INSTRUMENT #1 - KORG POLY 800 (1983)
I've chosen to start with the Poly 800 primarily because a while back I installed a well-known modification (known colloquially as the "Moog-Slayer" mod) to this instrument. Atom Smasher of synthmod.net provides the instructions for a bunch of relatively simple but hugely worthwhile modifications that give this rather humble little synth a massive boost in usefulness and fun. All he asks for in return are some sound samples, photos, and lunch next time I'm in town (Wellington, NZ)! So this piece - composed especially to show off the "Moog-Slayer Mod" - is long overdue.
You can find the details of these modifications at http://synthmod.net/korg/moog_slayer/
I remember first seeing one of these guys in a music store in Wangaratta (rural Victoria, Australia) of all places . As a budding synth nerd, I couldn't get enough of it - in part because of it's incredibly tempting price (around $1000 I think). Still way too much for a kid from the country, but man I wanted it. Anyway, fast forward a couple (ok 3) decades when I find one on Gumtree for $150, and here we are.
I've gone a bit Italo Disco-Pop with this one - a gentle sub-conscious nod to Giorgio Moroder perhaps. Every sound you hear in this recording (except the drums/percussion) comes from the Poly 800 - enjoy!
I've chosen to start with the Poly 800 primarily because a while back I installed a well-known modification (known colloquially as the "Moog-Slayer" mod) to this instrument. Atom Smasher of synthmod.net provides the instructions for a bunch of relatively simple but hugely worthwhile modifications that give this rather humble little synth a massive boost in usefulness and fun. All he asks for in return are some sound samples, photos, and lunch next time I'm in town (Wellington, NZ)! So this piece - composed especially to show off the "Moog-Slayer Mod" - is long overdue.
You can find the details of these modifications at http://synthmod.net/korg/moog_slayer/
I remember first seeing one of these guys in a music store in Wangaratta (rural Victoria, Australia) of all places . As a budding synth nerd, I couldn't get enough of it - in part because of it's incredibly tempting price (around $1000 I think). Still way too much for a kid from the country, but man I wanted it. Anyway, fast forward a couple (ok 3) decades when I find one on Gumtree for $150, and here we are.
I've gone a bit Italo Disco-Pop with this one - a gentle sub-conscious nod to Giorgio Moroder perhaps. Every sound you hear in this recording (except the drums/percussion) comes from the Poly 800 - enjoy!