Kurzweil NAMM 2026 - Artist Kash Iyengar Tech Demo - Part 1

video upload by Kurzweil Music Systems

"From the 2026 NAMM show floor, Kurzweil artist Kash Iyengar demonstrates how to use the flexibility of V.A.S.T. to emulate classic synthesizer signal paths, turning a simple, single layer into a gorgeous ambient texture using the K2061 V.A.S.T. Synthesizer."

Roland Juno-60 patch.

KURZWEIL K250 first workstation 1984

synthlegends

"The Kurzweil K250 by Ray Kurzweil, manufactured by Kurzweil Music Systems was developed 1983 together with Stevie Wonder, Robert Moog and Alan Pearlman and introduced 1984. It was the first Workstation ever made, the first ROM-Player with sampled sounds compressed in ROM, maybe with one of the first inbuilt sequencer and one of the first Samplers. It had 12 voices and also 12 separate Digital Audio converters and analog envelopes. The later K1200 and K1000 series didn't have this technology. Later in 1990 the K2000 used a new technology, the VAST Synthesis.

The price of the original K250 was around 14.000 British Pound. The K250 had fantastic nature sounds, which were not heard anyware in a keyboard before. All such orchestral, piano, drum and other sampled sounds were the fist time found in an electronic instrument. Besides the ROM with around 80 sounds, there were 4 Soundblocks established which are all built in in mine.

I play here a very little palette of some sounds of the factory ROM and 4 Soundblocks in this demo. Everything is played life into the audio interface without midi and without any effects. The frist example is adopted by SAGA the Song Images (LP Images at twilight from 1979). Take care and thanks for watching this video. Rüdiger"

Synthesizer Evolution: From Analogue to Digital (And Back) - Book Review + Flip Through

synth4ever

Synthesizer Evolution: From Analogue to Digital (And Back) is also available on Amazon here.

"Ciat-Lonbarde

Synthesizer Evolution: From Analogue to Digital (And Back) book review & book flip through. Synthesizer Evolution is a recently published book covering every major synth, drum machine and sampler from 1963-1995. Each instrument is hand drawn and includes vital statistics and quirky facts.

Synth Evolution is published by Velocity Press (https://velocitypress.uk) and written & illustrated by Oli Freke (https://www.synthevolution.net), a London-based musician, artist and author with a life-long passion for analogue synthesizers and electronic music.

Synthesizer Evolution: From Analogue to Digital (And Back) provides us with an in-depth look at synthesizer history over the decades and covers a variety of vintage synthesizers including analog synths, digital synths, modular synths, wavetable synths, FM synths, additive synths and more.

Join me for a narrated book flip through highlighting various synths and concluding with a brief book review at the end. Hope you enjoy and feel free to grab a copy of Synth Evolution if you like it.

--------------------
TIMECODES
--------------------
00:00 - Intro

► SYNTHESIZERS
01:01 - 360 Systems, Access Music (Virus), Ace Tone
01:46 - Akai (AX80, AX60)
02:43 - Arp Instruments (2500, 2600)
03:44 - Behringer
04:07 - Buchla modulars
04:22 - Casio (Casiotone, CZ series, HT series)

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Kurzweil 150 K150 Fourier Synthesis synthesizer module SN 87030281

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

via this auction

"KURZWEIL K150 Expander additive Fourier Synthesis synthesizer module for sale. Manufactured by Kurzweil Music Systems, Inc. of Waltham, MA. Made in USA. I didn't test every function of the synthesizer, but it does sound good and cycles through the onboard sound programs with no problem. The volume potentiometer is scratchy and pops a bit when adjusting but otherwise quiet once adjusted. This K150 has "K150FS V1.7" eproms in sockets U55 and U57 of the CPU board which - if I understand correctly - will allow its 240 sine wave oscillators, filters, envelopes, etc. to be programmed independently with Kurzweil's K150 Sound Modeling Program using an Apple IIe computer with Passport Designs MIDI interface card. Chassis is solid and well built. Its black paint has chipped off around several panel mounting screws and also has the usual scuffs and scratches, otherwise, finish is fair. Includes "K150 User's Manual" and "150 Fourier Synthesizer Sound Modeling Program for the Kurzweil 150FS and the Apple IIe Version 1.0 User's Guide" and copies of other K150 manuals, addendums, appendixes, lists, etc. Sold as is with no warranties. Buyer pays actual shipping cost. Will be shipped with signature confirmation upon receipt. Package's dimensions and weight are 24" x 24" x 12" and 35 lbs."

