Stylophone Trio

YouTube Uploaded by peahix on Mar 28, 2012

"Hear a fancy recording of this piece here: http://soundcloud.com/peahix/stylophone-trio [embed below]

This is a live performance of a trio I wrote for stylophones. The stylophonists are myself, Scott Paulson and Christian Hertzog. This was performed at the UCLA library as part of an all-stylophone concert organized by Scott Paulson. There are a few mistakes here and there, and the mix isn't great, but you get the idea!"


"I was commissioned to write a piece for Stylophone by Scott Paulson of UCSD to be performed as part of the Stylophone Festival he put on at the library there. I decided to write a Stylophone trio, and exploit all the various features of the instrument. The performance wasn't perfect (see video link), but I put together this recording that gets the piece across pretty clearly. The only thing I had to cheat on was the palm mutes, because I wanted to record direct instead of sticking a mic on the speaker. So I used a low pass filter in Cubase instead."

Ralph Dyck's 1970s DIY Synth Recovered From Pawn Shop

You might remember Ralph Dyck as the Godfather of the Roland MC-8 MicroComposer. His home-brew sequencer served as the basis for the MC-8. See this post for a video featuring a track he wrote titled "Odd Rhythms" that was included in the MC-8 manual. Ralph Dyck was also featured for his DIY modular work in this 1972 news article.

via Pea Hicks on the Roland MC-8 Micro Composer blog:

"A couple years ago, Ralph mentioned to me that in the early-70s he had built a couple of custom analog synthesizers for local schools – UBC and Carson-Graham Senior Secondary. I attempted to contact the music departments of both of these schools. The UBC music department still had theirs, but the Carson-Graham synth was missing in action. Fast forward to a few weeks ago, and I get an email from Ralph that an acquaintance of his in Vancouver recognized Ralph’s handiwork in a craiglist ad for a homebrew synth- it was the long-lost Carson-Graham synth!

The asking price was only $75, but try as he might to recover it, Ralph was too late, and it was purchased by a young guy interested in making 'bloopy synth sounds.'"

Click here for the full story including audio and pics.

Side note: Pea Hicks aka peahix who wrote the article is also the man behind Optigan.com.

Science Fair Electronic Organ Kit

YouTube Uploaded by peahix on Dec 14, 2011

"This is a little Science Fair Electronic Organ Kit that I bought at a garage sale, pre-assembled. As you can see, it plays horribly out of tune. I also will only play for a couple of minutes before it starts to crap out, and you have to pull the battery and let it sit for awhile."

Elka Synthex Analog Synth Noodlings

YouTube Uploaded by peahix on Jul 6, 2009
This one is currently listed on San Diego Craigslist.
"A series of short noodlings on my Elka Synthex, all using the brilliant onboard sequencer. No other synths or effects are used. One track also features my E-Mu Drumulator, which the Synthex sequencer is sync'd to (somewhat unpredictably) via trigger pulses."

"This particular Synthex has factory MIDI (not the clunky MIDI retrofit version) and also comes with its original flight case (case has some minor damage but is 100% functional). The owner's manual is a printout copy. You can also find pdf manuals online."

Canon for 2:09AM, featuring the Yamaha CS01II Analog Synthesizer

YouTube Uploaded by peahix on May 30, 2011

"Here's a little late-night canon I wrote for my Yamaha CS01II analog synth (5 monophonic parts, each a different waveform, multi-tracked in Cubase). I shot the video (sunset light thru my studio curtains) with my Olympus Pen E-PL1 and ran it thru some cheesy FX in Sony Vegas."

Canon for 2:09AM

Canon for 2:09AM by peahix
"A little canon I wrote for my Yamaha CS01II analog synth."

via Pea Hicks of optigan.com

Yamaha CS01II plays BIG MUFF by Depeche Mode

YouTube Uploaded by peahix on May 19, 2011

"Download this track at: http://snd.sc/iyLd2s

The Yamaha CS01II is the first real synthesizer I ever owned. I got it when I was about 14 years old, back in 1985 or so. I noticed that I could get reasonable approximations of most of the sounds from Depeche Mode's "Speak & Spell" album with it, but at the time I didn't have the means to make decent multi-track cover versions, even after I got a 4-track.

Recently I was studying the Depeche Mode 5.1 surround mixes, and realized that I could clearly hear all the distinct parts of alot of the songs, so I decided to throw together some renditions using just my trusty old Yamaha CS01II as the sole sound source (including the drums), just to see how close I could get to the originals using very limited means.

