Sonica Synthesizer by Frank Eventoff #585

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

via this auction

"Sonica Serge Synth Instrument, Frank Evantoff Number 585.

Own a part of synthesizer history. One of very few surviving, fully working Sonica Instruments. One sold at auction for $3,416.00

This example is in excellent condition, no damage other than one small ding (size of a BB) in the base of body. No corrosion on battery connections, original case, unmarked original instructions (even has unused stamp for warranty return). This instrument was bought new and put in a closet and recently found.

You are bidding on an extremely rare FULLY WORKING electronic synthesizer instrument by Frank Evantoff, called the Sonica. Number 585 of only 650 produced. Shaped like small lute with a guitar like neck which fits perfectly into the hand. By touching the frets on the neck the instrument produces notes best often described as between a theremin, sitar and a violin.

Frank invented the force sensing-resistor FSR. "After Mattel had used the concept for the "Magical Music Thing," Frank Evantoff developed a more precise keyboard and incorporated it into this new instrument, which he called The Sonica.

In 1979, the first Sonicas were produced, a collaboration with Larry Heller. There were 650 eventually built, but very few are seen nowadays. Serge Tcherepnin of Serge synthesizers (analog modular) did the oscillator design, and the oscillator inside the Sonica is indeed a Serge oscillator. The bodies have an interesting gourd/phallic shape, and were carved red alder wood with hand rubbed lacquer and covered with brass plates. This instrument is hand made even the circuit boards are hand printed. The neck is incredibly comfortable, and easily fits into the hand, facilitating the sliding action used for playing the Sonica.

The sound of the Sonica can best be described as somewhere between a theremin, sitar and violin. When run through a simple delay, an amazing array of soundscapes are derived. The front panel features a Key/Pitch Knob, and an On/Off Volume Knob. It boasts 15 keys with additional half step notes.

It also features three buttons. Analog “Slider” which is a tremolo type effect, Analog “Tone” which is actually a tonal boost, and “Half-Step” which raises the note an octave. It features a built-in speaker, with an 1/8 inch output to connect to an amplifier or recording device. It runs on one 9-volt battery which is installed by accessing a plate on the backside of the device.

The Sonica really shines when sent through a tube amplifier, producing a crystalline sound unlike anything I’ve heard before.

Please check out youtube of looping, etc. and history of The Sonica by Frank Eventoff.

Comes with original unmarked/no tears instructions (even has unused stamp for warranty return)."

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Sonica vintage synthesizer analog synth by Serge

UPDATE: the original auction link for this post appears to have been harvested from another auction which has ended for $1200. Thanks to the world of next tuesday in the comments for catching it. Be careful out there.

"Up for auction is the extremely rare Sonica, built by Frank Eventoff. Only 650 of these were ever produced, making it a highly collectible electronic device. Very few are now known to exist, even fewer in working condition.

In 1979, the first Sonicas were produced, a collaboration with Larry Heller. There were 650 built, but very few are seen nowadays. Serge Tcherepnin of Serge synthesizers (producer of high-end modular synths!) did the oscillator design, and the oscillator inside the Sonica is indeed a Serge oscillator. The neck is incredibly comfortable, and easily fits into the hand, facilitating the sliding action used for playing the Sonica. Creator Frank Eventoff's neighbor in Silverlake was a modelmaker and carved the bodies - they produced them in runs of 24 at a time. The body is made from finely hand-carved mahogany. Donna Summer bought one of the runs of 24 and created a Sonica Orchestra.

The sound of the Sonica can best be described as somewhere between a sitar and violin. When run through a simple delay, an amazing array of soundscapes are derived. The front panel features a Key/Pitch Knob, and an On/Off Volume Knob. It also features three buttons. "Slider," which is a tremolo type effect, "Tone," which is actually a tonal boost, and "Half-Step," which raises the note an octave. It features a built-in speaker, with an 1/8 inch output to connect to an amplifier or recording device. It runs on one 9-volt battery which is installed by accessing a plate on the backside of the device. The Sonica really shines when sent through a tube amplifier, producing a crystalline sound unlike anything I've heard before.

This unit for auction is in very good shape cosmetically and works as it should. Very conservatively, there are probably a couple hundred of these in working condition today, most of which have been abused in one way or another.

A link to the history of the Sonica:
http://www.alsrecordsandtapes.com/sw.story.htm

see the Sonica label below as well for more posts.

