UnkleSleazy's Instruments

Three pics via Pacmasaurus's flickr set. (click through for more)

via Boing Boing (via @chris_carter_)

"Hand-made acoustic/electronic instruments played by the late, great Peter "Sleazy" Christopherson of Coil and Throbbing Gristle."

Analog Crafstman ULTRAgristleizer Demo

Published on Dec 19, 2012 by boothnavy

"A special edition custom build for a customer in Holland. We added a digital noise source that is selectable as the modulator of the VCF/VCA on the Gristleizer. It also has its own controls for an external clock input and cv of the noise rate. There is a separate noise output that can be fed back into the various inputs of the Grsitelizer. I easily spent an hour just trying all the crazy combinations this one has."

ULTRAgristleizer noise output to bias input

Published on Dec 19, 2012

"Internal noise output into the Gristleizer's bias input. Input source is Roland SH-1."

ULTRAgristleizer noise output to gate input

Published on Dec 19, 2012

"Internal digital noise output into the Gristleizer's gate input. Switching between VCF and VCA modes. Audio source is Roland SH-1."

I Dream of Wires: Chris Carter Extended Interview

I Dream of Wires: Chris Carter, the extended interview HI Q version from I Dream Of Wires on Vimeo.

"I Dream Of Wires is an upcoming documentary about the resurgence of modular synthesizers. In June 2012, the I Dream of Wires team visited the Norfolk UK studio of pioneering industrial and synthpop musicians Chris Carter and Cosey Fanni Tutti, founding members of seminal outfits Throbbing Gristle, Industrial Records, and Chris & Cosey, to name but a few. We interviewed Chris Carter about his long history with DIY electronics, modular synthesizers, and the role they've played in his storied musical career. Busy putting the finishing touches on X-TG's recently released "Desertshore / The Final Report," an album initially intended to be Throbbing Gristle's final recording, Carter expressed his enthusiasm for the current crop of eurorack modular synthesizer modules, and how he integrates them with modern tabletop FX units, to create a present-day, cutting-edge revision of his early Throbbing Gristle set up. The music currently playing in the background was the patch coming out of Carter's eurorack modular at the time of filming, an exclusive segment from the X-TG recording sessions."

Moog Style Mixed Modular System with Gristleizer in Clear Acrylic Case

via Bryan Benting on Facebook

Top Row left to right: dual phaser, CV Cluster, Gristleizer, MOTM 420, 8ch Sequential Switch, MOTM 420, MOTM 480, MOTM 490, Steiner, Triple Lag and Multiples.

Middle Row: Dotcom VCO, Triple Soft Sync, (3) Dotcom VCO's, 8ch Mixer, STG Sea Devils Filter and STG Post Lawsuit LPF, MegaOhm Audio Delta Filter, STG Wavefolder, Multiples, STG Triple VCA

Bottom Row: Trouby Math Sequencer, Analog Craftsman Arcade (joystick), (2) CGS Dual Universal Slope Generators, Corsynth VC LFO, Envelope, VCA, Dotcom Quantizer, MegaOhm Audio Dual LFO, SSL Segwencer, SSL Tap Tempo LFO, SSL Double Dekka VCO (sliders draw the waveform for both VCO's)

And to the right also via Bryan on Facebook

Top cabinet (left to right): STG Trigger Mini Store, Signal Processor, STG Trigger Mini Store, (2) STG Voltage Mini Stores, STG Shift Manager, Dotcom Q960, Moon 4 Step Sequential Switch, Corsynth Frequency Multiplier and Divider, Signal Processor.

Next shelf down: (All Roland) SH-101, SH-2, TR-909, TR-707 Next Shelf down: TR-808, Ibanez Analog Delay AD-202 with an Analog Labs X32 (32 ch EMS clone vocoder) and a Korg Poly Six.

acGRISTLEdlx self oscillating

YouTube Published on Aug 16, 2012 by boothnavy

"The internal LFO can go into the audio range/self oscillation. Certainly not tempered via CV, but perfectly useful for drones and audio rate modulation."

