They Replaced Steely Dan's Drummers With a $150,000 Computer

video upload by Nick Cesarz

Also see: RIP Roger Nichols - Creator of the Wendel Sampling Computer

"In 1980, Steely Dan put out Gaucho with Steve Gadd, Jeff Porcaro, Rick Marotta, and Bernard Purdie credited on drums. Four of the most recorded session drummers in history.

But three of the seven songs on that record weren't actually played by any of them. They were played by a $150,000 custom-built computer called the Wendel, programmed by their engineer Roger Nichols in hexadecimal code.

I grew up listening to this album and had no idea half the drums weren't real, so I went down the rabbit hole. Here's why Steely Dan built it, how it actually worked, and which Gaucho tracks are the Wendel vs. the real drummers.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:43 How Steely Dan made records
01:48 Hey Nineteen and the pitch
02:18 What the Wendel was
02:38 How it actually worked
03:42 Real tracks vs. Wendel
05:34 Wendel II and The Nightfly
06:35 Wendel Jr and the spread
07:09 Today's tech"

Hey Nineteen

video upload by Steely Dan

via Google AI: "The song's rhythm track is also famous for utilizing 'Wendel,' a pioneering, insanely precise drum machine custom-built by engineer Roger Nichols. Marotta recorded his drum part in a single afternoon, which was then perfectly recreated by the machine." via Expanding Dan

DK Synergy II+ Digital Synthesizer SN 01170

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via this listing

Additional Tone Tweakers Listings

"Fully serviced and working great. The Synergy II+ is a digital additive/FM synthesizer that sounds like no other. Somewhat similar to the extremely popular Yamaha DX7, it's tone is mellower and warmer. A popular website states 700-800 were made and estimates less than 100 are in operation today. We don't know how they came up with this estimation, but this one's working great, as we just fully serviced it. Famous users include Jay Wires, Wendy Carlos, BT (crumar gds), Junkie XL and Steely Dan. Carlos used it on the Tron soundtrack and other recordings.

Previously, one needed an old Kaypro computer with special software to edit sounds, but someone recently developed an editor that can be run on a modern computer."

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Serviced and Modded Korg VC-10 Vocoder

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

via this auction

"Since I’ve had it I’ve recapped a bunch of the boards, recapped the power supply, installed a new ensemble ic and I performed a few mods that drastically improved the sound quality.

This thing is very well loved!
I bought it from John Neff so if you’re into Steely Dan or David Lynch it’s an added bonus.

He had it since 1980 and I bought it in 2021.

It has a minty TOA microphone and it sounds great!"

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X1L3 SHARD Desktop | Korg Volca Drum | Eurorack

Published on Jul 15, 2019 Nostalgic Ruckus

"The fact that this device exists is a beautiful thing. But maybe that’s just my opinion. This is SHARD.. in desktop form. A brilliantly rethought out design from the original eurorack module. Harsh noise to bring back your grandmas hearing and maybe help your dad’s tinnitus from all those Steely Dan concerts. Amazing module for experimental drums with a VCA also but that’s for another day. Both this and the eurorack version sound the same. This version has more hands on manipulation. Honestly I feel Shard is best played by hand. It’s part of the experience. The ability to throw it is cool too.

I will stop rambling now. Thankful this thing is a thing but I already said that."

Chromeo’s Californian Studio is a Synth Wonderland

Published on Nov 20, 2017 FACTmagazine

"Masters of funk.

Montreal duo Chromeo are electro funk legends, with a career that stretches back to 2002 and classics like 'Fancy Footwork' to their name. With a new single out and a fifth album on the way, we decided to pay a visit to their studio in Burbank, CA where they've been recording for the past year.

Here the duo walked us through the vintage synths that have shaped their sound, from the Juno-106 to the Elka Synthex. They also told us how Steely Dan inspired their studio location, gave us some insider tips on starting a synth collection and even recorded a FACT jingle. Watch it above."

