Summoning the UFOs to come take us away 🛸 #theremin #stylophone #cat #musicproducer

video upload by Data Child

David Lynch's Synth Gear Up for Auction

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

Apprenlty JULIEN*S auction house is auctioning off David Lynch's belongings.

Among the items you will some of studio equipment including the synths pictured here. It's interesting to see the gear he used. The Roland MKS-70 (JX10/JX-8P) used on Twin Peaks is not listed as I believe it was owned and by Angelo Badalamenti, not Lynch. I included his portable audio recording equipment, not as a synth, but as a possible sample source. Unfortunately the listing does not mention if there are any recordings present in them so keep that in mind if you bid. It would be a shame if they were removed.

Most of the items mention they were "owned and used by David Lynch in his personal recording studio."

Images in this post were captured in the order listed for each listing.

E-Mu Systems E III Model 6083 SN 02200324

Korg microX SN 003322 & Yamaha Motif 7 SN 1001208

Korg KAOS Pad KP3 SN 057331 & Kaossilator SN 080602

"Dumbland" Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer with Box Set and Studio-Used Microphones

"A lot containing the BOSS VT-1 Voice Transformer owned and used by David Lynch for voicing the characters of his cartoon DumbLand (2002), a Dumbland DVD box set, and two microphones used by David Lynch in his home recording studio known as Asymmetrical Studio."

Tony Bassett No. 1 Electronics Theremin "Spacetrip Passport"

Stylophone Pocket Synthesizer

Lot of Three Synthesizers: Alesis Nanosynth, Gakken SX-150 Mark II, Roland JV-1010 SN BN26304

Roland SPD-20 Sampling Pad SN FV41503

Portable Audio Recording Equipment - not a synth, but you have to wonder what recordings, if any, may be preserved for sample sources.

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🚀 Introducing the New Stylophone Theremin – A Modern Take on a Classic Sound! 🎶✨

video upload by Blossom Bisquits

"The Stylophone Theremin is here! A portable, touch-sensitive synthesizer that brings the magic of the theremin into a compact, easy-to-use format. Whether you're a musician, sound designer, or synth enthusiast, this instrument opens up a world of expressive sound possibilities!

🎛️ Key Features:
🔹 Pitch control via antenna – Play without touch and shape melodies with movement
🔹 Additional fader for precise intonation – Fine-tune your pitch effortlessly
🔹 Built-in effects – Modulation, vibrato, and delay, all adjustable via dedicated knobs
🔹 Trigger button & octave switch – Expand your playability and range
🔹 Selectable waveforms – Choose between sine and square waves for different tones
🔹 Integrated speaker + multiple outputs – 6.3mm line-out and 3.5mm headphone jack
🔹 Battery-powered – Play anywhere, anytime!
🔹 Threaded mount (3/8”) – Attach it to a mic stand for hands-free control (stand not included)

📏 Compact & lightweight (215 x 166 x 160 mm, 0.875 kg), perfect for live performances, experimental music, or just having fun with futuristic sounds!

🎥 Watch the video to see it in action and explore the sonic possibilities! 🎶"

Stylophone Theremin Tutorials

video uploads by Stylophone

"Get started with the Stylophone Theremin. No experience necessary!"

Playlist:

1: TUNING | Stylophone Theremin Tutorial
2: MODE SWITCH | Stylophone Theremin Tutorial
3: ANTENNA | Stylophone Theremin Tutorial
4: SLIDE | Stylophone Theremin Tutorial
5: SLIDE FEATURES | Stylophone Theremin Tutorial
6: TRIGGER | Stylophone Theremin Tutorial
7: MODULATION | Stylophone Theremin Tutorial
8: DELAY | Stylophone Theremin Tutorial
9: CONNECTIVITY | Stylophone Theremin Tutorial

New Stylophone Theremin Demo by Musical Miscellany

I Received My Stylophone Theremin (& I really like it) video upload by Musical Miscellany

"Dubreq unveiled the Stylophone Theremin at Winter NAMM. I pre-ordered one on the first day it was available. My Stylophone Theremin arrived on Black Friday. It's a surprisingly powerful little synth that can create all matter of sounds from simple to sinister.

Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/musicalmisce..."

You can find the announcement post here, and additional demos here.

New Stylophone Theremin w/ Original Box

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

via this listing

You can find demos in additional posts here.

CLICK FOR MORE »

NAMM 2024: Stylophone Pitch Theremin

video upload by Sound On Sound magazine

"Stylophone have announced an upcoming release that combines a Theremin with a built-in delay unit, modulation capabilities and a pitched playing mode.

We apologise for some audio distortion during parts of this report."

