Synthesizer Gear Porn ;-)

[battema]

Now that is super cool...and bodes well if Roland is willing to partner with Studio Electronics

[GuitarGeek]

Re: ROland Minimoog,

OK, but how does it sound?!

[battema]

There are some Muffwiggler threads about it...most of the impressions thus far seem to be based on the video demos.

[battema]

This is a pretty cool little gadget I came across recently; for those looking for that "Buchla-style touchplate" deal, this might be an affordable option:

https://www.ctrl-mod.com/collections...s/stereo-field

Some cool instagram-type vids here, demonstrating various uses:

http://www.landscape.fm/

[GuitarGeek]

This is a pretty cool little gadget I came across recently; for those looking for that "Buchla-style touchplate" deal, this might be an affordable option:

https://www.ctrl-mod.com/collections...s/stereo-field

Some cool instagram-type vids here, demonstrating various uses:

http://www.landscape.fm/

Yeah, I saw that, I might want to get one of those.

[battema]

I have one on preorder. Kinda told myself I'd take a pause on gadgets until the Deckard's Dream arrives, but...this looked like too much fun to pass up.

Eh, I'll just be financially poor but creatively-stimulated when I get old(er)

[Gizmotron]

I have one on preorder. Kinda told myself I'd take a pause on gadgets until the Deckard's Dream arrives, but...this looked like too much fun to pass up.

Eh, I'll just be financially poor but creatively-stimulated when I get old(er)

You are my Electro-Seeker Hero, Battema. I bet a visit to your place is Big Fun.

[battema]

My place is getting crowded! Would that be the first step in admitting I have a problem, if I'm considering moving just to make more room for gear?

Of course, the next trick is to actually finish something new that uses a bunch of these gadgets...

[Gizmotron]

My place is getting crowded! Would that be the first step in admitting I have a problem, if I'm considering moving just to make more room for gear?

Of course, the next trick is to actually finish something new that uses a bunch of these gadgets...

I know that feeling of having a sizable gear collection!
And I know the desire to finish up some projects...I have a 1930's Deagan marimba that has been in pieces for 12 years...perhaps I'll finish up the refinish this weekend

[battema]

LOL yep!

I have a few different things started but haven't quite found the "spark" to finish them.

[Gizmotron]

LOL yep!

I have a few different things started but haven't quite found the "spark" to finish them.

What is your favorite synth?
What was your first? And when did you first get into synths?

[battema]

Oh wow...

First real-type synth was a Roland U-20 (had a small Casio before that, but that doesn't really count), a gift in maybe 1988-89? It was a new synth at the time, and my first dive into MIDI, sample-based synthesis and the like. I still have it at home although it doesn't quite work as well anymore.

My favorite overall would probably have to be the Voyager. Lots of my synths are great and can do awesome stuff...the Voyager is the most musical instrument though. Something about it, from the keybed to the controls and the sound...it is just so expressive. Much like a guitar, it also lends itself well to being expanded, and I have mine running through different pedals and other effects (plus the CV breakout boxes). I also mounted a Doepfer R2M above the keyboard for various additional tricks. These days when I just feel like noodling around, that's my go-to

And you?

[Gizmotron]

Oh wow...

First real-type synth was a Roland U-20 (had a small Casio before that, but that doesn't really count), a gift in maybe 1988-89? It was a new synth at the time, and my first dive into MIDI, sample-based synthesis and the like. I still have it at home although it doesn't quite work as well anymore.

My favorite overall would probably have to be the Voyager. Lots of my synths are great and can do awesome stuff...the Voyager is the most musical instrument though. Something about it, from the keybed to the controls and the sound...it is just so expressive. Much like a guitar, it also lends itself well to being expanded, and I have mine running through different pedals and other effects (plus the CV breakout boxes). I also mounted a Doepfer R2M above the keyboard for various additional tricks. These days when I just feel like noodling around, that's my go-to

And you?

Voyager.
Dream machine! That would be so cool to have.

I tinkered with piano as a kid. I started being interested in keyboards as I listened to Genesis, Yes, ELP, etc. back in the early 1970's. It wasn't until 1979 that I had my first real exposure to electric keyboards. I met a fellow in college who had an ARP 2600, a Mellotron D, and a 6' Steinway. That was an amazing experience to play around with all three, especially the ARP. He became my roommate about a year later. He borrowed an ARP Pro-Soloist for awhile so I got to mess with that too.

In 1981 I got my first little Casio (like you). It wasn't until 1985 that I got my first synth, a Korg DW-6000. I then added an Korg 800EX module, a Casio 1000, and then the first cool device, my Yamaha KX-88 controller. That made me really lust for something that would respond to touch sensitivity so I got a TX-7 module. I slowly added more pieces throughout the years and now have a range of Korg, Roland, Kurzweil, Yamaha, and other stuff. It would be hard to pin down a favorite though.

So many devices, so little time!

[dropforge]

First real-type synth was a Roland U-20 (had a small Casio before that, but that doesn't really count), a gift in maybe 1988-89? It was a new synth at the time, and my first dive into MIDI, sample-based synthesis and the like. I still have it at home although it doesn't quite work as well anymore.

The U-20/U-220 were used by just about anyone recording in New Age back then — along with the ubiquitous D-50 and (Korg) M1.

The MT-32 had a few nice sounds on it, too. One of those sounds I dubbed the "Steve Roach sound," a velvety string patch that broke like a wave hitting the shore due to a fast decay.

[Gizmotron]

The U-20/U-220 were used by just about anyone recording in New Age back then — along with the ubiquitous D-50 and (Korg) M1.

