A Polyphonic Synth from 1939? Exploring The Hammond Novachord

video upload by HAINBACH

"Playing the ground-breaking and incredible rare Hammond Novachord was a bucket list item for me. So when I discovered that there is a freshly restored at SMEM in Fribourg, I just had to explore it. I was not dissappointed. Check out the EP:

Cherry Audio | Synth Stack 5 Collection - New for 2024

video upload by Cherry Audio

"Updated for 2024! Synth Stack 5 assembles 30 of Cherry Audio's award-winning virtual instruments at an astoundingly affordable price! In addition to Voltage Modular Core+Electro Drums, Synth Stack 5 includes DCO-106, CA2600, Surrealistic MG-1 Plus, Polymode, Eight Voice, PS-20, Memorymode, Mercury-4, Quadra, Dreamsynth, Miniverse, Lowdown, Elka-X, Sines, GX-80, Mercury-6, Novachord + Solovox, Octave Cat, Harmonia, PS-3300, and Pro Soloist.

Included and new this year are the hit virtual instruments Synthesizer Expander Module, CR-78 Drum Machine, Rhodes Chroma, Wurlybird 140B, Blue3 Organ, Atomika, and the new P-10. In all, that's 23 emulations of vintage synthesizers; three original synthesizers; a legendary drum machine, electric piano, and tonewheel organ; a massive modular synthesizer platform; and over 10,000 professionally designed presets!

https://store.cherryaudio.com/bundles...

Use Sync, Cherry Audio's free user application, to easily manage downloads, installations, updates, demos, and more for Cherry Audio virtual instruments, effects, and preset packs.

Also included is GPFree, a lite version of Gig Performer 5, Deskew Technologies' cross-platform premium audio plugin host for live performance and session musicians. In addition, owners of Synth Stack receive a 10% discount off the regular price of the full version of Gig Performer 5. Check out GPFree with Marty Wade at • Gig Performer Free - Cherry Audio Edi...

That's nearly $1,300 worth of amazing instruments for the incredibly low price of only $499! Plus, further price reductions are applied if you’ve already purchased one or more of these products, including any previous version of Synth Stack. Sign in to see your personalized offer!

There’s never been a better time to dive into Cherry Audio’s incredible line of virtual instruments. From deep modular synthesis to vintage analog tone, Synth Stack 5 is a synth player’s dream come true!"

SFEMF live electronic performance by Amanda Chaudhary

video upload by CatSynth TV

"The full set by (CatSynth host) Amanda Chaudhary at the 2024 San Francisco Electronic Music Festival (SFEMF). The performance took place at The Lab in San Francisco on September 20, 2024.

For more information about Amanda's music, please visit:
https://amandachaudhary.com
https://amandachaudhary.bandcamp.com

For more information about SFEMF, including the full festival program:
http://sfemf.org

For more information about the The Lab
https://thelab.org

00:00 Introduction
00:10 Untitled first piece featuring modular improvisation
02:53 Cartography
08:58 Endorheic Basin
11:59 Cables and Carafes
15:41 Untitled improvisation
17:08 Untitled piece using Cherry Audio Novachord

Instruments included:
Nord Stage EX
Modular with a variety of modules from Make Noise, Metasonix, Morphor, Qu-bit, 2hp, 4ms, Strymon, Synthesis Technology, Buchla, ARC, Malekko, and others.
Arturia V Collection virtual instruments
Cherry Audio virtual instruments
Ableton Live
Kilpatrick Carbon sequencer
Crank Sturgeon Pocket Gamelan"

#jamuary2024 06 Photophore, SampleWiz, FRMS

video upload by SynthAddict

"Quick synthy noodle... forgot to post again. This daily thing is tricky,
also been a crazy month. :-)

more iOS fun:
Photophore (arp)
SampleWiz (Novachord pad)
FRMS (bass)"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Cherry Audio Introduces Synth Stack 4 Collection

video upload by Cherry Audio

Press release follows:

"Synth Stack 4 assembles 22 of Cherry Audio's virtual instruments at a stunning price, only $299 or less for a very limited time! This astounding collection features 19 emulations of classic vintage synthesizers, three original synthesizers, one massive modular synthesizer platform, and nearly 8,000 presets.

