Vintage Synthesizers: Pioneering Designers, Groundbreaking Instruments, Collecting Tips, Mutants of Technology - Softcover

Vail, Mark

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0879306033 ISBN 13: 9780879306038

Publisher: Backbeat, 2000

Synopsis

This new edition is the ultimate exploration of the upstart instruments – and their unique analog growls and screams – that paved the way over the last four decades for today's fast-paced electronic music world. Explores the development of the modern synthesizer from 1962 on, with in-depth interviews with pioneering designers Bob Moog and Alan R. Pearlman of Moog Music and ARP Instruments fame. These and other designers reveal their initial ideas, reflect on their hits and misses, and discuss how star performers have used their creations. Histories of groundbreaking instruments examine modular, analog & digital synths and samplers, plus more unusual instruments like the Mellotron. Noted synthesist Keith Emerson and composer Wendy Carlos (“Switched-On Bach”) offer musical insights and performance techniques. Includes fully updated pricing and production info, and more than 200 photos and a stunning color section.

About this title

About the Author:

Mark Vail is the senior associate editor of Keyboard. He joined the magazine in 1988, and assumed responsibility for the "Vintage Synths" column (now called "Vintage Gear") from Bob Moog in 1990. Vail is also the author of The Hammond Organ: Beauty in the B, and has performed with numerous San Francisco Bay Area bands.

Review:

"For anyone interested in synthesizers, Vintage Synthesizers is a fascinating read. Be careful: it may fuel a lust for yet more equipment that would be fun to own." -- Computer Music Journal

"Informally anecdotal, yet packed with great info and historic detail. I couldnt put it down." -- Wendy Carlos, composer and synthesist, Switched-On Bach

"Mark Vails book could be the most entertaining and useful synth book yet." -- Sound On Sound

"The most comprehensive guide on this technology ever written. Highly recommended." --Mix

About this edition

• Publisher: Backbeat
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0879306033
• ISBN 13: 9780879306038
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 352