The MT-32 had a few nice sounds on it, too. One of those sounds I dubbed the "Steve Roach sound," a velvety string patch that broke like a wave hitting the shore due to a fast decay.

Mr Roach! What a guy.
I know what you mean about some of those very identifiable Steve Roach voices. Of course, he has so many albums that he has probably used every synth and every voice out there.

I would be remiss if i didn't mention what an incredibly nice guy he is. He lives south of here and I ran into him at the local pro music instrument store a few times. On one visit he mentioned the Electrix Repeater as a wonderful looper...so I bought one immediately on his recommendation!

Another time, I had extensive interaction with him in Tucson at a Stephen Kent (didjeridoo artist) concert. There was an informal drum circle that I participated in before Kent performed and after it, Roach chose me and two other drummers to accompany Mr. Kent. It was such a cool experience hearing Stephen Roach play didjeridoo along with Kent. Both guys were extremely nice. Roach couldn't be more easy going, approachable, and kind.

[battema]

Voyager.
Dream machine! That would be so cool to have.

I tinkered with piano as a kid. I started being interested in keyboards as I listened to Genesis, Yes, ELP, etc. back in the early 1970's. It wasn't until 1979 that I had my first real exposure to electric keyboards. I met a fellow in college who had an ARP 2600, a Mellotron D, and a 6' Steinway. That was an amazing experience to play around with all three, especially the ARP. He became my roommate about a year later. He borrowed an ARP Pro-Soloist for awhile so I got to mess with that too.

In 1981 I got my first little Casio (like you). It wasn't until 1985 that I got my first synth, a Korg DW-6000. I then added an Korg 800EX module, a Casio 1000, and then the first cool device, my Yamaha KX-88 controller. That made me really lust for something that would respond to touch sensitivity so I got a TX-7 module. I slowly added more pieces throughout the years and now have a range of Korg, Roland, Kurzweil, Yamaha, and other stuff. It would be hard to pin down a favorite though.

So many devices, so little time!

That's super cool! Yeah, I started with classical piano lessons/training for about a decade before I got into the electronic stuff. I very much kind of transitioned backwards, going from digital PCM sample-based electronic instruments to analog gear and alternate controllers like the Linnstrument and a Doepfer ribbon for the Eurorack. Hell, the Roland U-20 doesn't even really have a filter...I had to upgrade to a JV-80 just to get that awesome resonant sweeping sound

The electronic music lab in college had some interesting stuff too: a Korg M1, Roland rackmounted sampler (can't recall the model # now), an Emu Emulator II, and some Studio Electronics Moog knockoff gear that was up on the wall but rarely taken down for use. We also had a computer with some rudimentary MIDI software for composing. The Emulator was the big thrill for me though...after a few minutes of scanning the sounds I realized "holy crap, I just discovered the soundtrack to Legend!!!"

[Gizmotron]

That's super cool! Yeah, I started with classical piano lessons/training for about a decade before I got into the electronic stuff. I very much kind of transitioned backwards, going from digital PCM sample-based electronic instruments to analog gear and alternate controllers like the Linnstrument and a Doepfer ribbon for the Eurorack. Hell, the Roland U-20 doesn't even really have a filter...I had to upgrade to a JV-80 just to get that awesome resonant sweeping sound

The electronic music lab in college had some interesting stuff too: a Korg M1, Roland rackmounted sampler (can't recall the model # now), an Emu Emulator II, and some Studio Electronics Moog knockoff gear that was up on the wall but rarely taken down for use. We also had a computer with some rudimentary MIDI software for composing. The Emulator was the big thrill for me though...after a few minutes of scanning the sounds I realized "holy crap, I just discovered the soundtrack to Legend!!!"

Neat history, Battema!
More than most instruments, the chance way that we all encounter electronic instruments seem to imprint upon us in a very strong way. The early instruments we encounter influence us and shape us in fascinating ways.

[dropforge]

The Emulator was the big thrill for me though...after a few minutes of scanning the sounds I realized "holy crap, I just discovered the soundtrack to Legend!!!"

[hippypants]

What did the foot pedal do on the Roland D-20? Just curious.

The first synth I got was the Arp Odyssey, which I really loved. I think I read on one of the early Tangerine Dream albums they used an Arp so that was good enough for me. It came with a book so was a good learning experience. I now have a Korg micro Korg synth. It has smaller keys, but that doesn't bother me.

[Rarebird]

How is this for gear porn?

[hFx]

How is this for gear porn?

...from left to right, we see..?

[Rarebird]

...from left to right, we see..?

I think a Fender Rhodes, some keyboard, another electric piano? 2 VCS3, another synthesizer, a Hammond organ with a Fender Rhodes and another keyboard (clavinet?), another unknown keyboard, a Rickenbacker bass, a Gibson SG, drums, Gibson Les Paul, vibes, Mellotron, another Gibson Les Paul, a Mini Moog, 2 other keyboards, some other synthesizer, a Hammond organ, an acoustic guitar, flute and a Fender Rhodes.

I had to pick the original picture, to recognise some things a bit better.

Seen them live once.

[battema]

Yeah...Eela Craig knew how to rock the backline for sure

[dropforge]

I need to pull that out and listen to it again. Maybe I'll do that today!

[dropforge]

Here's the gearlist (keys only) from the One Niter booklet.

Hammond C3 x 2
Mellotron M400
RMI Piano
Lowrey Audio Piano
Wurlitzer Piano
E-Piano
VCS3 x 2
Mini-Moog
Hohner Symphonik