Endangered Audio Research The Gristleizer - Demo

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
YouTube Published on Apr 19, 2012 by JustNickMusic

"As much an instrument as an effect, this box can do amazing things with LFO modulation of amplitude or of a bandpass filter. Wonderful conventional tremolos, super-intense chops and resonances. Particularly magical in its interaction with a cranked amp."


via this auction

"The Gristleizer is an analog synthesizer effect unit for use with all types of instruments and signals. The versatile LFO can modulate signals, and with the other controls can offer an incredible variety of sonic possibilities. From filter effects in VCF mode to unique tremolo and ring modulation like sounds in VCA mode that range from subtle to unrecognizable. The Gristleizer is the legendary effect used extensively in the music of Throbbing Gristle by electronic music visionary, Chris Carter who adapted the circuit from a design by Roy Gwinn and built them for Throbbing Gristle."

FEATURES
LFO WAVEFORM SELECT: 4 Waveforms to modulate your signal in VCA or VCF mode
FREQ: Controls the frequency of the LFO from .25Hz (1 cycle in 4 seconds) to 100Hz
DEPTH: Controls the level of the LFO modulation applied to the signal
BIAS: Controls the intensity and grit of the modulation on your signal in VCA mode an in VCF mode, shifts the center frequency of the band pass filter
LEVEL: Controls the output level of the effect, capable of line level signals
LED: Visually indicates the frequency of the LFO
MODE FOOTSWITCH: Selects either VCA or VCF mode for amplitude modulation in VCA, or filter modulation in VCF mode
BYPASS FOOTSWITCH: Turns the effect on and off
INPUT: Accepts low level (instrument) to line level signals for greater flexibility
OUTPUT: Drives low lovel to line level inputs depending on level control"

Dirty Carter Experimental Sound Instrument

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. via this auction

"The Dirty Carter Experimental Sound Generating Instrument uses a dual 4-stage shift register. Each register is controlled independently. Two oscillators are used per register: one as a clock, the other as input data that is cascaded through the four stages. The outputs from the stages are mixed together. A fast clock rate produces a crude form of wavetable synthesis, whilst a slow clock rate creates audible pulses and clicks. The clock speed and the data input’s frequency are controlled by touch electrodes/pads. By tilting the instrument, sound from both the 4-stage shift registers can be mixed together. Glitchy noise, deep drones and percussive peeps!

This instrument was designed in collaboration with Chris Carter from Throbbing Gristle for two specific events in Leicester, UK and Amsterdam in 2010. A few of the printed circuit boards were left and have recently been assembled by ASMO. Limited editions of 10 instruments now sold out. This unit has been used for half an hour so is in perfect condition. Collector's item.

Features
--------

Digital noise, Feedback, Wavetable synthesis Self-supporting/hand-held device, Tilt and touch controls.


http://vimeo.com/11193663
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mce3mrpeRY"

Dirty-Carter Experimental Sound Generating Instrument test from Chris Carter on Vimeo.

A short video* of the new Dirty-Carter Experimental Sound Generating Instrument (E.S.G.I.) while putting it through its paces.

*My apologies for the thin sounding mono audio.


Tech details:
The Dirty Carter Experimental Sound Generating Instrument uses a dual 4-stage shift register. Each register is controlled independently. Two oscillators are used per register: one as a clock, the other as input data that is cascaded through the four stages. The outputs from the stages are mixed together. A fast clock rate produces a crude form of wavetable synthesis, whilst a slow clock rate creates audible pulses and clicks. The clock speed and the data input’s frequency are controlled by touch electrodes/pads. By tilting the instrument, sound from both the 4-stage shift registers can be mixed together. Glitchy noise, deep drones and percussive peeps!

The Dirty Carter - Created by John Richards and Chris Carter (Throbbing Gristle)

YouTube Uploaded by baacardi on Apr 23, 2010

"Experimental sound generating instrument created by John Richards and Chris Carter.
Made this in a Dirty Electronics Ensemble workshop for a performance with Chris Carter."

Carter Tutti Void LP on The Quietus

Pics and audio on The Quietus.

