RIP John Leimseider

Update: "A memorial and celebration of life will be held at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, this Sunday, September 30 at 5:00 pm in Studio Bell’s Performance Hall (850 4 Street SE).

More info can be found here.

Pictured: John Leimseider on the right with Malcom Cecil from this recent post on the upcoming event, TONTO Week.

It has come to my attention that John Leimseider has passed away. John was the head synth technician at the National Music Centre in Calgary, Canada, and previously the Cantos Music Foundation. He was recently scheduled to give a presentation on TONTO with Malcom Cecil on Nov 17 as part of TONTO Week. Please note, that talk is still scheduled to go on with Malcom Cecil. According to NMC, "TONTO was one of the last major projects of JL’s, so this event has much more significance now that he’s gone. But there will be an enormous void without him."

John Leimseider's influence spread far beyond the museum. Many of you visiting MATRIXSYNTH likely know him. I unfortunately never had the opportunity to meet him in person, however I remember seeing him engage on both the Rhodes Chroma and Yamaha CS80 lists. I still have some of those threads. I was hoping to one day make it out to the National Music Centre and meet him in person.

Below is a short playlist featuring John including his work at the NMC, an introductory video on the Roland System-8 from Roland, a video for The Moog Legacy featuring John, and a fun video featuring Neil Diamond's band paying a visit to the NMC, invited by none other than John Leimseider. He will be sorely missed by the synth community.



Playlist:
National Music Center Mini Doc [be sure to listen in stereo - you can only hear John on the left channel to start]
First Impressions of the Roland SYSTEM-8 with John Leimseider
Virtuality: The Moog Legacy, by Amin Bhatia [John Leimseider comes in at 1:58]
Quarter Note Video Tweet: Neil Diamond's band visits the NMC collection [keep an eye out for John]

You can find a handful of posts mentioning John Leimseider in the archives here. He worked on quite a few synths sold by individuals over the years. It's neat to think each one of those synths were touched by him at some point, and the work he did on them will live on.

The Original ARP 2500 Build Invoice for Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Check that out.

See KORG microKAST Ep#21 A KORG Odyssey for additional details.

Note the invoice includes instructions on how it is to be built and there is no price. I'm guessing this was the internal build invoice for construction of the ARP 2500 and not the billing invoice to Columbia Pictures.

Amazing bit of synth history.

Apparently the system resides at Cantos. See this post for a video of the scenes that featured the ARP 2500.

You can find posts mentioning Close Encounters of the Third Kind here. Kind of a "one degree of separation" run of posts in the archives. :)

Update: See this post for an interview on the 2500 w/ Alan R Pearlman.

KORG microKAST Ep#21 A KORG Odyssey

Published on Mar 13, 2018 KORG microKAST

Educational giant sized KORG MS20 in the background.

"We're back with all the regular features including KORG News, Gear Goggles, Downloads & a special Kronology Edition featuring the history of ARP & the Odyssey!! #brew

0:00 Intro
1:50 KORG News
12:34 #brew with ARP Odyssey Module Ad
13:28 KORG Kronology featuring the ARP Odyssey
32:21 #brew with ARP artist video
33:21 1972 facts
41:05 Gear Goggles
46:54 #brew with ARP FS video
48:05 Downloads with Ian
1:01:24 Close with ARP Odyssey Make Worlds video"

Update:

ARP 2500 invoice for Close Encounters of the Third Kind mentioned after 15:00 above. Apparently the system resides at Cantos. See this post for a video of the scenes that featured the ARP 2500.

You can find posts mentioning Close Encounters of the Third Kind here. Kind of a "one degree of separation" run of posts in the archives. :)

OBERHEIM XPANDER ANALOG POLYPHONIC SYNTHESIZER

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

via this auction

"This unit was recently serviced by the famous analog synth repair Guru John Leimseider (JL) of the Cantos Music Foundation in Calgary Alberta Canada. This is a six voice, VCO-based synthesizer (like the Matrix-12) as opposed to its DCO-based siblings the Matrix-6 and 1000. It is in great condition and sounds wonderful. Very fat and thick as you would expect from a true analog synthesizer. The best part of this unit however, is its flexibility when it comes to programming sounds. It is very similar to a modular synthesizer in that respect. Pretty much anything can modulate anything. This unit is American made in Los Angeles, California."

