Plant Music #1 (Knas + MIDI Sprout)

Published on Jan 24, 2017 Smokey Quartz

"In this video I try out the MIDI Sprout for the first time, connecting a Flamingo Flower (Anthurium andraeanum) to the Knas Ekdahl Polygamist synthesizer. The MIDI Sprout is a “Biodata Sonification Device” that allows plants to play synthesizers! Everyone and everything should be allowed to play synthesizers! Listen to how the sounds change as I touch the plant leaves and flowers."

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The Ekdahl Polygamist - a Synthesizer for the Whole Family

Poster via the knas blog.

Bottom pic and details via the KNAS site.

"Owning a couple of analog synths i was getting a little bored with all of them just sounding nice. Owning a bunch of circuit bent gear i was tired of them only sounding circuit bent and not reliably repeatable or controllable. Out of this combined frustration, the Ekdahl Polygamist was born. THIS is not your typical synthesizer.

The Ekdahl Polygamist is mainly designed with experimental / drone / noise / improv in mind but can really take you wherever you wana go. The basic architecture is classic VCO/VCF/VCA design but all of the building blocks have been designed to allow for much more interesting / chaotic sounds then you get from your bread-and-butter synth.

Highlights includes VCO1 which features a "Tilt" output which is a triangle wave that can be *tilted* from sawtooth, to triangle, to ramp. VCO2, the "Pitch multiplying oscillator" consists of a fundamental and three "sub harmonics" that mimics additative/FM synthesis for very complex waveform and chaos generation. The ADSR is loopable and can be used as an oscillator, it can also be paused in its transition. The three LFOs all go to audio range and two of them go down to about 4 minutes for one waveform period. It also features a duophonic, pressure sensitive ribbon controller which sends MIDI data. It has two independent MIDI/USB-to-CV converters which can be ganged in duophonic mode. And there is of course, much, much more.


For detailed specifications go here.

The list price for the Ekdahl Polygamist is $1450, due to the fact that this is higher then anticipated, and that Knas has no interest what so ever in just pandering to people with unlimited funds, I will introduce a tiered pricing system for musicians who have a limited income. If this applies to you, please stay tuned as this will be introduced some time after the initial sales.

PLEASE NOTE, as of this moment the Ekdahl Polygamist is open for PRE-sale. Basically this means that i haven't yet finished every detail of the synthesizer and that it will take a couple of months until delivery. As of this moment, the hardware seems to all be working properly but needs more testing and there are still a few bugs in the software that pertains to the USB/MIDI."

Sounds from Superbooth 2025: Knas Ekdahl FAR

video upload by Perfect Circuit

"We're on the ground in Berlin at the year's biggest synth event. Stay up to date with all the latest gear news, announcements, and preorder info on our Superbooth coverage hub."

Pictured left: Knas / Ekdahl Polygamist (top); FAR prototype (middle); and a trust ARP Axxe (bottom) from a 2024 interview with Knas.

"Karl Ekdahl, also known as Knas, is a Swedish-born, US-based artist and electronic musical instrument luthier. He designed the widely-loved esoteric analog desktop effect—the expressive spring reverb, Ekdahl Moisturizer. This year at Superbooth, Karl introduced a wild-looking electro-acoustic instrument called FAR. These instruments are based on the principle of extracting different harmonics from a vibrating string by precisely controlling the speed and pressure of a bowing wheel. Naturally, we were eager to learn more about this development.

In our interview, Karl provides a unique look into the world of Knas, exploring its history, ethos, and philosophy. He discusses his approach to instrument design, the concept and technology behind FAR, and other instruments created by Knas. Additionally, he highlights the important role of Baltimore's artistic community in his work, continuously emphasizing along the way that Knas is and has always meant to be more than just a gear company."

You can find the interview here.

