WP-20 Mini Synth

Another from GetLoFi. How about I just post a pic and say click through to GetLoFi for more. Back to scrounging the net... : )

Yamaha Gear List and Timeline

Via GetLoFi. Kick ass find by Circuit Master. The list also includes key technology introductions like PASS (Pulse Analog Synthesizer System for the CS series). Wow! I never knew they refered it to PASS. Some key points below just in case they delete the list on us (have fun spotting your favorites : ).

1962 Fist product on their list
D-2

1966 Silicon transistor
E-2, A-3

1970 IC (Integrated Circuit)
EX-42, B-6E, B12, B-12R, E-3R, YC-20, YC-30

1975 LSI (Large Scale IC)
VCO, VCF, VCA (Voltage Control Technology)
GX-1, CSY-2, BK-2

1977 PASS(Pulse Analog Synthesizer System)
E-30, E-50, E-70, EX-1, EX-2, A-40, A-60, B-40, B-60, B-45, C-40, C-60, D-80, CS-50, CS-60, CS-80, CP20, CS-10, CS-30, CS-30L, SS30

1981 FM Tone Generator (Frequency Modulation System)
E-75, E-45, 6000, PS-10, PS-20, PS-30, GS1, GS2, CS-70M, CP11, CP25, CP35, SK15

1982 CD
A-505, B-205, B-405, B-605, B-805, C-405, C-605, 7000, HS-200, HS-500, PS-30B, PS-3(I),(S), PC-100, PSS-30, MP-1, HS-400, HS-501, PS-300, CE20, CS01, SY20, CE25, CP11W, CP7

1983 VLSI (Very Large Scale IC) MIDI
FX-1, FX-3, FX-10, FX-20, FS-100, FS-200, FS-300, FS-500, MR-1, PC-50, PS-35, PS-35S, PS-55, PS-55S, PC-1000, MK-100, YP-10, YP-20, YP-30, YP-40 · DX7, DX9, PF12, KX1, DX1, PF10, PF15

1987 AWM Tone Generator (Sampling System)
HS-4, HS-5, HS-6, HS-7, HS-8, HX-1, HX-3, HX-5, CHX-1, CVP-10, CVP-6, CVP-8, CLP-500, CLP-100, CVP-100MA, CVP-100PE, PSS-130, PSS-470, PSS-570, PSR-22, PSR-32, PSR-12, PSS-370, VSS-30, PSR-80, PSR-90, DSR-1, RX17, DX7S, TX802, ARM1, QX3, DX7-2C, WX7, RX7, V2, PF85, TX16W, TX1P

1991 GM MD
EL-30, EL-50, EL-70, EL-90, CVP-55, CVP-65, CVP-35, CVP-45, CVP-75, YPP-15, YPP-35, PSR-31, PSR-100, PSR-200, PSR-400, PSR-500, PSS-102, PSS-104, DD-11, PSR-6700, RY30, SY99, TG100

1993 VA Tone Generator (Physical Modeling System)
EL-20, EL-27, CVP-25, CVP-83, CVP-85, CVP-87, DD-3, PSR-110, PSR-210, PSR-300, PSR-310, PSR-410, PSR-510, PSR-1700, PSR-2700, TG300, VL1, CBX-K3, CBX-S3, CBX-D5, CBX-302

1996 SoftSynthesizer
CLP-311, CLP-411, CLP-511, CLP-611, CLP-811, CLP-911, DD-50, PSR-190, PSR-220, PSR-230, PSR-78, AR-100 · G1D, G50, P50m, QY700, VL70m, CS1x, CBX-PCC10, MU90, MU90B

1998 FS Tone Generator (FM + Formant Shaping System)
EL-900, CLP-810S, CLP-820, CLP-840, CLP-860, CLP-880, CVP-600, PSR-195, PSR-225, PSR-79, PSR-D1, EX5, P-200, EX5R, EX7, WX5, FS1R, CS2x, EX5S, RM1x, SU700, CBX-K2, MU100B, MU128, MU15, SW1000XG