The actual musical arrangement is about 100% accurate. The sounds themselves are of course only approximations, and most of them don't have the same level of timbral detail as the ARP originals. I sequenced the whole thing in Cubase via a Kenton Pro Solo going into the custom CV/Gate inputs on my CS01II, recording each monophonic line in one at a time. Cubase provided the reverb and EQ, otherwise it's all CS01II. I've deliberately been quite pure about this process- other than the reverb/delay/EQ, there's no manipulation of the sounds going on here. This is, for me, mostly a technical exercise, so it wouldn't make much sense to process the sounds very much, as that would only take it further away from the native sound of the CS01II.

I don't really consider these to be "covers" as such- if I were covering these tunes, I'd do something creative with them as opposed to just mimicing them as closely as possible. I don't have any desire to "cover" these songs in that sense. At any rate, this project has been a good exercise in close listening and mixing for me, so I see that as the main reward for my efforts."

Also see:
Yamaha CS01II plays ICE MACHINE by Depeche Mode
Yamaha CS01II plays NEW LIFE by Depeche Mode
Yamaha CS01II plays JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH by Depeche Mode

Pea runs Optigan.com

Yamaha CS01II plays ICE MACHINE by Depeche Mode

YouTube Uploaded by peahix on May 18, 2011

"Download this track here: http://snd.sc/jE70lS

The Yamaha CS01II is the first real synthesizer I ever owned. I got it when I was about 14 years old, back in 1985 or so. I noticed that I could get reasonable approximations of most of the sounds from Depeche Mode's "Speak & Spell" album with it, but at the time I didn't have the means to make decent multi-track cover versions, even after I got a 4-track.

Recently I was studying the Depeche Mode 5.1 surround mixes, and realized that I could clearly hear all the distinct parts of alot of the songs, so I decided to throw together some renditions using just my trusty old Yamaha CS01II as the sole sound source (including the drums), just to see how close I could get to the originals.

This version has no vocals at all, but otherwise it comes pretty close to the original. The actual musical arrangement is about 100% accurate. The sounds themselves are of course only approximations, and most of them don't have the same level of timbral detail as the ARP originals. I sequenced the whole thing in Cubase via a Kenton Pro Solo going into the custom CV/Gate inputs on my CS01II, recording each monophonic line in one at a time. Cubase provided the reverb and EQ, otherwise it's all CS01II."

Also see:
Yamaha CS01II plays NEW LIFE by Depeche Mode
Yamaha CS01II plays JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH by Depeche Mode

Pea runs Optigan.com

Yamaha CS01II plays JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH by Depeche Mode

YouTube Uploaded by peahix on May 12, 2011
follow-up to Yamaha CS01II plays NEW LIFE by Depeche Mode
"Download a higher quality copy here: http://snd.sc/mCXyWu

The Yamaha CS01II is the first real synthesizer I ever owned. I got it when I was about 14 years old, back in 1985 or so. I noticed that I could get reasonable approximations of most of the sounds from Depeche Mode's "Speak & Spell" album with it, but at the time I didn't have the means to make decent multi-track cover versions, even after I got a 4-track.

Recently I was studying the Depeche Mode 5.1 surround mixes, and realized that I could clearly hear all the distinct parts of alot of the songs, so I decided to throw together some renditions using just my trusty old Yamaha CS01II as the sole sound source (including the drums), just to see how close I could get to the originals.

This version has no vocals at all, but otherwise it comes pretty close to the original. The actual musical arrangement is about 100% accurate. The sounds themselves are of course only approximations, and most of them don't have the same level of timbral detail as the ARP originals. I sequenced the whole thing in Cubase via a Kenton Pro Solo going into the custom CV/Gate inputs on my CS01II, recording each monophonic line in one at a time. Cubase provided the reverb and EQ, otherwise it's all CS01II.

The trickiest bits to transcribe accurately were the brass stabs and arpeggiator in the bridge, both originally played on a Roland Jupiter 4. The brass stabs are a series of 4-note chords, which of course I had to record in one note at a time, since you can't play chords on the CS01II.

The drums also require multiple passes. For instance, the "timbale" part required a white noise burst (band-pass EQ'd) and a low sine wave (hi-pass EQ'd). The kick and snare also have multiple components.

Sorry for the boring repeat visuals- just can't be bothered! :)"

Yamaha CS01II plays NEW LIFE by Depeche Mode

YouTube Uploaded by peahix on May 9, 2011

"The Yamaha CS01II is the first real synthesizer I ever owned. I got it when I was about 14 years old, back in 1985 or so. I noticed that I could get reasonable approximations of most of the sounds from Depeche Mode's "Speak & Spell" album with it, but at the time I didn't have the means to make decent multi-track cover versions, even after I got a 4-track.

Recently I was studying the Depeche Mode 5.1 surround mixes, and realized that I could clearly hear all the distinct parts of alot of the songs, including "New Life." I also realized that most of the sounds in "New Life," which heavily featured the ARP 2600, were fairly simple. So I decided to throw together a version of it using just my trusty old Yamaha CS01II as the sole sound source (including the drums), just to see how close I could get to the original.

