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History of Synths

The document provides a history of synthesizers from 1920 to 1988, listing the year each synth was introduced along with a brief description and example of its use. Some of the synths mentioned include the Theremin from 1920, the Minimoog from 1969, the Roland Jupiter-8 from 1981, the TB-303 from 1982, and the Yamaha DX-7 from 1983. The Korg M1 sampling synth from 1988 could create realistic and unusual timbres.

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Matt Gooch
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133 views1 page

History of Synths

The document provides a history of synthesizers from 1920 to 1988, listing the year each synth was introduced along with a brief description and example of its use. Some of the synths mentioned include the Theremin from 1920, the Minimoog from 1969, the Roland Jupiter-8 from 1981, the TB-303 from 1982, and the Yamaha DX-7 from 1983. The Korg M1 sampling synth from 1988 could create realistic and unusual timbres.

Uploaded by

Matt Gooch
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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History of Synthesisers (1920 1988)

1977 Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 1920 Theremin


An Instrument controlled by moving your hand near the two aerials, which manipulate pitch and portamento. Example: Beach Boys Good Vibrations Midsomer Murders Theme Polyphonic analogue synth that can play 5 notes simultaneously. Example: Paul McCartney Wonderful Christmas Time (1979)

1981 Roland Jupiter-8 (JP-8)


Polyphonic synth capable of playing 8 notes simultaneously one of its main features includes a built in arpeggiator. Example: Queen Radio Gaga

1969 - Minimoog 1928 Ondes Martenot


Keyboard instrument that produces theremin tones by manipulating a ribbon underneath the keyboard. Example: Radiohead How to Disappear Completely Portable version of the moog modular synth; known for its monophonic lead synth sound. Example: Living for the City Stevie Wonder (1973)

1982 Roland TB-303


Used in dance music during the 1980s Acid House. Created bass lines and has a distinctive squelch sound. Example: Phuture Acid Trax

1968 Hohner Clavinet


Classic funk sounding piano. Example: Stevie Wonder Superstition(1972)

1983 Yamaha DX-7


First commercially successful digital synth which used FM (Frequency Modulation). Capable of creating a range of timbres and its potential is shown when creating real sounds. Example: Brian Eno (Created Unique and Interesting Timbres)

1954 Hammond B-3 organ


A Tone wheel drawbar organ that is played through a rotating speaker which was used mainly from the 1960s onwards. Example: Deep Purple

1965 Rhodes Piano


Classic electric piano that sounds like a bell crossed with a vibraphone. Similar to the Wurlitzer electric piano. Example: Herbie Handcock Bitch Brew (1970)

1988 Korg M1
Sampling Synth used extensively in pop music during the 1980s and 1990s. It creates accurate realistic sounding instruments as well as more unusual timbres. Example: Mike Oldfield

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