2004 Internet Direct Connection
ELS-01/01C(STAGEA), CVP-309, CVP-307, CVP-305, CVP-303, CVP-301, PSR-3000, PSR-1500, PSR-450, PSR-295, PSR-293, PSR-175, DGX-505, DGX-305, DGX-205, DGX-203, DD-55C

A little Oberheim SEM P*rn on a Tuesday Afternoon

Came accross the following two Oberheim shots in my synth p*rn collection. Not sure where I got these. If you know please post and I'll update this with info. Title link takes you to bigger shots.

Modded Oberheim SEM Tower



Two Oberheim Four Voices side by side. This is just plain classy. Ga. Ga. Ga...

History Channel piece on Drum Machines

Update: From the source. It aired on More Gadgets on Tuesday, September 13 at 7:00pm ET. You can purchase the DVD for $25 or wait for it to show up On Demand cable if you have it.


In via Ben Vehorn on AH. Title link takes you to History Channel's Modern Marvels page, but I couldn't find the piece. Maybe it hasn't made the site yet? Will need to keep an eye out on it.

Ben Via AH:
"The show "Modern Marvels" on the History Channel just did a piece on
the history of drum machines. Though it wasn't ridiculously in-depth
(8-10 minutes), it was pretty accurate and cool to see. They started
with metronomes, then showed a Wurlitzer drum machine (I think it was a
Sideman), then went into the home organs and analog drum machines (Korg
55, TR-808). They talked about how sampling changed everything and had
some guy demo-ing a Linn 9000 (though no LM-2, which seemed an
oversight), then went into V-drums and grooveboxes."

Suzuki Omnichord

Update:
"To my knowledge, the first Omnichord was introduced in 1981 (1982 in
the western hemisphere).
I think the 1975 model as advertised is as credible as a 1975 Buchla 200E. :-)

Senso"


Update: Shots of the original in via AH.

http://www.vintageplanet.nl/pics/sf2004/Omnichord-1.jpg
http://www.vintageplanet.nl/pics/sf2004/Omnichord-2.jpg



Update: Picture from Pimp Daddy Nash. That ain't made in 1975. That's just crapy advertising. Lame.



Update: Make sure to check out the comments of this post. I can't get through the title link to check it out for myself, but according to Pimp Daddy Nash (gotta love that alias : ) ), this unit has midi. One slight problem, midi didn't come out until 1983...

Update: From Bryan Carrigan via AH:

"Here's a track made with the omnichord beat, pad, and harp
pretty exposed in the intro. These are great for writing songs!

click on "tutelary genius"

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/uhp"

Retro Thing has a post up on the Suzuki Omnichord, now the Suzuki QChord. The post got me wondering when this thing originally came out and if it was analog to start. Sure enough it was. The title link will take you to a site that has more info and shots, and actually has one for sale.



"Suzuki OmniChord OM-300 Model Analog Keyboard Synthesizer, c. 1975 (yeah right, this is the later model with midi), made in Japan, serial # 06300, ivory plastic finish, original box case."

Update via temp1 in the comments:
"Hi, the brown Omnichord OM-27 (ca. 1981) pictured is my Omniconcertino, that I modified with all the upholstry-tacks as body contacts and a guitar-pedal delay.

check here for more info and pictures of unmodified Omnis:

http://www.klangbureau.de/Omnicon_E.html
http://www.klangbureau.de/Omnihist_E.html"

Motus Mavis

Shots of the Motus Mavis keep popping up on my randomn photo player, so I guess it means I should put up a post. : ) Title link takes you to the Motus Mavis Site including more pics and samples. Amazing site design btw.

I always thought the contols on this looked like mini saw blades. Wicked.


From the site:
I am constantly developing new techniques of creating and modyfying sound with electronics, and various ideas can be incorporated into a comissioned work. Below are some descriptions of my original designs.

