EU Ban's Leaded Solder

Just saw this on Analog Industries. I must have missed this on the lists. Well, here it is via Paul Schreiber of Synthtech.

"The EU's import ban on leaded solder begins July 1st. If you are interested in DIY/repair/kit building, I *strongly suggest* buying at least:

2 spools of Kester '245 No-Clean' solder, part # 24-6337-8800 (for repair and wiring front panel parts) 1 spool of Kester '331 Organic' solder, part # 24-6337-5401 (you use this on pc boards, then wash off the flux which is really vinegar).

This entire lead ban has caused quite a bit of consternation among companies that sell kits. It has put a couple European manufacturers out of business, and cost a _lot_ of money for others to become compliant. I ultimately unsubscribed from at least one mailing list because of a more or less relentless bitchfest viz. the RoHS lead ban. (Because, as we all know, there's only ONE way to DIY a synth, god dammit!)"

Step Sequencer - New Flickr Shot

flickr by light_on_water.

"old-skool step sequencer in flashing/blinking action"

Anyone know what this is specifically?

In Search of Synth God

"Los Angeles-based production company ZU33 is set to begin production next month on SYNTH GOD. After more than a year's worth of intensive R&D, the makers of the critically acclaimed film MOOG are embarking on a far-reaching search for the gods of electronic music in this ambitious new feature-length documentary film project.

Filmmaker/musician Hans Fjellestad will write and direct the film.

Fjellestad explains:
'Since the late 1960s, keyboardists have used the synthesizer to stake out new territory in popular music, perhaps in a way unparalleled since the baroque organists of the early 18th century or the concert pianist 'rock star' romantics 100 years later or speed-demon ragtime pianists 100 years after that. Now with another century past, musical styles and technologies have taken off in all kinds of unexpected directions. And the Synth Gods lead the way. Their pantheon is massive and full of all shapes, sounds and flavors. I want to paint a huge crazy mural that illustrates the history and currency of every Synth God species on the planet, and the instrument that gives them their power.'"

Via Harmony Central News.

NI Kore Review by James R. Coplin

"First off, KORE is kind of like finally getting that girl to go with you that you have been chasing forever. It is a blend of deep disappointment and elation all at the same time. KORE is very much a version 1 with all the warts and bumps that go along with it. However, KORE also answers effectively some key gaps in soft synths to date as regards to sound design, organization, and real-time control. KORE is a combination of hardware and software. If you are thinking of getting KORE as a hardware MIDI control interface for all your software mixing needs (ex. Live and Cubase) look elsewhere. KORE is best considered as a plugin (instrument and effect) controller exclusively. Your money would be much better spent on a Behringer BCR or BCF unit or something like a Novation Remote SL (which completely rocks btw)."

Title link takes you to the full review.

Development_platfom - New Flickr Shot

flickr by wasliberated. Yamaha DS55 FM Synth.

Dirty Girls Need Synths Too - New Flickr Shot

flickr by luxxury.

Z4 Music and Griff - Pocket Samplers

Griff


Z4 Music


Kirk emailed me asking if I knew of any IPod sized samplers. The smallest hardware sampler that came to mind was the Yamaha SU10. I then remembered there was Griff for the Pocket PC and possibly others. I did a quick search for Kirk and found Z4 Music and Griff. There is also my favorite Sequencing software, MiniMusic for the Palm with SynthPad. Finally there's the M-Audio MicroTrack and the Edirol R-1 and R-09, but I beleive they are more straight audio recording devices rather than samplers. I figured I'd put up a post for others as well. If you know of any other IPod sized samplers, feel free to comment.

Update: A couple more:
Via the comments: The Roland MS-1
Via Kirk: The Boss SP-202.

Update via David Kristian in the comments:
"Chocopoolp also makes some decent Palm OS apps, including Bhajis Loops, which combines sampling, sequencing and effects. http://www.chocopoolp.com/"

Stevie Wonder - Superstition Sesame St on YouTube

Embedded link was off for this video on YouTube, so title link takes you there. Via Analog Industries. Hey, how did Chris get it embedded on AI? : )

Note the ARP 2600 in the background.

Update via underface in the comments: "If you're like me and think the pinnacle of western music is Stevie Wonder on a talkbox, be sure to check out this video from the same Sesame Street episode and this video of his "Close to You" cover.

(This brought to you by the letters z, o, a, d, i, q, and k.)"

Thanks underface. BTW, to everyone that posts comments, you all rule; it really makes this site better.

WARNING: Yahoo! Unlimited

Just a warning for any of you signed up to or considering the Yahoo! Unlimited Music service. I signed up for it when it first came out for the $59.88 introductory rate. I expected the service to cancel after a year unless I renewed my contract. Well, I had a little trouble with the player and figured that had happened, so I went online to check about renewing. When I did I was surprised to find my credit card already charged $119.88 on 6/15/06. A bit puzzled, I called customer service last week to find out what happened, and they said I should have received an email indicating that the introductory rate was over, and that I would automatically be charged the new price. I don't remember the email. I asked them to cancel the account and refund my money as I liked the service but not for that price. They said they cancelled my re-occurring billing but they would need to escalate for a refund. I was given a service number and told it would be submitted for refund, but it would have to go through an approval process first. Fair enough, as I figured there shouldn't be a problem as I called shortly after being charged. I waited a week and decided to call back today as my card was not credited. I was told my refund was denied because email was sent to me prior. Um... I thought we went over that already... I knew where the conversation would end up, so I let her know, no problem - I'd just call my credit card agency, dispute the charge and post about it here for others to know. My credit card agency immediately refunded my charge and here is the post. Consider yourself warned and make sure your buddies know in case they "miss" the email like me. NO MORE Yahoo! for me. See yah... Back to Napster if I ever sign up for DRM again.

Update: Be sure to check out the comments for opinions and alternatives.

The Persephone on Monstersynths

Analog fingerboard synth. Title link takes you there. Be sure to check out the video when you get there.