Vintage 1970s Triadex Muse Synthesizer w/ Amplifier Speaker & Light Show Module

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"The Triadex Muse is a sequencer-based synthesizer that was made during the very early 1970s. It was designed by Marvin Minsky and Edward Fredkin, who were both MIT professors. This Synthesizer was sold for only a brief period of time during the 70s so complete examples are considered extremely rare. The exact number of units sold is estimated to be under 300. Even more rare then the synthesizer itself are the accessories that Triadex produced to go along with the Muse. We have both the amplifier module, external speaker and a Light Show module."

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TRIADEX MUSE SEQUENCER & AMP SPEAKER w/ Original Boxes

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MUSE SEQUENCER via this auction

"Meticulously overhauled by the most critical professionals around and working perfectly. The unit is in exceptional shape and is in excellent working order. You won't find a better one."

EXTERNAL AMP SPEAKER via this auction

"Professionally Serviced and working just fine. This rare piece is designed to hook up the the Triadex Muse Sequencer box. Gets a lot louder than the sequencer's internal speaker, though you wouldn't want to crank it as you could damage it.

The fabric covering the speaker is stained. We imagine a professional cleaner may be able to remove this stain, but this is nothing we wanted to attempt. Comes with original box (!)."

Additional Tone Tweakers Listings, also on Reverb

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Triadex Muse Amplifier SN 00048-108 with Original Box

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via this auction via analogsd

Note this is the speaker amplifier only.

"A vintage 1970's speaker amplifier that is an accessory to the rare and famous Triadex Muse Synthesizer
I very seldom use the term "mint in the box" when describing vintage items .In this case it applies to this unit.
The Muse was designed by two famed MIT professors, Marvin Minsky and Edward Fredkin
Although the sythesizer had its own built-in speaker, this amp was available as an external
The Mid-Century Modern Triangle shape measures 13-1/2" wide x 11-1/2" high x 11-1/4" deep
The case is made of wood and brushed aluminum
The speaker cover is made of worsted woven wool in turquoise and black
Please note that the connector is an RCA style

Model: AS-1
Serial no.: 00048-108
AC 115-125v 60CPS 40w
ok50Hz"

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Triadex Muse Vintage Music Synthesizer

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"Model Muse-1
SPECS:
AC115-125V
60 CPS, 40W
Serial #: 00499-11"

See the Triadex (Muse) label for more info on this rare digital synth.

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FutureRetro's Triadex Muse Algorithmic Sequencer / Synthesizer SN 00039 - 051 ?

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"Here's your chance to own the rare Triadex Muse algorithmic sequencer and synthesizer. This unit in particular was my Muse when designing the similar Future Retro Zillion sequencer.

This unit is in very nice shape for its age, is fully functioning, and very clean. There is some slight warping to the lower wood panel, and some minor wear to finish of lower-left wood end as can be seen in the photos.

A very unique sequencer providing endless possibilities for generating sequences. Has a very basic synthesizer built in as well."

Note this appears to be a FutureRetro listing.

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VTG. EARLY SYNTHESIZER TRIADEX MUSE SN 00003-050

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"The Muse was designed by two famed MIT professors, Marvin Minsky and Edward Fredkin The circa 1972 Triadex Muse was the first digital musical sequencer based synthesizer composition tool and deterministic algorithmic event generator. It used early digital integrated logic circuits to generate an audio output that produces a sequence of notes based on the settings of various parameters."

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Muse synthesizer by Triadex Inc., 1972 SN 02164

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"The Muse (synthesizer ONLY) by Triadex Inc., 1972
I am the original owner of this Muse model -1. My Dad worked with Ed Fredkin on the rollout of The Muse back in the early 70's. When he brought a set home I made sure it lived in my room - as one of 4 kids that wasn't easy. The other two components, the light show and the external amp are now in the collection of the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. If you haven't been there definitely go -it's an amazing place. The last picture is of the CHM music exhibit, the day we dropped off the other components.

**(this auctions does NOT include the light show and ext amp)

I've had the Muse all these years and now feel it's time to share it with another music/tech lover. Included in the sale is the original box, packing styrofoam and 20 page booklet, 'How to make Muse music.' The Muse is in perfect working order. The only defect is the Step Key sits off-centered, but it functions correctly."

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Future Retro Zillion Sequencer SN Z0153 with Original Box

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"The Zillion is a single track algorithmic MIDI sequencer based on the principles of the Triadex Muse. The Muse used counters and a shift register to generate more than a million musical melodies.

The Zillion expands on these ideas to add more features and functionality, providing a zillion possibilities for you to discover.

There are 16 operating modes. These include Playback, Tempo, Swing, Direction, Loop, Transpose, Scale, Scale Program, Melody, Rhythm, Velocity, Theme, Shift Register, MIDI OUT, MIDI IN, and Sync.

