Synthesizer Evolution : From Analogue to Digital (and Back) - Oli Freke

Synthesizer Evolution

From Analogue to Digital (and Back)

By: Oli Freke

Paperback | 8 January 2021

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From acid house to prog rock, there is no form of modern popular music that hasn't been propelled forwards by the synthesizer. As a result they have long been objects of fascination, desire and reverence for keyboard players, music producers and fans of electronic music alike. Whether looking at an imposing modular system or posing with a DX7 on Top of the Pops, the synth has also always had an undeniable physical presence.

This book celebrates their impact on music and culture by providing a comprehensive and meticulously researched directory of every major synthesizer, drum machine and sampler made between 1963 and 1995. Each featured instrument is illustrated by hand, and shown alongside its vital statistics and some fascinatingly quirky facts.

In tracing the evolution of the analogue synthesizer from its invention in the early 1960's to the digital revolution of the 1980s right up until the point that analogue circuits could be modelled using software in the mid-1990's, the book tells the story of analogue to digital - and back again.

Tracing that history and showing off their visual beauty with art-book quality illustrations, this a must for any self-respecting synth fan.
Industry Reviews
"...a book with a difference. The hand-sketched illustrations set this book apart, turning the technical facts and figures into a visual feast insightfully embellished with interesting anecdotes." --Sound On Sound
"Like a Victorian botanist climbing mountains in search or a rare flower to sketch, Oli Freke tracks down scarce examples of synthesizers to lovingly sketch and for us to marvel at. His collection is an essential bookshelf addition for the analogue obsessive." --Electronic Sound
"Such a fascinating survey of the synthesizer world, demonstrating a depth of passion that will amaze even the greatest synth-head." --Benge (Expanding Records)

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