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David Mash Joins Bob Moog Foundation Board of Directors

via The Bob Moog Foundation

"We are thrilled to announce that David Mash has joined our Board of Directors. Recently retired from his position of Senior Vice President for Innovation, Strategy, and Technology at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, David previously served as the founding chair of the Music Synthesis Department, Berklee’s Assistant Dean of Curriculum for Academic Technology, Vice President for Information Technology, and Vice President for Technology and Education Outreach. He retired in 2017 after 41 years of service.

A leading authority on music technology and education, Mash has been featured on national and international media broadcasts such as 3-2-1-Contact, Newton's Apple, World Monitor, CBS Evening News, All Things Considered, and Voice of America. He has collaborated on product development with leaders in the multimedia and music industries including Adobe, Avid, Kurzweil, Roland, and Korg, as well as many manufacturers of music technology products. Rolling Stone magazine has called him "the industry's leading evangelist for the marriage of music and technology."

"David and Bob shared a long-time friendship and working relationship, with David having worked with him on several projects while Bob was the Vice President for New Product Research at Kurzweil Music Systems. Bob commissioned David to write the after-market “Kurzweil 250- A User’s Guide,” and served as his technical editor for the project. Bob Moog also wrote the foreword to Mash’s book “Macintosh Multimedia Machine".

Read more here

Welcome aboard, David! We look forward to being guided by your expertise."

NOISEBUG | Store & Synth Studio Tour - Pomona, CA

Published on Apr 16, 2019 synth4ever

https://www.noisebug.net/

"An in-depth store & synth studio tour of Noisebug in Pomona, California -- including the Noisebug synthesizer showroom, modular synths, and synthesizer music event / performance space.

Join me on this journey into Noisebug's storefront location with Blake Griffith, General Manager & musician. Noisebug is owned by Chuck Oken, Jr. and the current space was the original Analogue Haven location, which was started in 2005.

Blake was kind enough to provide me with a Noisebug synthesizer studio and store tour, and gives great commentary and insight into the history of the store, various analog, digital and modular synthesizers, and the synth industry as a whole.

Noisebug stocks keyboards, synthesizers, drum machines, electronic percussion and desktop modules from all over the world. They specialize in Multi-Format Modular Synthesizers, including Moog Format (MU), Buchla Format, Eurorack, Serge, 5U and beyond.

For more details visit Noisebug in Pomona, CA or online at: https://www.noisebug.net

=========
Timecodes:
=========

0:00 - Intro
1:04 - History of Noisebug
2:16 - Record collection
3:22 - Grooveboxes, effects pedals, pocket operators
4:23 - Showroom floor - Arturia Drumbrute Impact, Lyra-8, Dreadbox Medusa
6:56 - Moog Mother 32, Elektron Digitakt & Digitone
7:50 - Dreadbox Erebus
8:18 - Passion for synthesizers & modular
10:57 - Exclusive modular partnerships - Moon Modular, Suit & Tie Guy Eurorack, Free State FX, Buchla
12:20 - Elby Designs Pixie
12:54 - Analogue Solutions Vostok (Deluxe)
13:55 - Jomox Alpha Base
14:10 - Vermona DRM1
14:22 - Nord Piano 3, Nord Lead A1
14:40 - Sequential Prophet X
14:51 - Yamaha MODX
16:10 - Kurzweil PC3K7
16:48 - Korg Arp Odyssey, Moog Sub 37, Moog Sub Phatty
17:14 - DSI Rev 2, Korg Prologue, Arturia Matrixbrute
17:32 - Studiologic Sledge, Roland System-8
18:35 - Modular loft
19:12 - Roland System 500, Elby Serge
19:30 - Analogue Systems Apprentice
20:14 - Eurorack
20:37 - GRP A2
21:11 - Doepfer A100 Eurorack system
21:22 - Waldorf KB37
21:36 - 5U large format modular - Free State FX, Analog Craftsman, Synthetic Sound Labs, Noise Engineering, STG,
22:07 - Moon Modular 10-year Anniversary "System X"
23:04 - Gert Jalass (Moon Modular founder/owner)
23:36 - Moon Modular 5U system
23:42 - Buchla 200e