Knas Ekdahl Polygamist Discontinued

via Knas

"I have decided to discontinue the Ekdahl Polygamist until further notice. It breaks my fucking heart, but i see no alternative. Long story short, the Polygamist in its current form is much too complicated to build, takes too long, have too many things that can go wrong with it, is nowhere near generating enough cash - and all this, makes it infuriatingly frustrating to build. Nevertheless, there might be another Ekdahl Polygamist in the future if i can change production methods. Sorry to disappoint, but nobody's as disappointed as me :("


Click here for previous posts of the Polygamist including video. Another synth lost to complexity. The Jomox Sunsyn suffered a similar fate if I recall correctly.

Resonance Studios - New Studio Featuring Vintage Synths Opens in Stockport, UK

Press Release follows

**Revolutionary Music Studio Opens in Stockport, UK: Preserving Musical Heritage for Future Generations**

**Stockport, UK, 8th August 2024** – A ground breaking music recording studio is set to open in Stockport, offering musicians from all backgrounds access to some of the most elite and rare music equipment ever made. This state-of-the-art facility, set less than 500m from Strawberry Studios (10cc, Joy Division), is dedicated to preserving musical heritage and ensuring future generations can experience and utilise these exceptional instruments.

The studio features over 250 pieces of new and vintage music equipment, including legendary items such as the Roland Jupiter 8, Synclavier II, Linn LM1, 2 Arp 2600s, a Yamaha CS50 and CS60, and the Voyetra 8. Additionally, it houses extremely rare instruments like The Waldorf Wave, Baloran The River and The Pool, Knas The Ekdahl Polygamist, and the elusive Yamaha DX1, with fewer than 150 of each still inexistence.

As the third largest studio of its kind globally, this new facility not only provides musicians with access to these extraordinary instruments but also offers comprehensive recording, MIDI sync and tracking capabilities. The sampling station, equipped with twin Technics 1210 turntables, Emu SP12 (Public Enemy, Beastie Boys), Akai MPC60 (DJ Premier, DJ Shadow), and a library of over3,000 LPs and singles, providing an authentic and diverse sampling experience.

The studio's mixing and mastering setup features elite level equipment such as Neve 1073DPX Preamps and 8816 Summing Mixer, Shadow Hills Master Compressor,2 Distressors and iconic effects including the Publison Infernal Machine 90,Lexicon 224 and Eventide H3000 which are enhanced by excellent listening and monitoring capabilities, thanks to the support from a partnership with Focal. This ensures that every project attains the highest audio standards, providing artists with label-ready quality recording.

In alignment with a commitment to the community and musical preservation, 3% of all profits are donated to the charity Shelter, supporting efforts to combat homelessness. The remaining profits are reinvested into maintaining and expanding the studio's collection, ensuring that this invaluable resource continues to grow and thrive.

Resonance Studios are also proud to announce a collaboration with local institutions to offer free studio sessions, making this incredible facility accessible to musicians who might otherwise never have the opportunity to work with such high-calibre music equipment. Further details to be announced.

This new music studio in the vibrant Stockport, UK embodies a unique blend of historical preservation and cutting-edge technology, creating a haven for creativity and innovation. Musicians, producers, and enthusiasts alike are invited to explore and utilise this exceptional space, ensuring that the legacy of these remarkable instruments continues for generations to come.

**About the Studio:** Located in the heart of Stockport, UK, our music studio is a creative space for musicians and producers. With a collection of over 250 pieces of elite and vintage music equipment, top-tier recording and mastering capabilities, and a commitment to preserving musical history, we aim to inspire and empower artists from all walks of life.

https://resonancestudios.co.uk

KNAS Ekdahl Polygamist

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

via this auction

“'The Ekdahl Polygamist is mainly designed with experimental / drone / noise / improv in mind but can really take you wherever you wanna go. The basic architecture is classic VCO/VCF/VCA design but all of the building blocks have been designed to allow for much more interesting / chaotic sounds then you get from your bread-and-butter synth'

Only 53 made - discontinued -this is #17!
in great shape, there is a chip on the top panel around a screw (pictured) Everything else is great and is functional! it took me awhile to find one of these and frankly I’m sad to see it go.
Somewhere between a Serge, Buchla, and EMS sound-wise.. it’s insane! Lots of fun to patch and play."