PLAYBACK
The Playback mode allows you to Stop, Start, Restart, Pause, and Manually Step through a sequence.

TEMPO
The Tempo mode allows you to set the rate the sequence will play back at. The tempo can range from 25-250 BPM. Four hot keys allow you to set and instantly jump from one tempo to another, or can also be changed gradually.

SWING
Swing adds a human feel by delaying the start of every other note by a set percentage. The swing range is from 50-75%. Four hot keys allow you to set and instantly jump from one swing value to another, or can also be changed gradually.

DIRECTION
Four consectutive directions can be entered to determine if the internal counters will increment or decrement, causing a pattern to play forwards or backwards each time a loop point is reached.

LOOP
A loop point will cause the internal counters ro reset, limiting the number of steps a pattern will play before repeating. The loop point can range from 1-16 beats, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64 bars, or can also be set to free-running. Four hot keys allow you to set and instantly jump from one point point to another, or can also be changed gradually..

TRANSPOSE
Sequences can be transposed by up to 36 semitones within the Transpose mode. Four hot keys allow you to set and instantly jump from one transpose value to another, or can also be changed gradually..

SCALE
There are 99 Scales that determine what notes the sequencer can generate. Scales 1-16 are presets, while scales 17-99 are user definable. Four hot keys allow you to set and instantly jump from one scale to another, or can also be gradually changed.

SCALE PROGRAM
User scales can be programmed with the Zillion's front panel controls, or using any MIDI controller keyboard. Each scale holds eight pitch values. You can also think of these scales as simple 8-step sequences that can then be "remixed" by the sequencer algorithms. A global tranpose feature is also included in this mode, where any MIDI controller keyboard can be used to tranpose sequences.

MELODY
In the Melody mode you can select up to four sources to determine the melody being generated. These sources include counters, shift register outputs, or can also be set simply on or off.

RHYTHM
In the Rhythm mode you can select up to two sources to determine the rhythm being generated. These sources include counters, shift register outputs, or can also be set simply on or off. Rhythms generated will include note-off, note-on (50% duration), note-on (100% duration), or 32nd notes. In addition there is a Rhythm Density value ranging from 0-255. This parameter determines how complex or full the rhythm will be. There are also 3 possible GateTypes to further determine what types of rhythms are generated.

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1972 Triadex Muse Sequencer with Lightbox

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"Very rare Triadex Muse Sequencer unit, built in Newton, Mass. Even more rare is the Lightbox add-on unit. Considering their age, both units are in very good condition. There are 4 issues to mention: The ‘Tempo’ fader knob is missing. Aside from affixing another similar knob to the fader hook, one can adjust the control with a thin rod, if need be. The internal speaker is not functioning. I always ran RCA’s out to a 1/4” to seperate amplification, as the internal speaker volume was rather low output. I will supply that cable in the purchase. There are also four dots drawn on the lower corner of the Lightbox. The B8 bulb on the actual sequencer has always been dim. This is the first sequencer of it’s kind ever built..."

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1972 TRIADEX MUSE 1st Digital Synthesizer

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"Here's a Very Uncommon, Original Triadex Muse. I had 11 of these at one point and they have just been gathering dust - time to let someone else enjoy it.

This is my last one!

See condition notes above. It seems to be fully functioning, unlike the last 2 I sold. I believe I have seen some #'d in the 500-600s and based on the ones offered for sale over the years - I'm guessing around 700 were produced, not 300, as Wiki estimates.... although many were not in perfect working order, so several were shipped back. This is being sold without a serial #. I have shipped others to collectors in the UK and Japan for restore. Also, most of these - even new in the box, had warped wood - they just weren't made from high quality materials... so the wood warped over the years..."

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Triadex Muse Vintage Synthesizer / Sequencer

via this auction via analogsd
"This very unique machine is regarded by some as the first digital musical instrument. Designed by Edward Fredkin and Marvin Minsky at MIT, the Muse is an algorithmic music generator: it uses digital logic circuits to produce a sequence of notes based on the settings of various parameters.

Since the Muse was designed as a composition tool, not a synthesizer, there is no control over the timbre of the sound; rather, the front panel controls affect the melodies that are generated.

The four small sliders in the lower-left control Volume, Tempo, Pitch, and Fine Pitch. The switches to either side are used to start and stop the sequence, or to step through it note-by-note.

Of the eight larger sliders on the right, four control the musical intervals used (labeled A, B, C, and D), and four control the theme (labeled W, X, Y, and Z). A rest can be substituted for the lowest note by flipping a toggle switch. The exact logic behind the composition engine is rather technical, and not exactly intuitive.

The tempo clock can be slaved to that of another Muse, allowing for multi-part compositions.