24:14 - Intermission

25:03 - Performance space intro
25:27 - Noisebug synth performance space
25:47 - Moog One
26:00 - Chuck's personal synth collection - Theravox, Serge modular TTSH, Arp 2600 clone, GRP A4, Waldorf Q+, Waldorf XTK, Roland V-Synth
26:35 - 5U large format modular systems
26:44 - How artists can perform at Noisebug
28:07 - Blake's music
29:00 - NAMM 2019 - Haken ContinuuMini, Le Bois de Luthier
30:53 - Moog One
32:18 - Shipping/Warehouse area
32:26 - Online business
32:58 - Famous artists
34:18 - Synth industry trends & future outlook

40:52 - Wrap up & contact info"

Kurzweil Announces New PC4 V.A.S.T. Synthesizer with 6-Op FM Synth Engine & 4G of Sample Memory

Kurzweil has a new full blown synth in the works. It addition to the classic V.A.S.T. engine that made Kurzweil synths both powerful and popular, the PC4 will introduce a new 6-Op FM engine which will support DX7 patches, unless they are referring to other 80s SysEx files. The 4G of sample memory is split between 2G of on board content and 2G available for users.

The announcement with initial details follow:

"Waltham MA - Kurzweil Music Systems is proud to announce the all new PC4, Performance Controller and Production Station.

Featuring:

256 voices of polyphony
2 GB of factory sample content + 2 GB of user-loadable space
1000+ factory programs
- New! - 6-operator FM Engine with the ability to import 80's/90's FM SysEx files
9 sets of programmable knobs+sliders+buttons
88 note fully-weighted hammer-action with velocity sensitive keys with aftertouch
Full native V.A.S.T. editing capabilities
16 track Sequencer with dedicated front-panel transport buttons
16 arpeggiators (Classic or Step sequencers) with dedicated front-panel controls
- New! - 16 MIDI CC Step Sequencers
16 Riff Generators
Dedicated front-panel transposition and tempo controls
Ribbon connector input
(2) 1/4 inch audio input connectors
(1) stereo 1/8" audio input jack with FX
(2) pairs of stereo outputs
(4) switch pedals (via 2 stereo jacks)
(2) CC pedal inputs"

Rare Vintage Synth Tapes - Fairlight, Kurzweil, Crumar, Serge, 360 Systems, & Oberheim

via Glen on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

1982 Just Fairlight

1985 An Introduction to the Kurzwel 250

Crumar Stratus & Trilogy

1983 Serge Modular Music Systems Presents The Musician’s Tapes

360 Systems The MIDI Bass Sound Demonstration Tapte

1984 Oberheim Xpander Factory Stock Patches/Volume 1

SOURCE AUDIO Hot Hand USB Wireless MIDI Controller

Published on Oct 14, 2013 sourceaudioeffects·95 videos

"SOURCE AUDIO ADVANCES WIRELESS MIDI MOTION CONTROL FOR DJS WITH THE HOT HAND USB

Woburn, MA-Source Audio, innovative designers of the Hot Hand® 3 Wireless Effects Controller and Soundblox motion controlled effects, have released the Hot Hand USB Wireless MIDI Controller. The Hot Hand USB delivers an entirely new method of dynamic control to DAW (digital audio workstation) or live-performance software like Ableton Live, Traktor, Reason, Serato DJ, and Logic/MainStage. Hot Hand bypasses traditional knobs and faders, allowing users to manipulate software parameters with wireless motion-control. It also integrates perfectly with DAW controllers like Ableton Push, Livid Instruments' Base, or Native Instruments' S2/S4.