You can find demos of the Ekdahl Polygamist in previous posts here.

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Knas The Ekdahl "Polygamist"

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

via this auction

Video in the listing previously posted here.

"Rare and discontinued - 1 of 53 made:

THIS is not your typical synthesizer.

The Ekdahl Polygamist is mainly designed with experimental / drone / noise / improv in mind but can really take you wherever you wana go. The basic architecture is classic VCO/VCF/VCA design but all of the building blocks have been designed to allow for much more interesting / chaotic sounds then you get from your bread-and-butter synth.

Highlights includes VCO1 which features a "Tilt" output which is a triangle wave that can be *tilted* from sawtooth, to triangle, to ramp. VCO2, the "Pitch multiplying oscillator" consists of a fundamental and three "sub harmonics" that mimics additative/FM synthesis for very complex waveform and chaos generation. The ADSR is loopable and can be used as an oscillator, it can also be paused in its transition. The three LFOs all go to audio range and two of them go down to about 4 minutes for one waveform period. It also features a duophonic, pressure sensitive ribbon controller which sends MIDI data. It has two independent MIDI/USB-to-CV converters which can be ganged in duophonic mode. And there is of course, much, much more."

CLICK FOR MORE »

KNAS Ekdahl Polygamist Modular Synth with Flightcase and Cables

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

via this auction

"The Ekdahl Polygamist is one of only 53 made (now discontinued) by Knas which is mainly designed with experimental / drone / noise / improv in mind but can really take you wherever you wana go. The basic architecture is classic VCO/VCF/VCA design but all of the building blocks have been designed to allow for much more interesting / chaotic sounds then you get from your bread-and-butter synth.

Highlights includes VCO1 which features a "Tilt" output which is a triangle wave that can be *tilted* from sawtooth, to triangle, to ramp. VCO2, the "Pitch multiplying oscillator" consists of a fundamental and three "sub harmonics" that mimics additative/FM synthesis for very complex waveform and chaos generation. The ADSR is loopable and can be used as an oscillator, it can also be paused in its transition. The three LFOs all go to audio range and two of them go down to about 4 minutes for one waveform period. It also features a duophonic, pressure sensitive ribbon controller which sends MIDI data. It has two independent MIDI/USB-to-CV converters which can be ganged in duophonic mode. And there is of course, much, much more.

In good working condition and well looked after, this also comes with a custom yellow flightcase, original manual, adapter and some patch cables."

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The EKDAHL POLYGAMIST by KNAS RARE SYNTHESIZER

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

via this auction

"We believe there are only around 53 of these units ever built... The duo phonic ribbon is a blast. The ADSR times are ridiculous."

Rare Ekdahl Polygamist up for sale/auction. Discontinued back in May of 2014, you don't see these come up too often. A search on Polygamist here on MATRIXSYNTH will bring up previous posts including recent video demos.

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POLYGAMIST LOVE 10

Published on Apr 25, 2015 Smokey Quartz
Re-Published on Apr 26, 2015

"In this video I have a solo noise jam on the Ekdahl Knas Polygamist synthesizer while intermittently stopping to playing with my cat. After the recording, the Polygamist told me that it does not prefer solo jams. It is all about 'the more the merrier' for the Polygamist, or 'Poliy-G' as I sometimes call it. Sorry Polygamist, maybe I can get more hands on you next time."

Knas The Ekdahl Polygamist

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

via this listing

You can find demos of the Polygamist in previous posts here.

"Super-rare, discontinued, legendary, semi-modular experimental noise synth

Knas made about 70 of these, then production was stopped. They are now super-rare, almost impossible to find. Great synth for live/improv sonic madness.

Overall condition is Excellent, only downgraded to Very Good because a couple of the plastic switch caps are missing. This does not affect function, everything is working as it should.

2 unique oscillators (Tilt & Multiply), 3 LFOs, Multi-pole Filter, plenty of patch points, ribbon controller, CV/Gate and MIDI control, easy interface with eurorack gear."