PRESS RELEASE - November 21, 2023: Cherry Audio has announced Synth Stack 4, the 2023 update to their complete collection of 22 virtual instruments at an astoundingly affordable price. Synth Stack 4 includes 19 emulations of classic vintage synthesizers, three original synthesizers, one massive modular synthesizer platform, and nearly 8,000 presets.

In total, Synth Stack 4 is packed with nearly $1,000 worth of products and is available for a limited time at the stunningly low introductory price of only $299 - that's less than $14 per instrument! This introductory price is available until December 5th, after which Synth Stack 4 returns to its regular price of $399. Already own a previous version of Synth Stack or other individual Cherry Audio instruments? Sign in to see your personalized and discounted price at checkout!

Synth Stack 4 includes:

Voltage Modular Core + Electro Drums, a powerhouse collection of modular madness including 120 modules and over 600 presets.

DCO-106, a stunning recreation of the much-loved Juno-106 polysynth of the 80's.

CA2600, a powerful, self-contained duophonic synthesizer inspired by the groundbreaking ARP 2600 synthesizer.

Surrealistic MG-1 Plus Synthesizer, a super authentic recreation of the fun and funky Moog MG-1 synthesizer sold in Radio Shack stores in 80s.

Polymode, inspired by the groundbreaking Moog Polymoog synthesizer, one of the world’s first polyphonic synthesizers.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Cherry Audio Releases Pro Soloist Synthesizer

video upload by Cherry Audio

The British Stereo Collective - "Ghosts in the Machine," featuring Cherry Audio's Pro Soloist

video upload by Cherry Audio

""Ghosts in the Machine" by The British Stereo Collective. ALL sounds (including percussion) were played by hand exclusively on Cherry Audio's Pro Soloist virtual instrument. No other synths were used in this recording.

Composer, artist, and producer Phil Heeks of The British Stereo Collective draws his inspiration from classic 70s/80s TV theme compilations, film soundtracks, and sound effects LPs of the era. Read more about Phil's various projects and links to his work at https://cherryaudio.com/videos/excerp..."

Introduction to Cherry Audio's Pro Soloist - Hosted by Tim Shoebridge

video upload by Cherry Audio

"To get users up and running with Pro Soloist, Cherry Audio and Tim Shoebridge of Sound Mangling have again teamed up to create an introductory tutorial video walking users through the extensive features of this iconic virtual synthesizer instrument."

Cherry Audio Pro Soloist: A detailed demo/tutorial of a prog rock and 1970s classic

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We take a detailed look at the new Pro Soloist from Cherry Audio, a recreation of the ARP Pro Soloist that became in mainstay in 1970s prog rock as well as a featured instrument in funk, electronic music, and more. We look at the features from the original, including the front-panel "paddle" presets and the unique touch sensor effects. We then take a deep dive below the hood into the enhanced features for directly editing the individual modules and parameters of the underlying synthesizer architecture (including the resonators) and explore the onboard effects section. Finally, we look at a few of the factory presets, including banks from INHALT and Vintage Vibes by James Dyson.

This instrument was developed in collaboration with Mark Barton, who was also behind the Novochord and Solovox instruments that we at CatSynth have enjoyed.

To find out more, please visit cherryaudio.com

"Pro Soloist is the latest in Cherry Audio's roster of ultimate 'what if?'
virtual instruments. Featuring the precision crafted and circuit-modeled DSP designs of award-winning developer Mark Barton, Cherry Audio's Pro Soloist goes beyond emulating the treasured, preset-based monophonic analog synth originally released by ARP in 1972. Pro Soloist not only exactingly reproduces the expressive controls, 30 infamous presets, and the unique underlying architecture of this prog rock classic, it breaks it out of its cage by making it fully programmable and expanding it with full polyphony, splits and layers, a mod matrix, integrated studio-quality effects, and more."

00:00 Introduction
00:25 History of the Arp Pro Soloist
01:23 Overview of the Cherry Audio Pro Soloist
02:21 Original front-panel presets
08:35 Global controls
09:35 Touch Sensor Effects
16:00 Edit Mode
16:59 VCO
18:59 VCF
21:53 Resonator bank
23:53 Modulating the resonator bank with the mod matrix
26:45 Effects panel
34:46 Multi-layer mode
38:08 Factory Presets
42:18 Vintage Vibe expansion bank
43:44 Conclusion"

Press release follows.

