1980 PMS Syntar Synthesizer #7 Up for Auction

via this auction

"Working vintage 1980 PMS Syntar Synthesizer #7 of about 13 units made. Synthesizer is in working condition and had its power supply rebuilt and other electronics serviced within the last 4 years. Some modifications have been made to the standard routings have been made and are labeled on the power/base box. The red LEDs were replaced with blue and the range trimmers for pitch up/down were replaced with pots and knobs.

The Syntar has some very unique routings and includes a Sample and Hold section, a multi-mode SSM2040 filter (Prophet-5) which can be swept through LP, HP and BP, an ADSR and AR. The left hand controller features routing to pitch up/down, sustain, filter cutoff up/down, amplitude modulation and white noise.

Items included in this auction

# Two unused patch pad (50 sheets)
# Original manual
# 10 foot and 25+ foot cable
# Prototype vinyl carrying case and strap (only 1 made)
# Padded hardshell flight case
# Original glossy promo and sticker"

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Rare Pictures of EML Circuit Modules

Pics courtesy via George Mattson of Mattson Mini Modular. These are the circuit boards George purchased from EML to build his first Syntar prototype. Also see the original Syntar brochures on Retro Synth Ads.

In order:
EML ADSR-1 Envelope Generator
EML DVCA-1 Dual Voltage Controlled Amplifier
EML EA-1 Exponential Amplifier Mixer
EML EF-1 Envelope Follower-Preamp
EML LFO-1 Low Frequency Oscillator
EML MX-1 4 Input Mixer
EML NS-1 Noise Source
EML SH1 Sample and Hold
EML SVCA-1 Single Voltage Controlled Amplifier
EML VCF-1 VC Filter
EML VCO-1 VC Oscillator Circuit Module

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1980 Performance Music Systems Syntar Brochure

via Retro Synth Ads where you'll find the write-up, including some words from George Mattson, the creator of the Syntar and now Mattson Mini Modular.

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The Syntar Turns 32

Today marks the 32 year anniversary of George Mattson's Performance Music Systems Syntar. You might recognize the name Mattson. George is the man behind Mattson Mini Modular. The Syntar, conceived in 1978, was the first all-enclosed keytar synthesizer. Before then keytars were just controllers. You can read all about the history of The Syntar on Carbon111.com here (you'll find a pic of Bob Moog playing Syntar prototype #1), and of course check out the Syntar label for posts that have gone up here. Below are two videos of Red Martian with the Syntar at the PNW 2009 synth gathering.



Pacific Northwest Synth 2009 - Red Martian
YouTube via matrixsynth | November 03, 2009


YouTube via matrixsynth.

Overview of the Syntar comes in around 1:55.

The Clavitar, The Moog Liberation, and the first Keytars

via this auction

Anyone know when the Clavitar was released? Here's a pic of George Duke in 1980 with one.

BTW, on the last page of the current September issue of Keyboard magazine (with Devo on the cover) is a one page feature on "Keytars Past and Pressent." I was under the impression that George Mattson's Performance Music Systems Syntar (1980) was the first keytar, before the Moog Liberation (1981). It looks like Roger Powell's Probe may have preceded it in 1977. Anyone know if it was just a controller or if it had a built in synth like the Syntar? Jan Hammer apparently also had a newer Probe, which you can see in this video and this video. Before everything was the Orphica from 1795.

Roger Powell image via audioholics

Orphica image via realsamples where you'll find a sample set of it. This might be a newer model though. The image or the Orphica in Keyboard looks much older and more like a mini harpsichord with neck attached.





Update via plaztec in the comments: "The Probe, as invented by Powell (& Jeremy Hill) and refined by Jan Hammer in the area of the pitch & mod wheels (note the left-hand sides of their respective keyboards are quite different, Hammer preferring the Minimoog-style wheels), was a controller and not a self-contained synthesizer. Both had custom rigs; Powell had a bank of Oberheim SEMs, IIRC - and Hammer the same, blending the SEM sound with the Minimoog in order to get his signature lead tone. Jan also experimented with a cruder, squarish remote in order to get the placement and angle of the wheels exactly right for him, prior to the building of his custom Probe. IMHO, those two guys in their heyday were, and remain, the single most credible-looking and compelling rock keyboardists to use remote keyboards on stage, especially considering the musicians they shared the stage with..."