ARP Solina String Ensemble Electronic Music Synthesizer SN 0110288

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Jul 17, 2017 marcusdolby1

"Demonstration Video for the ARP Solina String Ensemble. This is the more sought after version that was used on loads of hit records from the 70s and on. ABBA, Pink Floyd, The Bee Gees, Genesis, The Cure, The Cars, Kansas, Joy Division, Styx, Steely Dan, Massive Attack, Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Elton John, Nine Inch Nails, YES, Frank Zappa, Stevie Wonder, The Who and many more all used this synth."

via this auction

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Steely Dan ROLAND JUPITER 8 with Kenton Midi Kit SN 161556?

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via this auction

No mention of Steely Dan in the listing, but a search on the serial number brings up this post.

From the current listing: "This is a rare opportunity. Im a selling a Jupiter 8 that is in great condition.

1982 12bit 120v model with no issues with tuning. Serial 161556. I recently had this one refurbished to original mint condition in Manhatten. All pots and connections were checked. They also installed a brand new Kenton midi kit. Its basically in perfect working order. Comes with new custom heavy duty flight case from Roadcases USA."

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Bob Moog Foundation's Ignite Gala Sparks a Crowd

via The Bob Moog Foundation

[BMF's Michelle Moog-Koussa and Toto's Steve Porcaro]

"Encino, CA - October 2014... The First Annual Bob Moog Foundation Ignite Gala is one for the history books, exceeding even the most optimistic expectations.

Held to benefit the Foundation's hallmark educational initiative, Dr. Bob's SoundSchool, the event brought a full house of the best and brightest in music, recording, science, and technology to the splendid Encino, California home of Michael and Edie Lehmann Boddicker.

Guests were treated to an intimate candlelight dinner, capped by an amazing performance by a star-studded house band that included keyboardists CJ Vanston (Prince, Tina Turner, Toto, Joe Cocker, Spinal Tap) and Steve Porcaro (Toto), bassist Leland Sklar (James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Toto), drummer Joe Pusateri (John Lee Hooker, John Entwistle, the Muppets "Animal"), guitarists Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan) and Tony Valenziano (The Stand, Smash), and singers Joseph Williams (Toto) and Rob Giles (Circa Zero, The Rescues), as well as a guest performance by theremin virtuoso Michael Gough."

[The House Band: Joseph Williams, Joe Pusateri, Steve Porcaro, CJ Vanston, Jeff Baxter, Tony Valenziano, Leland Sklar]

" Proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Bob Moog Foundation's hallmark educational initiative, Dr. Bob's SoundSchool, a 10-week experiential curriculum teaching children about the science of sound through the magic of music. Now in its fourth year, Dr. Bob's SoundSchool currently serves more than 1,000 second-grade students in 55 classrooms. Executive Director Michelle Moog-Koussa, shared with guests the Foundation's plans to expand Dr. Bob's SoundSchool, including an upcoming pilot program in Southern California.

Visitors were welcome to see and play many of Boddicker's vintage instruments from his extensive collection, including a rare, custom engineered Moog modular synthesizer, Polymoog, Minimoog Model D, Moog Drum Controller, Big Briar theremin signed by Bob Moog, Moog String Filter, and a custom Multiple Resonance Filter Array-24 designed by Moog himself. Within the rooms of Michael Boddicker's studio, guests were treated to exclusive previews of new inventions in the Inventor's Corner including the new Vo-96, a revolutionary acoustic synthesizer for guitars, the Jambé, a new electronic percussion instrument, and Center Point Stereo monitor, which delivers a 300 degree sound field from a single cabinet."

[Michael and Edie Lehmann Boddicker]

'We were absolutely overwhelmed by the attendance at our first Ignite Gala, and by the tremendous support we have received,' remarked Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation. 'This is just the first in a series of events we have planned to raise awareness for the Foundation, and it is clear that Dr. Bob's SoundSchool is a program that resonates with educators and parents nationwide. We're looking forward to our next event.'

