via this auction
"The very rare MIDI controller was designed and hand built by synethizer pioneer Don Buchla in 1991. The BUCHLA LIGHTNING is a unique MIDI controller that senses the position and movement of handheld wands and transforms this information to MIDI signals for expressive control of electronic musical instruments. The full set of pictures can be found hereDon Buchla stopped making synthesizers between 1990 and 2000 and started making amazing and unique MIDI controllers. These included the Lightning, the Thunder control surface, the Piano Bar, and the Marimba Lumina. This model here, the first Lightning, was the start of this journey.
First produced in 1991, I bought this unit (serial # 1037) from the original owner in 1993 with the original infra-red rings. I then bought a pair of brand new, upgraded "wands" from Don Buchla in 1998. (The rings no longer work and are not included in the sale.) Don Buchla himself gave this unit a tune-up (replacing batteries, etc) in 2003. I have used it carefully and sparingly. I just tested it today and it works like a charm. This package includes the Lightning itself, two (left/right) "wands," the original manual, and the power supply. Oh, also the original box it came in, with Buchla's return address on it (a PO box).
Please note that this is the original LIGHTNING, not the Lightning II or III, and is strictly a midi controller. This unit does NOT make any sound on it's own but can control any midi instrument or software synth via midi. It can work with any MIDI hardware instrument, any computer (with a MIDI to USB cable) and even an iOS devise (with the right connectors). The bulk of LIGHTNING's electronics is housed in a metal cabinet designed to be mounted on a standard mike stand in front of a performer. Based on principles of optical triangulation, LIGHTNING gathers its information by tracking tiny infrared transmitters that are built into baton-like wands. Unencumbered by wires, these wands provide complete freedom of movement within a performance space.
Basically, LIGHTNING senses the horizontal and vertical position of each hand, for a total of four independent coordinates. From this information, LIGHTNING’s digital signal processor computes instantaneous velocity and acceleration, and performs detailed analysis of gesture. An easily mastered, musically oriented interface language allows the user to define relationships between various gestures and potential musical responses.
Frankly, it's not often you find a piece of electronic music gear that works great AND will increase in value. I am offering free shipping to the 48 contiguous states."
