Synthesizers

1951: The Thyratone, a DIY Vacuum-Tube Monophonic Keyboard Synth

Download a ten-page pair of articles from RADIO ELECTRONICS, 1951, on the subject of building your own keyboard synth.  Author…

12 years ago

Holy WTF

On eBay right now: a 1939 (no typo) RCA electric piano, the 'Storytone.'  Seems similar to a Yamaha CP70 in…

12 years ago

1985: I am the KeyBro

There's this new thing called MIDI. I am no longer One-Man I am now an Army Of Sounds, all tied…

12 years ago

Keys Break: 1980

Today: a quick look at some forgotten synths+keys from circa 1980 A.D.  Above: the Electro-Harmonix Mini Synth, a pretty cool…

12 years ago

Synthesizers photographed on stone-colored backgrounds

As the first in a series of "Brief Trends in Visual Culture," we bring you: synthesizers photographed on stone-colored backgrounds. …

12 years ago

Genre-branded instruments

(Image Source) On eBay: a circa 1990 Casio Rap-1 'Rapman' synthesizer/child's-toy.  In its original box with original accessory-microphone; click here…

12 years ago

Key Break

Man I love this image.  Yamaha YC Combo Organ advert circa 1971. "Organ Eyes.  It's what happens when you see…

12 years ago

PAiA : Synth DIY circa late 70’s

From the pages of various musician' mags of the late 70s: The Collected Works of the PAiA Electronics marketing department. …

12 years ago

1981: Battle of the ’55s

1981: Korg and Roland both release prosumer drum machines designated 55.  The KORG KR-55 is a non-programmable drum machine with…

13 years ago

Electronic Music Labs, INC, of Vernon CT

Electronic Music Laboratories, INC, was based in Vernon CT from 1968 through 1984.  The company's founders included Dale Blake, Norman…

13 years ago