[sdiy] new tune

[Cornutt, David K]

> From: Robert Shanks [mailto:synthlab at nc.rr.com]

> Yeah, OK   cool. . .          (in a whining voice)  but what value
> resistors should I use?   ;)

That depends on how much space there is between the keys.
On most newer synths, the keys are pretty close together,
and the signal tends to resonate around in the space under
the keys.  Thus, you want to use small resistors to
ensure that there isn't too much reverb.  The 1/4 watt
types will usually do, although with some you may have
to go to 1/8 watt.  Pay attention to the rings around the
resistor body, as they indicate how precisely the resistors
will let the right amount of signal leak out.  The more
rings, the more precise the resistors are.  Resistors that
are too small will let the sound leak out around the keys
and then you won't get a proper drone.

On some of the older units, due to wear and tear the
keys are further apart.  (This is also because some of those
old units use tubes, and the tubes run at higher voltages,
and for that you need more space to let the signal radiate
so it doesn't build up and short out things underneath
the keyboard.  Some people recommend fans for this purpose,
but that can add an unpleasant tremelo to the sound.)
For these you need the larger, 1 watt and above units.
These are ceramic insulated to protect against the additional
heat that is generated when performing drones on older
keyboards; you can think of it as being a substitute
for your fingers, except of course that it's hard to
hold a finger in between the keys for a long period of time.
Note that some of these types of resistors are wire wound,
and that can take some of the high end off of your sound.
With old digital units it helps to color the edges of the
resistor with a Sharpie to improve the sound and keep it
from sounding too digital; the Sharpie helps take the 
edge off of the bits for a smoother, more analog sound.  
Some people insist that a green Sharpie works best, but 
others disagree.  Don't use white or pink because that 
will add too much noise.


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