So I've been building a 100% analog polyphonic synthesizer with an unique twist. To use only vacuum tube era technology from the 1930s.
Over 300 neon gas diodes create the sound you hear. Pretty awesome for technology from 100 years ago.
Still a work-in-progress, but I wanted to post a video of it with the innards spread out across the workbench. : }
I call it the "Neon String Machine"
@AceArsenault @RussSharek
I wonder if you could explain what they were missing in the 1930s and why they didn’t do more of this back then?
Because I’m not an engineer and very much don’t understand the difference between early synthesizers like the #theremin and the ondes Martenot and this (I just know the names)
It is amazing and magical and I wish understood more
Hey Bruce. : ]
The Theremin, The Ondes Martenot and this "Neon String Machine" all work differently.
There is many different ways to generate audio in the analog domain.
Nothing was really missing in the 1930s other then the cultural attitude to electronic music. The electronic fundamentals where all there.
The technology was solid, but the mindset hadn't caught up yet. Its something you read a lot about with the history of early electronic instruments.
@AceArsenault @RussSharek
Wonderful book! Very personable and filled with good stories
I think of it often, and you wouldn’t have fit right in!
Andrew "Ace" Arsenault
AccordionBruce