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Introducing The Ekdahl Polygamist - Debut at The Control Voltage Faire

via Knas:

"The Polygamist is *almost* done and will make it's debut in the wild tomorrow at the Control Voltage Faire in New York City. The fair is located at Seaport, 210 Front Street, and goes from 3pm - 8pm (www.harvestworks.org/control-voltage-faire-concert/) - swing by and poke at it."

Note the Control Voltage Faire is the Source of Uncertainty event announced here.

POLYGAMIST LOVE 8

Published on Apr 19, 2015 Smokey Quartz

"For this Polygamist love my parents, who are retired and haven't played a synth before, jam out on the Knas Ekdahl Polygamist with me. Truly a fun synth for the whole family! Does the family that makes noise together, stick together? Or do they just annoy each other? ;)

Enjoy the bare feet and afghans… smell the incense through your tinny speakers."

Smokey Quartz - Wretch Jam #10

Published on Oct 30, 2017 Smokey Quartz

"I haven't posted a 100% Metasonix Wretch Jam in over 3 years so I decided to fire up that cantankerous monster for some improvised noise. Pulse wave and gate signals are being fed to the Wretch from the Knas Ekdahl Polygamist Synthesizer. The Polygamist is just out of frame and can't be heard but is acting as a dominatrix to the submissive Wretch, telling it what to do and running the show. Also, vacuum tube spring reverb is coming from the Metasonix R-56 module."

POLYGAMIST LOVE 15

Published on Oct 23, 2016 Smokey Quartz

"Some late night fun with the Knas Ekdahl Polygamist and blacklight fun. The ADSR of the Polygamist is being triggered by the Roland TR-77, which is heard but not seen."

Plant Music #3 (MIDI Sprout + Knas + Metasonix + Arturia)

Published on Jan 26, 2017 Smokey Quartz

"In this video I connect the MIDI Sprout to a Philodendron ‘Congo Rojo’ and let it play the Ekdahl Knas Polygamist synthesizer and Arturia’s B-3 V Virtual Hammond Organ. Interjecting it’s noisey self into the mix is the Metasonix S-1000 Wretch machine, which is being “played” by the Polygamist via it’s pulse wave and gate outs. So, a plant is playing a synthesizer that is playing a synthesizer!? Ableton Live’s MIDI effects are also massaging the MIDI data coming from the MIDI Spout. It's really all just a bunch of fun noise."

All parts here.

Smokey Quartz - Plant Music 22 (Aloe + PlantWave, Polygamist & Wretch)

video by Smokey Quartz

"In this Plant Music video I connect the Plant Wave to a lil Aloe we have growing in a pot outside. The MIDI coming from the PlantWave plays the Knas Ekdahl Polygamist which then sends pulse waves and trigger signals to the Metasonix S-1000 aka Wretch Machine."

Smokey Quartz - Wretch Jam #11

Published on Nov 2, 2017 Smokey Quartz

"The Metasonix S-1000 howls and growls during this Halloween noise improvisation. Reverb provided by the Metasonix vacuum tube spring reverb module, R-56. The Knas Ekdahl Polygamist is possessing the Wretch, controlling it with pulse and gate signals."

POLYGAMIST LOVE 13

Published on Jul 13, 2015 Smokey Quartz

"In this Polygamist Love video, the Ekdahl Knas Polygamist gets some random-ish sequences whispered into it's ears and we go swimming. Morning swimming? Night swimming? Synthesizers? We love it all! Background percussions from the Metasonix D-1000 and a Noise Engineering B.I. module."

Smokey Quartz - Polygamist Quad #3

Published on Aug 18, 2017 Smokey Quartz

"Oh of course the Polygamist has friends! It's no fun to always play with yourself! In this Poly Quad video the Knas Ekdahl Polygamist invites some friends from California (Metasonix S-1000 and D-1000) and an old friend from Japan (Roland SH-101) to participate in an improvised noisey jam!"