Sonica Frank Evantoff # 477 of 650

via this auction
"extremely rare electronic synthesizer instrument by Frank Evantoff called the Sonica. Look at the marks from the carving tools the craftsman used to make the instrument. They neatly hold the battery! Only 650 of these strange instruments were made since their they began manufacturing them in 1979. Shaped like small lute with a guitar like neck and speaker inside that was the voice for the Serge designed oscillator inside ( Look for Serge's name on the hand printed circuit board! ). They player could sound notes by touching the frets on the neck that produce at between sitar and violin. It has very minor dings (see photos). Comes with case and original user manual/warranty certificate.

After Mattel had used the concept for the "Magical Music Thing," Frank Evantoff developed a more precise keyboard and incorporated it into this new instrument, which he called The Sonica. In 1979, the first Sonicas were produced, a collaboration with Larry Heller. There were 650 eventually built, but very few are seen nowadays. Serge Tcherepnin of Serge synthesizers (analog modular) did the oscillator design, and the oscillator inside the Sonica is indeed a Serge oscillator! The bodies have an interesting gourd/phallic shape, and were carved wood. The neck is incredibly comfortable, and easily fits into the hand, facilitating the sliding action used for playing the Sonica.

The sound of the Sonica can best be described as somewhere between a sitar and violin. When run through a simple delay, an amazing array of soundscapes are derived. The front panel features a Key/Pitch Knob, and an On/Off Volume Knob. It boasts 15 keys with additional half step notes. It also features three buttons. Analog “Slider,” which is a tremolo type effect, Analog “Tone,” which is actually a tonal boost, and “Half-Step,” which raises the note an octave. It features a built-in speaker, with an 1/8 inch output to connect to an amplifier or recording device. It runs on one 9-volt battery which is installed by accessing a plate on the backside of the device. The Sonica really shines when sent through a tube amplifier, producing a crystalline sound unlike anything I’ve heard before."

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The Sonica with Serge Oscillator

Remember The Sonica? Looks like one is up for auction. Title link takes you to the shots.

Note this one and the Black Coffee below is a bit of a fund raiser.

"Up for auction here is the very rare Frank Eventoff Sonica. It's a one oscillator analog synth built into a wood guitar shaped controller. The oscillator was built by Serge electronics. Yes the same who build high end modular synths! It has its own speaker and runs on a regular 9v battery. It's about 18" long. It's number 276 out of 650. With this instrument you are officially the King or Queen of the hippie synth nerds (certificate not included).

Here's a link to the entertaining history of the Sonica.

This unit for auction is in very good shape cosmetically and works 100%. However because of the age of the electronics, it's being sold as-is. I already fixed a bad solder joint on the fretboard. You will probably have to do the same some time in the future. The fretboard flexes slightly even with a light touch. Solder joints don't like flexing. If the Sonica sounds continuously without you touching it, heat up the solder joints on the fret board and it will fix it. It's just the way the Sonica is designed. At least I told you about it and how to fix it, you'll notice no other sellers of Sonicas mentioned it. Also, some of what look like scratches in the pics are just reflections from the light.

You get the Sonica, its custom case, instruction manual and blank warranty card.

Sorry about the watermarking on the photos below, it's a necessity now because of scammers that ebay seems to tolerate.

So you can rationalize your gear lust: you're helping me pay to get rid of a brain tumor. You're not a gearhead, you're a humanitarian!"

Note I usually shy away from posting images with watermarks. If you have an auction with great shots and watermarks and you are wondering why I haven't posted it, that's probably why. Just shoot me an email and I'll post it. BTW, I'll post anything on Matrixsynth-b regardless of the shots, so feel free to send them in.

The Sonica - Serge

Title link takes you to one more shot via this auction and this auction.

Details:
"Up for auction is the extremely rare Sonica, built by Frank Eventoff. Only 650 of these were ever produced, making it a highly collectible electronic device. Very few are now known to exist, and listed below is some information I discovered when researching the history behind this unique instrument.

In 1979, the first Sonicas were produced, a collaboration with Larry Heller. There were 650 eventually built, but very few are seen nowadays. Serge Tcherepnin of Serge synthesizers (analog modular) did the oscillator design, and the oscillator inside the Sonica is indeed a Serge oscillator! The bodies have an interesting gourd/phallic shape, and were crafted of carved wood. The neck is incredibly comfortable, and easily fits into the hand, facilitating the sliding action used for playing the Sonica.

Creator Frank Eventoff's neighbor in Silverlake was a modelmaker and carved the bodies - they produced them in runs of 24 at a time.

Donna Summer bought one of the runs of 24 and created a Sonica Orchestra !!! They performed live in Hawaii, with all the musicians in her band equipped with Sonicas at some point in the show!

The body is made from finely hand carved mahogany.