Hot Hand USB consists of a wireless motion sensing ring and USB stick receiver. The lightweight ring contains a 3-axis accelerometer that detects hand movement and translates it to MIDI control messages. Both quick motions and gradual tilting create control signals that can be applied to any parameter to create effects like organic bass wobbles, filter sweeps, delay times, modulation, and beat repeats. The receiver plugs directly into any Mac or Windows PC, installs without drivers, and appears as a MIDI device. With the Hot Hand USB Editor (downloadable software, available at sourceaudio.net), users can assign the X, Y, or Z axes to control multiple parameters as well as adjust the range and sensitivity of the incoming MIDI signal. Users can operate up to four rings simultaneously and maintain wireless connections for up to 100 feet (30.5 meters).

Hot Hand USB has already received high praise from notables in the electronic music scene. David Mash, Senior Vice President for Innovation, Strategy, and Technology at Berklee College of Music raves, "Source Audio's Hot Hand USB is a truly innovative wireless MIDI controller that allows me to easily manipulate and control many sonic parameters at once, through either subtle or obvious gestures. It is easy to set up, edit and configure, and allows me to use simple, natural movements to create musical nuance in my performances." Vladimir Coman-Popescu (editor of Controllerism.com) said, "Hot Hand is insanely fun and versatile, and is now permanently part of my regular live setup. Finally, I can fist pump during my sets and have it actually do something to the sound!"

Widely acclaimed for bringing innovation into the world of guitar effects pedals, Source Audio was founded in January 2005 by former engineers, scientists, and executives of Analog Devices, Kurzweil Music Systems, and Thomas H. Lee Partners. In 2006 Source Audio released its flagship product, the Hot Hand Motion-Sensing Ring. Since that time, Source Audio's distortion, filter, modulation and Hot Hand products have found their way onto the stages and recordings of David Bowie, Phish, My Morning Jacket, The Cure, and Adrian Belew to name a few. Source Audio was also recognized through multiple awards from Guitar Player, Guitar World, Bass Player, and Premier Guitar Magazines.

The street price of the Hot Hand USB Wireless MIDI Controller is $119. It is available now. For more info and a list of authorized dealers, visit www.sourceaudio.net or call Source Audio directly at 781.932.8080."

Kurzweil K150fs Additive Synthesizer

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

via this auction. Video of one previously posted here.

"One of the very first offerings from Kurzweil Music systems, when they were still located in Waltham, Massachusetts. This is the expanded "FS" (Fourier Synthesis) version of the K150. Besides being an early additive synthesizer, the K150 is notable for its implementation - a rack of 240 digital oscillators? 256-stage envelopes? MIDI velocity, polyphonic aftertouch, splits, layers and more? The MIDI implementation is more impressive than most modern instruments, and this was from 1986, when gear like the Juno106 were dealing with simple note on/off messages. It is utterly unlike anything else. Not a great general purpose box for all sundry tasks, but a programmers dream machine for those who desire to craft some sounds which could not be done with anything else. Unlike most digital synths (which lack low-end), the K150 is all low end. In fact, it cuts off around 8khz-10khz. You can play with the included presets for days, or hook up to an old Apple computer for full harmonic editing. Embrace this rare opportunity!"

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NAMM 2013: List of Synth Oriented NAMM Booths

Here's my list of NAMM Synth Booths this year. Bookmark it as it will grow in time. If you have any to add or want me to look someone up, let me know via the comments of this post or email.

