Title link takes you to shots via this auction.Vintage Synth Drum Pad by Synsonics Drums
4 pads Cymbal and drum sounds
"pitch-bend" wheel on side
L/ R output and headphone out
9 volt d.c. in
Also runs on batteries
Update:
Reminds me of the custom drums used by Kraftwerk used in this video.
via Saemus in the comments:
"This link shows the custom drum trig unit "played at studio by Wolfgang Flür and later by Karl Bartos in the 70s and was used live for the first time in the 1981 World Tour. link Just open 'Electronic Drum Pads'."
Update via Stephen in the ocmments:
here is the service manual: link
some info here: link"
http://kraftwerk.technopop.com.br/imageviewer.php?src=images/life/setup/electronic_drumpad.jpg&width=768&height=576&bgcolor=000000
ReplyDeleteThis link shows the custom drum trig unit "played at studio by Wolfgang Flür and later by Karl Bartos in the 70s and was used live for the first time in the 1981 World Tour."
http://kraftwerk.technopop.com.br/data_setup.php
ReplyDeleteJust open 'Electronic Drum Pads'.
Thanks. Post updated.
ReplyDeleteTo the best of my knowledge, Kraftwerk did actually use a Synsonics at some point, although I don't have that in writing ;o)
ReplyDeleteThis was a major object of my desire in 1980. I remember seeing adverts and articles with Carmine Appice demonstrating it and raving about it, and as an aspiring drummer, this seemd the ideal way to get into electronic drumming. I pestered my parents for ages but to no avail. I eventually indulged myself in electronic drumming almost 20 years later !
Funnily enough, I saw a mint Synsonics on eBay last year and bought it. It gets very little use now, as I have sampled it, but it sits in my studio as a constant reminder of my early aspirations and that we all eventually get what we want ;o)
I forgot to mention that I have never seen a grey one before. The standard is black. Not sure if this was a U.S. only thing.
ReplyDeleteThey also did a version with speakers :o)
i have a mint grey one i found for $15 second hand. there are a lot of mods that can be done to it.
ReplyDeletehere is the service manual:
http://burnkit2600.com/manuals/synsonics-srvc.zip
some info here:
http://burnkit2600.com/gear/?p=15
I had a Synsonics when I was a teenager in the '80s. I thought it was the greatest thing ever invented.
ReplyDeleteMany a bad rap song were created by me using this and a built-in boombox mic. If only I still had those tapes...