The Gakken GMC-4

Gakken is a Japanese magazine that comes with a DIY kit. Prior issues featured a theremin and of course the analog SX-150 mini synth [see the Gakken label below for prior posts including images, videos and mods]. The current issue comes with the GMC-4, a 4-bit computer kit with audio. See the video below.

via Hobby Media
"Gakken is going to release the very first 4bit computer mass produced in the last 30 years: the GMC4. This microcomputer will be covermounted on the issue 24 of the magazine “Otona no Kagaku”. The GMC4 got a 16 keys keyboard, an inbuild speaker an outsanding 7 elements LED display and a 6 LEDs display.

Tennis game, melody software and two other 4bit videogames are preinstalled in the GMC4. This 4bit computer will be released in June and in the coming weeks Gakken shuld updated their website with some mode details about this great retrocomputer."

You can find issues of Gakken with kits on Ebay here.


４ビットマイコン〜自動演奏編〜　大人の科学マガジンvol.24
YouTube via OKM080725

Gakken SX150 mark II : Unbox and test drive

Published on Jan 22, 2015 karenevil

How many of you are familiar with that opening track?

"I got a new toy, Gakken SX150 mark II with very affordable price :D

This products was designed by famous Japanese analog synthesizer builder and the sound quality is very good.

By the way I don't know why but the price of this product is now slashed in Japan, I bought it from amazon.co.jp and it was only 700yen ( about $6 ).

Originally it was more than 7000 yen.

Probably, this product is failed in the market, maybe Gakken miscalculated the market size and overstocked, I don't know real reason but I guess so ;-)

Honestly we can buy two of monotron with such price and build quality of KORG's is much better than Gakken's.

Anyway very difficult market :D"

They are a bit more on Amazon US
You can also find Gakken Synths on eBay of course.  The Mk1 was black and the MK2 red.  Everything sounds nice with a bit of reverb.

Gakken Audio In Trick?

There's been some discussion on AH regarding the input jack on the Gakken SX-150. If you don't know what the Gakken is, click on the label below. The question regarding the input jack is whether it is an audio in or CV in. Based on the prior videos, specifically this one, I'm guessing it is a CV in, unless there is another in.

As for the title of this post, Aaron wrote in with the following:
"There have been a lot of posts regarding the external source across the net. I have figured something out just now. I just plugged in the speaker output port from my soundcard to the output port of the gakken sx-150. I did not push the 1/8" jack all the way in, left it in just partially, and the gakken's internal speaker is now outputting bugslife sound. So I am guessing there's a crossing in the soldering with the external source port and the output source port. I will take a look later on after I attend a wedding this evening. Hope this helps. Trial and error, yeah? Heh! This is in response to the many who are talking about the external source port not doing anything. Right, because only the ouput will take in sound as well as if the jack is fully plugged in, will output the sound from the synth to an external source...so we're kind of one or the other now...."

New Gakken NSX-39 Mini Vocal Synth

【DEMO】Gakken NSX-39 Published on Mar 27, 2014 musictrackjp·230 videos

DEMO by Katsunori UJIIE.
Facebook: Like me please!
https://www.facebook.com/musictrack.jp

What kind of music gear do you have?
" musictrack gear " is now ready to open !!
http://gear.musictrack.jp/

via this auction

If you are not familiar with Gakken, it's a Japanese magazine that sometimes comes with an included gadget. There was an SX-150 and SX-150 mkII analog synths, two theremins, and a GMC4 microcomputer. A search on Gakken will bring up some videos and pics. You can find Gakken products on eBay here.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Show and Tell: Gakken SX-150 DIY Synthesizer

Published on Jul 12, 2015 Akn Ycl

Gakkens on eBay

"Here is a clip of my nearly finished sequencer running a Gakken sx-150 that i got a week ago. Sorry about sound and picture quality, all done on my trusty N95.

workshop @ media.saii.or.kr Ableton live genterated MIDI signal fed into modified SX-150. Change 103 Gate Cap. to 104 if you want to see EG working.

Modified Gakken SX-150 diy sequencer. The sequencer is feeding cv to the filter cut off and pitch in. Check the link for the list of mods. For sale at etsy.com ...

This week, Norm introduces a DIY kit bought at this year's Bay Area Maker Faire: the Gakken SX-150 Analog Synthesizer. It's from the same Japanese hobby ...

Speed run of the building process of Japanese DIY monosynth. Gakken SX-150 came along a magazine called Synthe"

Gakken SX-150 sequenced via Novation BassStation

YouTube via thelefthandedheroes
"The Gakken SX-150 stylus gets the CV and GATE information from the ribbon-like slider pad. I just connected the Novation BassStation Rack CV and GATE out to the stylus and voilà! - have my MIDI controlled Gakken. The cheapest way to do this is to cut a patch cable in half, took the plastic bits off the wire coming from the tips of the jacks, roll them together and stick the Gakken's stylus into. You may notice that it only works if the BassStation's CV type set to '00' (Roland/Sequential/Arp) - because of the voltage and plug the Gakken SX's out to a mixer rather than using the built in speaker - this is needed as the ground.

