Modular Synth Panels

To use Front Panel Express you download and install the free Window 
software (it also works on Windows emulation on Macs, I am told).

http://www.frontpanelexpress.com/home/index.htm

The free CAD program is pretty easy to use.  You design your panel with 
it and then right from inside the program you can make your order, 
including credit card information.  Your panel arrives in two to three 
weeks.  I have a lot of FPE panels in my synthesizer.  The drawbacks are:

1. You are completely responsible to make the design you want.  (The FPE 
program will print out your panel, but it does not export to any 
standard format.)  If you're design is bad, it's your own fault.
2. There is no consistency from order to order of the actual color of 
the anodized panel.  I've got at least four shades of black FPE panel.
3. It is rather expensive.

FPE does provide good service.  I complained one time about a panel that 
had defects in the paint-fill on the engravings.  They quickly made and 
sent me another panel, no questions asked, and I didn't even have to 
return the bad panel.

Richard Brewster
http://www.pugix.com

gino wong wrote:
> I am doing a set of VCS3 panels.  I am not using fpd for this rather I
> am going to try Metalphoto of Cincinnati.  I have a computer drawing
> that I've done (pft..) and lots of photos  readable close ups and a
> sample panel that is the right dimensions with the proper punches, but
> save for hand drawn instructions is blank.  They have an art
> department and I am paying a $75 per panel art charge.
>
> Having no experience except with Shaeffer, do I have enough to give
> them for them to make an accurate drop in replacement ?  What else
> should I do ?
>
> I really am a novice and I need help from this group.
>
> thanks
>
> gw
>
>
>  
> Yahoo! Groups Links
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