It is not known exactly how many Muses were made, but they are very rare, and were not available in stores."

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1972 TRIADEX MUSE 1st Digital Synthesizer SN 00462-110

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"Here's a Very Uncommon, Original Triadex Muse. I had 11 of these at one point and they have just been gathering dust - time to let someone else enjoy it. This one is PROOF that MORE than 300 were produced - this has serial # 462 - see photos; I believe I have seen some #'d in the 500-600s and based on the ones offered for sale over the years - I'm guessing around 700 were produced, not 300, as Wiki estimates.... although many were not in perfect working order, so several were shipped back. This is being sold as NOT 100% perfectly functioning, for parts/restoration (probably an easy fix for a competent purveyor, which I am not). I have shipped others to collectors in Japan for restore and my fully functional units sold long ago. Also, most of these - even new in the box, had warped wood - they just weren't made from high quality materials... so the wood warped over the years. Due to the museum caliber rarity/collectability, I will not accept lowball offers on this relic, but with advance notice, it can be seen where I work, in Danvers, MA, during the day."

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Triadex Muse Synthesizer Instruction Manual

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Vintage 1970, 19 page Triadex Muse user manual.

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Triadex Muse Digital Sequencer/Synth

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"This is the famous Triadex Muse, regarded as the first digital sequencer /synthesizer. You can find numerous interesting writeups on the Internet. In a nutshell, the sequencer is unique in its approach leading to long, patterns that are often serendipitous, a useful aid to composition.

This unit is fully functional, completely cleaned, inside and out. the sliders have been cleaned and lubricated. The front panel is in excellent condition, you may note a small ding in the photos. All the colored sequencer lights work too as it steps though the sequences (fun to watch too)

The wood cabinet is in good condition, no major issues, a little warping on the bottom piece, a few minor scratches on the wood that disappear with fresh furniture polish. this is over 40 years old but a great piece to use, or simply add to your collection.

I have bought and sold vintage synths for over 15 years, so I always err on the side of too much packing, so it will get to you without damage."

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Triadex Muse

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If anyone knows where to find the schematics for the Triadex Muse, please comment or email me.

"The item does not work properly, but does power up. The internal speaker appears to be blown, and has partially separated from the inner chassis. This is a fairly generic 3" 8 ohm speaker that should be easy to locate. However, the external speaker connection reveals that the oscillator is working, but just delivers a single tone.
The sequencer lights appear to be working, and will change configuration to match the position of the control sliders. The top section of green gel filter has slipped down between the front panel and the circuit board, so just bare white bulbs are visible on the very top section of lights. All of the lights appear to be working properly. The volume slider handle is broken off below the front panel. It is operable, and will control the volume. For someone with the technical ability to troubleshoot logic and analog audio circuitry to the component level could repair this item."

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Triadex Muse Model 1 1970s Early Sequencer-Based Synthesizer

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Pics of the inside below.

You can find demos of the Triadex Muse in previous posts here.

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Triadex Muse

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"This is a super rare Triadex Muse from the early 1970's is pretty good condition. Less than 300 were made. I've replaced a couple of the little light bulbs that were burned out (they are not very bright anyway), and cleaned it up the best I could - I'm skilled in electronic repairs and restoration BTW.

I've never seen inside one before this, but it appears someone else had done some repairs, so not knowing exactly, I left it alone. It works great though.

The knobs on the 4 slide pots are missing but that doesn't affect its function. It's a bit fragile, in that it's mechanical wooden design is rather poor - not something you'll want to tour with! ;-) , but it's sturdy enough for casual play in your studio..."

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Triadex Muse Sequencer-Synthesizer

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Update via James in the comments: "buyer beware. as you can tell a picture was taken in low light conditions as to hide the dirty front panel. I guarantee you the seller has tried to clean it and was unsuccessful. I own a Triadex Muse and the front panels are next to impossible to remove any oil from the skin or dirt. You have to be very careful with your choice of cleaning solutions because they may also remove the silk screening or stain the metal."

1972 Triadex Muse

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"Excellent example of the Triadex Muse. This vintage device is in very good cosmetic, and 100% operational condition. It comes complete with the Original 19-page Owners Manual, which thoroughly explains all functions, as well as providing many examples of melodies. Also included is the Original color sales brochure, and a typed custom patch page which features many interesting sequencer events."

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Future Retro Zillion 2014 - Triadex Muse Generative Sequencer

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"Based loosely on the infamous Triadex Muse; a shift register based musical instrument where faders represented different feedback loops into shift registers. What it leads to are literally zillions of musical patterns. It’s an amazing compositional tool for ambient, baroque and many synthesized music genres. Stuck on a lick and need a good melody? Use the Zillions and you’ll find endless musical possibilities."

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