Magna Cum Laude

[Dave Bryce]

My Minimoog has been in need of repairs for a little while. Today, I got it back from the shop, and I just need to quietly express a few thoughts.

 

This thing RULES!!!!!!!! Wooooooo-hoooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

 

It's been a little while since I played on it. I had forgotten. I have been working on programs for Andromeda, and happily playing away on my Jupiter-8. Not that I'm saying that those two synths don't scream - that would just be silly - but for me the Mini takes my breath away more than either of those...

 

My ear truly holds this instrument as the epitome of what a synthesizer should sound like. It is fat, sizzly, nasty, creamy...the envelopes snap, the filter screams...woof. It's got no velocity, no MIDI, it's not programmable - you can't even play a chord on it (yeah, yeah, apart from the tuned ones...) - I don't care. I can still play on it by itself for endless periods of time.

 

Me happy boy now... http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

 

Please feel free to use this thread to gush over the pieces of equipment that give you the greatest joy...

 

dB

[synthfoolsynthfool.com]

Mini's are magical. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif

 

Maybe it should be a new thread, but my list of synths that have that have a simple design, yet beautiful and intangible musical quality would be the Oberheim SEM based synths, Moog Taurus I, Moog modulars, Arp Pro soloist/DGX, 2600, CS80, Chroma, Buchlas and a few others.

To me, these are "actual" musical instruments with an esquisitely unique character or charm. (any others you'd like to add? http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif

 

So many other synths I see simply as utilitarian or what I call, "test gear" ideology..

Synths that are based on accuracy, filled with gimmicks or have "feature overslaught." don't always make a great instrument.

 

When a synth can be as simple as a Minimoog and create such a pleasureful playing experience, then it becomes more than a sum of it's parts. That's why I think it amazes it's players. They are overwhelmed by it's depth.

Effective examples of "simpler is better" or "make something only as complex as necessary, but no more" philosophies.

 

K

[marino]

I don't have a Mini anymore... http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/frown.gif

Sadly, they are so overpriced now, and I have so many other synths to make analog-type sounds, that I never got one in recent years.

BUT of course it's never entirely the same. The Mini is something else. The only other synths that gave me a similar feeling were the Rhodes Chroma and the Modular Moog. But the Mini also has its beautifully streamlined user interface, that just invites you to PLAY it.

A few years ago I was about to buy an SE-1, but it was, again, a bit expensive. Does anybody have experience with it?

 

marino

[Dave Bryce]

This thread really surprised me when it got next to no responses, so I have recycled it.

 

Do any of you have a piece of gear that just tickles you beyond words, and has never stopped doing so since you got it? Even when you just look at it...

You know, that buzz that makes you feel like a little kid again... http://cwm.ragesofsanity.com/otn/realhappy/offwall.gif

 

dB

[Graham English]

Yeah, I do. It's my Clav. I'm just so psyched that I own one. I never get tired of playing it. It brings out the funk in me. I'll never sell it! And I'll probably own a couple more for the hell of it. It's just too cool.

[Steve44]

I just love my Oberheim Matrix-6. It may not be much of an analog synth, with its lack of knobs and DCO's, but i am continually fascinated with the amounts of sounds it can produce. I love dreaming up different types of matrix modulations and trying to max out its capabilities. It's certainly not a very fat synth, but its sounds have a lot of character I love its keybed. I even love those silly levers. Only thing I don't love is that it currently has some sort of intermittent power connection and flashes on and of spasmodically (sp?). But I'll have my baby fixed soon...

[Dan Worley]

Dave, who did the repair on your Minimoog? Last year I was at a friend's house and found his Minimoog collecting dust in the closet. We hooked it up and had a blast playing it for hours--totally ignoring his K2500. His is in need of some repair too, but we didn't know where to send it, so back in the closet it went.

 

The one piece of equipment that inspires me the most is -- now don't laugh -- my old Yamaha PF1500. I've written more music on that piano than anything else. It's the only piano I have at my home. I don't know why I like it so much, there's something about the action and the familiarity of the (horrible) tone that makes me want to play it, and when I do I get a flood of ideas and inspiration.

 

Regards,

 

Dan Worley

[joegerardi]

For me it was the M1. I could grab it and make any sound necessary without thinking about it.

 

I remember want that high sound from Genesis' "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight" and it just hit me to use the Pole sound, transpose it up 2 octaves, tweak it a little, and I had it. I was able to do that so often on the old girl.

[sbrock1san.rr.com]

I have a Roland RD250s digital piano that I bought back in 1987. It doesn't quite sound like a real piano, but it sounds acoustic and organic. Lot's of character. It has the same sound as the MKS-20 and RD1000 that were ubiquitous 10-15 years ago, and it cuts through anything so it was used a lot on rock recordings. The electronic pianos and harpsichord are very nice on that keyboard.

