Regarding Tube Based Electronic Instruments

[McIntosh, Malcolm]

List,

Tube electronics are a viable and unique way to create new electronic
instruments.  Until tubes have been explored, instruments and modules built,
evaluations made, and reviews posted we should not disregard the musical
possibilities that are waiting to be discovered.

They will sound different and isn't that what we want?

Right now, Eric Barbour is in the process of launching a new business making
a totally new synthesizer.  It very tough to do this, and I am sure a huge
amount of effort, time and money has gone into creating this unique
instrument.  Everyone should let this happen with a minimum of criticism.

I would think that creating a tube based synthesizer would be an
irresistible challenge to all the really talented people who have very
thoroughly investigated solid state analog synthesis.  But, it would mean
you would have to learn something, oh yes - you would have to learn.

Remember, we are making musical instruments.  Not TVs.  The justification of
"what is the most efficient way to get the job done" is not the PRIMARY
issue.  If it was, we would do everything digitally and never use a discrete
transistor!  There is no, and CAN NOT BE, an issue as to what is best to use
for sound creation, tubes or solid state.  Humans use almost everything to
make music with, tubes are just another way to do it, and an intriguing
electronic means at that.  Leave the tubes vs. solid state argument to the
hi-fi folks.  

So, in closing, everyone, understand where Eric Barbour is coming from,
understand that there can't be a "solid state is better than tubes" issue
regarding sound creation, and maybe - if you want to (and feel adventurous)
- try to make some tube based stuff!

Respectfully to all (because I  respect, value, and like you all allot!)

Malcolm