"Cherry Audio releases the highly anticipated Pro Soloist, the latest in its growing line of authentic classic synth emulations. This Pro Soloist breaks out of its cage with fully programmability, expanded polyphony and dual layers, an arpeggiator, a mod matrix, studio-quality effects, and more.

PRESS RELEASE - November 21, 2023: Cherry Audio is thrilled to release the highly anticipated Pro Soloist, the latest in its growing line of authentic emulations of classic synthesizers. Featuring the precision-crafted and circuit-modeled DSP designs of esteemed developer Mark Barton, Pro Soloist goes far beyond reproducing the expressive controls, 30 presets, and the unique architecture of this 1972 classic. Most significantly, Cherry Audio breaks Pro Soloist out of its cage by making it fully programmable and expanding it with full polyphony, splits and layers, an arpeggiator, a mod matrix, integrated studio-quality effects, and more.

Early analog synthesizers were a mystery to most working musicians. In 1972, ARP Instruments released the Pro Soloist, one of the first commercially successful preset-based synthesizers. Pro Soloist featured a revolutionary electronic design and feature set, most notably its innovative "touch sensor" keyboard (now commonly known as aftertouch), where pressing a note harder introduces changes to the sound, allowing highly expressive playing. The Pro Soloist was a hit with acts as varied as Tangerine Dream, Gary Numan, Herbie Hancock, Styx, Prince, Parliament, and Vangelis. Perhaps best remembered was Tony Banks, who amplified the Pro Soloist's legendary presets in epic keyboard solos for the legendary band Genesis.

Cherry Audio has received countless requests to reproduce this oft-forgotten gem — one of those came from frequent collaborator Mark Barton (GX-80, Novachord + Solovox, Miniverse, and others). With unparalleled attention to detail, Mark has created an authentic reproduction of the analog signal path along with the 30 original presets, and together we have substantially expanded the Pro Soloist's capabilities. Cherry Audio has added a dual-layer voicing architecture, with 16 polyphonic voices per layer, that enables two different presets simultaneously, with independent panning for rich stereo timbres and complex sounds. Pro Soloist also includes a split keyboard mode and a brilliant “Last Note” option that effectively simulates polyphonic aftertouch using monophonic-aftertouch controllers.

Pro Soloist's distinctive three-panel interface makes clear that this is far more than a preset synth. Cherry Audio has precisely recreated the look and sounds of the original paddle presets in its main Performance mode panel. In Edit mode, we've exposed all of its unique analog synthesis architecture parameters, most notably, the fully-variable, five parallel bandpass filter "Resonator Bank," key to the Pro Soloist's realistic acoustic orchestra timbres. Additionally, we've revealed the LFO and ADSR/AR envelopes and elevated the sound design possibilities with a "Super Wave" oscillator and a robust six-slot modulation matrix. The Arp/FX panel rounds it out with a syncable arpeggiator and a dozen studio-quality effects for distortion, phaser, flanger/chorus, echo, and reverb.

In short, Cherry Audio has elevated the Pro Soloist from a bare-bones monophonic lead synth into a massive, polyphonic powerhouse beyond anything imagined 50 years ago.

Pro Soloist also features 450 presets created by an extraordinarily talented team of sound design veterans, including James Terris, INHALT, Drew Schlesinger, Huston Singletary, and Mark Barton. More captivating sounds are available in the Vintage Vibes Preset Pack (sold separately) by James Dyson. With additional touches such as Cherry Audio's acclaimed MIDI mapping functions, highly optimized DSP for optimal performance, and a visually immersive interface, Pro Soloist will satisfy both vintage synth aficionados and today's music producers.

A mint condition and serviced Pro Soloist can easily fetch $2,500 or more these days, and its unique architecture makes MIDI retrofits impossible. Cherry Audio is thrilled to introduce this virtual and expanded Pro Soloist at the jaw-dropping price of only $49 (list $69), obtainable now from cherryaudio.com and authorized resellers worldwide. Pro Soloist is also available as part of Cherry Audio's new and comprehensive Synth Stack 4 collection. This ultimate sonic package includes all 22 of Cherry Audio's virtual instruments to date at an unbelievably affordable price, on sale for a limited time.