'It was a tremendous honor for me and the band to pay tribute to Bob Moog's pioneering legacy by performing at this event for the Bob Moog Foundation," stated musical director CJ Vanston. "What a great way to honor the legacy of a man whose innovations have brought so much to contemporary music.'"

Bob Moog Foundation to Host Ignite Gala Benefit

"Encino, CA - September 2014...

The Bob Moog Foundation will be hosting a very special benefit event on October 4, 2014. The Ignite Gala, held at Michael Boddicker's residence in Encino, CA, will benefit the Foundation's hallmark education initiative, Dr. Bob's SoundSchool.

The event promises to be a spectacular evening celebrating Bob Moog's enduring legacy and the power of music as an inspirational, cultural force. Entertainment will be provided by a stellar band including CJ Vanston (Prince, Tina Turner, Toto, Joe Cocker, Spinal Tap) and Steve Porcaro (Toto) on keyboards, Leland Sklar (James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Toto) on bass, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan) on guitar, Joe Pusateri (John Lee Hooker, John Entwistle, the Muppets "Animal") on drums, and Rob Giles (Circa Zero, The Rescues) on vocals, as well as other surprise guests.

In addition to an intimate candlelight dinner, the event will also feature a silent auction of fabulous offerings including various instruments (signed and unsigned), travel opportunities and other valuable services. Donors thus far include Dave Smith Instruments, Yamaha, Line 6, Synthology, Sennheiser, PreSonus, JBL Professional, Blue, Novation, and Shure, with other donors still being added.

Visitors will also be invited to take in the exclusive Innovator's Corner, where new inventions in music technology will be revealed, and to view some classic Moog and other synthesizers from Michael Boddicker's private collection.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Bob Moog Foundation's hallmark educational initiative, Dr. Bob's Soundschool, a10-week experiential curriculum teaching children about the science of sound through the magic of music. Now in its fourth year, Dr. Bob's Soundschool currently serves more than 1,000 second-grade students in 55 classrooms. Visitors to the Ignite Gala will be helping to support the Foundation's plans to expand the program nationwide, including new initiatives in Southern California.

'It is a tremendous honor for me and the band to pay tribute to Bob Moog's pioneering legacy by performing at this event for the Bob Moog Foundation,' stated musical director CJ Vanston. 'This is a way for us to give back to a man whose innovations have brought so much to contemporary music.'

'We've had interest from all over the country about Dr. Bob's SoundSchool,' remarked Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation. 'It's an innovative, STEAM-based curriculum that resonates with teachers and school districts who recognize the importance integrating arts and science education. Through Dr. Bob's SoundSchool, we inspire children to think more creatively by offering them multi-sensory approaches to scientific discovery. We are creating tomorrow's innovators and problem solvers.'

Attendance to the event is limited, and tickets may be ordered online at www.bit.ly/IgniteGalaTix"

Steely Dan's Jeff Baxter 1960's WEM WATKINS GUILD Custom Copicat Tube Tape Echo Valve Delay

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via this auction

"This listing is for a 1960's WEM WATKINS GUILD Custom Copicat Tube Tape Echo Valve Delay Unit Owned by Jeff Baxter."

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Steely Dan's Jeff Baxter MAESTRO Echoplex EM-1 Groupmaster Tape Delay Echo

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via this auction

"This listing is for a very rare MAESTRO MARKET ELECTRONICS Echoplex EM-1 Groupmaster Tape Delay Echo owned by Jeff Baxter, Guitarist with Steely Dan and Doobie Brothers.

This is an amazing historical piece of gear used "all over" the first three Steely Dan albums that Jeff was featured on as guitar and pedal steel player.

This item will include a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Jeff Baxter."

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Jeff Baxter ROLAND GR-300 POLYPHONIC GUITAR SYNTHESIZER

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via this auction

"Techno Empire recently had the privilege of cracking open Jeff's storage locker full of gear that has been pretty much unopened for the last 30+ years. Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan Road cases full of gear!