Granular Delay Oscillators Filters Modulators Sequencers LFO Construction

All the Synthesizers I create are one-of-a-kind, custom built, and totally original. I use only the highest quality parts and materials, and design the circuitry from scratch. Clearly this method prevents me from competing with mass produced synthesizers, however, the new possibilities and inspiring designs are meant for those who desire something personal and unique, not available as a preset. Please email me at: computer_jones @yahoo.com

Takla Makan - Spiraling: Sequentix P3 Driving Reason

Absolutely beautiful track in via Tony Allgood (Takla Makan). Title link takes you there. No log-in required, but you might have to temporarily disable your pop-up blocker for the track window to launch. It's worth it. I have it looped while I work. I need a P3.

Gleeman Pentaphonic on the 'bay

An even rarer synth on the 'bay. You don't see these too often.

Roland System100 on the 'bay

Beautiful Roland System 100 on the 'bay. Title link will take you to more shots taken for posterity.

Akai MPC 2500

Via Sonic State. Title link takes you to more.

Analog System RS Integrator Demo

Via REwire on Vintage Synth Explorer. Impressive range of sound.

Yamaha Electone Site

Fred Lui dropped by to post a comment on my GX1 Site post. He included a link to his site dedicated to the Yamaha Electone line of instruments including the EX21, EX42, GX1, EX1, EX2, FX1, HX1, ELX1, and ELX1m. Click through title link for more including larger shots. Now if I cold only read the site. : )

Yamaha GX1

Different Skies - Electronic Space Music Festival

Groovy. I think this is the first animated gif on my site! : )



In via AH. Title link will take you to the daily photo log. Looks amazing. Wish I was there. Check out the site for more info on what it's all about.

"HOW MANY PEOPLE PARTICIPATE IN DIFFERENT SKIES?

Typically, there are about 20 participants at Different Skies in Arcosanti including musicians, video artists, interns, and production folks. This is limited by the amount of housing space available to us for the event and by the amount of stage space and mixing channels for the main concert. This allows everyone to participate in the proceedings; there are always groups of people talking or playing who have room for one more, and there is a good feeling of community.

The Saturday concert typically gets an attendence of over 100 people."

PPG Wave 2.3 Rack

Wow! I never knew these even existed.



"PPG Wave 2.3 Synth custom rackmount version. I hear that there were only
about 10 of these worldwide. Very good cosmetic condition. Unit is a classic"

EAR Products For Sale

In via AH (Note: I updated the email address below to prevent spam bots from picking it up. If you send email, make sure to take out the spaces):

Sept 13, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
contact: Don Hassler
EAR
dlh30039 @ yahoo.com
http://www.ear-group.com

EAR Products released for sale.

LOS ANGELES -

Electro-Acoustic Research (EAR) is excited to announce a limited
quantity
release (10 units each) of the following in Doepfer Eurorack format:

Livewire:

Livewire Cyclotron
Livewire Frequensteiner Filter

Plan B -

Model 12 State Variable Vactrol Filter
Model 13 Dual Timbral Gates
Model 17 Event Timer

These units are currently available for sale and immediate delivery. Current module
reservations will be held for 24 hours.
For
more information -or- to purchase any of the above, to go:

http://www.ear-group.com/

Click on the PURCHASE navbar selection for a shopping cart purchase via
Paypal. You may view photographs of the modules on each products
listing
page.

A larger production run of each module is expected by Oct. 1, 2005.

