Synthesizers

Lucy and Optigan

Lucy sits with her back to us – as cats are wont to do – on top of a covered EMS VCS3 Putney and a rare vintage Optigan. Submitted by Hamstall Ridware via BlueSky.

The Optigan was an electronic organ that featured playback of chords, drums, riffs, and other patterns via optical plastic-film discs. In some ways, it was analogous to the magnetic tape playback in a Mellotron, but it was more for backing elements rather than as the main timbral source (although one could certainly create discs to use it that way).

The vintage portable radio is a nice touch, too.

New synth jam with Saruman and Yamaha DX7

Our friend Hector Génis is back with a new synth jam, this time on the Yamaha DX7. We also see a Yamaha CS30 synthesizer and the Strymon Timeline delay pedal. Watch as Saruman pops up later in the video. He is really enjoying the music, as am I. It has a sort of Italo-disco feel.

Mr. Puff and Yamaha PSS-470

Mr. Puff demonstrates unequivocally who owns this Yamaha PSS-470. From our friend Charles Whiley via Facebook.

The PSS-470 is interesting in that it incorporates Yamaha’s FM engine – with a few real-time parameters – into the case and design of a home keyboard. Of course, it also includes the typical features like a drum/rhythm engine with the obligatory “Bossa Nova” beat among others.