Update via Jimmersound in the comments: "There's also info on the Probe in this Synapse issue."

electro-music 2010 conference and music festival

via Greg Waltzer on Facebook

"3 mind-bending days of concerts, seminars, workshops, jam sessions and demonstrations, plus laptop battle and swap meet.
http://event.electro-music.com/

Musicians, video artists, and presenters can apply to participate in electro-music 2010 by going to the web site:
http://event.electro-music.com/HowToParticipate.php

Applications are due by May 31."

Trivia: that keytar would be a Syntar originally produced by George Mattson's Performance Music Systems in 1978. It was the first keytar. George of course is the man behind Mattson Mini Modular. See the Syntar label below for more.

MMM Complete

The final four modules for my Mattson Mini Modular arrived today. This is production prototype #1. You can see what it originally looked like, shy the four final modules, in this post. I was a little reluctant in adding the last four modules for nostalgia's sake, but I can always take them out when I get a new cab. :) That and I really needed the two extra 4x2 buffers, CV mixer and Utility 1. I also think it looks, really, really nice full. It looks complete and marks a milestone for me. These images really don't do it justice. I need an SLR and better lighting. Sometime this year... Anyway, thank you George!

BTW, don't miss the last page in this month's Keyboard magazine. It's a full page on Billy Corgan's Ichabod. If you don't know what Ichabod is, click on this Ichabod label link and scroll for tons of posts.

And remember, you don't need to build a full modular system if/when you want to get started - see this post on why.

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Red Martian at the New Wave Modular Synthesizer PNW AES Meeting

YouTube via matrixsynth.

Note his comment on orchestrating it. The laptop plays the sequence while Stephen edits the four voices in real time - listen for the subtle tweaks. The laptop only plays MIDI notes. The patches and editing are done by Stephen. In later videos he plays the Syntar. Be sure to see this post for more classical pieces featuring the MMM by Stephen and of course try a search here on MATRIXSYNTH on Red Martian or redmartian for more.

http://redmartian.com
http://synthwood.com
http://mattsonminimodular.com
http://www.myspace.com/bluelightcurtain
http://www.facebook.com/bluelightcurtain

"Stephen Jones of Red Martian, Blue Light Curtain, and Synthwood performs the PMS Syntar and Mattson Mini Modular at the New Wave Modular Synthesizer PNW AES Meeting at MS Studios."
Be sure to click on the PNWAES label below for all posts covering the event.


Don't miss the Syntar demo in the video set above.

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Mattson Mini Modular at the New Wave Modular Synthesizer PNW AES Meeting

YouTube via matrixsynth

http://mattsonminimodular.com

"George Mattson of Mattson Mini Modular at the New Wave Modular Synthesizer PNW AES Meeting at MS Studios."

Remember to click on the PNWAES label below for all posts in this series.


Pic of MMM DIY modules in Eurorack format and Billy Corgan's Ichabod below, and a close-up of the Handicon on bottom (click on the images for the full size shots and click here for more images of the event).

New Wave Modular Synthesizer PNW AES Meeting Pics

flickr set by matrixsynth
(click for more)

New Wave Modular Synthesizer Meeting at the PNW division of the AES, at MS Studios in Redmond WA. Manufacturers represented:

http://www.theharvestman.org/
http://flightofharmony.com/
http://mattsonminimodular.com/
http://synthwerks.com/
http://division-6.com/

Modular cases by:
http://monorocket.com/
http://synthwood.com/
http://doepfer.com/

Performances by http://redmartian.com/"

The PMS Syntar and acidlab Miami also made an appearance.

Also see the Syntar and MMM pages on Carbon111.com.

More vids will be coming. See the PNWAES label for all posts on the event.

Update: Left to right in the top shot: Scott Jaeger of The Harvestman, Stephen Jones of Red Martian and Synthwood, Scott Rise of Division-6, flight of flight of harmony, George Mattson of Mattson Mini Modular, James Husted of Synthwerks, and Steve Turnidge of Synthwerks and chair of the PNW AES section.

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Stephen Jones, Syntar, AES, 02/17/2010

YouTube via watchelectronicmusic
"http://www.electronicmusic.com/videos...

