"This wonderful device was exclusive to the Sharper Image stores and quite costly for the times. It was marketed as a way for someone to make their own music, without learning to play a keyboard, or even knowing how to sing very well. It takes voice input and converts the vocal sounds to Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) signals or digital codes. Use it just for fun, or in a more sophisticated manner if you possess musical talent... The operating manual, in pdf format, is available online to print or save to your computer at:
You can also go to the YouTube link listed below [above] to see Captain Kazoo demonstrate the use of the Breakaway Vocalizer 1000. He has four or five other links, on the same site, where you can listen to several recordings he made using this same synthesizer."
via this auction "Extremely rare Sonica synthesizer, built by Frank Eventoff. Only 650 of these were ever made. Very few are now known to exist.
The body is carved of mahogany, and has a plaque with the number (#229). It comes in a custom-sized case.
I've played this both with the internal speakers and plugged in on a stage, and it sounds fantastic. Something like a sitar combined with a theremin. Very easy to play, with options for bending notes and changing keys. The gentleman who gave me this synthesizer claimed it was a gift from Donna Summer, when she bought 24 of them and made a Sonica Orchestra. I unfortunately have no proof that this is the case."
- 2 body contacts that you can add vibrato and small pitch and tone changes to the sound by touching them. - 1 Pitch change control with cool round ball knob..sends the sounds waaaay down for amazing drone sounds. There is also a pitch control that is already on the keytar...with both pitch controls you can send the pitch waaaayyy down! - 1 1/8" audio output to send the signal to an amp or stereo system.
This unit will work as normal with all bend switches off.This unit is designed for recording sounds in the studio. It can make some amazing sounds and drones! It makes sounds that you can't get from any other instrument! Great for techno, sound FX, electronic music."
"Perfect condition Midimini. which is basically a SE recreation of the Midimoog, which was a rack mounted Minimoog. This particular midimini has an authentic minimoog filter, it sounds amazing. It also has an authentic minimoog power board. The unit is in 100% working condition, it was serviced by Greg S, Regis from Studio Electronics in June 2010."