Pro Soloist is available in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats for Windows (7 or above, including Windows 11) and macOS (10.13 and above), including native support for Apple Silicon. A free 30-day demo is available. Visit cherryaudio.com for additional product details, system requirements, videos, and an extensive collection of awe-inspiring sound demos."

EMEAPP/CHERRY AUDIO PS-3300

video upload by EMEAPP

"Are you thinking of purchasing the new Cherry Audio PS-3300 plugin? Check out this video! Make sure you purchase it directly from cherryaudio.com as 10% of the profits will be donated to our organization during the month of October. An option for an additional $5 donation is also available at checkout so please consider that as well, your support is greatly appreciated!

While we were involved in prior product releases (GX-80 and Novachord), this was our first collaboration from the ground level with Cherry Audio and we definitely wanted to make an impression. We felt that a recreation of our cherished and ultra-rare KORG PS-3300 polyphonic synthesizer would be the perfect candidate for Cherry to translate from the actual hardware to the computer screen in their inimitable style. They did the PS-3300 justice and we are extremely proud to have been the source of the secrets to this mythical beast. We are also extremely grateful to the fine folks at Cherry Audio who have gone above and beyond in their support of EMEAPP and our mission. We look forward to future projects together.

To learn more about EMEAPP, please visit emeapp.org and become a free member!"

Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Episode 184 w/ Dan Goldstein & Mitchell Sigman of Cherry Audio

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"Music Technology Discussion with Rob Puricelli, Andrew Longhurst, Kent Spong and our very special guests, Dan Goldstein & Mitchell Sigman of Cherry Audio!

This week we're delighted to welcome back Dan & Mitchell of Cherry Audio, a company that in the last few years has grown its reputation for quality, affordable and quite excellent software synths that emulate some amazing synthesizer classics such as the ARP Quadra, Novachord, Jupiter 4 and 6 as well as classics like the Memorymoog, Synthex, GX1/CS80 and Polymoog, plus their own Dreamsynth & Sines!

Join us to hear all about the latest synths to be added to their collection, Harmonia and the brilliant recreation of the PS-3300!

We appreciate your help! All donations go directly toward making the show run smoothly. If you'd like to help support our streaming platform, you can make a donation via PayPal here:

https://cutt.ly/PSN-Donate"

US 50 in Nevada Part 4: Ely to the Utah Border (original soundtrack)

video upload by CatSynth TV

You can find all parts in this series here, or see the playlist below for entire trip in order.

"The fourth and final segment of our journey along US 50, the 'Loneliest Road in America'. We pick up where we left off in Ely, Nevada and head east until we cross the border into Utah. Along the way, we pick up concurrencies with US 93 and US 6, making this final segment a little less "lonely" than the previous three.

Original soundtrack by Amanda Chaudhary, featuring the following instruments:
Cherry Audio Octave CAT, Elka X, Novachord, GX-80, Stardust 201 Delay
Universal Audio Electra 88 piano
Arturia Pigments, CMI V, Phaser Bi-Tron, LX-24 reverb
Korg modwave
Strymon Starlab
EastWest Ra

Drums by G Calvin Weston (soundscaperecordinglab.com)

00:00 Introduction
01:22 Leaving Ely with US 6 and US 93
05:05 Music changes as we cross a mountain range
07:41 US 93 departs
11:00 Going around Great Basin National Park
13:38 The final stretch
15:55 Crossing into Utah

_______
Please consider supporting this channel so that we can bring more music, synthesizers, highways, and cultural content regularly:
Merch Store: https://shop.catsynth.com
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/catsynth"

All parts in order:

Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Episode 171 with Special Guests, Dan & Mitchell from Cherry Audio!

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"Music Technology Discussion with Rob Puricelli, Kent Spong and our very special guests, Dan Goldstein & Mitchell Sigman of Cherry Audio!

This week we're delighted to welcome back Dan & Mitchell of Cherry Audio, a company that in the last few years has grown its reputation for quality, affordable and quite excellent software synths that emulate some amazing synthesizer classics such as the ARP Quadra, Novachord, Jupiter 4 and 6 as well as classics like the Memorymoog, Synthex, GX1/CS80 and Polymoog, plus their own Dreamsynth & Sines!

Join us to hear all about the latest synth to be added to their collection, the Octave Cat!"