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Waldorf Microwave XT SN 940726956

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

via this auction

"10 voice rackmount monster in well loved but functional shape. Has a Rev 3 board that can take the 30 Voice upgrade. Includes original manual and power supply. Plenty of 'character' on the panel - this is not a minty piece. Issues - missing one knob and slippy big red encoder - works but is fiddly. Had it serviced in 2010 by Waldorf certified tech John Leimseider at the Cantos Synth Museum at the National Music Center in Calgary..."

* Two wavetable oscillators plus noise generator and ring modulator.
* Oscillator Sync and FM.
* 10-note polyphonic, 8-part multitimbral.
* 256 User Patches, 128 Multi setups.
* Arpeggiator forms part of patch meaning up to 8 simultaneous arpeggiators can run in multi mode.
* Arpeggiator and LFOs can sync to MIDI clock.
* Two filters with a total of 12 filter types.
* DSP effects -- the first three parts in a multi performance can use their full effects settings, the remainder are limited to chorus.
* External signal input to filters/effects.
* 65 wavetables plus 32 user wavetables.
* 44 knobs, 9 switches, 2 x 40 character display, shift key, alpha dial.
* All major parameters have a dedicated MIDI controller numbers.
* Knobs send MIDI controllers.
* Quite large (5 rack units).
* And it's orange"

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Vintage 1973 Moog Constellation Synthesizer Ensemble Promo Featuring Prototype Moog Synths

via @moogmusicinc

Lyra, Apollo, Taurus...

3 new Moog synthesizers coordinated to create the total sound for today's music

Lyra Solo Synthesizer
-Touch Sensitive Keyboard
- Three Stable Oscillators - Advanced Phase-lock Features
-Expandable With Moog Accessories

Apollo Polyphonic Synthesizer
-Fully Polyphonic
-Full Range of Synthesizer Effects
-Four Presets, including Electric Piano Voice

Taurus Bass Synthesizer
-Wide Range of Bass Effects
-Three Octave Rante

Only the Taurus made it to production and only in name.  Note the design in the ad differs considerably.  One or possibly two Apollos made it to prototype stage. One is now owned by The Bob Moog Foundation as you can see in this video.  Note according to the video description it's from 1978, while this add was from 1973 (bottom right of ad).  The second or possibly the same Apollo is/was owned by Cantos as you can see here.  The prototype Lyra, along with others, is pictured in that post as well.  At least one Lyra physically exists.

Vintage Oberheim OB-8 polyphonic analog synthesizer

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

via this auction

"Vintage Oberheim OB-8 polyphonic analog synthesizer in EXCELLENT condition with original manual. This synth looks almost NEW. Hard to believe it's nearly 30 years old! You'd be hard-pressed to find a nicer example that this. It was recently cleaned and serviced by Richard Smith of the Electric Music Box (formerly of Buchla & Associates and the Cantos Music Foundation). It is 100% functional and has spent the last several years of its life in my climate-controlled studio. It looks INCREDIBLE and it sounds as good as it looks. This particular OB-8 has FACTORY MIDI and Page 2 graphics. If you're looking for an OB-8, this is THE ONE."

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NMC / Cantos Museum was Flooded

via the National Music Center

It sounds like the synths are safe.  Pictured above is The Flaming Lips with a vintage Buchla 100 at Cantos via their collection homepage. Cantos of course has been featured here on MATRIXSYNTH a number of times. The museum is home to some of the rarest pieces of synthesizer history.

Buchla 100 Series Analog Modular Synthesizer for Auction

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. via this auction
via the seller/listing:

"This particular Buchla system has been thoroughly restored, tested, and calibrated.

