and low power heaters make them suitable for synthesizer use, while their low power output, gain and directly-heated cathodes bring their own design challenges."

The ThunderWave Ribbon Controller by The Electronic Peasant

ThunderWave Ribbon Controller Demonstration Published on May 23, 2020 epeasant

A new DIY percussion instrument in via The Electronic Peasant:

"The ThunderWave is a new type of electronic percussion instrument that you can build yourself. Instead of the traditional round drum pads, the ThunderWave uses curved ribbon controllers and force sensitive technology to create an expressive and intuitive interface that is both fun and easy to play. The instrument provides standard trigger, gate, and CV outputs, including volt/octave, for use with analog synthesizers. Each ribbon can also be divided into up to thirteen different zones, for consistent sounds using two drum sticks at slightly different positions. A 'striking force' trigger output and two force based envelope generators for each ribbon are also included. The ThunderWave is designed for the advanced DIYer, and can be built using common, easily available parts and tools.

The complete ThunderWave project can be found on the Electronic Peasant website, including detailed building guides and videos."

Be sure to check out previous posts, dating back to 2005, featuring The Electronic Peasant here.

The Electronic Peasant's SynthBend Analogue Synthesizer Controller

via The Electronic Peasant

"When The Peasant started to plan the building of the SynthBend Controller, a comprehensive and innovative design was envisaged. The intent was to create an extremely versatile analogue synthesizer controller for driving the SynthCase System.

A classic control-voltage type keyboard and an Appendage ribbon controller would be the heart of the project, with many added features. A large quantity and variety of manual CV modulation controls, such as joysticks, potentiometers, and pressure sensors would also be included. The design would be rounded out with some manual triggers/gates and switches. Hopefully the comprehensive design of the SynthBend Controller will provide an exceptional playing experience.

The first step in the design of this project was to decide on the basic module layout and chassis configuration. A number of salvaged plastic cases with hinged lids, as shown below, were chosen to house the controls and electronics."

The Electronic Peasant Banjo Processor

"The Peasant is a banjo player, and so thought that it would be very interesting to use a banjo to control the analogue synthesizer. A number of years ago a pitch-to-voltage convertor circuit board, designed for guitar use, was purchased from fellow DIY enthusiast Harry Bissell. This pcb only used the bottom three guitar strings to extract the CV output, and so it was decided to expand the board to work with all five strings on the banjo."

You can find more info at The Electronic Peasant. Be sure to see the rest of the site for more.
via Deviant Synth.

The Electronic Peasant's Solid State Percussion Synth

Additional details at The Electronic Peasant

That's a whole lotta knobs; 144 of them according to Magnus Olfsson. You might recognize the Peasant from this post. Thanks Magnus!