I also have a system with a mix of MOTM, Encore, Stooge, and FPE paneled
modules. While I love the authentic look of the traditional Stooge panels,
I must admit I have already "made do" with Front Panel Express panels where
necessary, and at much greater cost. And their costs continue to escalate,
putting a typical 2U MOTM panel with knob tick marks and lettering at the
$100 range. Costs like that will greatly curtail DIY options, at a time
where DIY PCBs are still plentiful and inexpensive. I have not voted in the
poll yet, but I am trending towards the anodized panel solution just for
continuity of the MOTM DIY ethic.
John Loffink
The Microtonal Synthesis Web Site
http://www.microtonal-synthesis.comThe Wavemakers Synthesizer Web Site
http://www.wavemakers-synth.com > -----Original Message-----
> From: motm@yahoogroups.com [mailto:motm@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
> djbrow54
> Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2005 7:39 PM
> To: motm@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [motm] Re: Future panel options - everyone please read carefully
> (long)
>
> I have a 56 module system made up of MOTM, Stooge, FrontPanelExpress,
> and others such as Encore and the new Blacet MOTM style. My issue
> with the FrontPanelExpress is purely cost. While I don't like the
> black anodized finish, in a system with cables it is really hard to
> tell which is which. I tend to not use the synthesizer in a brightly
> lit room, though. The bigger drawback to the black anodized finish is
> the flat color. It picks up fingerprints terribly. You can really
> see this in photos. The fingerprint oil on the surface really
> reflects and they are hard to clean. A more glossy finish would work
> much better. The lack of texture on an anodized surface isn't an
> issue for me.
>
> While other colors would be creative, I'm too simple and would want to
> stay with the black / white. I have used other colors for some
> legends where it makes sense.
>