Hall A

Sonuus
Booth# 5990 (Hall A)

NOISEBUG
Booth# 6005 (Hall A)

Access - KEMPER GMBH
Booth# 6100 (Hall A)

RADIKAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
Booth# 6108 (Hall A)

ARTURIA
Booth# 6314 (Hall A)
BRANDS: Mini Brute, Spark, Origin, Analog Experience the Factory, The Laboratory, Sparkle, Minilab

TEENAGE ENGINEERING
Booth# 6409 (Hall A)

KORG USA, INC.
Booth# 6440 (Hall A)
We're celebrating the 50th anniversary of Korg at Booth #6440! Stop by to see the new products from all the Korg USA brands--Korg, VOX, Blackstar, Lag Guitars and HK Audio. While you're there, enjoy live product demos each day, plus artist performances and signings.
BRANDS: Blackstar Amplification, HK Audio, LAG Guitars, VOX Amplification, Korg

STUDIOLOGIC
Booth# 6464 (Hall A)

AMERICAN MUSIC & SOUND, LLC
Booth# 6464 (Hall A)
BRANDS: Allen & Heath, Beyerdynamic USA, Fatar USA, Focusrite, Fostex, Hearing Protection USA, Kurzweil USA, Nord, Novation USA, Serato Video, Sonomax Technologies, Vestax, Xone

BIG FISH AUDIO
Booth# 6514 (Hall A)
BRANDS: Big Fish Audio, Vir2 Instruments, MOTU, Sony, UVI, Loopmasters, Ueberschall, Sonokinetic, Boom Library, Sound Ideas, Producer Loops, Sample Magic, Prime Loops, VIP Loops, MVP Loops, Acoustic Samples, Westgate Studios, Bella D Media, Future Loops, Dieguis Productions

M-Audio
Booth# 6700 (Hall A)

Big City Music
Booth# 6735 (Hall A)
BRANDS: Dewanatron, Analogue Systems, Critter and Guitari, Mode Machines, Cwejman, Dirty Boy, Sherman, Signal Arts, Eowave, Flight of Harmony, GorillaBox, Jomox, Livewire, Mellotron, Metasonix, Monorocket, Pittsburgh Modular, Bubblesound, Effectrode, WMD

Waldorf at MV PRO AUDIO, LLC
Booth# 6809 (Hall A)

BUCHLA ELECTRONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
BRANDS: 200e Electric Music Box, Music Easel
Booth# 6809 [Hall A]

Rob Papen
Hall A booth 6825

Hall B

MOOG MUSIC INC
Booth# 5300 (Hall B)

BOB MOOG FOUNDATION
Booth# 5307 (Hall B)

DAVE SMITH INSTRUMENTS
Booth# 5400 (Hall B)

JOHN BOWEN SYNTH DESIGN
Booth# 5406 (Hall B)

CASIO AMERICA, INC
Booth# 5900 (Hall B)

Hall C

ELEKTRON MUSIC MACHINES MAV AB
Booth 4910, Hall C

Hall E

MIDI MANUFACTURERS ASSOC. (MMA) - www.midi.org
Booth# 1000 (Hall E)

DUBREQ LTD - Stylophone
Booth# 1033 (Hall E)

Analogue Haven
Booth# 1170 (Hall E)
BRANDS: Doepfer, Intellijel Designs, Tiptop Audio, Make Noise, STG Soundlabs, EMC Electronics Music Components, Snazzy FX, WMD, Koma Elektronik, 4ms, LZX Industries, Steady State Fate, ProModular, Toppobrillo, Synthwerks, Metasonix, Malekko, Innerclock Systems, XAOC Devices, Trogotronic

Schmidt Synthesizers - EMC ELECTRONIC MUSIC COMPONENTS
Booth# 1170 [Hall E]

iConnectivity
Booth# 1774 (Hall E)

Antiquity Music Wheelharp
Booth #1280

Other / Arena

Roland Corporation - Booth# 302A (Level 3), 303C (Level 3), (), ()

YAMAHA CORPORATION OF AMERICA - Booth# 100 MA (Marriott), 102 MA (Marriott), ()

And the directory look-up: http://www.namm.org/thenammshow/2013/directory

iTunes:
NAMM Show 2013 - NAMM

Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.coreapps.android.followme.namm2013

Kurzweil- It all started with Ray (The Kurzweil Music Story)

YouTube Uploaded by KurzweilUSA on Jan 14, 2012

"The story of Stevie Wonder's technical challenge to Ray Kurzweil that ultimately motivates the inception of Kurzweil Music Systems."

You'll spot the VA1 at :45. It was a knob laden virtual analog synth. The hardware never made it to release, but the engine did.