Oberheim SEM Resource Page - ErsatZ Planet

In via AH. Someone asked for the pin out points for the Oberheim SEM. James Husted replied with his site, ErsatZ Planet. Amazing resource including the following (Title link takes you there):

The Owner's Manual for the Synthesizer Expander Module (SEM)
The Schematics for the Synthesizer Expander Module (SEM)
This includes the stand alone SEM power supply and wireing harness
Synthesizer Expander Module (SEM) Parts Placement drawing
Operations manual for the 2-voice with Mini Sequencer
The Schematics for the 2-voice Analog Keyboard (1st Generation)
The Schematics for the 2-voice Digital Keyboard (2st Generation)
The Schematics for the 2-voice (and 4-voice) Power Supply
The Schematics for the 2-voice Mini Sequencer
The Schematics for the 2-voice Output Module
The 2-voice Wiring Harness
The 4-voice Wiring Harness
The Schematics for the 4-voice Digital Keyboard (also 8-voice)
The Schematics for the 4-voice Programmer
The Schematics for the 2-voice (and 4-voice) Power Supply

More DSI Polyvolver from Stefan Trippler

Title link takes you to the mp3. Enjoy.

Bluesynths

In via AH. Bluesynths is a great synth resource site as is. I'm looking forward to the updates.

Hey folks,

Just letting you lot know that www.bluesynths.com is back on. We're busily
writing new sections, so please exscuse the simplicity of the site for now.
You should be able to search all our synth articles, as well as all the
sounds etc.

By next week we should have all the user/tech manuals online (copyright
pending), then work will start on a better/interactive user section. I would
appreciate any feedback on what you would like to have... my personal ideas
in development right now are:

1. public blogs/journals for each user (allowing them to write studio/synth
related diaries. I would hope for synth developers & hobbiests to post
technical diaries of their current projects)
2. user studio gallery
3. user kit-list (big section, manage your own kit list, which is then
searchable... get an idea of who owns what synthesizer, and how much they
payed, date, serial etc).
3. internal user messaging
4. pdf download of all articles (soon)
5. forums (may take a while)
6. german language (soon)
7. searchable retail services (big section, a worldwide list of all synth
repair companies, and vintage synth retailers, including (when possible) a
company review by us. postable comments for each one by users - ensures you
keep them on their toes for bad service! etc.)
8. synth literature (background reading... this was up before, but I need to
edit it slightly).

If anyone has any web related questions (bugs etc.) then feel free to e-mail
me directly:
lawrence.eldridge(a)bluesynths.com

Hope you enjoy it!

Hammond Solovox Synth

Link takes you to Craiglist so expect it to be down soon (craigslist posts don't last too long).

The post saved for posterity:



"Date: 2005-09-08, 1:05PM EDT


FS: Very rare Hammond Solovox with tone cabinet, model J, series A circa 1940-41. Considered perhaps the first synthesizer. Designed to attach under a piano keyboard to play monphonic melody lines. It's oscillator feeds a chain of 5 sawtooth diveders producing bass, tenor, alto and soprano pitches. There are 5 formant filters to modify the tone. Knee-lever volume control. Slow or fast voice attack. 14 tubes. Very similar in concept to the Clavioline. THIS UNIT IS NON-FUNCTIONAL and sold as-is and will require a knowledgable tech to restore and get up and running again. I have had this in storage for many years hoping to restore it but have not had the time so up for sale it goes. Must be picked up in central NJ. $150."

Chris Strellis - Skylab

Update: A slightly slower version of the track: http://www.adwright.net/chris/voynich/sounds/Skylab2000.mp3

Track done with only a single Yamaha CS10. No midi, just multitrack manual playing. Impressive. Reminds me of a more agressive Air with a little Laurie Anderson thrown in.

DJ Don - Stand Tall

I don't totally want to get into the habit of posting new music; as you can imagine it could become pretty time consuming, and how do you even begin to chose... but... If I find stuff while browsing around and the synth gear is listed, I'll try and post it. Also it doesn't hurt if the track sounds good to me. : ) This particular track by DJ Don is pretty bad ass. Starts with a beat reminiscent of The Jesus and Mary Chain's Sidewalking and then goes Kasabian on you. But... It has it's own sound. Gear used includes guitar, Roland V-Synth XT, Novation X-Station 25, and Reason. Title link takes you there. Enjoy.

Neon Synths - New Flickr Shots

More like color saturated, but you get the point. Some more after click. Two shots of a Juno 6 below.