Over the last twelve years, I have worked as an analog repair and restoration technician, including an apprenticeship under Don Buchla. I've had the opportunity to restore over a dozen complete vintage Buchla modular systems, and also worked on over a hundred modules from both the 100 and 200 series. Additionally, I have worked on virtually every other Buchla instrument, as well as rare and historic synthesizers from EMS, Moog, Korg, and Sequential Circuits. I 've restored modular systems for reputed institutions such as New York University, Mills College, The Library of Congress, and the Cantos Music Museum, and have worked on Buchlas for notable artists such as Aphex Twin, The Chemical Brothers, Suzanne Ciani, and Morton Subotnick.

Don't miss the opportunity to acquire this extremely rare instrument.

Please carefully read the Auction Details at the bottom of this page and contact me with any questions regarding payment methods and shipment prior to bidding.

This system includes:

101 two-piece 25 Panel Unit Cabinet
115 Power supply
110 Dual Gate (2 VCAs)
160 Dual Noise Source
175 Dual Equalizer (2 Filters)
194 Comb Filter (Filter)
190 Dual Reverberator
171 Dual Instrument Preamplifier
111 Dual Ring Modulator
106 Six Channel Mixer
196 Phase Shifter
192 Dual Lopass Filter (2 Filters - SUPER RARE MODULE)
158 Dual Sine/Saw Generator (2 Oscillators)
158 Dual Sine/Saw Generator (2 Oscillators)
156 Dual Control Voltage Processor
107 Voltage Controlled Mixer (10 VCAs!)
140 Timing Pulse Generator
123 Sequential Voltage Source (8 Stage Sequencer X 3)
180 Dual Attack Generator (2 Envelopes)
170 Dual Microphone Preamplifier (transformers!)
130 Dual Envelope Detector
114 Touchplate

All modules have been cleaned, recapped, and tested, the power supply has been refurbished, and the wood cabinet has been restored. This system has four VCOS, twelve VCAs, several filter varieties including the rare 192 Lopass Filter (which was one of the first Buchla modules with Optos!), an 8 stage sequencer, a number of processors, and excellent stereo reverb. please contact me for specific details and additional high res photos of the restoration prior to bidding.

AUCTION DETAILS :

Photos are of the actual Buchla system for sale.

The instrument has been described as thoroughly and fairly as possible, and is available for check-out before bidding in Vancouver, BC, Canada."

1st Brazil Synth Meet Video by Arthur Joly

CIRCUITO ELETRÔNICO - Encontro brasileiro de síntese analógica from arthur joly on Vimeo.

Googlish translation of the following further below.

Blips, knobs, sweeps, drones! A música eletrônica vive seus dias de glória com o avanço da tecnologia, que vem democratizando e realizando uma verdadeira inclusão cultural, arregimentando uma nova classe de artistas que contam com um arsenal digital sem precedentes, ferramentas de criação e composição hoje disponíveis até para os smartphones mais convencionais. Mas quando foi que tudo isso começou? Como e quando surgiu essa forma tão particular de expressão musical? Pois é, muitos desse
s novos artistas fatalmente desconhecem que a música eletrônica contou com o esforço de grandes personagens, heróis que escreveram uma história de dedicação, empenho e criatividade, mentes brilhantes que deixaram um legado através de suas incríveis máquinas sonoras, e tudo isso muito antes da

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CIRCUITO ELETRÔNICO - Brazil's First Modular Synth Meet

via André Dessandes on Facebook

"We're proud to annouce the first Modular Synthesizer Meeting in Brazil."