#NAMM 2024: Stylophone Theremin

video upload by CatSynth TV

"A short performance by Amanda from CatSynth on the new Stylophone Theremin. This instrument is actually a combination of a theremin-like voice controlled by the antenna, and a second voice controlled by the button on slider on the unit, more like an Ondes Martenot."

Stylophone's Super Affordable Theremin & CPM DS-2 Drone Synth | NAMM 2024

video upload by Reverb

"For the last 40 years, things at the Stylophone brand have been all about, well, stylophones. But this year, the company is branching into new territory. In the video above, Fess stops by the Stylophone booth for a look at the new (and quite affordable) theremin and drone synth on offer for 2024. See more about NAMM 2024 on Reverb"

NAMM 2024 - Stylophone - CPM-DS2 - Theremin

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2024, Matt from Stylophone showcased the company's lineup of classic products, including a pink Stylophone, Beat, Gen X1, and their newest product, the CPM-DS2, a compact portable modular drone synthesizer. The CPM-DS2 features two voices with a resonant filter and is designed for creating elongated evolving drones. It lacks VCAs and envelopes, but the synthesizer wrangles a lot of fun and flexibility from its main LFO for modulating waveforms, pitch, and filter frequency. It can also be played without plugging anything in, generating notes and melodies from within. The CPM-DS2 can be powered by batteries, external power, or integrated into a Eurorack system.

In addition to the CPM-DS2, Stylophone also displayed their Theremin. The Theremin can be played using its antenna or a slider, offering continuous control and an octave range. It also includes built-in delay effects. Both the CPM-DS2 and theremin are available for pre-order on the Stylophone website, with notifications being sent to customers when the products are ready to ship. While there isn't an exact release date for the theremin, it is expected to arrive within a couple of months.

CPM-DS2 Available to preorder. Price: 209 GBP. 239 Euros. 259 USD.

Theremin Available to preorder. Price: 90 GBP. 100 Euros. 110 USD.

https://stylophone.com/"

Introducing the new Stylophone Pitch Theremin

video upload by Stylophone

Press release follows:


"STYLOPHONE launches The Stylophone Theremin.

Introducing the Stylophone Pitch Theremin, the latest innovation in portable electronic instruments from UK company Dubreq Ltd – creators of electronic instruments and the iconic sound of the Stylophone pocket synthesizer launched in 1968.

The new portable Stylophone Theremin redefines the iconic instrument for the 21st century. With added slider control for precise notes, delay and vibrato effects, octave control, and various tone options, it merges vintage retro design with advanced playability and sound sculpting options. Designed to inspire musicians, enthusiasts, and creators alike.

The Stylophone Theremin creates experimental sounds controlled by movement with an extendable antenna, the unique slider for precise melodies and tones or a combination of both, offering a magical intuitive musical experience.

Go over the edge with crunchy echoing delay and screaming modulated drones. Add vibrato and the trigger button for crazy, quirky sounds. Make beautiful haunting melodies and crazy sci-fi symphonies.

Powered by AA batteries, with built-in speaker and headphone connection, it is an ideal companion for those seeking innovation in sound creation and a compact on the go instrument for live performance, studio or home.
Play it anywhere.
No Theremin experience required.

Features list:

Antenna for creating movement based sound

Slider for more precise notes and moving melodies

Create drones or trigger notes

Wobbly vibrato circuit

Echoing delay

Portable AA battery design

Built in speaker

Headphone and audio output

Can be used with a mic stand

Availability
The Stylophone Theremin is available for pre-order now.

Approx $110, €100, £90

No up-front payment required."

Vintage Stylophone 350s

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

via this auction

"Vintage Stylophone 350s that was made in England. This unit works well, and has fresh batteries (takes 2 x large PP9 9 volt). This machine has some very awesome capabilities. It has two stylus, one of which is for the reiteration effect, basically a two speed on/off tremolo, which can be used in tandem with the main stylus. Also, the photo effect is super fun, you can choose vibrato or wah wah, and with your left hand proximity, increase or decrease the effect (not unlike a theremin). With the rocker switches you can get many different variations of the Stylophone tone. Sometimes the rocker switches take a couple of attempts to engage as they should, but all switches work. The unit is in excellent cosmetic shape."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Zeppelin Design Labs ALTURA Theremin MIDI Controller

Check out the cool packaging below. There is a green version of the ALTURA as well. Zeppelin previously released the stylophone style Macchiato Mini Synth.

via Zeppelin Design

"The Altura is a MIDI controller that emulates the Theremin, the classic early electronic musical instrument. As you move your hands in the air, the Altura transmits MIDI data to your synthesizer to control pitch, volume, velocity, bend, modulation, portamento, and more! Use it to control any MIDI synthesizer, such as the Macchiato Mini Synth. Ready-to-play or build it yourself from a fun and easy DIY kit! Get a sleek black acrylic cabinet — kit or ready-to-use — or make your own cardstock cabinet using the provided template.