California Highways 33 and 166: Carrizo Plain to Maricopa

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We exit from the south end of Carrizo Plain National Monument via Soda Lake Road, and turn east/north on California Highways 33 and 166 as they wind their way towards the town of Maricopa in the southern Central Valley. We see scattered wildflowers along the route.

Please also check out our video of this year's superbloom in Carrizo Plain [posted here]

Original Music by Amanda Chaudhary featuring:
Arturia Mellotron V, Stage 73 V, Reverb LX-24, TAPE Mello
Arturia MiniFreak
Cherry Audio Novachord, GX-80, Stardust 201
Dawsome Abyss
RMI Electric Piano (Kontakt)
EastWest Fab Four (bass)
Ableton Live (percussion)

Store: https://shop.catsynth.com
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/catsynth"

Novachord + Solovox | Cherry Audio

video uploads by Cherry Audio




"Novachord + Solovox is Cherry Audio's collection of two virtual synthesizer instruments emulating the forerunners of mass- produced synthesizers. Novachord is based on the revolutionary polyphonic instrument from 1939 that used a staggering 163 vacuum tubes and 1,000 custom capacitors. Solovox replicates a related monophonic keyboard instrument intended to provide organ-type lead accompaniment. Together, these now exceedingly rare instruments set standards for tone generation and synthesis techniques that continue to influence today’s electronic instruments.

Novachord + Solovox is available at https://cherryaudio.com and authorized resellers worldwide for the low price of $39 (list $59).

Novachord + Solovox is a bundle of two individual instruments provided as one download and installed in both standard DAW/host plugin and standalone formats. It is available in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats (individual for each instrument), and a free 30-day demo is available from https://cherryaudio.com."


And a video from CatSynth:

Novachord and Solovox from Cherry Audio: A detailed demo and tutorial

video upload by CatSynth TV

Merch: https://shop.catsynth.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/catsynth
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth

We take a detailed look at the new Novachord and Solovox from Cherry Audio, recreations of some the earliest electronic music instruments that were forerunners of modern analog substractive synthesizers. The Novachord was released in 1939 and the Solovox in 1940, featuring a novel architecture that used vacuum tubes for tone generators (oscillators) and filters. Their sound is unique and found use in film, popular music of the 1950s and 1960s, and can still be heard today.

00:37 History of the Novachord
01:36 History of the Solovox
02:12 Novachord Presets
05:38 Solovox Presets
07:57 Novachord Feature Walkthrough
15:00 Solovox Feature Walkthrough"

Update:

Press release via Cherry Audio:

Cherry Audio is ecstatic to unveil the sensational Novachord + Solovox collection, featuring two meticulously crafted virtual instruments that pay homage to the trailblazers of the synthesizer world. Novachord replicates the revolutionary 1939 polyphonic marvel of the same name, and Solovox reproduces the equally influential monophonic keyboard instrument. Cherry Audio is on a mission to reignite the vintage charm and distinctive tones of these timeless masterpieces that laid the foundation for contemporary synthesis methods.

Debuting at the 1939 World's Fair, the Hammond Novachord contained a breathtaking 163 vacuum tubes and over 1,000 custom capacitors. Its architecture predicted the ADSR envelope and utilized a resonant bandpass filter, similar to designs adopted decades later in modern polyphonic synthesizers. Novachord is remembered for its use in We'll Meet Again by Vera Lynn, and featured in decades of soundtracks, including "Gone With the Wind" and "The Maltese Falcon," and its otherworldly sounds heard in "Cat People," "It Came from Outer Space," The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits. Today, fewer than 200 Novachords exist, and it is said that only five remain in operation worldwide.

Hammond's 1940 Solovox was a small monophonic mini keyboard instrument attached beneath a piano to augment it with organ-type lead voices. Deriving its design from the Novachord's oscillator and divider circuits, Solovox had 18 vacuum tubes and produced a range of string, woodwind, and organ sounds widely used in light music into the 1960s. Unfortunately, the introduction of compact transistor organs released in the 60s marked the end of the Solovox's popularity.

Award-winning developer and DSP designer Mark Barton shared our fascination with these unique historical electronic instruments, and approached Cherry Audio with the prospect of teaming up to revive them and their unique mystical sounds. Mark’s expertise in circuit modeling, along with the invaluable assistance of vintage Novachord owners Joseph and Justin Fill, enabled Cherry Audio to recreate these masterpieces using virtual synthesis rather than sampling.