Salamander SMS Modular

The picture below popped up in my random picture viewer. I was wondering what the heck it was, so I was going to post to ask; but then I realized, duh, the name of the picture (20041030_AES_62.JPG) stands for the 2004 AES. I dug in the AH Archives and found the source of the image. Mark Pulver's site. I also found what it is. Title link will take you there, including more shots.



"Info from AH member Chris Muir:

(it's) 'Not (exactly) DIY. That's a Salamander (aka SMS) modular. That one belongs to Naut Humon (Rhythm and Noise, Asphodel). It's probably the largest one in existence, although I have a pretty good sized one, too.'"

Link to AES homepage if you are interested.

Site Updates

I'm going to be getting rid of the Categories sections. I had General, Manuals, Pics and Samples. It's a pain when there is overlap and if a post has pics, manuals, or samples I usually say so. The search feature to the right pretty much takes care of finding stuff. If anyone is completely opposed say so in the next couple of days, otherwise it's gone. : )

Also making the page a we bit wider.

Korg Mono/Poly Sample

From Ben via AH. Mono/Poly arpeggiation and Korg Stage Echo. Grab it while you can. : )

Acidlab Bassline

Acidlab Bassline. Click through for more. The Bilder link will take you to pictures and the Klang link will take you to samples. Some great tracks. Enjoy.

Two tasty shots:

Roland TB303 AcidLab Mod

AcidLab mod DIY on the 'bay. Note that this is only for the mod kit, not the TB303 modded. Title link takes you to shots saved for posterity.



Mod details:
THE INPUTS ARE Q- ACCENT- GATE- SLIDE- VCF- VCF CUT OFF-VCA-CV THESE ARE FOR USE WITH A MIDI-CV CONVERTER , ANALOG SYNTH OR TB-303.

THE OUTPUTS ARE EG- ACCENT- SLIDE- SQUARE- SAW- VCF THESE COULD BE PATCHED TO AN EXTERNAL FITER OR EFFECTS UNIT OR TB-303.

TOGGEL SWITCHS :

ACCENT - UP NORMAL, DOWN ACCENTS ON ALL NOTES .

SLIDE- UP NORMAL, DOWN SLIDE ON ALL NOTES.

WAVEFORM MODULATION- SAW, SQUARE.

RESONANCE- UP NORMAL , DOWN REAR VCF INPUT.

POTENTIOMETERS;

DECAY- FROM OFF TO STANDERD.

RESONANCE- ADDS Q LEVEL.

X-MOD- MODULATION LEVEL.

OVERDRIVE- VOLUME CONTROL OF VCO TO FILTER .

POTS COME WITH 303 TYPE KNOBS TO RETAIN ORIGINAL LOOK.

LEDS: THREE NEW LEDS SHOW PROGRAMMING ACCENT, SLIDE, BEND.

ACIDLAB KIT COMES WITH FACEPLATE OVERLAY- 4 KNOBS- 4 POTS-4 SWITCHES- 3 LEDS- 8 INPUTS- 6 OUTPUTS- COLOR CODED INSTRUCTIONS WITH WIRES- ALL RESISTORS- CAPS- DIODES- POT MOUNTS- REAR STICKER- YOU GET ALL PARTS NEEDED TO UPGRADE YOUR ROLAND TB-303, THIS KIT GIVES THE TB-303 A NEW VINTAGE LOOK WITH THE ABILITY OF MODULAR SYNTHESIS FOR NEW SOUND TEXTURES AND CONTROL.

DJ Dab DIY

Via GetLoFi. Title link takes you to more including some samples.

JSynthLib

Update: Thanks to Chris for helping me out. For whatever reason my browser downloaded the file as a .zip. Renaming it to .jar and then running java -jar JSynthLib-0.20.0.jar from a command prompt did the trick.

Title link will take you to JSynthLib, an open source unniversal editor and librarian. Pretty cool. I remember painfully shelling out $150 for SoundDiver way back. Click through for more including a list of supported synths.