From joness.com:

At the end of the 1970s, Roland Corporation introduced the world to the GR-300 analog guitar synthesizer. While there have been numerous advancements in music technology since then, the GR-300 remains the pinnacle of analog guitar synthesis. Although the sound palette of the GR-300 is very limited, the GR-300 has the fastest, most accurate tracking ever developed. Unlike much of guitar-to-MIDI pitch recognition technology, the GR-300 guitar synthesizer does not require the player to adapt technique to get astonishing results."

via Wikipedia: "Jeffrey Allen "Jeff Skunk" Baxter (born December 13, 1948) is an American guitarist, known for his stints in the rock bands Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers during the 1970s. More recently, he has been working as a defense consultant and chairs a Congressional Advisory Board on missile defense..."

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Jeff Baxter ROLAND MKS-80 Super Jupiter Synthesizer & MPG-80 Programer

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via this auction - SN 560540

"This listing is for a ROLAND MKS-80 Super Jupiter Synthesizer (REV 4) & a ROLAND MPG-80 Super Jupiter Programer. This set are original to each other and we are selling them for the original owner! (who also happens to be the legendary Jeff Baxter) Both units are in near mint condition! Very rare opportunity to find these units in this type of condition."

via Wikipedia: "Jeffrey Allen "Jeff Skunk" Baxter (born December 13, 1948) is an American guitarist, known for his stints in the rock bands Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers during the 1970s. More recently, he has been working as a defense consultant and chairs a Congressional Advisory Board on missile defense..."

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DK Synergy II+ Synthesizer with Kaypro II PC SN 01272

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

via this auction

"The listing is for a Digital Keyboards Synergy II+ synthesizer with Kaypro II PC in great condition! One of the first premium digital synthesizers manufactured in the US , The synth is based on Dr. Hal Alles from Bell Labs synthesizer architecture.This model is the programmable version and has the solid wood casing which only came out with the very early serial numbers. The wood was replaced by tolex to reduce cost in following years. Approx 700 total Synergy units were made of which about 300 were said to be the upgraded programmable version.It is estimated that only 100 or so units are still operational today of which about 20% are the higher end wooden case version. When the Synergy II + hit the market in the early 80s, they were going for upwards of $10K for the wooden programmable version with Kaypro PC. The DX7 came out with their FM synthesis in 83 for $2500 and changed the entire synth industry. After that DK was dumping their units for under $7K with Kaypro and eventually went under in 1985. I payed $5,450 (including shipping) for this unit 8 months ago so for a 30 year old rare synth , it is still holding it's value.

The Synergy II+ 's Kaypro II PC is in great shape as well with two functional drives and the 1980s style green light screen resolution is still very prominent. You can find Kaypro PCs for sale on eBay should you ever need a back up. The sale includes everything you see in the photos- Synergy synth, Kaypro PC and keyboard, null modem cable to RS232 port ,original operational manual for the synth( not a copy), instructions for understanding the Kaypro and the complete Synergy library.The library includes close to 500 patches. It includes the L1-L13 FDs, VCART1-VCART6 FDs and Wendy Carlos Library( WENDY 1-WENDY3 FDs). All library, diagnostic, software systems and boot disks have been backed up with multiple copies, anywhere between 4-6 sets of each. The sale also includes a 2 hour video made by the original owner who purchased this synth as a floor model in 1983. The video on DVD is well thought out as well as his written start up instructions to get a new owner going. You definitely want to review the video and documents to understand the nuances using the synth and PC software . Included are the original documents listing the names and categories of the library disks and patches/voices in alphabetical order and by instrument or sound type. Other documents include synth schematics, pin schematics if you want to make your own null modem cables and addendum released by DK.