Stephen Jones goes over the many and various features of the Syntar, designed by George Mattson, at the February 17th, 2010 meet of the Pacific Northwest section of the AES."

Stephen Jones @ the PNW AES Meeting

YouTube via acidchild

"Small performance by Stephan Jones of Synthwood/Red Martian. Basically just showing off the awesomeness that is the Syntar."

Mattson Mini Modular Interview

You can find the full interview on electronicmusic.com here.

"electronicmusic.com: When did you decide to create your company?

George Mattson: In 2006, I was laid off from the fourth job that just folded out from under me. My job prospects and searches usually resulted in statements of 'you're over qualified for this job.'

I had been lugging around all of my NOS components for the Syntars for the last 25 years and decided to see if I could sell a few to generate some immediate revenue. I sold one to Stephen Jones of Synthwood and one to Jean Michel Jarre. I was trying to sell one to Matrix of http://matrixsynth.blogspot.com/ and he said that he had plenty of keyboard synths and was really leaning toward purchasing a modular. He asked me which brand I would recommend? I told him "None of them, I'd rather build my own." Matrix responded with three words that changed my future focus. "Why don't you?"

I really didn't have a response. So, I decided to build a system but, go against the tide and design an entirely new format to suck the air out of these systems and design a full blown modular system that was portable."

I picked up production prototype #1. Here's a couple of shots of it with my new euro-rack modular. George Mattson also built Ichabod for Billy Corgan.

George Mattson of Mattson Mini Modular will be presenting at the PNW AES synth meet this coming Wednesday. Doors are open to the public and entry is free.

Thank You Rain

YouTube via redmartian

"Music by RED MARTIAN. More information at
http://redmartian.com

Recorded using an Acidlab Miami, PMS Syntar and Mattson Mini Modular."

Note Stephen Jones of Red Martian will be performing at the PNW AES meet this coming Wednesday. See this post and this post. Georg Mattson, creator of the Syntar and the Mattson Mini Modular will be presenting.

Stephen Jones of Red Martian to Perform Live at PNW AES Meeting

Stephen Jones of Red Martian will be performing seven tracks at the upcoming AES Synth Meeting previously posted here. In case you missed it, George Mattson of Mattson Mini Modular, James Husted of Synthwerks, Kevin O'Neill of Flight of Harmony, Scott Rise of Division 6, and Sebastian Jaeger of The Harvestman will be presenting. If you are in the Pacific Northwest, don't miss this event.

Some previously posted videos of Stephen Jones:

GEKIGANGER - THE TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY OF THE FIRST PRODUCTION MATTSON MINI MODULAR PART II from RED MARTIAN on Vimeo.

FIRST PRODUCTION MATTSON MINI MODULAR SYNTH DEMO SIX SE IO M'ACCORGO from RED MARTIAN on Vimeo.

Click here and scroll for more videos of and from Stephen Jones.

DIY "Moog" Guitar from 1974?

This one in via NEW ALLIANCE EAST

"i saw this in a vinyl store in san fran and though it was pretty rad.

thought i'd forward it.

i've never seen one of these before have you?"

Anyone know more about this?

Update: details here

via Dave Manley

"Special guest interview with FOREST TERRY JR! Forest stops by to chat about the Original Black Sheep, the Forest Power Band, and his amazing invention the ‘Keyytar’ (for which he earned a US Patent!). He brought along a few treats, including a special unreleased 12″ acetate of “Branch N Out”!!!!"

Interesting. This predates the PMS Syntar, although the Syntar still holds the reigns as the first traditional style keytar that was all synth. This is the keytar before the keytar.

Update: design patents while up:
patd384688.pdf
patd261150.pdf
[mirror

Update: video below.


YouTube via pj4533

"2 Videos of Keyytar inventor & Boston legend FOREST TERRY. First, "Branch-In-Out", followed by "Satellite Love"" Update: I didn't have a chance to listen to the interview, but someone that did wrote in to let me know this was more of a controller and the synth it controlled was actually an ARP Odyssey, not a Moog. An interesting side note is Moog was synonymous with synth back then.

Pacific Northwest Synth 2009 - Red Martian

YouTube via matrixsynth.