Update: I couldn't get this thing to work. The instructions state: "Run JSynthLib.jar by typing java -jar JSynthLib-XXX.jar from the command prompt." One problem. There is no .jar file in the download; I extracted the package and did a dir *.jar /s - nothing (star dot jar - I like that : )). If anyone knows what the heck I'm doing wrong, or get's it to work, please let me know. And no, "what you are doing wrong is using Windows instead of a Mac." I already know that. : )

Bohm Sound Lab

Bohm Sound Lab. Title link will take you to some user reviews on Sonic State. It was a banana jack mini modular.


Click here for more shots.


From the reviews on Sonic State:
"I own a system with 2 VCOs, VCF, ADSR, VCA and the multifunction module. I also own a Doepfer A-100 system, but this modular is much powerfull."

Cynthia Home Page Design

Check out Cynthia's homepage design. It's magic. : ) Click through for the other half.

Cynthia Gate Sequencer

I just love this shot of the Cynthia Gate Sequencer on a mini easel.

Click here for a bigger shot.

Synthesia - New Flickr Shot

Anyone know what keyboard this is? Click through for slightly bigger shot.

Infection Music

Infection Music is home to the Infection Instruments Zeit Sequencer pictured below. Title link will take you to the Infection Music homepage. Make sure to click on Zeit Sequencer and Instruments to see more including the Atem Prototype, Phaedra Sequencer and other incarnations of the Zeit Sequencer. There are also samples. Infection Instruments was founded in December 2001 by David J. Hughes who worked closely with Paul Maddox of Modulus Electronics featured in the post below.

Modulus Electronics Monowave

Another rarity in the synth world; only 25 made. The Monowave contains 256 waveforms including 127 from the classic PPG Wave range of synths. It's filter, envelopes and VCA are analog. Click through title link for more including tons of samples. The Monowave was created by Paul Maddox. Make sure to check out his Monowave II for the Sound Art Chameleon, his Modular work, and joint products.



Update: Or you could always build your own. : )

Update via Paul Maddox in the comments:
"New URL for my synth projects -
Http://www.vacoloco.net/synths/

For the 'kit' -
http://www.elby-designs.com/monowave/monowave-about.htm"

Another Andromeda A6 Demo from Colin Chung

Via the A6 mailing list. Enchanting.

"Just started fiddling with the patch the A6 had on
I turn the arp on, and latched it, hit 4 notes, and
a cool step sequenced melody came up

Then all I did was play around with the output mixer bringing
in the 12db BPF and the 24db LPF, post filter sinewaves
and ring mod. Wow that kept occupied for an hour with a smile on my face : )

I decided to record a live take of my jamming and saved the patch
well the basic setup anyway...

first just VCO1 sinewave, then some A6 delay, then the 2nd VCO's sinewave,
ring mod output, and the filters etc in and out and tweaked
I ran the A6 output into the Distressor compressor, adding it's Dist 3 - 3rd harmonic
distortion setting for a bit of that analog tape vibe
Then the whole lot gets processed by a convultion reverb, using a computer
modelled and generated impulse file."

Ableton Live 5 Review on Harmony Central

If you have the interest and time, there is an extensive review of Ableton Live 5 on Harmony Central News. What's really interesting about this review is that it's also in discussion format. You can actually post comments and questions. Pretty interesting. Title link will take you there.

Minimoog Model E

Update: From Tom at Music Thing via the comments of this post:

"They still own the name in the UK - you can't buy any Moog products here, they're all badged 'Big Briar': If you look at these product pages, you won't see any mention of Bob at all:
http://www.turnkey.co.uk/tkweb/stockdetail.jsp?sku=BIGB-VOYAGERS&context=BSTOCK
or
http://www.turnkey.co.uk/tkweb/stockdetail.jsp?sku=BIGB-PHASER&context=BSTOCK "

Interesting! I didn't know that.

