Wiardgroup

I for one like the fact that Grant has decided to give his creation a 
personality.  As with any synth, you'll eventually become familiar 
with its functions and layout, so 100% immediate recognition of 
controls and function over form really isn't too important.  
Konkuro's right, its all about the electronics.  And Grant has that 
base covered 100%.  So I'm glad to see that his artistic and 
creativity has not only been expressed in his circut designs, but 
also the frontpanel graphics/color choices, creating a musical 
instrument, not just a tool.  The even jack field and LED strip are 
done for manufacturing reasons, which I'm sure all of us who have 
built any moderately large electronic device can appreciate.  (And 
Grant is building hundreds of these modules!)
  Ill take personally and artistically designed aesthetics over 
purely funcional aesthetics any day if I have the choice.  Everyone 
has their own opinions, no one is right.  If you look at the synth 
that Konkuro decided to buy, I'm not surprised with his opinions on 
the topic.  This list is primarily Wiard owners so its also not 
suprising the opposition Konkuro's opinions have recieved.
   Personally, I prefer a more east coast/vanilla single function 
module layout over a very dense functionality ala Wiard, but the 
personality and creativity put into this system is first rate, much 
applauded.  As an instrument one will inevitably spend hours in front 
of, it's my opinion that it should be pleasing to look at, use and 
grow with.  I look at a modular as more of an exploration instrument, 
a gateway into a sonic galaxy versus say a guitar or flute which is 
more of a mastery type of instrument.  If all you're worried about is 
hitting that note perfectly every time, then who needs any 
personality?  The instrument has indeed become a tool.  A modular 
synth imho, is something the sonic explorers out there will grow with 
and get close to, so the more personality and charm the better.  Im 
guessing there are more "sonic explorers" in the Wiard camp than in 
that of any other Marque.  Drawn in by the quirkyness and personality 
of the machine, Grant has made electromechanical art for these 
intrepid explorers. . .   

later,
~Steve

(anything but classical is dirty blip bloop sequenced noise!  . . . 
what a joke!)

--- In wiardgroup@y..., Chris Whitten <cw.chris@z...> wrote:
> Doesn't anyone think that the design has become bigger than 
the synth?
> It's a shame that the two occasions this list has buzzed with 
activity in
> the last year have been the two times the faceplate has been 
discussed.
> Seems easily to be the biggest talking point of the Wiard 
system
> Again, it's a shame when you look at all the other things it has 
going for
> it.
> CW

It shows that it has indeed been noticed by those
to whom modular synthesis is very important, as well as
indicating that not enough people have heard it yet. These
discussions do serve to raise awareness and understanding.
If folks here don't read The Gas Station, they won't know that
Johnm (sorry for speaking for you) has stated that he 
appreciates
the opportunity to voice his objections, and to have the groups
and Grants input regarding the what and why and is more
interested as a result. 

Easier,

-Mike

Doesn't anyone think that the design has become bigger than the synth?
It's a shame that the two occasions this list has buzzed with activity in
the last year have been the two times the faceplate has been discussed.
Seems easily to be the biggest talking point of the Wiard system
Again, it's a shame when you look at all the other things it has going for
it.
CW