SONICA SN 595 of 650

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. via this auction
"Only 650 of these strange instruments were made since their they began manufacturing them in 1979. Shaped like small lute with a guitar like neck and speaker inside that was the voice. They player could sound notes by touching the frets on the neck that produce at between sitar and violin. Comes with case and original user manual/warranty certificate.

After Mattel had used the concept for the "Magical Music Thing," Frank Evantoff developed a more precise keyboard and incorporated it into this new instrument, which he called The Sonica. In 1979, the first Sonicas were produced, a collaboration with Larry Heller. There were 650 eventually built, but very few are seen nowadays. Serge Tcherepnin of Serge synthesizers (analog modular) did the oscillator design, and the oscillator inside the Sonica is indeed a Serge oscillator! ( LOOK FOR SERGE TCHEREPNIN'S NAME ON THE HAND PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD!!! ) The bodies have an interesting gourd/phallic shape, and were carved wood. The neck is incredibly comfortable, and easily fits into the hand, facilitating the sliding action used for playing the Sonica.

The sound of the Sonica can best be described as somewhere between a sitar and violin. When run through a simple delay, an amazing array of soundscapes are derived. The front panel features a Key/Pitch Knob, and an On/Off Volume Knob. It boasts 15 keys with additional half step notes. It also features three buttons. Analog “Slider” which is a tremolo type effect, Analog “Tone” which is actually a tonal boost, and “Half-Step” which raises the note an octave. It features a built-in speaker, with an 1/8 inch output to connect to an amplifier or recording device. It runs on one 9-volt battery which is installed by accessing a plate on the backside of the device. The Sonica really shines when sent through a tube amplifier, producing a crystalline sound unlike anything I’ve heard before."

Sonica Frank Evantoff # 477 of 650

via this auction
"extremely rare electronic synthesizer instrument by Frank Evantoff called the Sonica. Look at the marks from the carving tools the craftsman used to make the instrument. They neatly hold the battery! Only 650 of these strange instruments were made since their they began manufacturing them in 1979. Shaped like small lute with a guitar like neck and speaker inside that was the voice for the Serge designed oscillator inside ( Look for Serge's name on the hand printed circuit board! ). They player could sound notes by touching the frets on the neck that produce at between sitar and violin. It has very minor dings (see photos). Comes with case and original user manual/warranty certificate.

After Mattel had used the concept for the "Magical Music Thing," Frank Evantoff developed a more precise keyboard and incorporated it into this new instrument, which he called The Sonica. In 1979, the first Sonicas were produced, a collaboration with Larry Heller. There were 650 eventually built, but very few are seen nowadays. Serge Tcherepnin of Serge synthesizers (analog modular) did the oscillator design, and the oscillator inside the Sonica is indeed a Serge oscillator! The bodies have an interesting gourd/phallic shape, and were carved wood. The neck is incredibly comfortable, and easily fits into the hand, facilitating the sliding action used for playing the Sonica.

The sound of the Sonica can best be described as somewhere between a sitar and violin. When run through a simple delay, an amazing array of soundscapes are derived. The front panel features a Key/Pitch Knob, and an On/Off Volume Knob. It boasts 15 keys with additional half step notes. It also features three buttons. Analog “Slider,” which is a tremolo type effect, Analog “Tone,” which is actually a tonal boost, and “Half-Step,” which raises the note an octave. It features a built-in speaker, with an 1/8 inch output to connect to an amplifier or recording device. It runs on one 9-volt battery which is installed by accessing a plate on the backside of the device. The Sonica really shines when sent through a tube amplifier, producing a crystalline sound unlike anything I’ve heard before."

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B Willing James Sonica Synth Solo

"Solo with a Sonica Synthesizer. Rare instrument designed by Frank Eventoff in 1979. So yes, we're the same age. Not me and Frank that is."


via this auction

VINTAGE FRANK EVENTOFF [SERGE] SONICA SYNTHESIZER

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1978 SONICA by Frank Eventoff and Serge Modular synthesizer

via this auction

"This is the unusual and strange instrument, the SONICA. Invented by Frank Eventoff, supposedly only 650 were made. (I interviewed him once for putting up a page on the Sonica on the web.) He invented a membrane-switch and created this instrument with it, before selling the switches to make McDonald's cash registers, etc. all over the world. The instrument is made from a circuit built by SERGE Modular synthesizers (see photo of circuit board) and has a warm, mellow tone. You slide your finger along the diatonic-tuned soundboard. More importantly, there are 3 control pads: Slider wobbles the pitch a little (vibrato), Tone adjusts brightness, Half-Step gives you half-step notes (as diatonic scale misses some in-between, you can get them here). The tone control doesn't do much, maybe it's waveform adjust or something, but the sound is already dark and low, like a flute, so there's not many highs to affect. It's easy and fun to play, comes with original case. "

SN 328

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Frank Eventoff Sonica Synthesizer #172

via this auction

"This is a extremely rare piece Sonica synthesizer that absolutely does'nt come around too often, 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 (#172). It comes in a custom-sized case with power cord."

