Ionic Performer: Performance Putney (long, and slightly OT)

[metamatic at webtv.net]

 I own one of these beasts, and I'd be happy to answer any questions.

 I bought it about 4 years ago. A local man was selling a small
collection of Moog modules, and on my way out the door, he asked if I
was interested in a Performer synthesizer. I was assuming he meant a
Crumar performer. Little did I know...

 I'd owned a TAB book, I believe titled "Experimenting With Electronic
Music" since I was 14, and one of the pictures in the front was this
bulky looking synth with what looked like blender buttons on the front
panel. It was called the Ionic Performer, and that's what the man was
selling.

 Seeing it up close, I noticed the similatities to the EMS Putney. The
keyboard was connected to CV input 1, and for some reason it wasn't
working, So i spent the next half hour just patching non-tonal sounds
and having a great time. Needless to say, I left with the Performer.

 I still haven't been able to figure out what's wrong with the voltage
input, so it's been used for atmospheric effects, rather than melodies.

 I also recieved a soundsheet featuring a demo and an interview with the
president of the company. They did start out importing the VCS3. The
president, Mr. Mayer (sp?) described the EMS pins as half of a patch
cord, and the Performer buttons as half a pin.

 When i was subscribed to AH, I asked if anyone knew more about the
company and the people behind it. I was led to believe Mr. Mayer's widow
is less than happy about electronic music enthusiasts asking dozens of
questions, so I didn't attempt contacting her.

 If you look at the domain I'm sending this from, you'll understand why
I haven't scanned the documents and made them available. But if anyone
is curious about details, feel free to ask. Perhaps off-list would be
best.

Richard Hess

metamatic at webtv.net