This version has no vocals at all, but otherwise it comes pretty close to the original. The actual musical arrangement is 100% accurate. The sounds themselves are of course only approximations, and most of them don't have the same level of timbral detail as the ARP originals. I sequenced the whole thing in Cubase via a Kenton Pro Solo going into the custom CV/Gate inputs on my CS01II, recording each monophonic line in one at a time. Cubase provided the reverb and EQ, otherwise it's all CS01II."

via Pea Hicks of http://www.optigan.com/

The Third Of That Needed Seven

The Third Of That Needed Seven by peahix
"Minimalist electronica done entirely with my Yamaha CS01II analog synth, retrofitted w/ CV inputs, sequenced in Cubase via Kenton Pro Solo."

Yamaha CS01II Analog Synthesizer Demo

Yamaha CS01II Analog Synthesizer Demo by peahix
"Here's two versions of a little demo track made entirely with my trusty old Yamaha CS01II analog synth. The original is from 1986, played by hand and "multitracked" by dubbing back and forth on my Star Studio boombox [below]. I cleaned up the sound as best I could. I decided to do a remake to see how close i could get to the overall sound of the original. Same synth, but now with CV jacks installed and sequenced with Cubase."

"Star Studio" Radio Commercial Spot

YouTube Uploaded by backporchvideos on Feb 4, 2008

"Just look what it did for Joey!!! Aired 6-1-85."

NAMM Randomness 2011

YouTube via peahix | January 17, 2011 |

"random scenes from NAMM 2011."

Some light synth spotting. Ends with the Fairlight. Video by peahix of http://www.optigan.com/.

Webcor Music Machine

via Pea Hicks
(click for more)

Pea runs www.optigan.com

Webcor Music Machine demo by peahix

Hammond NOVACHORD Synthesizer Service Manual

via this auction

"This is an original (not a photocopy) service manual for the Hammond Novachord 1930s tube synthesizer. Actually, it's two complete copies of the manual, both 2nd edition, but different revisions. One is rev 1051 and the other is rev 1246. I don't know what the difference in the revisions is."

via peahix

2010 Optigan Sitar & Tabla Disc - Teaser

YouTube via peahix | June 29, 2010 | 2:06

"Here's a little teaser for the soon to be released Optigan Sitar & Tabla disc (official title tbd). This is some footage from the recording session featuring Rama Douglas on sitar and Justin DeHart on tabla. The keyboard will feature a variety of different sitar riffs (and possibly some harmonium notes on part of the keyboard), the chord buttons will have 15 different tabla loops, and the SFX tabs will have tamboura drones and other effects. More details coming soon at optigan.com!

More about Rama: http://www.cordhead.com/bio_cd.htm
More about Justin: http://www.justindehart.com"

ARP 2600 Pro-Soloist Synth Synthesizer Demo Records

via this auction

"Notes: Guaranteed original press. Set of two 70s era demo records for Arp keyboards. One is a one-side flexidisc featuring demos of the 2600, Odyssey, 2500, etc. Narrated by Roger Powell, with excerpts from The Who, etc. The other is a 2-side vinyl 7" demonstrating the Pro-Soloist. No narration, just musical examples. The flexidisc is fairly scuffed up, but listenable. The other disc is very clean, about VG++."

This one spotted and sent in via Pea Hicks (peahix).

New 2010 Optigan Disc - SURF ROCK!

YouTube via peahix — June 01, 2010 —

"Now available for pre-order at http://www.optigan.com/shoptigan/inde... is our brand new Optigan disc: SURF ROCK! When we've reached 15 pre-orders, we'll go to press with the limited run of 25 discs.

Surf's up! It's time to wax the board and catch a wave! Optigan.com is proud to present Surf Rock , featuring the vintage sounds of the 1960's surf scene. For this music program disc, we've gone into the recording studio with a couple of SoCal's best surf rockers.

Reverb enthusiast Matt Quilter is one-half of the guitar assault from the award-winning Reventlos http://www.reventlos.com/ whose quirky instro albums alternately intrigue and horrify surf music purists. In addition to his duties on guitar, he co-produced the documentary feature Pounding Surf! http://www.surfdrums.com/surfdrums.html an insider's look at the SoCal surf music scene from 1961 to the present day. For the Optigan session, he chose from his arsenal a Fender Stratocaster played through a blond Fender Tremolux and Reverb unit, both from 1963.