"unforced creativity and a genuine sense of engagement between Chris Carter, Cosey Fanni Tutti and Nik Colk Void, and their desire to then pass on this warmth to their audience..."

via Tim Durland on
The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

Endangered Audio Gristleizer - Throbbing Gristle Synth/Effects Box

via this auction

"The Gristleizer is either an lfo modulated VCA or VCF with adjustable Bias and variable wave-forms for the LFO. This Endangered Audio research effect is officially endorsed by Throbbing Gristle and offers everything from a classic analog tremelo effect to wild CV control throbbing woops from the variable VCF...

Background from the manufactures :
ASHEVILLE, NC APRIL 27, 2009ó Smashing Guitars has announced the release of the first of their new product line, the Gristleizer. The flagship of the newly formed Endangered Audio (a subsidiary of Smashing Guitars), the Gristleizer is an extremely rare and unique unit. Originally designed by Roy Gwinn in 1976, the Gristleizer is based on a design published in Practical Electronics and sold in kit form by Phonosonics. Chris Carter of the British industrial music and visual arts group Throbbing Gristle modified the kit in 1977, unleashing what is known as the Gristleizer. Lost to time, the unit has been re-designed and produced by Smashing Guitars Owner/Engineer Todd Kelley, with assistance from Charlie Howes. After months of research and consultation with Gwinn and Carter, the audio path has been kept original-- "we've taken what people love about the sounds of the original Gristleizer, and given them much more" says Kelley. The Gristleizer had its initial release at the sold out Throbbing Gristle performance at Logan Square Auditorium in Chicago on April 25, 2009, one of their first performances in the USA in 28 years."

Also see:
From Which the Gristleizer Came and Gristleizer PCB, two previous posts with history and videos on the Gristleizer.

Endangered Audio Gristleizer Tabletop Synth Effects Module

via this auction

"Endangered Audio tabletop Gristleizer purchased direct from the manufacturer."

Interesting knobs on this one.

If you aren't familiar with the Gristleizer, this post is definitely worth a read. Also check out the Gristleizer label below for more.

Endangered Audio Gristleizer Tabletop

via this auction

Bleep Labs Neon Indian - PAL198X

via Bleep Labs
"We’re proud to announce our newest device, The PAL198X.

This limited edition mini analog synthesizer is based on the Pico Paso with a few modifications designed by Dr. Bleep and Alan Palomo of Neon Indian. The biggest addition are swappable controls which allow you to easily attach the included potentiometers or photocells (or a number of other devices we’ll post about later) in any configuration to the three oscillators to create all kinds of triangle wave chaos.

- Two triangle wave oscillators which can be activated independently or together, modulating each other.
- Square LFO which affects the amplitude of both triangle oscillators.
- 1/4″ out.
- Screw terminals allow any resistive device to control the pitch of the three oscillators.
- 9v battery powered.

Only available in the limited edition Era Extraña package from Neon Indian.

Stay tuned for mods and hacking info…."

PAL198X by Dr. Bleep



This one in via Scott who spotted the new Neon Indian release on Pitchfork:

"Alan Palomo on the PAL198X: 'It can interact with a variety of objects around your house whether electronic in nature or not. It can even interact with your pet.'...

The synth (named PAL198X, of course) was produced by Bleep Labs, who teamed up with Palomo to create a miniature version of their PicoPaso analog synth with modifications added by Palomo and Bleep. We'll let Alan take over the description of what this thing actually is:

'We teamed up with our brethren homies in Austin, Bleep Labs, to proudly bring you the PAL 198X. It's a triple triangle-wave oscillator noisemaking device with interchangeable controls for maximal sonic contortion. You can attach knobs, light-reactive photocells, and a variety of other devices for semi-modular capabilities. It can interact with a variety of objects around your house whether electronic in nature or not. It can even interact with your pet. It does not make the same sound twice. Basically, I want you to hack this fucking thing.'"