Also see:

Kurzweil VA-1 Finally Arrives... in the PC3X
PC3 Sneak Preview VA1

Serge Modular - The Musicians Tapes - Plugz and Socketz (Best Serge Demo I've heard)

YouTube Uploaded by ChristopherHillman on May 5, 2011

"I came across some of my old synth demo-tapes from the 80's ..This is from the Serge Modular Music Systems demo-sales-tape but there's no info on the names of the artists (unless ithey were listed in some literature that isn't with the tape at the moment)

The only other time I've heard this song is when I saw the x-video "New Wave Hookers" and it was playing in the backround. They were listed in the credits as the "Plugz and Socketz".

Sorry it's really the same 20 pics going round and round but I should actually be building an animatronic mechanical-parrot right now.

If anyone wants someday I figured I'd upload the other old synth demos of the Kurzweil 250, Emax, Armonyx Synth, etc. ..it'll be loooong off though..been months behind on everYthinG in life here ..computers, synths, animatronic building, website, artwork etc.etc."

Vintage Synth Demo Tapes - 80s/90s

via this auction

"Included:
Eva-Tone Cassette Sampler - Cetec Gauss 2400 Series Duplicating System
EMAX E-mu Systems - America's Cup Overture, Just Say Yes, Omnimax (1987)
Kurzweil Music Systems - (same program both sides)
InVision Interactive - Protologic Demonstration (1992)
Simmons Electronic Drums - "Library of Sounds" (1985)
StudioDigitalSamples - SP-12 Sampler Library Highlights (1986)
DigiDrums - Demonstration Cassette (1983)
Alesis - Micro/Series & MicroVerb II Demo Tape (1989)
Digital Keyboard - BIT ONE"

New Kurzweil PC3K to offer 128M of User Sample Memory

This one in via Gregory Shiff. First the official press release:

"New Kurzweil PC3K Combines Game-Changing Technology with K Series Sample Library

Waltham MA - Kurzweil Music Systems proudly announces the release of the PC3K keyboard, expanding the PC3 line to include key new features along with backwards compatibility with the legendary K Series product line.

In addition to all of the innovative features that made the PC3 a major success, the PC3K features 128 MB of non-volatile user sample memory. Utilizing a breakthrough in sample flash technology, the PC3K allows user samples to remain intact after a power-cycle, with zero load time upon powering back on. The PC3K can load .WAV files, but more importantly, it can load legacy Kurzweil .K files from the K2000, K2500 and K2600 keyboards. This opens up a whole new world of sonic possibilities; users can now combine the PC3K's unmatched Dynamic V.A.S.T. synthesis engine with the staggering library of K Series samples generated by users and developers alike for over 15 years.

Along with K Series samples, the PC3K will support the importing of most K Series keymaps, programs and setups, providing seamless integration for existing K series customers and an enticingly large collection of sounds for new Kurzweil users to explore. From Broadway performers and high profile pop stars to working players, the PC3K will allow musicians who've relied on Kurzweil for years to continue using their sounds with the next generation of our technology, without having to start over from scratch.

Mike Papa, Kurzweil National Sales Manager for American Music and Sound, couldn't be more thrilled. "This is the breakthrough the industry has been waiting for - the added value of 18 years' worth of K Series sound development is simply immeasurable. It's mind-blowing to think that artists can continue to build upon the body of work they've been creating for just under two decades, when most other manufacturers require users to re-invent the wheel each time a new platform is introduced."

In addition to the ability to load samples, the PC3K offers basic sample editing and full keymap editing. Of course, all of the features and presets that made the PC3 so popular are present as well; anti-aliasing VA oscillators, improved KB3 Mode, Classic Keys, Orchestral and String Sections sound sets, the renowned Kurzweil Grand Piano, Cascade Mode, 16 independent Riffs and arpeggiators, Song Mode and QA mode, unparalleled MIDI control, and the list goes on.

Another major improvement added to the PC3K is the inclusion of a USB host port to support the use of thumb-drives for data loading and storage as well as OS updates."