Cherry Audio's Novachord features 32 polyphonic voices; a resonant bandpass filter network of three resonators; the "Brilliant," "Deep," and "Full" tone settings of the original; seven Attack/Decay/Sustain envelope options; adjustable depth vibrato; and an integrated reverb effect with Room and Hall algorithms plus speaker emulation to replicate the Novachord’s built-in amp and speakers in an acoustic space. Novachord's interface is a magnificent recreation of the original, replete with white Plakson and black Bakelite keys, teardrop levers, and gorgeous cherry wood.

Cherry Audio's Solovox is a faithful virtual analog emulation of the monophonic keyboard attachment instrument, featuring combinable Bass, Tenor, Contralto, and Soprano switches; First Voice and Second Voice two-pole bandpass filters with level controls and variable center frequencies; "Deep," and "Brilliant" tone settings; adjustable glide and fixed-rate vibrato; a mute control to filter harmonics from the oscillator voice; and an integrated reverb effect with Room algorithm and speaker emulation. The exquisite Solovox interface features responsive vacuum tubes that light up and respond to settings.

The result is the fully immersive Novachord + Solovox experience - a breathtaking feast for both the ears and the eyes. With additional touches including over 100 combined presets, flexible MIDI mapping, and Cherry Audio's popular Focus zoom-in feature, Novachord + Solovox brings these Golden Age classics out of the past and into the 21st century.

The unparalleled combination of Novachord and Solovox presents an unbeatable opportunity for musicians. Cherry Audio introduces this exceptional package of two extraordinary virtual instruments at one jaw-dropping price of just $39 (list price $59). With the original hardware being exceedingly rare and priceless, this incredible offer allows everyone to delve into the origins of electronic music and experience their captivating sounds.

The Novachord + Solovox collection is available from cherryaudio.com and authorized resellers worldwide for Windows and macOS (including macOS 13 Ventura, native Apple M1 processor support, M1 Ultra). The bundle is provided as a single download and installed in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats. A free 30-day demo is available. Visit cherryaudio.com for additional product details, system requirements, and an extensive collection of awe-inspiring sound demos.

The Tale of The Ondioline: Music's Oldest Synthesizer?

video upload by The Lemon Master

0:00 Intro
1:21 Design
5:50 History
7:46 Rise
10:39 Downfall
12:47 Revival?
14:24 Outro

Note the first "synth" is debatable. The Telharmonium (1897), Ondes-Martenot (1928), Mixturtrautonium (1936), Novachord (1939), amongst others predated it. The Theremin, although not a keyboard instrument, but the inspiration if not the basis for Bob Moog's creations arrived in 1921. For a timeline of electronic instruments see https://120years.net, and for more synth centric, as we know them, see The First Synth to.....

For reverything Ondioline see https://ondioline.com

And related posts:

Jean Jacques Perrey & Dana Countryman - The Good Old Days

New Website Dedicated to the Ondioline

Jean-Jacques Perrey et son Ondioline (pics of my copy here)

And of course, see the Ondioline label for additional posts.

Novachord sound using Rhizomatic Plasmonic

video by Anthony Distefano

"Novachord preset I made using Plasmonic"

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)

CLICK FOR MORE »

Hammond Novachord Vacuum Tube powered Synthesizer 1939 pictorial

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

via this auction

""Blazing New Trails for Music". The Novachord is considered to be the world's first commercial polyphonic synthesizer. It was designed by John M. Hanert, Laurens Hammond and C. N. Williams, and was manufactured by the Hammond company.

Also includes photos of the Cello-Horn and the Vibra-Harp.

This is a 3+ page magazine article from 1939 - pages measure 6 1/2" x 9".
It is in VG+ condition and would look great framed."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Hammond Novachord Model H Tube Polyphonic Synthesizer Organ

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

via this auction

“PHYSICAL CONDITION: Fair- There are numerous broken keys in the very lower register, including a missing middle B key. The on-off switch is broke off but it still can be flipped on and off. WORKING CONDITION: Non-Functional- The power amps are not connected and the unit is presumed to be non-functional. All major components are intact. There are numerous scratches, dings and general wear on the wood housing but overall it remains solid and sturdy. This unit is still worthy enough as a major restoration project or to be used for parts."