CIRCUITO ELETRÔNICO
Saturday, August 18 at 11:00am in UTC-03 at Otto Bristot que fica na rua Pedro Tarques, 129 – Consolação"

"Blips, knobs, sweeps, drones! A música eletrônica vive seus dias de glória com o avanço da tecnologia, que vem democratizando e realizando uma verdadeira inclusão cultural, arregimentando uma nova classe de artistas que contam com um arsenal digital sem precedentes, ferramentas de criação e composição hoje disponíveis até para os smartphones mais convencionais. Mas quando foi que tudo isso começou? Como e quando surgiu essa forma tão particular de expressão musical? Pois é, muitos desses novos artistas fatalmente desconhecem que a música eletrônica contou com o esforço de grandes personagens, heróis que escreveram uma história de dedicação, empenho e criatividade, mentes brilhantes que deixaram um legado através de suas incríveis máquinas sonoras, e tudo isso muito antes da revolução dos computadores pessoais, antes até mesmo da chegada dos DJ’s, que ajudaram a difundir e popularizar o gênero. Fazer música eletrônica além de ser um grande desafio de produção, era um privilégio para poucos artistas. Somente aqueles que dominavam certos equipamentos eram capazes de construir suas composições, uma época dominada pelos sintetizadores analógicos, monstros movidos a sangue, suor e muita eletricidade. Desvendar os mistérios e cultuar essa religiosa relação entre voltagem e som, vem sendo a fissura de muitos artistas, produtores e construtores espalhados pelos quatro cantos do planeta. São rebeldes ativistas que buscam preservar a Belle Epoque da música eletrônica, numa luta criativa contra o fastfood digital. E pela primeira vez aqui no Brasil, no próximo dia 18 de agosto, São Paulo vai sediar um encontro dessa “Resistência Analógica”, que traz ao público a chance de passar um dia inteiro ao lado de quem faz e vive a cultura desses equipamentos. E a primeira edição do CIRCUITO ELETRÔNICO, evento dedicado aos sintetizadores analógicos, instrumentos que marcaram a história da música moderna. Essa edição do evento será aberta ao público, e os visitantes vão conhecer de perto o que os fabricantes nacionais estão aprontando, assistir a performance de artistas, escutar a experiência de produtores, e claro, poderão tocar e aprender um pouco sobre esse universo encantador e misterioso. O CIRCUITO ELETRÔNICO é um evento que marcará a reunião de cabeças pensantes, é o ponto zero de um movimento que está amadurecendo e ganhando atenção dentro e fora do país, colocando o Brasil de uma vez por todas na cena eletrônica mundial."

A Visit to Cantos Calgary

TONY COPS (bandcamp) sends in some pic from a visit to Cantos. You can view the full gallery on Facebook here.

Pictured here:

ARP 2500
Vintage Buchla
Emu Modular

Buchla - Prototype & Buchla Oscillator Burial Ground

flickr By rick604
(click for more)

Below:

"Buchla 258/158 - Oscillator hell

the ancient Buchla oscillator burial ground.

pic of from a few years back, most of these are working again now. Sitting on top of the freshly rebuilt novachord (one of 2 JL and I toiled over for months at Cantos - now the NMC)"

STAR INSTRUMENTS PS-1 SYNARE PERCUSSION SYNTHESIZER

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

"THIS THING IS SUPER COOL AND RARE. IT WAS MODDED BY CANTOS ELECTRONICS IN CANADA TO ALLOW FOUR 1/4 INPUTS (SEE BACK PANEL) WHICH IS A PRETTY POPULAR MOD FOR THESE UNITS."

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Close Encounters of The Third Kind Landing

YouTube Uploaded by acebunny17 on Oct 13, 2008

Phil Dodds of ARP & a three wing ARP 2500 comes in at 2:11. Rumor is

"Scene from the movie Close encounters of the third kind(1977)"

Also see:
Close Encounters ARP 2500 for Sale - note the 3 wings.
Close Encounters of The Third Kind ARP 2500 at Cantos

And a JMJ version via Fernando Tecladista on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge:

Jean Michel Jarre - E.Téo & E.Téa

Uploaded by Baretta73 on Feb 19, 2012

"A total mystery surrounded this experiment... TILL NOW!!!

Um mistério completo cercou este experimento... ATÉ AGORA!!!"