------- END of Press Release -------

You might be wondering why only 128M. Gregory wrote in with a link to a post by a Dave Weiser of Kurzweil on the sonikmatter forum here. After a little joking on page 3 Dave replies to someone asking the question with the following:

"It's much easier to provide larger sample memory in a system that's less complex than ours.

Consider this - as Keyboard Magazine described, the impetus for this product (or at least a major part of it) was the request from Andrew Lloyd Weber's group for a K26 replacement for their upcoming sequel to Phantom.

Their keyboard guy/orchestrator told me that they TRIED to use other products - the Fantom, the Motif, the Receptor.... but nothing provided the depth and flexibility of features found in the K26 and PC3K. You just can't do the same kind of detailed programming on those other products that you can do on a Kurz. Weber's request proves this more than anything I can say.

The point of this product was to get a K26 replacement out the door as quickly as possible, without causing delays to the other projects that we have coming in the next 1-2 years.

Note that I refer to other projects that are coming next year and the year after, and so on...

The PC3K is not the last board we [will] ever make.

For now, just try to think of our sample memory vs our competitors' like human years vs dog years! :P

And remember... ours is non-volatile - that was more of a priority for this product than memory size."

You can see the thread via the link above for a relatively positive reaction to this decision. Some additional notes from Dave on the thread:

"Some more info.....

No upgrade for the PC3 unfortunately.
The PC3 and its hardware are two years old - the PC3K required some changes.
That's just how it had to be.

Like I had said many times before, the PC3 was not the last keyboard we were going to make.

Compatibility with K samples will be %100.
Compatibility with K programs will be more like 80%, since there are some DSP algs and samples in the K that the PC3 doesn't have.

We will be recommending the Chicken Systems translator to allow the use of other formats.

The PC3K will have wooden end-caps - our distributors are thrilled about this.

We're hoping that the non-volatile aspect of the flash memory will really be a plus for live players.

And like I've said about the PC3..... the PC3K will not be the last keyboard we develop.
We've got a long range plan in place now with more cool products coming over the next few years in a number of different price ranges. The PC3K is just the latest step as we continue to grow."

followed by:

"Hoping to have this released by March.
Could be sooner, could be later.... I'll post when I have better info.

PC3K will be 100% compatible with PC3 files.

I believe that .K26 programs loaded into a PC3K can be saved as a .PC3 file and loaded into a PC3 - but you will not be able to load samples EVER into a PC3, just programs.

MSRP for the 88 should be around $4K US - the street price will be a good bit lower, probably mid 3's.

Actions - same as PC3 line:
61 note TP9
76 note TP8 semi-weighted
88 note TP40L hammer-weighted"

robert moog presentation

YouTube via 116864551. A few interesting bits on Bob Moog.

Update via nonymous in the comments:
RCA Mark II synthesizer - 1955
Kurzweil Music Systems founded in 1982 by Raymond Kurzweil
MIDI proposed by Dave Smith to AES - 1981

Ray Kurzweil - Futurist

YouTube via ComputerHistory
"[Recorded July 13 2009] Ray Kurzweil is a 21st century polymath. He is a scientist, inventor, entrepreneur, author, visionary and futurist. As a scientist and inventor he has pioneered work in optical character recognition (OCR), speech recognition technology, and electronic keyboard instruments. As an entrepreneur, Kurzweil has founded businesses in the fields of OCR, music synthesis, speech recognition, reading technology, virtual reality and financial investment. He is the author of numerous books on health, artificial intelligence (AI), the technological singularity and futurism. The Kurzweilian version of the future is the inevitable merger of humans and intelligent machines.

In this discussion with Computer History Museum Senior Curator Dag Spicer, Kurzweil shares his vision of how technology will re-shape the human body (and culture generally) into one that incorporates advanced technologies into a new type of post-human organism. Kurzweil sees this transformation occurring over the next 20 to 50 years and beginning with the integration of electronic-based systems into the human body. Some decades after that, a further transformation occurs--one based on nanotechnology—which incorporates the manipulation and construction of interfaces and complex systems based on atomic-level structures that merge with and control specific bodily functions and attack its problems (i.e. cancer). Some of the philosophical implications of Kurzweils vision are also discussed."