Serge Sonica Keytar Vintage Analog Mini Synthesizer

via this auction

"super rare 1/600 Sonica Limited Edition Synthesizer made by Frank Eventoff in Los Angeles in the 70's. In excellent condition, although the thin foam membrane covering the speaker has disintegrated and can and should be replaced. There are two small dark streaks on the brass near the half-step button that are minor original blemishes. The case is included as well as the original paperwork. This is a fun little unit for jamming on and is very easy to play. The output jack is a strange 1/8" that I haven't found the exact right plug to fit it. I have just played the internal speaker and recorded to mic.

Some info from the documentation:"The Sonica is a portable self contained synthesizer designed to simplify the playing of music... an electronic sensor that converts the pressure of your touch into creative musical tones and expressions... carved from Red Alder, a domestic hardwood. several coats of lacquer. Finished by hand. The face and trim are solid brass protected with baked enamel finish. " Serial Number 592, one of last ones made!"

Sonica Synth w/ Serge Oscillator by Frank Evanoff

via this auction

"In 1979, the first Sonicas were produced, a collaboration with Larry Heller. There were 650 built, but very few are seen nowadays. Serge Tcherepnin of Serge synthesizers (producer of high-end modular synths!) did the oscillator design, and the oscillator inside the Sonica is indeed a Serge oscillator. The neck is incredibly comfortable, and easily fits into the hand, facilitating the sliding action used for playing the Sonica. Creator Frank Eventoff's neighbor in Silverlake was a modelmaker and carved the bodies - they produced them in runs of 24 at a time. The body is made from finely hand-carved mahogany. Donna Summer bought one of the runs of 24 and created a Sonica Orchestra.

The sound of the Sonica can best be described as somewhere between a sitar and violin. When run through a simple delay, an amazing array of soundscapes are derived. The front panel features a Key/Pitch Knob, and an On/Off Volume Knob. It also features three buttons. "Slider," which is a tremolo type effect, "Tone," which is actually a tonal boost, and "Half-Step," which raises the note an octave. It features a built-in speaker, with an 1/8 inch output to connect to an amplifier or recording device. It runs on one 9-volt battery which is installed by accessing a plate on the backside of the device. The Sonica really shines when sent through a tube amplifier, producing a crystalline sound unlike anything I've heard before."

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Frank Eventoff Sonica Synthesizer

via this auction

"This is a rare, limited edition instrument in excellent condition."

See the Sonica label below for more.

Extremely Rare Frank Evantoff Sonica Serge #126 of 650

via this auction

You can find the history of the Sonica on All Records and Tapes. Also see the Sonica label below for previous posts.

Frank Eventoff Sonica Synth - Serge

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."

Moogfest 2010

http://www.moogfest.com/
(click for details and the animation)
Asheville, NC // October 29, 30, 31

Pic: that would be the Moog Cookbook

Updates via the comments:

pea: "moog cookbook borrowed my circuit bent speak n' math "guitar" for this photoshoot! this photo dates to around 1997 or thereabouts... :)"
elgauchoandres: "...and the Eventoff's Sonica ;)" See the label at the bottom of this post for more. It's smaller than I thought or he's got one giant hand.

Sonica vintage synthesizer analog synth by Serge

UPDATE: the original auction link for this post appears to have been harvested from another auction which has ended for $1200. Thanks to the world of next tuesday in the comments for catching it. Be careful out there.

"Up for auction is the extremely rare Sonica, built by Frank Eventoff. Only 650 of these were ever produced, making it a highly collectible electronic device. Very few are now known to exist, even fewer in working condition.

