SV: SV: [sdiy] A book about analogue synthesizer circuits?

[Charles Twist]

Hello All,
I've been following from the wings. Yes, I go along with the idea of a 
book. I would see it as a compendium of practical information with copious 
amounts of illustrations. A source of information that always remembers the 
final outcome: a synthesiser. A source of information that tells you how to 
achieve that remarkable feat of building your own synth. Theory is covered 
in great detail by textbooks; some will be needed, but the end product is 
what matters. Schematics are often sorely missed in the discussions on this 
list; whenever they're needed, a reference to an http is given. A way of 
collating both the visual and the textual info would be good.
As far as editing is concerned, I'm used to scientific textbooks, where 
there is an overall editor or two, who determine the TOC. They then 
commission someone relevant to / expert in a specified field to write a 
text following a set of outline guidelines. In the case of the list, it may 
be a question of calling up the topics, and canvassing opinion on what 
should be included. The text will then be formed by stringing up these 
various bits.
I would say there is a lot of info already out there in web-world - the 
synth DIY resources page being a prime example. Anyone interested can trawl 
through these pages and find some info. But there is no readily usable 
summary.
The synth basics (VCO, VCF, VCA) are covered to death by the internet, with 
many circuits being available although not always a detailed explanation 
(maybe an omission??). But the extras are rarely mentioned: wot no 
phasers!, wot no fixed-frequency filter banks! Some circuits get very 
little attention: any one wanting to build an echo/delay unit without an 
electronics degree would be finding it very hard. I think there are some 
very usable, sonically simple modules (not necessarily electronically), 
that need more attention, so that a novice such as myself can build an echo 
box (for instance) although I have very little knowledge of quantum mechanics.
Many units exist that would embellish a modular, broadening the sonic 
spectrum (things like the Wavolver are a brilliant idea). And this rejoins 
your previous discussion on the whackiest module. VCO (LFO), VCF, VCA, 
enveloppes: that's 4 chapters. Give the common folk something extraordinary 
for the other 6.
(Without causing the commercial folk to go broke...)
Care will also have to be taken to avoid obsolete chips that mere mortals 
will not find at radio shack. So no BBD's using 1024!!
And I will also/finally say that a great many of the circuits can be 
tweaked - bits added, replaced or omitted - to customise them. A core 
circuit with its many options is a good modus operandi, which would fit in 
neatly with the reversed order approach (a good idea).
With the utmost respect you all deserve,

Charles

PS could someone tell me why some expo convertors in VCAs are made with 2 
NPNs and others with 2 PNPs: is there a difference? Thanks.