 

I write with piano and clavinet sounds more than any other keyboard sounds.

 

Only my 25 year-old Les Paul Standard (gold-top) has been this invaluable to me.

 

This message has been edited by SteveRB on 04-29-2001 at 09:31 PM

[dansouth]

Originally posted by Dave Bryce:

Do any of you have a piece of gear that just tickles you beyond words, and has never stopped doing so since you got it? Even when you just look at it...

 

The only gear I have that blows me away by looks alone would be my Lakland basses. But I have a bunch of stuff that amazes me with its utility and functionality.

 

At the top of the list would be Logic Audio. I can't say enough great things about Logic. It's like the Grand Canyon - so vast and so rich that you'll never stop appreciating it, no matter how deep you go. Lately, I've been using the built-in Logic plug-ins, and in for many applications they're as good or better than any hardware or software DSP that I've used. I also love the stability of the program (vs. Studio Vision, which crashed constantly). The notation editor is so good that I don't need a separate program for printing scores.

 

I observe two rules of thumb when I'm using Logic. (1) If it seems difficult, Logic has an easier way to do it, and (2) if Logic doesn't do it, you don't need it. Amazing program!!!!!

 

Next would be my Tritons, which are really making me smile these days. I just finished a really cool track that was about 95% Triton, and IMHO, it's by far the best sounding track I've ever recorded. Nothing else comes close to the Tritons for an all around sound module. (We'll have to see what the new Yamaha sounds like!!)

 

Runners up: TC M3000, Alesis MasterLink, and the Yamaha AW4416, especially when I've got is sync'd to Logic. Also, the Distressor and the Avalon U5 direct box - these two are a must for any recording bassist.

 

Sorry to ramble. I'm just fortunate enough to have found a lot of REALLY cool gear.

[steadyb]

Nothing has blown me away in the last 10 years(or more) like the Andromeda.

I did have a Mini-Moog on extended loan for about 3 months, and it was always inspiring. But that was 17 years ago and any time since that I've seen one for sale, it's been out of my price range.

[Gus Lozada]

Originally posted by Dave Bryce:

You know, that buzz that makes you feel like a little kid again...

dB

 

I have never had things like a MINIMOOG, an ARP or a B3.

Of course, I know how to program and play them and I really love when I can get my hands in one, when friends of mine or customers ask me to help them with their old stuff.

 

About my current gear, I LOVE REAKTOR and the fact I can control its knobs via my usb TASCAM mixer. I enjoy the faces of the audiences when I see their "hey, this guy is playing a computer" faces... http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

 

I can say I like every piece of gear (real or virtual) of my Studio. Everything I have done in the last 10 years would not be possible without this technology.

 

However, what makes me strangely happy is when I play an Acoustic Piano, Acoustic Drums, acoustic guitar, electric Bass or even the Sax (dang, I was 8 when I learned how to play it). Even worse, I do also sing. A great thing to do...

 

Were not those things where it all started for the most of us? http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif

 

Have a nice Monday ...

GusTraX@yahoo.com

[Dave Bryce]

Originally posted by dan@earthen.com:

Dave, who did the repair on your Minimoog?

 

Someone in LA - he reads this forum. He's pretty busy, though...it takes a while to get him, and he consequently not might want to be pointed out.

 

Where are you located? I can probably make a recommendation...also, I'll tell him that you're looking, if you wish.

 

dB

[synthfoolsynthfool.com]

Nah... I'll raise my hand.

I did the minimoog work for Dave. I confess. ;-)

 

I love to help out anyone who loves Minis. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif

But I'm horribly slow ('cept on emergencies. Dave can attest).

If you'd like my services, please email me.

 

However, it's also true that it's a bit crowded here right now.

I may not keep these pics up very long.

They're actually embarrassing as I usually keep a cleaner shop, but here's a peek inside the mess I sometimes have to work in.

6 Minis here now. Sorry, highres pics only. Get some bandwidth.. ;-)

 

Click Here for a bit of a mess

[Dan Worley]

Thanks, synthfool.

 

I took a look at the pics of your shop. Gee, I'd send you the mini but I'm afraid you'd loose it.;-) No, just kidding, that's the way it gets sometimes--nothing wrong with being busy. I'll alert my friend and see what he wants to do. He's in the Sacramento, CA area. I don't think he'll care how long it takes because it's just sitting in the closet doing nothing.:-( If it gets repaired, maybe I can talk him into letting me store it at my studio ;-)

 

Thanks again.

 

Oh, and thank you too, Dave.

 

Regards,

 

Dan Worley

[Guest]

I really like to fiddling around with my Kurzweils.