In 1979, the first Sonicas were produced, a collaboration with Larry Heller. There were 650 built, but very few are seen nowadays. Serge Tcherepnin of Serge synthesizers (producer of high-end modular synths!) did the oscillator design, and the oscillator inside the Sonica is indeed a Serge oscillator. The neck is incredibly comfortable, and easily fits into the hand, facilitating the sliding action used for playing the Sonica. Creator Frank Eventoff's neighbor in Silverlake was a modelmaker and carved the bodies - they produced them in runs of 24 at a time. The body is made from finely hand-carved mahogany. Donna Summer bought one of the runs of 24 and created a Sonica Orchestra.

The sound of the Sonica can best be described as somewhere between a sitar and violin. When run through a simple delay, an amazing array of soundscapes are derived. The front panel features a Key/Pitch Knob, and an On/Off Volume Knob. It also features three buttons. "Slider," which is a tremolo type effect, "Tone," which is actually a tonal boost, and "Half-Step," which raises the note an octave. It features a built-in speaker, with an 1/8 inch output to connect to an amplifier or recording device. It runs on one 9-volt battery which is installed by accessing a plate on the backside of the device. The Sonica really shines when sent through a tube amplifier, producing a crystalline sound unlike anything I've heard before.

This unit for auction is in very good shape cosmetically and works as it should. Very conservatively, there are probably a couple hundred of these in working condition today, most of which have been abused in one way or another.

A link to the history of the Sonica:
http://www.alsrecordsandtapes.com/sw.story.htm

see the Sonica label below as well for more posts.

VELVA "Charm My Snake"

YouTube via velva9000. via BlipBlaster.

Roland SH-101
"Chicago's Velva performs Charm My Snake at the Double Door with The Most Dangerous Race and The Countdown. Belly Dancing, Snake Charmer, Opium Den, Naughty School Girl, Knee Highs, Electroclash, Frank Eventoff Sonica"

One more:

VELVA @ Double Door, Chicago IL


"Chicago's Velva, performing Electric Derelict at the Double Door in Chicago with the Most Dangerous Race and The Countdown. Circuit Bent, Theremin, Space Prog Rock, Ambient, Experimental, Nanoloop, Atari, White Noise, Lord Lofgren, Dreamdaze, Cybernaut, 8 bit, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Ween..."

via Blip Master: "There is an electronic experimental rock band in Chicago called Velva www.velva9000.com I've seen a couple times. They use ElectroKraft Space Axes and I think one of the guys plays a Frank Eventoff Sonica."

The Sonica

Title link takes you to shots via this auction. Not mentioned in the auction, this features Serge components.
"This is definitely the first time 99% of you have ever seen this exceedingly rare instrument, and it is most likely that this will be the only opportunity to purchase one. No information is available online and only one other Sonica has ever been auctioned on eBay (approximately 4 years ago.) [Not Exactly]

This rare "portable self-contained synthesizer" as it is described within the original pamphlet (included), features "Sens-a-Touch, an electronic sensor that converts the pressure of your touch into creative musical tones and expressions."

For the lack of a better analogy, this instrument is most like a stylophone. However, the Sonica is more responsive, better sounding, more versatile, and seemingly effortless to manipulate. The Sonica features; volume control, key control, half-step pressure-pad function, tone pressure-pad function, and the slider pressure-pad function. The Soncia is powered by a 9v battery, has a built in speaker and features a mini-jack output ability.

The back of the headstock has a heart-shaped plate which typically has a serial number. This one has the plate without a number as I was told it is a prototype version. It is 1.5 octaves and still includes the original soft case and original booklet which is signed and dated 1979.

The Sonica works perfectly with the exception of the "key" control being temperamental, as such it is being sold "as is" with the belief that it is in need of repair. There are also several non-original screws which fasten the front brass plate to the lute-like body. Otherwise the Sonica is in great cosmetic condition with no breaks or significant originality issues.

The Sonica was designed by Frank Eventoff of Sound Instruments L.A., CA."

The Sonica with Serge Oscillator

Remember The Sonica? Looks like one is up for auction. Title link takes you to the shots.

Note this one and the Black Coffee below is a bit of a fund raiser.

"Up for auction here is the very rare Frank Eventoff Sonica. It's a one oscillator analog synth built into a wood guitar shaped controller. The oscillator was built by Serge electronics. Yes the same who build high end modular synths! It has its own speaker and runs on a regular 9v battery. It's about 18" long. It's number 276 out of 650. With this instrument you are officially the King or Queen of the hippie synth nerds (certificate not included).

Here's a link to the entertaining history of the Sonica.

