Archival Electronics

[J. Larry Hendry]

> From: Grant Richter <grichter at execpc.com>
> I have been thinking recently about the longevity
> of electronic musical instruments. It's kind of a 
> silly thread I realize, but something I have been
> musing over.

I don't think it's silly at all.  I find you r logic at arriving at your
partial conclusions and question quite interesting.  I guess I have never
thought past, will this one still be working next week, next year when I
need it. (So, OK, I admit to having just a few CEMs put back for that JP-6
and OB-8).  :)

> Since there are acoustic musical instruments
> in use that are several hundred years old
> (harpsichords for instance), it seems that
> analog synthesizers may still be in use
> for a similar time period if they continue to
> function.
--- liberal snip of good stuff ---
> This is based on a lot of assumptions:
> With that in mind, would the analog synthesizer
> be a candidate for such longevity?

I would say this is a great question.  I would guess not in such a hardware
specific arena, but synthesis in general will probably expand.  I think
that the creation of new instruments has been the basis for new sound
textures which have them been used by musicians.  Do you really know any
musicians that do not like to create new and different music.  For many,
new and different sounds is the beginning of the separation from current
boredom or lack of creative motivation.  I think the totally different and
new sounds of the DX-7 were one of the reasons it was so popular.  I think
musicians will always wasn't both new and classic sounds.  This new and
exciting synthesis we have in the 20th century has not yet put an end to
using drums sounds that we inherited from out tribal ancestors.  However,
the drum hardware has changed a bit.  I say analog synthesis will do the
same -- evolve.

> For example, is the theoretical mean time between failure
> (MTBF) of a synthesizer module containing 400 transistors
> (in a number of op-amps) greater or less than the MTBF
> of a DSP chip containing 4 million transistors?
> And what about the issue of long term repair parts?
> Which will be easier to find in 2100 AD a SHARC DSP,
> a TL074 or a 12AU7?

I say none will be in production. You would be more likely to find a nickel
silver replacement valve for a french horn or a violin string.  Instruments
that make the classic sounds will survive as evidenced by acoustic
instruments.  However, they will also evolve as we see from the same
evidence.  Given the current trend of obsolescence in electronics, and
looking back to how much of the 1900 electrical equipment is still
produced, I suggest the only ones of the three above you will find will be
in a working museum or private collection.  However, their replacements
will be produced.  Someone may still likely make vacuum tubes, but I bet
there will be no 12AU7s in the bunch.

Interesting subject and thread.  I hope a few people chime in with their
opinions.

Larry Hendry (whose treasured instruments will last forever, I hope)