They are so versatile and sound so good that you don't get boored with them.

 

But once in a while I get a lust for playing and program on my DX7.(yeah-yeah, you can laugh if you want)

They sure have a unique sound and a broad spectrum. From sine wave to complete noise.

And it sure is fun to be able to program that bastard.

But you need to have outboards to get it sounding good in todays demands.

Filter factory and reverb/delay really helps alot.

 

 

------------------

--Smedis,--

[joegerardi]

Kevin:

So what's wrong with Mickey? Is it a Viagra-type fix???

http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gifhttp://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gifhttp://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gifhttp://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gifhttp://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

 

..Joe

[Guest]

Hahaha, Joe, that's a good one! http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

 

I really would like to see the answer. http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/wink.gif

 

------------------

--Smedis,--

[Rob Wallace]

It has to be the Andromeda for me too, as far as keyboards are concerened. But it is my Masterlink which still gives me a buzz. What did I do before this wonderful bit of gear came along ? I've used it non stop since I first hooked it up to my system and it never fails to amaze me how easy it has made the job of recording,copying and archiving material.

 

I've recently used it as a musical notepad by taking the unit to the theatre to try out my ideas for a current show. If they don't work I can tweak them on the spot or re- do the track when I get home. Only when I have everything exactly right do I burn a CD and that's only for back up. Using a Masterlink for music and sound effects in a theatre is great because the access time is immeadiate and it is very flexible should any last minute changes occur (which they always do).

 

I've used it for recording out in the field successfully.

Hooking it up digitally to my G3 means any audio downloads can go straight onto it ready for burning.

Archiving and cleaning up rare vinyl is a doddle.

Taking an incompatable sound source and turning it into a universally acceptable CD is invaluable.

It's ideal for recording gigs because it gives you five hours of record time, if needed, and you can make a CD of the gig straight after the show whilst the band are packing up.

 

There are so many applications for this great bit of gear I could go on and on but I would be accused of spamming so I will stop now.

 

Bassment

[Dave Bryce]

I also have to add my kudos to the Masterlink. What an amazing piece of gear - I use it a ridiculous amount. I don't know how I ever did without the thing.

 

I'm working on a record right now, and every time I finish a track - or even just do a quick comp of something that I'm working on - the Masterlink lets me drop it into place along with the other tracks I've finished so I can audition what it will sound like in sequence with the other tracks I've finished. Then I burn a CD, and drop it into my car's player so I can hear 'em on that system, and listen to it while I drive to see if it still sits right after a few listens.

 

The other thing that I use it for is making mixed CDs - it's the best tool I've ever used for that...it grabs cuts off of other discs really quickly, lets me reorder them effortlessly, and then the really cool thing - I can use the DSP tools to balance the tunes...Edgar Winter's Ferankenstein is a lower volume and not as bright as Santana's Smooth? No problem...little EQ, little normalizing - perfect.

 

It's a great toy - I recommend it heavily...

 

dB

[synthfoolsynthfool.com]

Heh... Mickey is getting a MIDI retrofit and standard calibration.

 

No really, my next door neighbor moved out and used to work for Disney. He had a yard sale and left a lot of goodies, so my house has been heavily Disney'd lately.

That Mickey Mouse statuette (It's a 25 year old "pull string talker") went up on ebay and is just waiting to be shipped out.

 

I bet you thought this was some Mickey Mouse operation, didn't you? ;-)

[dansouth]

Originally posted by Dave Bryce:

I also have to add my kudos to the Masterlink. What an amazing piece of gear - I use it a ridiculous amount. I don't know how I ever did without the thing.

 

Yeah, if Alesis stops makin' 'em, I'm gonna buy three or four extras and keep 'em in storage.

[Dan Worley]

 

 

---

 

 

Originally posted by Rob Wallace:

 

 

Using a Masterlink for music and sound effects in a theatre is

great because the access time is immediate and it is very flexible should

any last minute changes occur (which they always do).

 

 

---

[Dan Worley]

Originally posted by Rob Wallace:

 

Using a Masterlink for music and sound effects in a theatre is great because the access time is immediate and it is very flexible should any last minute changes occur (which they always do).

 

Hey now, I never thought of this. That sounds great!!! I've been looking for an excuse to buy a Masterlink, but I couldn't justify spending the money when I can already do most of what it does on my computer with Masterlist and a burner.

 

Thanks, Rob. Very helpful.

 

Regards,

 

Dan Worley

[Dave Bryce]

Originally posted by dansouth@yahoo.com:

Yeah, if Alesis stops makin' 'em, I'm gonna buy three or four extras and keep 'em in storage.

 

I'm with ya, Dan-o...I'd definitely like a spare one or two...

 

dB