This unit for auction is in very good shape cosmetically and works 100%. However because of the age of the electronics, it's being sold as-is. I already fixed a bad solder joint on the fretboard. You will probably have to do the same some time in the future. The fretboard flexes slightly even with a light touch. Solder joints don't like flexing. If the Sonica sounds continuously without you touching it, heat up the solder joints on the fret board and it will fix it. It's just the way the Sonica is designed. At least I told you about it and how to fix it, you'll notice no other sellers of Sonicas mentioned it. Also, some of what look like scratches in the pics are just reflections from the light.

You get the Sonica, its custom case, instruction manual and blank warranty card.

Sorry about the watermarking on the photos below, it's a necessity now because of scammers that ebay seems to tolerate.

So you can rationalize your gear lust: you're helping me pay to get rid of a brain tumor. You're not a gearhead, you're a humanitarian!"

Note I usually shy away from posting images with watermarks. If you have an auction with great shots and watermarks and you are wondering why I haven't posted it, that's probably why. Just shoot me an email and I'll post it. BTW, I'll post anything on Matrixsynth-b regardless of the shots, so feel free to send them in.

More Sonica Pics

Remember the Sonica? Title link takes you to more pics sent my way via BirdFlu.

"Attached are some pics I took of my Sonica when I had it apart to fix it. You can see it really is a Serge board inside.

Note what also looks like a date of 6-79. The pics also includes documentation.

Update: Some more comments via BirdFLU in the previous post. Also I disabled comments here to keep them all in the other post.

"I forwarded some photos of the Sonica innards and the Sonica manual to matrix. I'll try to forward some sound samples too. It's just a simple buzzy kind of triangle wave. A very pleasing mellow tone. Pressing on the Tone pad sort of opens the filter a tiny bit more. It's not some amazing synth, but it wasn't meant to be. It's easy and fun to play and that was the intent. Also, when I got mine, I was surprised how small it is, it's only 18" It doesn't need to be any bigger, I just thought it would be for some reason. Somebody somewhere has got ot have video of Donna Summer's band playing 24 of them. I've really got to see that!!"

If anyone finds it post a comment.

The Sonica - Serge

Title link takes you to one more shot via this auction and this auction.

Details:
"Up for auction is the extremely rare Sonica, built by Frank Eventoff. Only 650 of these were ever produced, making it a highly collectible electronic device. Very few are now known to exist, and listed below is some information I discovered when researching the history behind this unique instrument.

In 1979, the first Sonicas were produced, a collaboration with Larry Heller. There were 650 eventually built, but very few are seen nowadays. Serge Tcherepnin of Serge synthesizers (analog modular) did the oscillator design, and the oscillator inside the Sonica is indeed a Serge oscillator! The bodies have an interesting gourd/phallic shape, and were crafted of carved wood. The neck is incredibly comfortable, and easily fits into the hand, facilitating the sliding action used for playing the Sonica.

Creator Frank Eventoff's neighbor in Silverlake was a modelmaker and carved the bodies - they produced them in runs of 24 at a time.

Donna Summer bought one of the runs of 24 and created a Sonica Orchestra !!! They performed live in Hawaii, with all the musicians in her band equipped with Sonicas at some point in the show!

The body is made from finely hand carved mahogany.

The sound of the Sonica can best be described as somewhere between a sitar and violin. When run through a simple delay, an amazing array of soundscapes are derived. The front panel features a Key/Pitch Knob, and an On/Off Volume Knob. It also features three buttons. " Slider ", which is a tremolo type effect, " Tone ", which is actually a tonal boost, and " Half-Step ", which raises the note an octave. It features a built-in speaker, with an 1/8 inch output to connect to an amplifier or recording device. It runs on one 9-voly battery which is installed by accessing a plate on the backside of the device. This device includes the original carrying case, and original owners manual. The Key/Pitch Knob seems to adjust the key only intermittently. This may be solved by fine tuning the Key Knob, which is explained in detail in the owners manual. All other functions operate perfectly. This device is guaranteed to work upon arrival, but due to the vintage nature of this instrument, it must be sold as is. Winning bidder to submit payment via Paypal, Cashiers Check, or Money Order within 5 business days of auction end, to include $ 20 insured shipping within the continental U.S."

via Lost Signal.

Update via elgauchoandres in the comments:

The Sonica has been around in others sales ie. this auction [shots added to the flickr set]

And there's a webpage with all the info you need to know it a bit more"

Update: Be sure to check out this post for more images and documentation.