This synthesizer is definitely not for the touring musician or quick knob turning gratification player. This synth is typically purchased as a collectors piece or a programmers synth who enjoys sound sculpting for personal pleasure or studio recording. This synth has unique architecture and very sophisticated envelope control . What makes the Synergy II+ unique even to this day is that you voice each oscillator twice for both frequency and amplitude and you have 16 different envelope points for each envelope. So you get to control how each voice changes in response to velocity. For example, you might choose to have a phase modulated envelope that rises very sharply at low velocities and dies off fast, but at high velocity(loud notes) it rises less sharply and dies off much more slowly. Or you could do the opposite with the carrier envelope scheme which means the loudness envelope of the timbre operates normally with a sharper attack the harder you press the key but a shorter decay at louder amplitudes. Since you can define two 16 point frequency envelopes for each oscillator and you are dealing with phase modulation, you can have sound going from strictly harmonic overtones to inharmonic partials and back again over time or set it up to go inharmonic to harmonic and back again. And this effect is with just two oscillators. Typical Synergy II+ patches use 3-6 oscillators so you can also detune them to get chorus effects. Another reason to set up multiple chains of oscillators for a patch is to have different sets of overtones moving in and out of harmony against one another which gives you very complex timbral effects like you would get with real instruments. Another reason to use multiple oscillators is so you can combine additive synthesis with phase modulation to create some very realistic percussive sounds like bells or chimes using subharmonics of the fundamental of a note to create that low hum that is not harmonically related to the timbre ,but present in real percussive instruments.There is a reason that Wendy Carlos still has two Synergy GDS units among her gear of only 5 remaining keyboards.

For those not familiar with the Synergy, there is a good website if you Google DIgital Keyboards Synergy Preservation Page.Also there are several YouTube videos on this unit. However, here are the basics:

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Steely Dan III by Beat Frequency - experimental theremin music with effects

YouTube Published on Jun 2, 2012 by GordonCharlton

"Recorded in one take. Effects chain: ModTone BuzzBoy in etherwave standard theremin w/ ESPE01 mod and effects loop, to Marshall Echohead Delay, to Electro Harmonix Talking Machine w/ expression pedal. Some dynamic compression and reverb added in post-production."

Choppertone Session #3 - "Song For Rikki's Father"

YouTube Uploaded by musicinablender on Jul 13, 2011

"Nick Francis remixes and mashes up Horace Silver's "Song For My Father" with Steely Dan and a host of other musical artists. This is a live one-take remix, using Nick's DIY MIDI controller, "The Choppertone"."

RIP Roger Nichols - Creator of the Wendel Sampling Computer

http://www.rogernichols.com/

Update: see site for donations.

via Wikipedia: "Roger Scott Nichols (September 22, 1944 – April 9, 2011)[1] was an American seven-time Grammy Award-winning recording engineer and producer. Nichols was best known for his work with the group Steely Dan and John Denver, but his work includes numerous major music acts including the Beach Boys, Stevie Wonder, Frank Zappa, Crosby Stills & Nash, Al Di Meola, Roy Orbison, Cass Elliot, Plácido Domingo, Gloria Estefan, Diana Ross, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Rickie Lee Jones, Kenny Loggins, Mark Knopfler, Eddie Murphy, Michael McDonald, James Taylor, and Toots Thielemans, among others. In 2006 Nichols' work was formally recognized by The Recording Academy (Grammys) Producers and Engineers Wing."

"In 1978, Nichols pioneered the technique of "digital drum replacement" by inventing the Wendel sampling computer, which was used to provide some of the drum and percussion sounds on Steely Dan's album, Gaucho, notably the song "Hey Nineteen". This technology is now commonplace in music production around the world."

This sad news in via David Lackey of Innerclock Systems

Madonna, Phil Collins, Steely Dan, Paul Simon Roland Jupiter-8 for Sale?

via this auction

"Serial # 161556.
From the studio of an award-winning composer/producer/arranger, this is the ACTUAL INSTRUMENT that played on the Number One records "Crazy for You" (Madonna) and "Against All Odds" (Phil Collins), as well as the albums Gaucho (Steely Dan), Nightfly (Donald Fagen), and Graceland (Paul Simon).

The Jupiter 8 features 16 rich analog oscillators at 2 per voice, eight voice polyphony and easy programming. Cross-mod, oscillator sync, a great LFO and a classic arpeggiator are also on-board. Two resonant analog 24dB/oct filters with 2-pole and 4-pole settings as well as low- and high-pass filtering methods."

