Yamaha's First FM Synth - The GS2 Preset FM Synth

via this auction. via Loscha.
Not the greatest shot but I've never seen or posted one before. Anyone know more about this one? I do have it on the Yamaha Gear List and Timeline as having come out in 1981. The DX7 did not come out until 1983. According to the auction details, this was Yamaha's first FM synth.

Details Google translated to English from German:
Manufacturer: Yamaha, Japan
Concept: Preset FM Synthesizer
Toner generation: 4 operators, 16stimmig polyp-hone
Sound memory: 16 sounds, loadable by magnetic cards
Keyboard: 73 weighted wood keys, notice-dynamically
Play assistance: 3 pedals (Sustain, Vibrato and Tremolo)
Effects: Ensemble, Detune (3 stages), Vibrato, Tremolo
Characteristics: The GS2 is the first FM-Synthesizer, an Midi interface can be re-tooled, it was Voice LIBRARies with in each case 48 sounds on magnetic cards available of which I 2 pieces possesses. (price at that time: S 3000, - = approx. € 220,-- per piece)
The price of the GS2 amounted to at the time of the acquisition (1984): S 116.200,-- = DM 16.600,-- = euro 8.445,--
All functions are intact, only belonged to the preservation of the sound memory changed the memory cell, can let accomplish I when desired gladly. The Yamaha GS2 is a genuine rare piece, since there are only very few copies of it. The possession for collecting tank an absolute “must”. This concerns a private auction, therefore no warranty and warranty claims can be placed! For information and questions I stand gladly under the telephone number: 0043/664/4445990 for the order!"

BugBrand Flickr Set

"Tom from Bug Brands in his studio in Bristol. Tom creates bespoke analogue electronic systems musicians and bands, as well as art pieces like the "sonic dress". He is also an accomplished musician in his own right. Shot for Dazed and Confused magazine."

Title link takes you to more shots on the Bug Brands flickr set. via Music Thing and Sendling.

Note that the flickr set has Bug Brands isntead of BugBrand, but according the the BugBrand Blog it is BugBrand. I'll drop a comment in one of the flickr shots.

Saratronics Complex Sound Generator

"The new Complex Stereo Sound Generator for Sound Effects and Music Synthesis Module KIT model SARA-001 is now available. Measures only 5.1 x 5.1cm (2" x 2") and work with a single +5VDC power supply.

Main Features :
6 Frequency Generators (8 octaves per generator, 256 tones per octave)
2 Noise Generators (entirely programmable)
6 Noise/Frequency Mixers
12 Amplitude Controllers
2 Envelope Controllers"

Saratronics is based out of Switzerland and the kit goes for 35 euros shipped. You can read more about it on GetLoFi who has one and plans to build it soon.

U-MAX

"Based on UF7 and Doepfer kits, U-MAX is a master control keyboard designed by JMCO and CMa to pilot VSTi plug ins. It’s a non commercial unit."

Update: another shot here.

CMS Modded ARP 2600

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

"it has been serviced and modified by Arp guru Phil Cirocco of CMS in 2004. Phil is arguably the top 2600 technician in the world and anyone that has heard a CMS modded 2600 knows that they are far superior to a stock unit. Phil went through it and fixed any problems, rebuilt the power supply, did his audio path upgrade (the best thing that can happen to a 2600 in my opinion) and replaced the original filter with a CMS 4012, which is identical sonically but has greatly improved stability. In short, this is a screamer that works and sounds amazing."

Axis 64 Midi Controller

YouTube via drbrainwork.
"Designer Peter Davies threw out preconceptions of what a music keyboard should be and designed a layout based on the Harmonic Table. According to C-Thru Musiic, the arrangement of notes helps you understand note relationships and create as you never have before."

multitouch general midi

YouTube via cladclad.
"multitouch surface as a MIDI controller" Anyone know more about this particular one?

Justice Dance

Title link takes you to a pretty cool video posted on one of my favorite blogs, Apollo Pony. There's an interesting bit about 3/4 into it that features this T shirt. What happens only happens with the keyboard. Before you watch it and get disappointed with the payoff, it isn't that big - just thought it was interesting (cool) that it only happens with the "synth."

Note: In the middle of this post I thought I'd see if it was on YouTube and it is. Below is the video. Note the video you will find via the title link on Apollo Pony is much larger and higher res so I recommend that version, but if you are not too concerned with the quality, the video is below. Note that you can also save the version linked on Apolly Pony once it is fully loaded.

Justice - D.A.N.C.E (Version Finale)

YouTuve via Antho05.

Formant Modular Brochures

Remember the Formant Modular? Swissdoc scanned two brochures and sent them my way.

"I spent some quality time in scanning and editing to pdf two Formant Brochure from the company ICA which was selling those kits back in the late 70s till early 80s"

First Brochure
Title as JPG
Second Brochure
Big Formant from the Brochure
mirrored here

ALTAIR-231

via this auction.