Analog Synthesizers: Understanding, Performing, Buying- from the legacy of Moog to software synthesis PAP/CDR edition

I will say first that this book is very well written, and the author has put a tremendous amount of effort into its production. I would caution, however, that there may be better books out there for you, depending on what you are interested in learning about analog synthesis.This book does a good job at covering the components of analog synthesizers, and how an analog synth creates sounds. However, this topic is covered regularly in other (less expensive) sources, and I'm not sure that the author has any special insight into this well worn area.However, where this book really shines is in its discussion of the history and development of analog synthesizers. The author covers all of the notable figures involved in the development of this technology, including musicians and the figures involved in engineering, production, etc. It talks about the developments in the US, Europe, and Japan of the technology and the musicians who utilized them at different times. The book also describes the features and functionality of a wide array of vintage synthesizers, so if you are looking for a resource that might help you decide which one to buy, this could be your book.I don't think this book does a great job of discussing synth programming, however. I know this topic can be difficult to describe, due to the varieties of equipment out there, but there are other books that I think have a more interesting approach to the topic. Especially since these days most people are likely to encounter "analog" synthesis using a virtual software instrument. This is the only thing that keeps this book from being a "one-stop" guide to analog synths in my opinion.If you are interested in learning about how this technology was developed and the people involved, you can't do better than this book. However, if you are more interested in the practical aspects of understanding synthesis and getting cool sounds from your synth, I would look at some of other titles, especially given the relatively high price of this book.

This book is a great reflection on the history of synths, who used them, and when. If you want to know what the first synth was the John Michael used, or which one ELP used to create Lucky Man, then this is your book. All types of info on who used what brand and model. But it does damn little to inform the reader of how to perform on them, or how to buy them. If you bought a synth and want to know how to operate it, this is NOT your book. If you want to reflect and glow in the knowledge that the machine you're touching was a piece of history for artist X or Y, then pick this one up.

If you are buying this book to learn how to play synthesizers, as I did, it really won't be what you expect. It is about 3/4 history lessons and 1/4 actual component comprehension, methods, and techniques. I can't say I walked away from the book gaining nothing at all, and the history lesson was interesting enough. But there's maybe 50 pages worth of content that I was actually looking for.

This book (which I still have yet to come close to finishing) is unbelievable in the amount of information that is contained in here. Not to mention its all about analog synthesizers which is hard to believe given some text books stray away from the topic and give other useless information...If you want to learn about these things and you are down for studying once in a while this is the book!

Nice informative book on understanding and learning to play analog synths!

Was well written with a level of detail not found in some other synth history books. Add it to your collection.

Excellent book from someone who really knows this stuff well. A musician's book and not another "analog porn" offering. And hand-signed by the author? Really nice touch :)

Thank you

This is a great little book if:- you're new to synthesizers and want to know what the heck is going on- you're curious about the old analogue products- you're curious about the bands that used them, and what they're up to now- you're thinking of purchasing a synth, whether analogue or virtualMark Jenkins' knowledge of some amazingly obscure details is a little worrying but he's clearly fascinated by this subject and it shows. He's written a very accessible book that has helped me actually figure out and start to play my recent synth acquisition, and in that sense the book has completely met my objectives. The icing on the cake (for this eighties music buff) are the little (synth-related) facts on and interviews with bands like The Human League and Duran Duran.On the downside:- a little too much repetition of facts and opinion, but nothing a slightly more rigorous re-edit couldn't handle- could expand more on the playing and performance side- the section on virtual synthesis and h/w and s/w products could be more informativeIn summary though I thoroughly recommend this book and appreciate the fact that someone with a deep level of knowledge has taken the time out to produce something so accessible and informative.

A great book -very detailed and complete. There are constant references to examples which Mark discusses. Unfortunately, I bought the Kindle version and so missed out on the accompanying CD's extensive examples. Don't make my mistake.

Everything I needed to know about synths in a book.And it even has a CD so you can hear various sounds.

Excelente producto y precio. Totalmente recomendado. Llego en excelente tiempo y forma, de manera perfectamente empaquetada. A+++ Excelente compra -

Excelente