Update: BTW, if this reminds you of anything, it might be the SuONOIO from Alessandro Cortini and Scott Jaeger of The Harvestman. The SuONOIO was released with Alessandro's SONOIO album. Recently a new SuONOIO RED was announced. It makes you wonder how many unique synths came from this direct of an influence from a musician. The Gristleizer from Throbbing Gristle of course comes to mind.

looking for bends on gristleism

YouTube Uploaded by BrianWilliamGreen on Jun 10, 2011

"just touching around.

follow me @ iambriangreen.tumblr.com"

Gristleism with Atari-joystick control

YouTube Uploaded by magicmodulator on Apr 12, 2011

"circuit bent FM3 Gristleism with atari joystick control and light censer extra low pitch wobble wobble"

The Season Finale of Electric Independence: Chris & Cosey

via motherboard.tv Update via pea in the comments: " matrixsynth spotting at 10:00" There it is! MATRIXSYNTH magnet on the arm of the lamp. You can see it before then, but the close-up is at 10:00.
"It’s not everyday you get to meet two of your honest-to-god heroes. But on a recent trip to Norfolk in the United Kindom, we got the chance to spend some time at the country house and studio of the music making powerhouse and long time couple Chris Carter and Cosey Fanni Tutti, better known as Chris & Cosey.

Not only did Carter and Tutti change the entire electronic music game as founding members of the legendary avant-garde industrial group Throbbing Gristle: they continued their love affair with music, gear and each other over the next 30-odd years with their mind-blowing, ahead-of-the-curve approach to drum machines, sampling, performance, and all manners of visceral electronic skullduggery. “It’s really good to get physical with sound,” says Tutti, “because it does reduce people to human beings, and their physicality, rather than them trying to intellectualize about it. The violence of the sound completely bypasses that.”

Between the electro-pop of Chris & Cosey, the spooky ambience of Carter Tutti or their continuing aural experiments under their mysterious ‘CTI’ moniker, the pair have left an indelible, beautiful bruise on the face of electronic music.

They took us for a spin around the home studio they’ve been recording in for 25 years, demonstrated some of the bits and pieces they’re using in their current incarnation, performed a special improvised track for us, and taught us how to give an asthmatic cat his daily dosage of medicine."

::vtol:: garmonbozia ur (custom version with Gristleism) & volte-face

YouTube Uploaded by Vtolus on Mar 5, 2011

"special custom version of Garmonbozia synth - http://samoletuvvp.narod.ru/vto/diy/garmonbozia.html

http://vtol.tk"

::vtol:: garmonbozia + volte-face

Uploaded by Vtolus on Mar 5, 2011

"Garmonbozia as sound source

Volte Face as modulator

more info - http://vtol.tk"

Endangered Audio Gristleizer version 1

via this auction

"For the first time ever, Throbbing Gristle's legendary effects unit, The Gristleizer, is now available in its classic tabletop form. Though the original design by Roy Gwinn is over 30 years old, The Gristleizer had never seen commercial production until the summer of 2009, when Endangered Audio updated and improved the circuit. The tabletop version is designed to sit within hand's-reach for easy parameter control, e.g. while playing synthesizers. In essense, The Gristleizer is a synth module that works with any audio signal. The audio path is modulated by an LFO using four selectable waveforms (ramp, reverse ramp, triangle, & square), functioning in one of two paths: VCA (voltage controlled amplifier) or VCF (voltage controlled filter). Ranging from light and sweet tremolo to extreme, raunchy ring mod, The Gristleizer is a 100% analog, hand-assembled unit built to last."

See this post on the history of the Grisleizer.

RIP Peter "Sleazy" Christopherson

Sad news in via http://www.throbbing-gristle.com/

"We are saddened to announce the death of Peter Christopherson.

Sleazy passed away peacefully in his sleep on the 24th November 2010 at his home in Bankok."

Image via The Wire
Photograph by Leon Chew

Below via @chris_carter

He will be greatly missed.
His influence will live on.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Tutti Box

http://chriscarterchemistrylessons.blogspot.com/
video posted here

Tutti Box v1.0

Tutti Box v1.0 from Chris Carter on Vimeo.

"Cosey Fanni Tutti using her Tutti Box experimental sound generator for the first time.

Contents:
Five oscillators, two effects units, a step sequencer, a joystick controller, a coil touch controller, an amp & speaker and a front mounted sound activated plasma display. It is powered by 9v PSU.

(features small cameo by our cat Dexter... )


Tutti Box is part of the CCCL project
chriscarterchemistrylessons.blogspot.com"