Analog Synthesizers: Understanding, Performing, Buying- from the legacy of Moog to software synthesis (Paperback)

by Mark Jenkins (Author)
Key Phrases: ondes martenot, northern wasteland, hot butter, Tangerine Dream, Bob Moog, Klaus Schulze (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
'This is the best book to date I've seen on analog synthesis..' Tape Op#62

Product Description
In this book, the technical explanation of the nature of analog sound creation is followed by the story of its birth and its subsequent development by various designers, manufacturers and performers.

The individual components of analog sound creation are then examined in detail, with step by step examples of sound creation techniques. Then the modern imitative analog instruments are examined, again with detailed instructions for programming and using them, and the book is completed with appendices listing the major instrument lines available, hints on values and purchasing, other sources of information, and a discography of readily available recordings which give good examples of analog sound synthesis.

The CD which accompanies the book gives many examples of analog sound creation basics as well as more advanced techniques, and of the abilities of the individual instruments associated with classical and with imitative analog sound synthesis.


* A complete history of analog sound in one work
* Interviews with industry Legends and developers of of analog synthesizers
* Audio CD of demo sounds and tuitional pieces to illustrate the processes discussed in the book

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press (August 13, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240520726
• ISBN-13: 978-0240520728
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #496,844 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well written, but more focused on history, December 12, 2008

By	DiscoStu666 - See all my reviews

I will say first that this book is very well written, and the author has put a tremendous amount of effort into its production. I would caution, however, that there may be better books out there for you, depending on what you are interested in learning about analog synthesis.

This book does a good job at covering the components of analog synthesizers, and how an analog synth creates sounds. However, this topic is covered regularly in other (less expensive) sources, and I'm not sure that the author has any special insight into this well worn area.

However, where this book really shines is in its discussion of the history and development of analog synthesizers. The author covers all of the notable figures involved in the development of this technology, including musicians and the figures involved in engineering, production, etc. It talks about the developments in the US, Europe, and Japan of the technology and the musicians who utilized them at different times. The book also describes the features and functionality of a wide array of vintage synthesizers, so if you are looking for a resource that might help you decide which one to buy, this could be your book.

I don't think this book does a great job of discussing synth programming, however. I know this topic can be difficult to describe, due to the varieties of equipment out there, but there are other books that I think have a more interesting approach to the topic. Especially since these days most people are likely to encounter "analog" synthesis using a virtual software instrument. This is the only thing that keeps this book from being a "one-stop" guide to analog synths in my opinion.

If you are interested in learning about how this technology was developed and the people involved, you can't do better than this book. However, if you are more interested in the practical aspects of understanding synthesis and getting cool sounds from your synth, I would look at some of other titles, especially given the relatively high price of this book.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Historical tour de force, not a usage guide, December 24, 2008

By	Jeeves (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews

This book is a great reflection on the history of synths, who used them, and when. If you want to know what the first synth was the John Michael used, or which one ELP used to create Lucky Man, then this is your book. All types of info on who used what brand and model. But it does damn little to inform the reader of how to perform on them, or how to buy them. If you bought a synth and want to know how to operate it, this is NOT your book. If you want to reflect and glow in the knowledge that the machine you're touching was a piece of history for artist X or Y, then pick this one up.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!, July 11, 2008

By	Steve C. - See all my reviews

This is an excellent read for anyone wanting an insight into the world of analogue synths, be it virtual or good old hardware. The author clearly knows his stuff and puts it all across in an highly readable style. Definitely money well spent if you like your synths!