The sound of the Sonica can best be described as somewhere between a sitar and violin. When run through a simple delay, an amazing array of soundscapes are derived. The front panel features a Key/Pitch Knob, and an On/Off Volume Knob. It also features three buttons. " Slider ", which is a tremolo type effect, " Tone ", which is actually a tonal boost, and " Half-Step ", which raises the note an octave. It features a built-in speaker, with an 1/8 inch output to connect to an amplifier or recording device. It runs on one 9-voly battery which is installed by accessing a plate on the backside of the device. This device includes the original carrying case, and original owners manual. The Key/Pitch Knob seems to adjust the key only intermittently. This may be solved by fine tuning the Key Knob, which is explained in detail in the owners manual. All other functions operate perfectly. This device is guaranteed to work upon arrival, but due to the vintage nature of this instrument, it must be sold as is. Winning bidder to submit payment via Paypal, Cashiers Check, or Money Order within 5 business days of auction end, to include $ 20 insured shipping within the continental U.S."

via Lost Signal.

Update via elgauchoandres in the comments:

The Sonica has been around in others sales ie. this auction [shots added to the flickr set]

And there's a webpage with all the info you need to know it a bit more"

Update: Be sure to check out this post for more images and documentation.

The Sonica

Title link takes you to shots via this auction. Not mentioned in the auction, this features Serge components.
"This is definitely the first time 99% of you have ever seen this exceedingly rare instrument, and it is most likely that this will be the only opportunity to purchase one. No information is available online and only one other Sonica has ever been auctioned on eBay (approximately 4 years ago.) [Not Exactly]

This rare "portable self-contained synthesizer" as it is described within the original pamphlet (included), features "Sens-a-Touch, an electronic sensor that converts the pressure of your touch into creative musical tones and expressions."

For the lack of a better analogy, this instrument is most like a stylophone. However, the Sonica is more responsive, better sounding, more versatile, and seemingly effortless to manipulate. The Sonica features; volume control, key control, half-step pressure-pad function, tone pressure-pad function, and the slider pressure-pad function. The Soncia is powered by a 9v battery, has a built in speaker and features a mini-jack output ability.

The back of the headstock has a heart-shaped plate which typically has a serial number. This one has the plate without a number as I was told it is a prototype version. It is 1.5 octaves and still includes the original soft case and original booklet which is signed and dated 1979.

The Sonica works perfectly with the exception of the "key" control being temperamental, as such it is being sold "as is" with the belief that it is in need of repair. There are also several non-original screws which fasten the front brass plate to the lute-like body. Otherwise the Sonica is in great cosmetic condition with no breaks or significant originality issues.

The Sonica was designed by Frank Eventoff of Sound Instruments L.A., CA."

SONICA SN 595 of 650

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. via this auction
"Only 650 of these strange instruments were made since their they began manufacturing them in 1979. Shaped like small lute with a guitar like neck and speaker inside that was the voice. They player could sound notes by touching the frets on the neck that produce at between sitar and violin. Comes with case and original user manual/warranty certificate.

After Mattel had used the concept for the "Magical Music Thing," Frank Evantoff developed a more precise keyboard and incorporated it into this new instrument, which he called The Sonica. In 1979, the first Sonicas were produced, a collaboration with Larry Heller. There were 650 eventually built, but very few are seen nowadays. Serge Tcherepnin of Serge synthesizers (analog modular) did the oscillator design, and the oscillator inside the Sonica is indeed a Serge oscillator! ( LOOK FOR SERGE TCHEREPNIN'S NAME ON THE HAND PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD!!! ) The bodies have an interesting gourd/phallic shape, and were carved wood. The neck is incredibly comfortable, and easily fits into the hand, facilitating the sliding action used for playing the Sonica.

The sound of the Sonica can best be described as somewhere between a sitar and violin. When run through a simple delay, an amazing array of soundscapes are derived. The front panel features a Key/Pitch Knob, and an On/Off Volume Knob. It boasts 15 keys with additional half step notes. It also features three buttons. Analog “Slider” which is a tremolo type effect, Analog “Tone” which is actually a tonal boost, and “Half-Step” which raises the note an octave. It features a built-in speaker, with an 1/8 inch output to connect to an amplifier or recording device. It runs on one 9-volt battery which is installed by accessing a plate on the backside of the device. The Sonica really shines when sent through a tube amplifier, producing a crystalline sound unlike anything I’ve heard before."

