THE CASIO CTK 1000 IS SO WEIRD!

video upload by Magical Synth Adventure

"1993's Casio CTK-1000 "IXA Sound Source" is a home keyboard with absolutely astounding semi-editable synth patches! Wavestation-like PCM pads? Check! Nonlinear Waveshaping/FM sounds? Check! Deep evolving textures? Check!

It really is an amazing sounding machine, and the sole example of IXA. It's a shame that CASIO never released this as a pro-level synth, but I'm glad we got these sounds in some form :)"

Rarest Digital VCO? The Double Helix Wavetable Processor

video upload by Magical Synth Adventure

"Here's a deep dive into one of the rarest Eurorack modules of all time (only 5 or 6 prototypes were made before cancellation!) - a very special sounding 9-bit wavetable oscillator, with many unique sounding "processors' - FM, wavefolding, sync, delay, you name it!

A million thanks to Richard Nicol from Pittsburgh Modular:
https://pittsburghmodular.com

Richard's original video here:" [below] 00:00 Intro Demo
01:58 Hello Adventurers!
02:26 The DNA Symbiotic Waves
03:26 The Double Helix Wavetable Processor
06:18 Wavetable Exploration
11:40 Processors
21:10 Self-Patching Fun!
22:08 Closing Thoughts, a Lost Classic?

Pittsburgh Modular Digital Oscillator Lab???

Pittsburgh Modular Digital Oscillator Lab???

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers - Apr 16, 2020

"Experimental eurorack patch laboratory with Richard."

A Gotharman's Retrospective

video upload by Magical Synth Adventure

"Get ready for 2024's Spooky Season with a dive into Gotharman's enigmatic instruments!"

http://www.gotharman.dk/

The Greatest Synth in History | T.O.N.T.O

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Dive into the revolutionary world of T.O.N.T.O, the legendary synthesizer that became synonymous with Stevie Wonder's groundbreaking music during his classic period. In this video, I explore the incredible story behind T.O.N.T.O (The Original New Timbral Orchestra), a pioneering modular synthesizer created by Malcolm Cecil and Robert Margouleff in the early 1970s.
Discover how T.O.N.T.O's vast array of analog modules and innovative design allowed Stevie Wonder to explore new sonic frontiers, shaping timeless albums like 'Innervisions,' 'Fulfillingness' First Finale,' and 'Songs in the Key of Life.' From its towering size, custom wood cabinets, to its intricate patching system, T.O.N.T.O not only expanded the palette of sounds available to musicians but also set a benchmark for electronic music production.
Through my interview with Grammy Winning Super-Producer Robert Margouleff, (T.O.N.T.O co-creator), we'll uncover its enduring impact on music production techniques and its part in shaping the evolution of synthesizers. From its role in creating iconic basslines and ethereal textures to its influence on the development of funk, soul, and electronic music genres, T.O.N.T.O remains a testament to the power of innovation in music technology.
Whether you're a die-hard Stevie Wonder fan, a synth enthusiast, or simply curious about the instruments that changed music forever, this video provides a comprehensive look at T.O.N.T.O's journey from obscurity to becoming an icon of musical innovation. Don't miss out on discovering the secrets and stories behind Stevie Wonder's magical sounds and the synthesizer that continues to inspire generations of musicians worldwide. Hit the play button and embark on a sonic adventure with T.O.N.T.O!"


00:00 Intro (theme music)
00:09 Building TONTO
01:33 Meeting Malcolm Cecil
03:25 Writing Ads for the Moog
03:55 Designing the a Giant Synth on a Tablecloth
05:05 ARP, Serge, and other synths
06:45 Making 'Zero Time' & 1st Record Deal
09:14 Stevie Wonder meets Robert, Malcolm & the Moog
12:09 Moving to Electric Lady Studio
13:16 John Storyk Builds TONTO's Case
14:54 TONTO's Live Concert
16:47 TONTO's Keeps Growing with Special Features
18:45 No Minimoog
19:26 Special Expression Techniques on the Moog
21:14 Stevie's Custom Pitch Bender
24:08 Logo (theme music)

Producing Stevie Wonder & the Synth that Changed Music | Robert Margouleff Story

White JD-800 synth - Gandalf

via Dave

"Hello...

Thought y'all would get a kick out of a Flickr set from today's adventure... took the afternoon to re-assemble my trusty, 16-year-old Roland JD-800 using newly customized white body work. The board was originally grey.... "Gandalf the Grey. Yes, that was my name. Now, I'm Gandalf the White."

flickr set

Only a couple of you will know what a Roland SH-101 is, but it's a legendary '80s synth with a lot of similar hardware (sliders, etc.) to the JD. Gandalf was designed to look like a white version of that model. The design, paint, and screen work were all painstakingly done by Jeff at CustomSynth..... This bloke does truly amazing, magical things to synths. If you have any interest at all too see similar cool creations, check out his gallery.


Anyway, the JD is assembled, home, and working & looking perfectly... ready to "rokk out..."
--
--Dave
http://www.umop.com"