Requires 9V DC power. Use a battery (not included) or pick up a plug-in power supply.

If you are an Arduino enthusiast, you can hack the open-source software that runs the Altura, or download updates and flash them to your controller.

Connect with your music: build your own gear!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Grand Illusions - Mini Theremin & Stylophone

Published on May 24, 2015 Grand Illusions

For those not familiar with Grand Illusions, he covers odd toys and collectibles. I thought I'd share these two here.

"The theremin is the only musical instrument that you play without touching! Invented in 1920 by the Russian inventor Leon Theremin, this is one of the earliest electronic instruments.

A full theremin has two antennae, one allows you to control the pitch of the note and the other the volume. This mini theremin only has one antenna, which allows you to control the pitch of the note. As you move your hand towards the antenna, the pitch of the note goes up, and as you move your hand away, the note gets lower. The slider on the left hand side of the machine has three positions; when it is pushed in fully, the theremin is off. In the mid position, the theremin plays quietly, and when it is pulled out fully, the theremin plays louder. There is a small jack socket at the back, which allows you to plug the theremin into another device, such as a small amplifier."

Stylophone

Published on Apr 17, 2013 Grand Illusions

"Although Tim didn't acquire this toy until the 1980s, it was already 20 years old at the time - the Stylophone came out in 1968! It is an early form of synthesizer, although as it is really a toy, the controls are quite simple. When you touch one of the metal keys with the stylus, this completes a circuit, and a note plays. On the front is the ON-OFF switch, and also a switch to add vibrato. On the back is a rotary control which changes the pitch of the instrument, which is useful if you need to combine the Stylophone with other instruments.

The Stylophone made a number of appearances in films, music and TV. David Bowie's track Space Oddity uses a Stylophone near the beginning.

Around 3 million were sold, before ceasing production in 1975. However recently, the son of the original inventor has started a new company, making an updated version of the Stylophone."

Electric Dream: Twelve Instruments ⚡︎ One Girl

Published on Oct 26, 2015 Clara Venice

"'Electric Dream' now available on iTunes ⚡︎ http://apple.co/1Mfidy5

⚡︎

Go behind the scenes with me at the National Music Centre as I record my newest EP, "Electric Dream" using some rare electronic instruments from their collection (and one not-so-rare instrument from mine!)

⚡︎

Instruments used:

1. Chime-a-tron
2. Linn LM-1
3. Oberheim Four Voice
4. Buchla Lighting
5. EMS Synthi Hi-Fli
6. Stylophone
7. RCA Theremin
8. Ableton Live
9. Oberheim OB-Xa
10. T.O.N.T.O.
11. Hammond Novachord
12. Neumann U-87 "

CLARA ♡ VENICE | "ELECTRIC DREAM" EP TRAILER - Featuring TONTO, Theremini & More

Published on Sep 3, 2015 Clara Venice

Synth spotting: Moog Theremini, Waldorf XT & Pulse racks, TONTO, RCA Theremin, Roland XP-30, Oberheim TVS, EMS SYNTHI Hi-Fli?, Moog Theremin, Stylophone & More. Quite a bit for a 1:51 promo reel!

"THE NEW EP IS COMING THIS FALL!! ★

I'm so excited to announce that my second EP, "Electric Dream" is coming October 2015! For Canadian/European tour dates, as well as more release info, videos and music, I'll be posting more details here and on my social sites so come connect with me (links below) and I will keep you posted!"

The Many Sounds of Analog Synthesis (CB's DIY Modular Synthesizer)

Published on May 5, 2015 Chris Beckstrom

"A collection of patches that demonstrate the variety of sounds my synthesizer can make. All sounds are made by the synth except for a splash of spring reverb.

For more about this project:
http://cb.hopto.org/cbfishes/2015/05/...

Here is each patch from the video:
0:00 Shotgun-shell Light "Theremin"
0:41 Acid bass sequence
1:20 Tuned Noise
1:42 Weird Resistor Ladder Sequencing
2:09 Big Thick Drone
2:31 Playing my Stylophone-style Keyboard
2:51 Playing the keyboard with fingers instead
3:08 Cowbell!
3:29 Laser bass drums
3:45 10 step sequencer as oscillator
4:10 Manual and clocked arpeggios"

Chris Beckstrom's DIY Modular Synth- Improvisation 5/4/2015

Published on May 4, 2015

"Improvising with my DIY modular analog synthesizer. I've been building this synth for a few months now, now it's time to learn to play it! Here's some improvisation/noodling from this morning. The synth was recorded live through an analog mixer (with a touch of spring reverb) into Ableton Live."

