Electronic Music: Systems, Techniques, and Controls 2nd Edition

by Allen Strange (Author)

11 ratings

ISBN-13: 978-0697036025

ISBN-10: 0697036022

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Product details

Publisher : William C Brown Pub; 2nd edition (May 1, 1983)
Language : English
Paperback : 274 pages
ISBN-10 : 0697036022
ISBN-13 : 978-0697036025
Item Weight : 1.5 pounds
Dimensions : 8.5 x 0.75 x 10.75 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,604,369 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #97 in Computer Hardware Control Systems
- #260 in MIDI & Mixers
- #2,879 in Music (Books)

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Matthew Melnick

Great book on synthesizers

Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2019

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gdm

Classic text on analog electronic music techniques and how it changed musical thinking.

Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2020

I first used this text when I studied electronic music with the author, Allen Strange, in the early 1970s. (Later he asked me to assist him on an updated edition, and we wrote a lot of it. Sadly, it was never completed.)

This book was the "bible" for many of us learning electronic music techniques back in the era of analog Moog and Buchla modular synthesizers — those wonderful instruments with jungles of patch cords and with physical controls for virtually every parameter.

Allen's book provided a thorough (and sometimes idiosyncratic) coverage of the technology, how to operate it and — more important — how these devices suggested to us new ways of thinking about sound, its organization, and musical implications.

It is still useful for those trying to understand how electronic sound resources changed our approach to music.In addition, it offers some real historical insight into what were then brand new and revolutionary developments in music.

(There's a "rumor" that the book may be re-released. Keep your eyes open.)

One person found this helpful

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BadBadger

No Longer in Print. Even as a PDF From McGraw-Hill.

Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2014

Which is a real shame.

I won't comment except to say that I agree with everything other reviewers have to say. It is a great book!

I will pass on this humorous, cautionary tale: Recently, I was searching everywhere for a copy. I wasn't about to spend $600 for one used (and certainly not $1900. Look at recent used prices, here. Amazing!), and at the time, I hadn't heard if it had ever been published as a PDF. However, I decided to try to find a PDF.

I searched Usenet and found a PDF copy as an EXE. I downloaded it, but the file size looked suspiciously small. However, in my zeal, I rationalized that it was probably compressed. So, like a fool . . . I executed it. Virus! My updated virus software hadn't detected it and it took me over 24 hours to completely rebuild and recover my PC. Afterward, I read here that McGraw-Hill had it as a PDF for about $15. I contacted them and they informed me that they no longer offer it.

A couple of weeks later, while cleaning out my studio, I found a copy of the book that a friend had given me years before as part of a collection of synth books and magazines.

Moral of the story? Seriously? Do you need me to spell it out?

If you find a copy, never, ever let it go. That, or hang on to it for a few years and sell it to help pay for your kid's college.

12 people found this helpful

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Ronald E. Carlson

Great text to understand synthesis concepts

Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2012

I have the 1972 edition published by Wm. C. Brown - borrowed it from my music teacher (Mrs. Reissen, if you want the book back get in touch) - and learned a ton of things on synthesis. Mr. Strange does a commendable job explaining the hows and whys. I would agree with the other reviewers on it's applicability to todays synths. This is basic, root stuff you need to know. I learned on an ARP Odyssey - and then on to a Sequential Pro-One. This book helped me "visualize" what was happening when adjustments were made. I think the only thing I found "quaint" was the example of the Beatles' "Her Majesty" being used to illustrate "panning". I personally would have picked "Crosstown Traffic" or "2000 Light Years from Home" amongst others. The fact that the whole tune moved from one side to the other was most likely Mr. Strange's raison d'etre - I can't (and don't) fault him there anyway. If you are interested in synthesis beyond presets this is the book to get.

2 people found this helpful

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DAC Crowell

And _why_ is this out of print?

Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2000

Allan Strange's book is perhaps the definitive text on modular synthesis methods, written from a standpoint that's musically understandable, as opposed to requiring a part-background in electronic engineering to understand. Not that Strange doesn't go into the engineering concepts; he most certainly does, but everything here is treated in such a balanced, even manner that allows those interested in the musical concepts to have their desire for information satiated, and those looking for engineering concepts will find the book equally well-ordered. Useful both as a textbook and a reference document, the book also contains numerous illustrations and diagrams of modules by Moog, ARP, Buchla et al. I consider this to be an invaluable work for those exploring modular or most any other analog synthesis methods, and I also consider it nigh-criminal that such an important work should be allowed to go out of print. Someone should pick this back up and reissue it!

20 people found this helpful

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M. Valls

Definitive Text On Analog Synthesis

Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2003

From the basics to the most advanced techniques for sound synthesis, this is the definitive text. I do not have the faintest notion as to why this book is out of print.
Every bit of information in its 150 or so pages is as current for the understanding and programming of todays virtual and hardware synths as it was to the modular synths of the 70's when this book was written. It is an incredibly easy read considering the depth of the information presented.
As an example, in reading this book, I now understand how and why I can use a ring modulator as an audio gate. Ever wonder why you can reproduce a 20 kHz sine wave with only two samples if sampling at 40kHz as per the Nyquist criterion. The straightforward explanation of the concepts of electronic signals will help you in the understanding. I feel comfortable with additive synthesis, subtractive synthesis, what FM is, what AM is and how these techniques are applicable in generating and sculpting electronic sounds.
Although originally this book sold for around $8.00 it is def. worth $100+.
Find a copy of this book -if you love creating electronic music. With any freeware synth (there are so many available on line -Crystal 2, Synth1, SynC are favorites) you will never be bored. Never use presets again. Create and understand the design of sound!

11 people found this helpful

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L. Mo

My Old Text Book

Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2011

Allen Strange was my music teacher at DeAnza College in Cupertino. The class was using this book that he wrote. The class was a blast because it was an exploration of synthesizing sounds. You could do not wrong in his class. He was a free wheeling dude with an incredible sense of humor and irony. I still remember him fondly as he used to describe his peaceful evenings in his hot tub with a glass of wine and listening to white or pink noise to relax. God bless you Allen and thanks for the education.

10 people found this helpful

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