I believe this works with other MIDI-to-CV converters too. This video is to show that it works, not a musical statement. Have fun!"

Gakken SX-150 DIY Modular synth ( In progress )

Gakken SX-150 DIY Modular synth ( In progress )

YouTube Uploaded by seanrieger on Nov 15, 2010

"So I have been building my own analog synth out of 3 inexpensive Gakken SX-150 synths. Lots of bending involved. Here's what I have done so far: 500MM softpot added as a control strip for all 3 units. Each unit is tuned by replacing the 75k resistors with 10k potentiometers. The LFO is connected through patches in order to enable it to oscillate the filter. The resonance switch is also set to allow the resonance to self oscillate for a gritty distorted sound. Added 1/4 inch outs that allow each Gakken to be patched in discretely for left, right and left-right panning. Batteries replaced with 6v power supply and of course, I built a case that folds up and down like a Moog Model D. More to come, but I decided to put it through it's paces. In the video, I've added some delay to the unit, but it's pretty beefy on its own. In a world full of digital samplers and autotune, there's something very inspiring about the imperfect nature of analog voltage."

SynthroTek Sequencer added to my Gakken SX-150 DIY synth

Uploaded by seanrieger on Nov 30, 2010

"So I am just about finished with my DIY synth. I've always wanted an analog sequencer and I found a great DIY one from the folks at SynthroTek. This video shows the end result. More info on the project to be found here: http://bipolarization.com/wordpress/?p=100#more-100"

gakken makes a bigger theremin

via John Levin
"I took a vacation from pastoral Vermont to go to NYC last weekend. While hanging out in Williamsburg in Brooklyn, I walked into one hipster shop and saw a new Gakken theremin! I've seen it online for as low as 155 bucks."

I did a quick search and found it on Theremin World. It's the Theremin Premium. I also found some listed on Ebay. Gakken is a Japanese magazine that usually includes a DIY kit in every issue. You might remember the older Gakken Theremin from these posts. Gakken also makes the SX-150.

Update via Steiv A. in the comments: "You can find some more photos on my flickr: http://flickr.com/photos/sadnoiss/"

Polyphobia - Gakken SX-150

YouTube via schokokontrol

"All noises on this tune multitracked with the mighty Gakken SX-150, the A-100 was only used to trigger the Gakken."
Gakken SX-150 on Ebay

Gakken SX-150 Mark II (Analog Synthesizer)

Gakken SX-150 Mark II (Analog Synthesizer) from noiseandroid.com on Vimeo.

"noiseandroid.com

Making sounds with the new Gakken SX-150 MARK II analog synthesizer and testing its powerful low-pass filter

Available worldwide in noiseandroid.com/67-gakken-sx-150-mark-ii.html"

Modified Gakken SX-150 synth + 5 step random CV sequencer

YouTube Uploaded by vcs3dreams on Nov 29, 2011

"Modified Gakken SX-150 + 5 Step random sequencer. The sequencer feeds CV to the Gakken's filter cutoff CV in. External LFO on Gakken being feed into pitch CV in. Both pieces are listed on etsy.com
http://www.etsy.com/listing/81933368/reserved-for-orlala1-analog-synth
http://www.etsy.com/listing/80741740/5-step-cv-sequencer-analog-control?ref=v1_other_2"

Gakken SX-150 with Sequencer

via this auction

"You are looking at a circuit bent Gakken sx 150 that come with its own analogue sequencer. The gakken has mods to the filter, envelope shaper and lfo. Both have been modified from ther original design and are sold as such (no bottom panel on the Gakken,thats how you buy it originaly !!) The can be played on its own or with the sequencer running it. The sequencer could also run any other gear that has a cv input or as a voltage source for any circuit bent stuff. Both units have loads more potential for modding and circuit bending"
video here

Gakken SX-150, SX-150 Mark2, & iTablaPro Performance

Gakken sx-150,sx-150markⅡ,iTablaPro for iPAD App,Memory Man Hazarai,Korg kp quad

YouTube Uploaded by bpmt4k45hi on Nov 2, 2011

"Gakken sx-150,sx-150markⅡ,iTablaPro for iPAD App,Memory Man Hazarai,Korg kp quad(version-anmbient)"

iTablaPro - Tabla Tanpura Player - Prasad Upasani
Gakken SX-150 on eBay
iPads on eBay

Gakken SX-150 hacking the controller - tutorial

on Coagula here "In another post I wrote about the Gakken SX-150, now I explain how I created a "giant" controller (50cm) for this mini synthesizer, but in order to make this change I had to first understand a little more about the original control system. The strip on the Gakken SX-150 is simply a resistor of about 75 Kilohom. Looking at the schematics I found on the Matrixsynth blog I could think for an alternative to the control system of Gakken...."

GAKKEN SX-150 MARK II / MK2 ANALOGUE SYNTH, WITH MIDI-IF INTERFACE

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"The Analogue Synthesizer SX-150 MK2 is quite an advanced little synth. With multiple controllable parameters, line in and out and a four octave range, it’s an amazing piece of kit. The Analog Synthesizer SX-150 Mark II uses an electrode stylus to play tones, is battery powered and is a quality piece of kit.