Interesting bit via CB's website:

"My approach to building the modules– the various musical Lego bricks– was to use the simplest circuits possible and keep the per-module features low. I wanted each piece to do one thing well; before starting this project I had zero electronics experience, zero understanding of the inner workings of synthesizer hardware, and zero math skills. I reasoned that if I created one thing at a time, eventually I would have enough modules to make some sounds. Keeping the features low helped me keep the circuits simple. If any experienced DIYer looked at my circuits they’d see how laughably simple they are, but in the end it doesn’t matter. All that matters is the sounds that come out!

So far I’ve probably put about $100 into this instrument, most of that expense coming from the electronic components themselves. Aside from the Monotron I panel-mounted, everything was built from raw components following schematics I found on the internet. No kits. I’ve altered most of the circuits to cooperate with the rest of my synth– removed capacitors here, added resistors there– completely by trial and error. I don’t have an oscilloscope, so the main way I test things is by actually using the synth (to hear if the LFOs are working correctly, I have them modulate an oscillator). I think this is a different approach than some electronics enthusiasts who rely mostly on the oscilloscope to show them what is happening. So far it’s mostly worked– aside from the hours spent troubleshooting circuits that didn’t work..."

Happy New Year! The Year in Synths 2013

Happy New Year Everyone!

What a busy year it has been in the world of synths.

This is going to be one doozy of a post, so bear with me. This post is a review of the year in synths for 2013. We begin with Tributes to Those We Lost This Year, followed by New Manufacturers & Makers, Older Manufacturers Added to the Site, New Gear Announcements, Top 10 Posts by Traffic,  My Standout Posts for the Year, and finally This Years' Synth Events. I did my best to keep things as short and concise as possible.

Let's begin with the hardest part of the post.

Tributes to Those We Lost This Year

RIP Bernard Parmegiani - Electronic & Acoustic Composer
Lou Reed RIP
RIP Dick Raaymakers aka Kid Baltan
RIP George Duke - DreamWeaver
RIP Ralph Dyck, Sept 28, 1941 – May 20, 2013
RIP Ray Manzarek

All missed and never to be forgotten. Take a moment to remember them.

------

New Manufacturers & Makers

Starting last January, I decided to keep a running list of every new manufacturer and maker introduced to the site during the year.  This is something I haven't done before and I thought it would be interesting to see how many there were in the year.   It's easy to focus on the big synth announcements throughout the year, but what about all the new makers and brands? I shouln't have to go considerably into the significance of new designers on the scene, so I'll just say two things regarding them.  One, the number of new makers is a direct reflection on the interest in our scene, and two, these are the creators of new gear which directly translate into new designs not previously available to us.  Think about that for a moment.  These are makers and designs that did not exist before.  They are part of our synth history.  So what is the total count of new synth designers for the year? A whopping 113. Think about that a bit. One hundred and thirteen new synth designers and brands this year alone.

Here they are (note a handful date back to 2012, but 2013 marked their momentum and availability):

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Michael Hearst - Ode To Odd Instruments

YouTube Uploaded by oneringzero on Jul 31, 2011

"Including (in order of appearance): Knockman "Chachak," daxophone, Hohner claviola, bass melodica, stylophone, otamatone, Moog theremin, Elasticbrand Audioware rattle, porter's bell. Also featuring Maddie the cat.

www.michaelhearst.com"

Brett Domino: Justin Timberlake Medley

YouTube via brettdomino — April 07, 2010 — "Brett Domino and Steven Peavis perform a medley of Justin Timberlake hits using assorted miniature instruments and lap tray travel bags (Trabasacks - for more info go to http://www.trabasack.com ).

The medley includes:
SEXYBACK (written by Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Nate "Danja" Hills)
LIKE I LOVE YOU (written by Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo, Terrence Thornton, Gene Thornton)
LOVESTONED (written by Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Nate "Danja" Hills).

Performed on:
Stylophone Beatbox, iPod Touch (using DigiDrummer Lite), Kazoo, Thumb Piano, Shaker, Stylophone, Cowbell, Recorder, Ukulele, Theremin, Spoons, and Roland AX-Synth.

http://www.brettdomino.com"
Stylophones on Ebay - look for the Stylophone Beatbox

iPhone digidrummer on iTunes: