The Driskell Serge

Playlist:
"W" - Part 1 of 3 of WAD: A Trio For Richard Driskell.
"A" - Part 2 of 3 of WAD: A Trio For Richard Driskell.
"D" - Part 3 of 3 of WAD: A Trio For Richard Driskell.


"'I Am Because We Are'

An Announcement of New Explorations and a New Composition Project

Here is 'WAD: A Trio For Richard Driskell.'

It is composed of three improvisations where I explore, for the first time, the Wilson Analog Delay (WAD.) Even though it is not a fully operating module (no input 2, for the moment) it is still remarkable and something that I’ve had few chances to play with.

So here I am, using the WAD from Richard’s Serge with patch elements from the Mystery Serge, combining them for new explorations.

While I hope that these Improvisations are interesting in themselves, I know that the videos will raise some questions about Richard and his Serge system.

I have known Richard as a friend for about a decade. We met at one of my early (I think the first) Church of the Super Serge concerts at Robotspeak in San Francisco. I quickly came to know him as a wonderful photo documenter of the San Francisco experimental music scene. You have seen me represent myself and my music here many times using his beautiful images.

Over time I learned that Richard was also a member (the drummer) of the important early synth punk group, The Units. Eventually, as our friendship developed, I learned that Richard went on to pursue synthesis directly and had a Serge system. One I was familiar with, in fact, because it was used by LX Rudis in his performances and we had shared the stage several times and had even performed together at the Outsound New Music Summit (with Dmitri Bronson) using that same system.

Richard’s Serge is now in my hands.

When I asked Richard how I could talk about how and why his Serge is in my hands, he said that he and these circumstances are an open book.

Richard is in the end stages of cancer. It is his second such fight over the years and while he has persistently fought it and continues to at this time, everyone who is close to him appreciates every day that he is still with us.

When Richard thought about the future of his synth, he decided that it was most important that it remain active in the Bay Area modular music scene. With this in mind, he contacted me and we discussed how, in my hands, the system could continue to be heard and seen, and how it could also take on a community-building role through efforts that I could put forward using it.

Richard’s thoughtful stewardship of his synthesizer and its future is a remarkable sign of the maturity of the Serge world both in terms of age, and more importantly, in terms of the continuity and continuation of our community as an important artistic and technological entity.

As you can see, this trio of improvisations unpacks a lot more than just new music or sonic explorations. It unpacks the whole of what we are as artists, as a community, and as people who support each other because we know each others’ value to what we all are.

With this, I announce a longterm composition project to be conducted at my studio, where composers contribute using the Driskell Serge. The project, being developed to start soon, is called, “I Am Because We Are” and is dedicated to the wonderful artist, musician and community builder, Richard Driskell, to benefit experimental music and the Bay Area modular music scene.

Doug Lynner"

Anvil Synthesizers "The Anvil" Digital Percussion Synthesizer Ad

This one is via @mu_zines

"The Anvil" was featured in this post from 2014. Muzines, an online repository of music magazines, posted an article on The Anvil here. The question though, is did any of these ever get produced? If you know, feel free to leave a comment. The advert to the left implies they were taking orders at some point they were selling off their IP. Interesting bit of synth history. One of those mystery synths no one knows what happened to...

Update: note the address in the print is 29 Chowmley Gardens, Aldred Road, London NW6. Someone mentioned it could be Cholmley Gardens, pictured. A search on Chowmley gets redirected to Cholmley, so this is likely. Interesting to see where it could have all happened. I used to walk by Serge's shop in Hollywood, none the wiser, when I was a kid. I do remember the wig shop. :)

Update2: interesting side note from Rob Walker: "Reading the in depth article linked to, one of the designers was Roy Gwinn who is known for his Guitar Effects pedal design which Chris Carter adapted into the Gristleizer. I sold Roy a Doepfer Euro case a couple of years back, I’ve asked if he can shed any light."

Update3: via the comments below: "The story of the Anvil Percussion Synth is in RHYTHM MACHINES 2: The 1980s Drum Computers - By Alex Graham. It's available on Amazon (the book, not the Anvil)." [on Amazon here]

Update4: From Roy Gwinn: 'No, the Anvil was never finished. I underestimated the time to do the software, and the hardware was a bit iffy when it got hot. All fixable, but we ran out of money.'

Recording Instrument

Published on Jan 13, 2019 Doug Lynner

"Highlights of an instrument that I am recording for my next release. Done on the Mystery Serge Serge Modular Synthesizer."

Serge Research No.1

Published on May 28, 2018 0ekkeekke0

"First recording of my newly built Serge modular system. I have built TKB, 73-75 DIY panels and R*S La Bestia which is still half finished, both filters and stere mixer are not done..
I'm now in the process of getting to know this instrument- it's sounds and workflow. It's quite esoteric and I many things are still a total mystery for me, if or how they should work."

Silly Serge with Modifications

Published on Jan 8, 2018 Oren Levy

"A noisy and chaotic demo of the modifications I made to my Silly Serge. The Silly Serge consists of the 2 DIY panels by 73-75.com.

The following modifications were inspired by Doug Lynner's Mystery Serge:

Each Negative Slew, Positive Slew, and Envelope Generator has an added cycle switch (blue switches) that makes the module cycle.

One Positive Slew and one Negative Slew along with all the Envelope Generators have a switch (orange) to connect the output to a VC input pre-attenuator for adjustable feedback.

The yellow jack puts out a 6V pulse when the red momentary switch is engaged.

The white switch is my own idea and might not be for everyone. When it is engaged, the output of the reverb module is connected to the top 1/8" jack that goes to the mixer."

Performance Excerpt from Catching Monkeys - An Evening of Improvised Electronic Music - Oakland CA

Published on Jul 3, 2017 Doug Lynner

"Doug Lynner, aka Synthesizerman, performs live on his Mystery Serge in Oakland CA."

More Mystery Serge.

Elby Designs' EuroSerge 1973 VCF VS The Original - Patch of The Week

Published on Jan 16, 2017 Doug Lynner

"It's the match of the centuries! How does the new, 2016 Elby Designs' EuroSerge Serge Voltage Controlled Filter compare to a 1973 original? Find out when it goes toe to toe with an original VCO from the Mystery Serge, the first commercial Serge.

Doug offers modular synthesizer lessons and consultations. For information write doug@neatnetnoise.com.

Doug's website is http://www.neatnetnoise.com."

Serge 1973 VCO Vs Elby Designs' EuroSerge 1973 VCO

Published on Jan 6, 2017 Doug Lynner

"Have you wondered how the new Elby Designs' EuroSerge 1973 Serge VCO compares to an original? Here I compare it to an original VCO from the Mystery Serge.

Doug offers modular synthesizer lessons and consultations. For information write doug@neatnetnoise.com.

Doug's website is http://www.neatnetnoise.com."

In the Mattson Dungeon with the Monster Mattson EML System

Doug Lynner, Stephen Golovnin & George Mattson in the sonic dungeon of Mattson Mini Modular studios.

The massive system they are playing is the mighty Mattson EML modular. It consists of vintage EML components and new designs from George Mattson. You can find a ton of pics and info on the Mattson EML channel label here.

George Mattson of course is the man behind Mattson Mini Modular as well as being responsible for the "M" in the Synthrotek MST line.

http://www.synthrotek.com
http://mattsonminimodular.com

Doug Lynner is a Serge maestro and has been featured here on MATRIXSYNTH numerous times with his Mystery Serge.

Stephen Golovnin aka Vsyevolod used to work at Serge back in the early days when they were based out of Los Angeles (above the wig shop here). He performs live with his massive eight panel Serge system and has been present at a number of synth meets.

Arabesque Performance Patch - Patch of The Week

Published on Apr 25, 2016 Doug Lynner

"Walk through a performance patch featuring Analog shift registers, Pulse divided rhythms and live sampled pitch sets.

To see the modules used in this Patch of The Week in detail see the Mystery Serge at http://www.serge.synth.net/gallery/dl

Doug offers modular synthesizer lessons and consultations. For information write doug@neatnetnoise.com.

Doug's website is http://www.neatnetnoise.com."

Doug Lynner & Elby Designs Classic Mystery Serge in Eurorack

via Doug Lynner on Modular Grid:

"Here is the first glimpse at one of ten EuroSerge system configurations that I have created for Elby Designs. Their new EuroSerge is a full, classic Serge Analog Modular Synthesizer, including the entire catalog of first generation Serge modules in a truly modular format, reimagined for the 3u format. This configuration is based on my Mystery Serge, the first 'commercial' Serge. The configuration will give new adapters a well used system from which to explore their own configurations. Following I will be publishing systems of all sizes for a wide range of users. It has been my pleasure to work together on this with Serge Tcherepnin, and Laurie Biddulph and I hope that you enjoy this new opportunity to include official Serge designs in your 3u system.

Doug Lynner

http://www.elby-designs.com/index.html

http://neatnetnoise.com/

Here is as link to the Mystery Serge - the inspiration for this system. http://serge.synth.net/gallery/dl/"

Synthesizer Meets Guitar - Patch of The Week

Published on Jan 11, 2016 Doug Lynner

"A performance patch for Serge Guitar.

To see the modules used in this Patch of The Week in detail see the Mystery Serge at http://www.serge.synth.net/gallery/dl....

Doug offers modular synthesizer lessons and consultations. For information write doug@neatnetnoise.com.

Doug's website is http://www.neatnetnoise.com."

Mystery Serge Tour - Sound Source Panel - Patch of The Week

Published on Dec 3, 2015 Doug Lynner

"This is the third installment in a panel by panel look at The Mystery Serge - the first commercial Serge Modular Music System made. It is highly upgraded and modified. Enjoy this in-depth tour of the Sound Source Panel.

To see the modules used in this Patch of The Week in detail see the Mystery Serge at http://www.serge.synth.net/gallery/dl....

Doug offers modular synthesizer lessons and consultations. For information write doug@neatnetnoise.com.

Doug's website is http://www.neatnetnoise.com."

Mystery Serge Tour - Control Voltage Panel 1 - Patch of The Week

Published on Nov 21, 2015 Doug Lynner

"This is the second installment in a panel by panel look at The Mystery Serge - the first commercial Serge Modular Music System made. It is highly upgraded and modified. Enjoy this in-depth tour of the Control Voltage panel 1.

Watch to the end for comments on my favorite Serge module and my 2015 Thanksgiving thank you notes!

(Sorry for the awkward camera angle!)

To see the modules used in thisPatch of The Week in detail see the Mystery Serge at http://www.serge.synth.net/gallery/dl....

Doug offers modular synthesizer lessons and consultations. For information write doug@neatnetnoise.com.

Doug's website is http://www.neatnetnoise.com."

Robotspeak's Northern California Synth Meet Performances 2015

Published on Oct 25, 2015 Dmitri SFC

"Video documentation of the performances held at Vinyl Dreams for the synth meet."

Doug Lynner and the first Serge commercially sold after 6:17. The Mystery Serge.

An Interview with Barry Schrader

Hi everyone! As you know Barry Schrader will be giving his farewell concert at CalArts on September 26. The following is the beginning of my interview with him. I opted to post the questions and answers as they come in.  New QAs will get a new post so you do not miss them and they will be added to this post so we have one central post for the full interview. This should make it easier for all of us to consume in our busy lives, and it will allow you to send in any questions that may come to mind during the interview process.  If you have anything you'd like to ask Barry, feel free to send it in to matrixsynth@gmail.com.  This is a rare opportunity for us to get insight on a significant bit of synthesizer history, specifically with early Buchla systems, and I'd like to thank Barry for this opportunity. Thank you Barry!

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Sequencer/Programmer Panel - The Mystery Serge Tour - Patch of The Week

Published on Aug 31, 2015 Doug Lynner

"This is the first in a panel by panel look at The Mystery Serge - the first commercial Serge Modular Music System made. It is highly upgraded and modified. Enjoy this in-depth tour of the Sequencer/Programmer panel.

To see the modules used in thisPatch of The Week in detail see the Mystery Serge at http://www.serge.synth.net/gallery/dl....

Doug offers modular synthesizer lessons and consultations. For information write doug@neatnetnoise.com.

Doug's website is http://www.neatnetnoise.com."

Doug Lynner Live - μHausen 2015 - Becoming Zen About It

Published on Aug 24, 2015 Doug Lynner

"Electronic music composer/performer Doug Lynner plays 'Becoming Zen About It' at the 2015 μHausen Festival in Boulder Creek, CA on 8/16/15. The music plays off of the 100 degree temps and seeks to lead to a "cooling down" as the sounds morph through sizzle, fire and insects to a rich, undulating, soothing drone.

The patch used for 'Becoming Zen About It' is based upon the Patch of The Week "The Anatomy of a Drone at https://youtu.be/B2xr9Z36lrM .

How to patch a four voice drone for maximum texture and timbre!

To see the modules used in this patch in detail see the Mystery Serge at http://www.serge.synth.net/gallery/dl....

Doug offers modular synthesizer lessons and consultations. For information write doug@neatnetnoise.com.

Doug's website is http://www.neatnetnoise.com."

The Anatomy of a Drone - Patch of The week

Published on Aug 6, 2015 Doug Lynner

I believe the Triple Wave Shaper wave folding video Doug refers to at the beginning is this one.

"How to patch a four voice drone for maximum texture and timbre!

Though this is illustrated on a Serge the concepts apply to many modular synthesizers. Let me know how you apply this on your modular synthesizer.

To see the modules used in this patch in detail see the Mystery Serge at http://www.serge.synth.net/gallery/dl....

Doug offers modular synthesizer lessons and consultations. For information write doug@neatnetnoise.com.

Doug's website is http://www.neatnetnoise.com."

New Synth Gear and Makers in January 2015

After this year's massive New Years post, I thought it might be interesting to see how many new makers and new gear announcements we received in a single month.

This may or may not become a monthly theme on the site depending on interest.  If you think it's worth while, leave a comment.

At a high level we had 12 new makers, one new old maker previously never featured on the site, and a whopping 193 new synth related products. Check out the module list below.  The list is a combination of what was either announced or released this month.

The list in order of appearance:

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