Also this auction includes a MIDI-IF controller, this means you can plus the Gakken in and play this with a midi keyboard. This adds features of tune, modulation rate and glide to the Gakken and like the Gakkken is battery powered."

According to the QA in the listing, the MIDI-IF "was custom made by beatnic.jp in Japan, the model of this controller is a MIDI-IF for the Gakken SX-150 mk2."

You can see another model of the MIDI-IF for KORG's Monotron here.


They also made The Mountain synth. See the beatnic.jp channel label at the bottom of this post for more.

Modular Jam, Modded Gakken & DRUMFIRE / Drum Mixer / Synthesizer

Modular jam

YouTube Uploaded by vcs3dreams on Sep 22, 2011

"Featuring Monolith, diy sequencers, modified Gakken SX-150, In Line Effects Drum Fire drum synth module and body contact noise synth. Many of these pieces are for sale at etsy.com"

DRUMFIRE / Drum Mixer / Synthesizer

Uploaded by vcs3dreams on Sep 22, 2011

"5 channel Drum Synth. The first channel is also triggering the second channel = blue pad. The third channel is being triggered by the yellow pad. The fourth channel is being triggered by the orange pad and the Fifth channel is getting CV from the sequencer. All channels are clean except the First and Second.
For sale:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/82359305/drumfire-drum-mixer-synthesizer-synth"

Modified Gakken SX-150 analog synth

Uploaded by vcs3dreams on Sep 22, 2011

"Modified Gakken SX-150 + diy sequencer. The sequencer is feeding cv to the filter cut off and pitch in. Check the link for the list of mods.
For sale at etsy.com
http://www.etsy.com/listing/81933368/analog-synth-control-voltage-synthesizer"


"Features:
*Stylus and pad for pitch control
*LFO wave form switch with Sawtooth and Square wave forms
*LFO rate knob
*Pitch envelope knob
*Attack and Decay knobs
*Cutoff knob for filter
*Resonance on / off switch
*Ext. Source 1/8" in.
*1/8" output
*on / off switch

Here is a list of the Modifications:
*LFO 1/4" output with depth control and selectable wave form switch.
*CV in for Filter cut off
*Self Resonance Filter! With Resonance control knob. ( The self resonance filter produces a nice sine wave. You can now feed it CV and play the filter like an oscillator! )
*1/4" CV in for pitch control.
*Red momentary switch = instant LFO to CV pitch in.
*Custom wood case and panel."

The Gakken SX-150 Mark II

SX-150 markII Analog Synthesizaer 学研大人の科学アナログシンセ第二弾！

YouTube Published on Oct 30, 2011 by jetdaisuke
You might remember the original came with a Japanese magazine as a kit which had a cardboard back. This one appears to be all plastic. See the Gakken label below for more.

"It has been back! 赤くなってアイツが帰ってきた！学研 大人の科学マガジン付録として大ヒットしたあのアナログシンセが、単体製品として復活・アップデート。見た目はおなじでもシンセサイザーとしては劇的に良くなってるぞ！
ブログ記事：大人の科学シンセに新型 SX-150 Mark2が登場したぞ
http://gajetdaisuke.com/archives/111030_150531.php
学研さんよりレビュー用に一台ご提供いただきました。"

Googlish: "Turned red guy is back! Analog synths that hit Gakken Adult Science magazine as a supplement, update revived as stand-alone product. In the same look as the synthesizer I'll become dramatically better!
Blog: SX-each new adult science synth appeared 150 Mark2
http://gajetdaisuke.com/archives/111030_150531.php
Submitted for review by a single offer from Mr. Gakken."

You can find the mark II on Amazon Japan.
You can still find the original on eBay and Amazon.

Modified Gakken SX-150 Freak Out

YouTube Uploaded by vcs3dreams on Nov 13, 2011

"Modified Gakken Synth + diy sequencers + diy voltage controlled modulation generator.
Gakken for sale on etsy.com
http://www.etsy.com/listing/81933368/analog-synth-control-voltage-synthesizer"

Gakken SX-150s on eBay

Demonstration of the Gakken SX-150 Synthesizer Part 1

YouTube via lavieenjaune
"Last week we received two Gakken SX-150 Synths from the Make store:-) Looking around Youtube we realized that there were not that many videos that demonstrated full potential of this little synth so we decided to pick a few of our favorite settings and playing methods and post them here. If you do buy one of these don't even bother with the build in speaker plug it straight into an amp with a little reverb and you are in business."

Demonstration of the Gakken SX-150 Synthesizer Part 2

Gakken SX-150 Magazine Pics

flickr set by O'Boy
(click for more)

"Pictures of Gakken SX-150 synth and of the magazine that comes with synth.

I recorded some sounds, you can check them on Soundcloud -> [below]"

You can still find these and the Mark2 on eBay. I don't believe the Mark2 comes with the magazine. You can find a video of it in this previous post.

Gakken SX-150 by ShowingUTheStuph