Interview with Hal Chamberlin

"Way back in 1980 a book titled "Musical Applications of Microprocessors" became the companion for many Engineers designing musical instruments in the 20th century. In 1985, the book was expanded from its original 660 pages to a whooping big 800-odd pages. Till this day, the book (albeit outdated) is still seen as a source of learning for many students in this field. The man who wrote that book is Hal Chamberlin.

For the last 16 years, Hal has been employed by Kurzweil (now known as Kurzweil Music Systems). There, he has been quietly working away on both hardware and software for the many products that Kurzweil make.

Sonikmatter caught up with Hal (at the Young Chang factory in Korea) while he was finishing up on his design of the "remote control" for the new Kurzweil KSP8 Effects Module. Here is what he had to say:" link

Vintage Synthesizer Site (www.allsynths.com)

YouTube via Allsynths. Nice description:
"Access, Ace, Akai, Alesis, Aries Music, ARP, Arturia, Bitheadz, Bomb Factory, Buchla, Casio, Cheetah, Clavia, Conn, Cordovox, Creamware, Crumar, Doepfer, E-mu, EDP, Eko, Electrix, Electro Harmonics, Elektor, Elektron, Elektronika, Elgam, Elka, EML, EMS, Encore Electronics, Ensoniq, Estradin, Fairlight, Firstman, Formanta, Fruity Loops, Future Retro, GEM, GeoPhisPribor, Gleeman, GMEDIA Music, Hammond, IK Multimedia, Jen Electronica, JoMoX, JVC, Kaemi, Kawai, Kellar Bass System, Kenton, Keyfax, Keytek, Kinetic Sound, Kirovsky , Koblo, Korg, Krasniy Partizan, Kurzweil, Lel', Linn, Lowrey Micro Genies, Luberetskiy, MAM, Marion, Mellottron, Melodia, Metasonix, Moog, Multivox, Murom, Mutronics, Native Instruments, North Press, Novation, Oberheim, Octave, OSC, Paia, Panasonic, Philips, PPG, Propellerhead, Prosoniq, Quasimidi, Redsound, Rheem, Rhodes, RMIF, Roland, RSF, Seer Systems, Selma, Selmer, Sequential Circuits, Sherman, Siel, Steinberg, Steiner Parker, Studio Electronics, SyncerSoft, Synhouse, Syntecno, Synthesizers.com, Synton, TC Works, Technosaurus, Teisco, Univox, Vermona, Waldorf, Wayoutware, Welson, Weltmeister, Wiard, WMS, Wurlitzer, Yamaha"

Kendall Wrightson Loops a Linn 9000 and DX1

Been on a looping kick recently if you haven't noticed. Chris Strellis did and sent the following to me. What's funny is I have his Synth History DVD collection and this is the exact video clip that inspired me to finally get off my butt and actually start exploring the world of looping.

"I edited a section of the Synth History Revisisted DVD where Kendall Wrightson makes a track in one minute using a Linn 9000 and a DX1. This was for a guy who was interested in buying my Linn 9000 but I thought that it would be appropriate for everyone to see it. From 1985......... This clip [2.93M] comes from this DVD where more vintage synth fun can be found."

BTW, the DVDs? Absolute synth crack, and a blast from the past. Definitely recommended. You can find some of it on YouTube, but it's not the same as kicking back and watching it not only in better resolution, but full screen without interruption.

Update: BTW, check out Chris Strellis' MySpace page for some good music and a gear p*rn slideshow. Makes a good show while listenning to the music. You might recognize some of the shots from previous posts I put up from Chris.

Update via Chris in the comments:
"This video was shot at Syco Systems in London. In that area there's a rare Fairlight IIL (it has a hard drive!), a Kurzweil 250, a DX-1 and a Linn 9000. The most advanced hardware at the time. It just lacked a PPG with Waveterm - oh and a Synclavier ;)

Since that video, Kendall had written prolificly for Sound On Sound and other magazines and lectures on Music Technology in the UK's North East. link."