See the seller's Fender Rhodes as well.

BOSS LAUNCHES LOOP STATION WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

"Los Angeles, CA, June 1, 2010 — Guitarists, bassists, keyboard players, beatboxers, looping musicians of all sorts: BOSS® wants you to bring it on. BOSS Corporation is pleased to launch the Loop Station World Championship. Start by submitting a video performance with any BOSS RC-Series looping product, and the result could be a trip to the U.S. Finals in Hollywood, California. Or, better yet, $3,000 in BOSS gear and a trip to the International Championship at Winter NAMM 2011 in Anaheim, California.

Open Competition — June 1, 2010 — August 31, 2010
* Upload a video performance using any BOSS RC-Series Looper to Youtube.com that is five minutes or less.
* Visit www.BossUS.com/LoopStation to fill out entry form.
* Entries will be judged and selected by BOSS, who will be looking at the creativity, musicianship, stage presence, and technical skill of the looping performance.

U.S. Finals — October 23, 2010

* Top six entries will be flown in to compete at the BOSS U.S. Loop Station Finals at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA.
* Performances will be judged by a panel of music industry insiders, including:
o Jeff Baxter (The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan)
o Michael Molenda (Editorial Director — Guitar Player, Bass Player, EQ, Keyboard Magazines)
o Paul Youngblood (Vice-President of BOSS U.S., Director of BOSS Japan)
* Prizes include:
o 1st Prize - $3,000 in BOSS Gear; trip to the International Championship
o 2nd Prize - $2,000 in BOSS Gear
o 3rd Prize - $1,000 in BOSS Gear

International World Championship — Winter NAMM, January 13-16, 2011

* Winner of the U.S. Finals will represent the United States in the BOSS International Loop Station Championship in Anaheim, CA.
* Performances will be judged by a panel of music industry insiders and celebrities.
* Prizes include:
o 1st Prize - $3,000 in BOSS Gear (2,500 EU)
o 2nd Prize - $2,000 in BOSS Gear (1,500 EU)
o 3rd Prize - $1,000 in BOSS Gear (750 EU)

To enter the U.S. division of the BOSS Loop Station World Championship, please visit: www.BossUS.com/LoopStation."

RIP Walter Sear

photo by adriana trujillo via ZU33

We lost another synth pioneer. Walter Sear passed away yesterday. He was currently running Sear Sound NYC. Some synth related snips via Wikipedia:

"Walter E. Sear (1930-2010) was an American recording engineer, instrument importer, instrument designer, inventor, composer, tuba player, movie producer, synthesizer pioneer, and vintage recording equipment guru. Since 1970 he ran the legendary Sear Sound recording studio in New York City, which is known for its vast collection of vintage analog recording gear and is patronized by bands such as Sonic Youth, Steely Dan, Wynton Marsalis, and Paul McCartney...

Sear started out his long and varied career as a classical tuba player. After 4 years at the Curtis Institute of Music, he landed a job as principal tuba of the Philadelphia Orchestra. He later was a freelancer in New York City, playing for 6 years with the Radio City Music Hall pit orchestra as well as The Symphony of the Air, The Goldman Band, Sound of Music and numerous commercial studio dates...

In the late 50's he became friendly with Robert Moog after buying parts from him for a homemade Theremin. In the early 60's, Sear used his music industry connections to become Moog's sales agent and business partner. He encouraged Moog to make his synths more practical, eventually leading, in the late 60's, to the development of portable synthesizers which could be used in live performance. Sear also became known as a performer and composer on the Moog synthesizer for various movie soundtracks including Midnight Cowboy...

He built his first recording studio in 1964 as one of the first commercial electronic music studios. Sear Sound is the oldest recording studio in New York City, and boasts over 285 vintage and contemporary microphones, four rebuilt Studer recorders used by the Beatles at Abbey Road, and one of the earliest Moog synthesizers, built by Sear with Moog[2][3]."