This is my video of Red Martian's performance. More details here.
http://redmartian.com
http://mattsonminimodular.com - MMM and Syntar
http://www.division-6.com - Midified Skulls
http://acidlab.de - Miami

Note this is the last of my videos from the PNW Synth Gathering this year.
click here to see all posts in the series.

Cowboy and the Vocoder and the MMM

A tribute to the dog Cowboy who passed away.

YouTube via redmartian. Note this is via redmartian and not AnalogVocoder1 (click for the reference).

"A song written for a dog who likes to listen to the sound the Roland SVC-350 vocoder. This song features the MMM as well as a Sequential Circuits Drum Traks and a Roland Jupiter-6.

Here are the lyrics:

Do you know Cowboy
and the SVC-350?
Do you know Cowboy
and the Roland Vocoder?

Hey there Cowboy
I see you there
Lazy gazing
Gazing lazy
Whos my sweet boy?
You know its you.
I like to vocode and you do too.

No Poly-800 to drive the SVC
So I use an MMM as my carrier wave
No Poly-800 but Cowboy doesn't mind.
We all know its the Roland SVC-350 vocoder time.

Audio version can be found here:
http://redmartian.com/napster/Red_Mar..."

And the first track from this post:


FIRST PRODUCTION MATTSON MINI MODULAR DEMO NUMBER FOUR from RED MARTIAN on Vimeo.

"Here is a fourth demo which features a LP and HP triangle wave arpeggiation nearly through out and a quick EG three oscillator bass. The drum kit is the same as in the other demos with no pitch changes or other processing, just dry sounds out of the VCA. There are two leads one is just two oscillators (saw) and the second has a square and a saw with the saw slight modulated by an LFO with high resonance on the filter.

The bass and arpeggiation were played and quantized in logic. The leads were recorded as played."

Pacific Northwest Synth 2009 - George Mattson

YouTube via matrixsynth.

http://mattsonminimodular.com

George discusses the Syntar (the first keytar ever), Division-6's Midify, Synthwood Cable Racks, Ad Infinitum colored cables and of course the Mattson Mini Modular and some of his new projects including the Handicon. The Handicon will be a CV hand controller that you can interface with your modular. It is based on the neck controller of the Syntar mentioned in Stephen's post below. Image of the MMM handicon prototype below.

Part 2


click here for all PNW 2009 coverage.

Pacific Northwest Synth 2009 - Stephen aka Red Martian

YouTube via matrixsynth.

see this performance for reference.

http://redmartian.com
http://mattsonminimodular.com - MMM and PMS Syntar
http://synthwood.com
http://acidlab.de

Don't miss the Syntar neck controller.
Some more info on a modern update will be coming up in George Mattson's talk.
Note, during the reference to the track Cowboy, I mistakenly stated the original cowboy videos were from Vocoderman, it's actually VoiceEncoder. You can see more of his videos previously posted here. Apologies to VoiceEncoder.

click here for all PNW 2009 coverage.

Pacific Northwest Synth 2009 - Red Martian Performance

SYNTAR MMM and MIAMI LIVE SYNTHESIZER PERFORMANCE PNW SYNTH DIY 2009

YouTube via redmartian http://redmartian.com/.

Watch the skulls in the background.
"Here is a live performance of the MMM demo number four featuring the stack of MMMs behind, the Syntar (the father of the MMM) and the new AcidLab MIAMI in MIDI mode. The bass line, arpeggio and drums were sequenced in Logic. The Skulls were triggered via Logic (the percussion tracks) using Division-6's MIDIFY."

COWBOY (RIP) AND THE ROLAND VOCODER LIVE AT PNW SYNTH DIY 2009 FEATURING THE SYNTAR, MIAMI AND MMM

"This is dedicated to that old dog COWBOY who used to listen to his master's vocoder. The bass and some melody are handled by the MMMs behind. The Syntar is the carrier wave for the Roland SVC-350 vocoder. The Syntar also plays a sort of melody. The MIAMI is sequenced in MIDI mode from Logic. At the Pacific Northwest Synth DIY 2009"

Be sure to see this prior post for reference and lyrics. The third video is the studio recording of this track.
See demo number four in this post for the first track.

click here for all PNW 2009 coverage.