CLICK FOR MORE »

1938 Hammond NOVACHORD SN 105

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

via this auction

Some incredible pics of the inside below.

Update via Kenny in the comments worth noting: "Beautiful instrument but no where near the first synthesizer. The Trautonium was already in use and for sale long before the Hammond came out. Even the Hohner Multimonica predates the Hammond. One could say that the Hammond design was heavily inspired by these earlier synthesizers. The Hammond is an amazing instrument so there is no need for false information."

This reminded me of the 120 Years of Electronic Music site. It's a great resource for the timeline of electronic instruments.

Listing description:

"In the late 1930's, Hammond engineers went way above and beyond to create the worlds first electronic synthesizer, and built it the Hammond way ~ the best. I could ramble on all day about this device, but you're honestly better to visit this website, they've fully documented their Novachord and it's restoration.

As for my specific instrument, it's among the very earliest built (#105) and features what I believe is a factory blonde cabinet accent, which I've never seen before. I think it's original because it's so expertly installed, and wraps around the back to the amplifier compartment. The material feels like a grained vinyl (leatherette) with a canvas backing? It's been stripped off on the left side, but you get the idea. The cabinet will need refinishing as seen, but is in remarkable shape for it's age.

When I decided to power it up for the first time, I brought up the voltage on a Variac - slowly. I heard a loud popping sound and found a bad 2A3 tube, which I replaced with a good/tested one. Once up to line voltage, I was able to actually hear this thing play! Volume, vibrato, attack, and various variations of all the controls were essentially functional on the upper half of the keyboard. I didn't get a response from the lower half of the keyboard. This tells me that the basic components (pre-amp, amplifiers, speakers and motor were all functioning) There are 160 vacuum tubes to check, and about 1000 capacitors! You'll have a good and worthy project ahead of you. I do have a short video of my experimentation, happy to email or text it to you! The wiring harnesses, speakers, amplifiers, and other components appear to be in very good cosmetic condition!

CLICK FOR MORE »

Vtg Hammond NOVACHORD, The RAREST Polyphonic Tube Synthesizer / Organ No 260 (?)

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

via this auction

I almost skipped posting this one due to the condition, but reader Joe Klaw spotted it and sent it in. You don't see these often. If you don't know what a Novachord is, see here for additional posts.

via the listing: "Cosmetic wise the Amps are in Excellent Shape. I have no way to test them.
On November 20, 2019 I add the following about the amplifiers ("It appears that one of the 4A7 tubes (or whatever the number is) is missing from one of the amplifiers, I will look around here to see if I can find it. For now consider it to be missing and bid accordingly."

The exterior of the galleys show rust as seen in pics. The Inside of the the galleys are much nicer. The underside of the galleys appear excellent. There has been no "leakage" of the electronics anywhere as far as I can see. The cabinet was "Antiqued" when I got it. Much of that on the top flat surfaces is gone and it is down to the raw wood, so refinishing would not be as difficult as when I first got it....

Top of the cabinet is rough, but it is all there though some of the thinner sections have come unglued I saved everything so it could be rebuilt, It came apart as I tried to lift the lid off to view the cabinet electronics. The base appears to be sound though the legs are showing come cracks at their longitudinal glue joints. One Foot is damaged as seen in the picture.

Both Jensen Speakers are there, but the cones are of course gone.

Black and White Keys all have good "action" and "ping" nicely. I did not try to operate any of the console levers.

It's all here, just ready for some serious TLC.

Labels that were on the backside of the top cabinet are rough.
I could not find the Plate with the serial number. I am guessing it is 260 because that number is stamped on the inside right side of the cabinet. I remember last time I moved it I took photos and had pics of the plate but that camera is long gone.

I have owned it about 20 years and bought it at a local estate auction."

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Vtg Hammond NOVACHORD. The RAREST Polyphonic Tube Synthesizer / Organ SN 217

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"This Hammond Novachord has been in the family since the 1960’s when my grandparents bought it from an estate in Nyack NY. It’s been prominently displayed in the living room for just as long but last played in the early 90’s. I cannot attest to current functionality but believe it to be complete and will need minimal tlc to return it to its previous glory. Sold as-is, open to assist investigate as best of my ability."

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