Wiardgroup

Analog Modular 
anamod@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/anamod

I made this group to learn how to make a group, but also as a 
joke on a friend who complained that their wasn't such a group.

Well, somebody besides me joined (I was going to delete it). 
The group description is part of the joke - so, if it sticks, I'll 
probably change it to: "A place to discuss Analog Modular 
Synthesizers."

Can you name the synth in the picture? (actually it may belong to 
one of you)

Please come by, join up, post, introduce yourself, etc. It'll be up to 
the users to make something of this.

Here's a starter topic: can you name a true modular that's not on 
the list?

Some of you are going to see this message multiple times, I 
apologize for the spammage.

Thanks, Barry

> but also as a 
> joke on a friend who complained that their wasn't such a group.
There was such a list called Bode. It seemed to collapse due to the severe
lack of posts. As there are already groups for virtually everything you
mention plus Analogue Heaven I hope you're not wasting your time.

> I often wonder what both would look like with
> plainish MOTMesque panels.
Me too I'm afraid.
Is there any facility to request a plainer paint job Wiardwise.
Respect to the attitude that you should be original and true to yourself,
the celtic design just doesn't do it for me though.
Chris

I believe Bode has been dormant on Topica for some time, as is a Moog 
modular list. 

"I hope you're not wasting your time"

Hey, that's the same thing someone said to me nearly 30 years ago when 
I started building PAIA kits with my dad. ;-) But, the reality is, it 
wouldn't be the first time (me wasting time, that is).

Actually, it takes about 5 minutes to make a group and the first draft 
of the description list was off the top of head, I have since edited 
it a bit. It was worth every minute of it to see my buddy nearly crap 
a brick and hey, there are 19 members now!

Most of the groups on Yahoo are manufacturer specific and AH has kind 
of a low SNR for my interests and too much traffic for me to keep up 
with (don't get me wrong, it's an incredible resource, I've spent a 
lot of time in the AH archives -  thanks, Mark).

One of the things I like about low traffic lists is how they kind of 
come and go, and develop a personality of their own. I belong to some 
here on Yayhoo, just to check on them from time to time, like that 
French vintage keys list. I don't even speak French, but they do have 
some cool pictures (especially that one with naked girl and the 
Hammond!







- just kidding!).

Anyway, you're probably right - it probably won't work out. Maybe some 
more of you should come by and particpate a little bit before I have 
to pull the plug, like a party that you know is going to end before 
you want it to - sometimes that's the best kind.

Sort of on topic: I've never seen a Wiard in person, the funtional 
design and electronics seem top notch and the sound examples I've 
heard were very unique. But what about that Celic Tatoo thing? I have 
the same problem with the Technosaurus, I think I'd occasionally burst 
into laughter (or want to joust or ride a dinosaur or something). 
Would it even be possible to have them both in the same room? - kind 
of like stripes and plaid together. Anyway, I've never seen or heard 
either one in person. I often wonder what both would look like with 
plainish MOTMesque panels.

Barry


--- In wiardgroup@y..., "C. Whitten" <chris@c...> wrote:

> There was such a list called Bode. It seemed to collapse due to the severe
> lack of posts. As there are already groups for virtually everything you
> mention plus Analogue Heaven I hope you're not wasting your time.

Isn't this kind of an insult to to vision of the designer? A musical 
instrument is a work of art as well as a tool. When you use it often, 
you develop an intimate relationship with it. This includes the look and 
feel. When designing an instrument you take into consideration 
everything from the way the knobs feel in your hand and how far apart 
they are to what signal levels will be. They also consider the visual 
design of the machine. These things will make all the difference in how 
the machine is perceived in the marketplace.

I know Grant put heart and soul into the creation of his dream 
synthesizer. In my opinion, asking him to make it look more like a 
competing product is a bit like saying. "I like the Porsche engine, but 
can you guys get rid of that ugly body and make it look like a LaBaren?"

I happen to think that the Wiard is the best looking synthesizer being 
made. Thank God it doesn't look like a Moog. (or have a Moog filter for 
that matter;)

mark

C. Whitten wrote:

>>I often wonder what both would look like with
>>plainish MOTMesque panels.
>>
>Me too I'm afraid.
>Is there any facility to request a plainer paint job Wiardwise.
>Respect to the attitude that you should be original and true to yourself,
>the celtic design just doesn't do it for me though.
>Chris
>
>
>
>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>wiardgroup-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> 
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ 
>
>
>