ARP 2500 and Buchla at Cantos Music Foundation

flickr By Gary-Singh
(click for more)

Update via Wavedeform in the comments: "That's a 200-era cabinet, but it looks like it's mostly filled with 100 series modules."

Synare percussion synth

via this auction

"Works; recently refurbished by Cantos Electronics - CV brought out to four 1/4" jacks on back panel as depicted. Has unique and fully-controllable sounds not available elsewhere."

Cantos Music Exhibits over 650 Keyboards at Obscura Day

"Atlas Obscura, an online "compendium of the world's wonders, curiosities, and esoterica" is hosting our second annual International Obscura Day on April 9, 2011. Last year's Obscura Day saw 4,000 attendees at events in 80 cities in 20 countries all over the world.

The first events for 2011 are up at http://atlasobscura.com/obscura-day, with new ones being planned every day. The event at the Cantos Music Foundation will include a behind-the-scenes tour of their growing collection of over 650 keyboard instruments and electronic equipment, including pipe organs and modern synthesizers. Cantos has the largest collection of synths in Canada, and many of the exhibited instruments can be played by visitors. More information and the chance to RSVP can be found here: http://obscuraday-cantosmusicfoundation.eventbrite.com/"

Click here for some posts featuring the various synths at Cantos including an ARP 2500, EMS SYNTHI 100 Modular System, Buchla 100 with The Flaming Lips, Moog Modular and much, much more. Cantos has one of the most extensive and impressive synthesizer collections in the world.

Rhodes Chroma w. MIDI, all upgrades, display, more

via this auction

"All of us synth doods know about the Chroma. Amazingly versatile architecture, the closest thing you can get to the ARP 2500 modular sound, beautiful weighted keyboard, and a nice flat top to stack other gear on as well.

Over the years, the Chroma has got some negative press due to some original design choices. Luckily, the Chroma is without a doubt the most supported vintage synth on the planet. Chris Ryan's www.rhodeschroma.com site has provided owners and potential owners help and support for many years. In addition, dedicated users and techs have come up with some essential upgrades over the years to make the Chroma even better.

This Chroma has all the updates plus more.

MIDI CC+ CPU board - replaces original CPU board (and leak-prone AA batteries) and adds full MIDI support.

SPSU - smaller, lighter, more stable universal power supply

CPS - polyphonic pressure sensor kit

In addition, using the interface provided by the CC+ board and latest OS, I added an LCD display to show you what you're editing!

Face it, one of the knocks against the Chroma is that the complexity of the synth engine is somewhat hidden by the very basic 2 segment LED displays and touch panel buttons. Programming it required you to keep the manual or at least the large parameter chart handy. No more!

Take a look at the display in the picture - you can see you are editing parameter 37 (LP/HP filter), the current value (LP), and all the modulations being applied to the parameter. Excellent!

So, at this point, you have a polyphonic pressure generating analog polysynth with an easy to use interface, stable power, and amazing MIDI capabilities. Where else can you find this? Maybe a Yamaha CS-80 with a MIDI retrofit. Good luck with that one though. More expensive, much heavier, and prone to breakdowns.

In addition, this Chroma has the dual footpedal, complete set of docs (I found the Performance manual after taking the pix), and 2 voice cards. At least one of the cards works (but doesn't pass auto-tune) and both cards are fully populated so you have backups of the CEMs and other stuff. There's a great tech in Canada (JL at Cantos) that fixes up cards for a reasonable price, so if you wanted working spares, you could send them off to him.

You won't find a Chroma with all these upgrades and extras anywhere else, so if you've been on the fence, now is the time to act."

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Korg PS3300 - Demo

flickr By rick403
"Sarah Davachi playing the 3300.

Sorry about the budget camera work and editing.. its m first video!
Recorded at the Cantos Music Foundation - December 2010"

EMS SYNTHI 100 & Putney in the background. Moog modular and mini down the hall.
That would be the Cantos Music Museum in Calgary, Canada.