The Synthesizer

“Synthesizers are wonderful musical instruments that cover a very wide range of implementations and uses. Mark Vail’s The Synthesizer is a must-read for anyone who has interest in learning about these engineering marvels. It is a great introduction if you are new to synths, but also very informative and up-to-date for the seasoned synth player.” –Dave Smith, Dave Smith Instruments”A hugely detailed, exhaustively researched and splendidly idiosyncratic work which nails its extensive subject matter. Mark Vail enthusiastically charts the development of the synthesizer from the Trautonium to the latest software instruments, and also gives us valuable insights and tips from leading electronic composers, including legendary synth pioneer Wendy Carlos.” –Dave Stewart, Keyboardist”In the past few decades, the synthesizer has finally come of age. Mark Vail’s extensive work documents this journey from its austere and rarified beginnings to its present technologically sophisticated state. His well-illustrated book is filled with anecdotes and insights, amazing successes and ridiculous flops, expert advice on how to roll your own, lots of commentary on artists, their gear and their methodology, and finally, a guide to recording anddisseminating your own musical masterpieces. Stash this volume where it’s easy to get to; you’ll be using it a lot.” –Don Buchla, Composer and Instrument Designer, Berkeley, California”Mark Vail is the best explainer and historian of music synthesizers that I know. I highly recommend this book, which is a whole lot of fun to read.” –Roger Linn”If it has anything to do with synthesis or processing synthetic sounds, it’s in here!” – Tape Op Magazine

Building on his life-long interest in music, Mark Vail discovered synthesizers in 1973 and bought his first in 1976. After earning an MFA in electronic music in 1983, he served on the editorial staff at Keyboard magazine from 1988 to 2001. The author of Vintage Synthesizers and The Hammond Organ: Beauty in the B, Mark is internationally acknowledged as a foremost authority on synthesizers.

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