> These things will make all the difference in how
> the machine is perceived in the marketplace.
Perhaps that would be a negative perception.
And if I'm really honest I'll probably keep stalling and never put an order
in partly because of the look.
You'll probably say good riddance right? Fair enough. I'm missing out on a
whole musical ethos because I can't get past a paint job. I think it's
reasonable to make a point about the celtic designs though.
IMO something so individual is bound to put some people off. It's like when
you are looking for an apartment and view one with bright red walls.
Anyway, to use your analogy, I think a majority of people see Ferrari's as
more often than not gorgeous visually. The Wiard celtic designs remind me of
progressive rock or the engraved hunting scene's on Carl Palmers' drums.
I like my modules to have 'classic taste'. To me, stuff like CMS and Serge
(of the currently available systems)  look tasty. There is nothing more
exciting than buying a new piece of kit and spending the first few days just
admiring the look of it.
As I said before and to agree with Mark, full marks to Grant for having a
vision and carrying it right through to the faceplate. I'm not sure if I
could visualise it in my studio so pardon me if I enquire otherwise.
CW

not an insult at all.... a good designer would surely always listen to
comments - negative or positive regarding their products. If he feels
strongly
that his product is a true work of art then he can decline to modify the
design in any way...

if he feels less 'precious' about the design then he will allow for
customization if the manufacturing process allows.

As these modules are 'hand-built' and not mass machine produced I think CW
and others have every right to enquire, just
as Grant has every right to say 'yes' or 'no'. Is he a synth designer or
Picasso?

What's the problem?

For the record - I don't like the design either... and I don't like the
color-scheme on Modcan jacks. If I decide
to purchase modules from either system I would ask for a custom job. I don't
like the Alesis Andromeda design - but
no point in asking for a custom design cos its mass produced... right?

KD

> Isn't this kind of an insult to to vision of the designer? A musical
> instrument is a work of art as well as a tool. When you use it often,
> you develop an intimate relationship with it. This includes the look and
> feel. When designing an instrument you take into consideration
> everything from the way the knobs feel in your hand and how far apart
> they are to what signal levels will be. They also consider the visual
> design of the machine. These things will make all the difference in how
> the machine is perceived in the marketplace.
>
> I know Grant put heart and soul into the creation of his dream
> synthesizer. In my opinion, asking him to make it look more like a
> competing product is a bit like saying. "I like the Porsche engine, but
> can you guys get rid of that ugly body and make it look like a LaBaren?"
>
> I happen to think that the Wiard is the best looking synthesizer being
> made. Thank God it doesn't look like a Moog. (or have a Moog filter for
> that matter;)
>
> mark
>
> C. Whitten wrote:
>
> >>I often wonder what both would look like with
> >>plainish MOTMesque panels.
> >>
> >Me too I'm afraid.
> >Is there any facility to request a plainer paint job Wiardwise.
> >Respect to the attitude that you should be original and true to yourself,
> >the celtic design just doesn't do it for me though.
> >Chris
> >
> >
> >
> >To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> >wiardgroup-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >
> >
> >
> >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> wiardgroup-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>

>I happen to think that the Wiard is the best looking synthesizer being
>made. Thank God it doesn't look like a Moog. (or have a Moog filter for
>that matter;)

Amen, Ditto and all that. Although cosmetic design of a synth is not 
particularily high up on my list of deciding factors, the Wiard 
system is definitely the coolest looking anything in my studio.

:)

As I was writing this, the mail-lady delivered something to my door. 
A shiny new Borg II.

Have to go....

> As I was writing this, the mail-lady delivered something to my 
door. 
> A shiny new Borg II.

borg II?  as in a new version of the borg filter?  wha?!?!

DETAILS, man, DETAILS!

alex

>borg II?  as in a new version of the borg filter?  wha?!?!
>
>DETAILS, man, DETAILS!

The Borg II is a subtle refinement of the original Borg filter.

The Peak knob now switches out the feedback circuit completely when 
ccw (by means of a switching pot) and the Borg in LP mode forms a 
6db/oct VCA.

What a great sounding filter (x2 w/ LFO's) and at a superb price to 
performance ratio.

It's somewhat ironic that Wiard produce a module called Borg, when it 
seems another manufacturer cultivates that mindset amongst it's users 
far more than Grant's work.

What is really wierd is, the Borg's PCB has a quote on it "A thursday 
in early april". Exactly when I recieved my module. Eerie....

stop it, you're freakin me out.

liquidcolor@earthlink.net wrote:

>
>
>What is really wierd is, the Borg's PCB has a quote on it "A thursday 
>in early april". Exactly when I recieved my module. Eerie....
>

> It's somewhat ironic that Wiard produce a module called Borg, when 
it 
> seems another manufacturer cultivates that mindset amongst it's 
users 
> far more than Grant's work.

it's even scarier that said manafacturer has felt the need to monitor 
this group as well.  just like a true Borg.

alex