Before I forget – build thread for Zynthian
I find and lose things online so often, terrible with bookmarks and favourites, so I’m gonna just post some resources in my own place, and maybe stick myself a search on it later 🙂 tis the software developer in me, why use something when you can build something inferior yourself.
The late Dave Greenfield, keyboardist for the iconic punk band The Stranglers, was a uniquely gifted and fascinating musician. His distinctive playing style set him apart, characterized by rapid arpeggios that gave songs like “No More Heroes” an energetic, driving pulse. As the band evolved, Greenfield’s use of a wide range of keyboards, from electric piano and organ to synthesizers, helped define their sound. One of his most remarkable contributions was the harpsichord-driven melody on “Golden Brown,” a track that blended classical influences with a modern, experimental twist. Greenfield’s versatility and inventiveness left an indelible mark on the music world.
How much did I lust after one of these, back in the day.
I had no idea if it was good, it just looked cool!
I think it was the colour
I love to tinker, with electronics, computers, models, gadgets. I’m the type of bloke who half builds, or builds and discards, it’s about the process rather than the end result.
So I have a cupboard full of bits, and was looking maybe for a DIY synth, my idea was a standalone box to run a plugin or two, but away from the screen and keyboard. So I tinkered, failed ,and the saw Zynthian, which seemed to be almost exactly what I was trying to achieve – a set of intruments, patches, maybe chaining with effects, nice organic controls (knobs!). And almost portable.
You can buy kits, but I’m sure can do a great custom build(!?). I have a Raspberry Pi 5 and a sound card thing for it, so lets get on!
I’ll start here:
Befaco is an Eurorack manufacturer that also offers DIY kits, organizes workshops and releases their designs under Creative Commons license.
In February 2010 Befaco was created as an open hardware platform focusing on professional DIY musical hardware, materializing the previous electronic, musical and artistic research of its members.
Improve your production workflow with modular and portable Grid controllers. Say goodbye to hideous keyboard shortcuts, macros and skip the menu-diving. Create a customized and ergonomic control surface by arranging the modules according to your most used parameters, providing quick and intuitive access to the controls that matter most in your creative process.
Grid empowers digital creators to elevate their production workflows with modular hardware solutions, complemented by comprehensive software customization. Whether users are world-renowned electronic musicians, sound designers, synth enthusiasts, analog gear aficionados, or modular gadget enthusiasts, Grid is designed to meet the needs of all.
The Devil’s Chord, known as the tritone, evokes unease with its dissonant tension. Historically shunned, it defies harmonic conventions, creating a haunting allure. Musicians embrace its mysterious power, exploring realms of darkness and intrigue, a bridge between chaos and creativity.
For example, the tritone in “Black Sabbath” can evoke tension and unease. Its sinister interval defines the band’s dark, heavy style, transforming music and birthing heavy metal.
Xmal Deutschland were a German gothic rock band formed in 1980 with an all-female lineup. They achieved chart success both domestically and internationally, releasing their final album in 1989.
Francis John Tovey, widely recognized by his stage name Fad Gadget, was a pioneering British musician and vocalist in the avant-garde electronic scene. A key figure in the new wave and early industrial music movements, he blended pop song structures with innovative mechanical experimentation.