Another rarity up on the *bay. This one is a Moog Minimoog Model E. What's so rare about it? Well, the original Moog Minimoog production run stopped at Model D. The Model E is a remake produced in the UK in 1999. Title link will take you to a SOS article on the Model E. Side Note: There was also the Donimoog produced in the US. This was the company Bob Moog fought over to get the Moog name back, not the UK Moog Music Ltd.

"The Minimoog 204E was an authentic reissue from Moog Music Ltd. which was based in Wales. They acquired the rights to the name in the UK some time in the '90's. I don't know how many they made (I waited six months for mine) but I do know they folded some time in 2000, so I was lucky enough to get one when I did. This makes this version of the Minimoog somewhat of a rarity."

Click here for a bigger pic.

Roland System100M on the 'bay

System 100 up for sale on the 'bay. Saved the shot for posterity. Title link takes you to a much larger shot.

Electronik Supersonic

Title link takes you there. Click here for more streaming options. Yep.... : )



Update: See this post.

Audiopad

I remember when this first came out. I haven't looked it up for some time. The site has been revamped with more info, pictures and video. Man, I want one.





"Audiopad is a composition and performance instrument for electronic music which tracks the positions of objects on a tabletop surface and converts their motion into music. One can pull sounds from a giant set of samples, juxtapose archived recordings against warm synthetic melodies, cut between drum loops to create new beats, and apply digital processing all at the same time on the same table. Audiopad not only allows for spontaneous reinterpretation of musical compositions, but also creates a visual and tactile dialogue between itself, the performer, and the audience."

Polishing Scratched Keys

In via AH. Ever think about cleaning up those scratched keys? I have. Someon on AH asked and the following came up. One of these days, I'm definitely going to have to give this a try.

"In the plastic shops you will find a product called Novus. It comes in
grades 1,2,&3, with 3 being coarse and 1 being fine. It is for polishing
and or removing scratched in plastics like plexiglass display cases. You
might try a 2 grade. Its sold in small bottles. Any sandpaper would be
likely to scratch things and open up the sealed plastic finish, so I'd go
with the novus if you have to. Lorne in Canada We use it in a museum on
display cases but we use glass cleaner for daily fingerprint problems.
Lorne in canada"

Korg Legacy Digital

No *free* upgrade path for current Legacy Wavestation users. More info and demos via title link.

Update: A couple of comments in that the upgrade path will be $99 for current owners. I think the gripe for some will be that there is no option to just update the Wavestation free of charge.



"Introducing the KORG Legacy Collection – DIGITAL EDITION; stunning software versions of two Korg digital synthesis masterpieces – the M1 and WAVESTATION – plus the MDE-X multi-effect plug-in."

Jomox M-Resonator Filter Box

Via Music Thing.



"The M-Resonator has a true differential envelope follower and 2 Filters that can be fed back in every way. The filter distorts smoothly...Audio samples come very soon."

YMO

Two great YMO performances from the early 80s. Analog synth heaven.

YMO Technopolis Live


YMO Day Tripper Live


Update (reworded and prompted from the comments below, thanks CM!):
I heard about YMO in the 80s, but never followed up until recently. They were somewhat known. However, the guy in the yellow suit playing the majority of leads and getting a fair amount of camera action is Ryuichi Sakamoto. Do a search for him and you will find a LOT of stuff he has done including the soundtrack to The Last Emperor. He worked with David Sylvian of Japan fame, Iggy Pop, Thomas Dolby, David Byrne (whom he co wrote the score for The Last Emperor), Bootsy Collins, and Tony Williams. He is an artist's artist, so to speak. He has an amazing body of work. See http://launch.yahoo.com/ar-262586-bio--Ryuichi-Sakamoto for more.