Lee "Kix" rarely strays from playing Death-Surf / Afro-Billy music with the Reventlos. However in days past he has recorded with world famous instrumental guitar gods, The Ventures. As a veteran of many Linn Drum sessions, Kix is no stranger to having his drums sampled for posterity. The Optigan session was recorded with vintage 1960's Oaklawn Camco drums, 20x14 bass drum and 14x5.5 metal snare. T he 12x8 and 14x10 toms used in the session were obtained when Kix was a Los Angeles Camco endorsee in the mid-70's.

Guitar and Bass played by Matt Quilter.
Drums played by William Lee "Kix".
Music arranged by Matt Quilter and William Lee "Kix".
Music produced, edited, and mastered by Pea Hicks.
Engineered and Mixed by Jon O'Brien. Recorded at The Music Box Studios, Garden Grove CA http://themusicboxstudios.com/
Disc creation software, disc production cover artwork and jacket layout by Robert Becker .
Cover artwork by Mark Crafford.

RHYTHMS: 4/4
LEFT HAND: Bass, guitar, and drums.
RIGHT HAND: Tremolo electric guitar.
SPECIAL EFFECTS SWITCHES: 1. Guitar Gliss, 2. Drums, 3. Tom-
Toms, 4. Snare Fill, 5. Guitar C Chord.

Be sure to check our other videos for a mini-documentary of the Surf Rock recording session!"

Making of the Optigan SURF ROCK Disc

"peahix — June 01, 2010 —

Here's a mini-documentary of the recording session for the Optigan SURF ROCK disc, shot and narrated by Pat Quilter, co-founder of QSC Audio Products http://www.qsc.com

Featured are Matt Quilter (Pat's brother) on bass/guitar and Lee Kix on drums. Matt and Lee are both members of The Reventlos http://www.reventlos.com. Also appearing are Pea Hicks (optigan guru), Robert Becker (new optigan disc guru) and Jon O'Brien (sound engineer).

Please see our other videos for a demo of the Optigan disc that resulted from these sessions, and visit http://www.optigan.com/shoptigan/inde... to order a copy of the disc."

NEW 2010 Optigan Disc - PIANOSCAPE

YouTube via peahix — May 18, 2010 —

"Now available for pre-order at http://www.optigan.com/shoptigan/inde... is our brand new Optigan disc: PIANOSCAPE! When we've reached 15 pre-orders, we'll go to press with the limited run of 25 discs.

The dusty old Winter spinet piano we recorded for this disc is the very same piano that Pea Hicks learned to play on, and is also the source of the photos on the jacket cover and in this video. This demo recording is just a quick improvisation to give you an idea of the overall sound possibilities of this disc. Toward the end, we've flipped the disc over so you can hear with it sounds like running backwards. Here's the blurb from the back of the jacket:
**************
They said it couldn't be done, but we've done it! We've brought the sound of a spinet piano to the Optigan Music Maker in a way that is both musically captivating and strangely haunting. You'll enjoy creating your own piano soundscape by merely pressing a few buttons and playing a few keys.

Now we're going to test your creativity! Try playing this music program disc with an of the Optigan Music Books. Give up? Next, try holding down as many of the keys as you can. Ah, that's nice. Now it's your turn to challenge your friends and family to create their own piano soundscape. Pianoscape!

Playing tips:
The attack of the keyboard piano tones are staggered across a 16th-note grid, such that by playing chords with your right hand, a windchime-like arpeggio effect is achieved. A drum loop is provided to help with your timing. The bass notes are staggered on a 1/2-note grid, and the chords on a 1/4-note grid.

Optigans equipped with a spring reverb will provide the most haunting sound, which is further enhanced by inserting the disc upside-down for backwards play."

Five New Vako Orchestron Discs - Now taking pre-orders!

via Pea Hicks:

"Howdy folks!!

You know what they say, when it rains, it pours!

We're proud to announce not one, not two, but FIVE new Orchestron discs!

VIOLIN and PIPE ORGAN are Orchestron originals, newly remastered.

STRING ENSEMBLE is a previously unheard scale taken from the original Optigan / Orchestron master tapes.

TREMOLO ELECTRIC GUITAR and PIANO are newly recorded scales made specifically for these discs.

You can read more details, hear demos, and place your pre-orders now at:

http://www.optigan.com/shoptigan/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2

Cheers!!
Pea"


NEW 2010 Vako Orchestron Discs - YouTube via peahix — April 12, 2010 —

"Now available for pre-order at http://www.optigan.com/shoptigan"

Playlist:
NEW 2010 Vako Orchestron Disc - TREMOLO ELECTRIC GUITAR
NEW 2010 Vako Orchestron Disc - PIANO
NEW 2010 Remastered Vako Orchestron Disc - VIOLIN
NEW 2010 Remastered Vako Orchestron Disc - PIPE ORGAN
NEW 2010 Vako Orchestron Disc - STRING ENSEMBLE