Another bio: http://www.sonyclassical.com/artists/sakamoto/adbio.html
Official Ryuichi Sakamoto Website: http://www.sitesakamoto.com/
Wikipedia on Ryuichi Sakamoto: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryuichi_Sakamoto
Wikipedia on YMO: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YMO

Update (via comments. Thanks Ron!):
"I've been a fan of YMO for some time now. If you want to see what the other two are up to (Yukihiro Takahashi and Haruomi Hosono), do a search for band called Sketch Show. The are on Mr. Hosono's label, Daisyworld. The have 3-4 disks out, and a DVD of a live performance. Excellent stuff -- highly recommended."

Electronic Sound Maker CD

Click through for more including downloadable samples of the Ensoniq Mirage, Yamaha TX816, and PPG Wave.



"Electronic Soundmaker and Computer Music was a magazine published in the UK between 1982 and 1985 to compete with Electronics and Music Maker (E&MM). The magazine features bands of the time, the gear of the time and readers’ musical efforts.

From October 1984 to September 1985 it also came with a C60 cassette"

Micro Live

Update: The order form in the US can be flakey. If you want to order this, just send Chris Strellis and email. You can reach him at Chris @crystalvision.tv (space intentially put there to prevent spammers from picking it up).

Click here for more.

"The BBC transmitted a weekly computer music program called Micro Live around 1984 and 1985. It featured the BBC Micro, Sinclair Spectrum, C64 and the like. They made a special about synthesisers past and present. Bob Moog demonstrates the last ever made Minimoog."

Vintage Synth Videos

Click through and explore. : )



Videos include:
Yamaha CS-80
Yamaha CS-15D
Korg 700s
Korg 800dv
Roland sh-3a
Roland sh-1000

Lazy Blue Octopus - Vintage Synth Docs

dar Jedville of Lazy Blue Octopus just added some user manuals to his site including the commonly sought after Oberheim OBXa and Oberheim Cyclone user manuals. Awesome of him to scan and put them up. Via AH.

I just love this picture. : )

Vintage Synth Docs on his site:

Oberheim OBXa User Manual (pdf format)
Oberheim OBXa Service Manual 1st Edition Text (pdf format)
Oberheim OBXa Service Manual 1st Edition Schematics (pdf format)
Oberheim OBXa Service Manual 3rd Edition(pdf format)
Oberheim OBXa Factory Patches
Oberheim DSX Owners Manual (pdf format)
Oberheim DSX Service Manual (pdf format)
Oberheim CYCLONE Midi Arpegiator User Manual (pdf format)
MOOG Sonic 6 Service Manual part1 (zipped gif files)
MOOG Sonic 6 Service Manual part 2 (zipped gif files)
MOOG Sonic 6 Operations Manual (zipped tif files)
MOOG MICROMOOG/MULTIMOOG Service Manual (zipped gif files)
ARP SOLUS Operations Manual (PDF)
ARP QUADRA USER Manual (PDF FORMAT.)
ARP QUADRA SERVICE Manual - TEXT (PDF FORMAT.)
ARP QUADRA SERVICE Manual - SCHEMATICS(PDF FORMAT.)
Sequential Circuits Prophet5 Service Manual,Rev 3.3 (pdf format)
DR CLICK Operation Manual (pdf)
KORG MS10 Service Manual (zipped .jpg files)
Music Percussion Computer User Manual (pdf)
Music Percussion Computer Schematics (pdf)
EML101 OWNER’S MANUAL
EML101 SERVICE MANUAL - TEXT
EML 101 SERVICE MANUAL - SCHEMATICS
DIGISOUND ADSR, VCO, VCA Build Notes - (schematics, calibration - pdf)
SSM Datasheets 2030 VCO, 2020 VCA, 2040 VCF, 2050 VCTG (pdf)
DIGISOUND PRICELIST Jan 1980 (pdf)
DIGISOUND PROJECT 80 CATALOGUE ~1984 (pdf)

Forat Custimizations

Hit the goldmine of custom work. Click through title link for more. Mostly Akai MPCs, but a few others including this green beauty. Wow. I always wanted a green synth. This Yamaha Motif is absolutely stunning. Via reptar on Vintage Synth Explorer.



click here for more, larger shots and matching MPC.