Sonica Synth w/ Serge Oscillator by Frank Evanoff

via this auction

"In 1979, the first Sonicas were produced, a collaboration with Larry Heller. There were 650 built, but very few are seen nowadays. Serge Tcherepnin of Serge synthesizers (producer of high-end modular synths!) did the oscillator design, and the oscillator inside the Sonica is indeed a Serge oscillator. The neck is incredibly comfortable, and easily fits into the hand, facilitating the sliding action used for playing the Sonica. Creator Frank Eventoff's neighbor in Silverlake was a modelmaker and carved the bodies - they produced them in runs of 24 at a time. The body is made from finely hand-carved mahogany. Donna Summer bought one of the runs of 24 and created a Sonica Orchestra.

The sound of the Sonica can best be described as somewhere between a sitar and violin. When run through a simple delay, an amazing array of soundscapes are derived. The front panel features a Key/Pitch Knob, and an On/Off Volume Knob. It also features three buttons. "Slider," which is a tremolo type effect, "Tone," which is actually a tonal boost, and "Half-Step," which raises the note an octave. It features a built-in speaker, with an 1/8 inch output to connect to an amplifier or recording device. It runs on one 9-volt battery which is installed by accessing a plate on the backside of the device. The Sonica really shines when sent through a tube amplifier, producing a crystalline sound unlike anything I've heard before."

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More Sonica Pics

Remember the Sonica? Title link takes you to more pics sent my way via BirdFlu.

"Attached are some pics I took of my Sonica when I had it apart to fix it. You can see it really is a Serge board inside.

Note what also looks like a date of 6-79. The pics also includes documentation.

Update: Some more comments via BirdFLU in the previous post. Also I disabled comments here to keep them all in the other post.

"I forwarded some photos of the Sonica innards and the Sonica manual to matrix. I'll try to forward some sound samples too. It's just a simple buzzy kind of triangle wave. A very pleasing mellow tone. Pressing on the Tone pad sort of opens the filter a tiny bit more. It's not some amazing synth, but it wasn't meant to be. It's easy and fun to play and that was the intent. Also, when I got mine, I was surprised how small it is, it's only 18" It doesn't need to be any bigger, I just thought it would be for some reason. Somebody somewhere has got ot have video of Donna Summer's band playing 24 of them. I've really got to see that!!"

If anyone finds it post a comment.

Sonica #269 of 650 by Frank Eventoff of Serge 1979

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

via this auction

"Much has been written online about this unique, rare, beautiful piece of electronic music history.

Sonica #257 sold at Bonhams auction house in 2011 for £2,671. Thats a lot, but like a Minimoog, this instrument is WORTH that much money. It's so beautiful.

I'm not going to copy and paste other people's words here. OK, just two links:

Some Sonica Info (matrixsynth.blogspot.com)

History of the Sonica (alsrecordsandtapes.com)"

And of course, check out the Sonica label at the bottom of this post for more.

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Sonica Serge Synth Instrument, Frank Evantoff Number 490.

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

via this auction

"Sonica Serge Synth Instrument, Frank Evantoff Number 490.

One of very few surviving, and of even fewer fully working Sonica Instruments.

This example is in fine condition, no damage other than one small cosmetic scuff to base of body (see last photo). No corrosion on battery connections, original case, unmarked original instructions and original instrument to amplifier cable.


You are bidding on an extremely rare FULLY WORKING electronic synthesizer instrument by Frank Evantoff, called the Sonica. Number 490 of only 650 produced. Shaped like small lute with a guitar like neck which fits perfectly into the hand. By touching the frets on the neck the instrument produces notes best often described as between a sitar and a violin."

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Extremely Rare Frank Evantoff Sonica Serge #126 of 650

via this auction

You can find the history of the Sonica on All Records and Tapes. Also see the Sonica label below for previous posts.

Serge Sonica Keytar Vintage Analog Mini Synthesizer

via this auction

"super rare 1/600 Sonica Limited Edition Synthesizer made by Frank Eventoff in Los Angeles in the 70's. In excellent condition, although the thin foam membrane covering the speaker has disintegrated and can and should be replaced. There are two small dark streaks on the brass near the half-step button that are minor original blemishes. The case is included as well as the original paperwork. This is a fun little unit for jamming on and is very easy to play. The output jack is a strange 1/8" that I haven't found the exact right plug to fit it. I have just played the internal speaker and recorded to mic.

Some info from the documentation:"The Sonica is a portable self contained synthesizer designed to simplify the playing of music... an electronic sensor that converts the pressure of your touch into creative musical tones and expressions... carved from Red Alder, a domestic hardwood. several coats of lacquer. Finished by hand. The face and trim are solid brass protected with baked enamel finish. " Serial Number 592, one of last ones made!"

SONICA BY FRANK EVENTOFF #311

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

via this auction

"This is the unusual and strange instrument, the SONICA. Invented by Frank Eventoff, supposedly only 650 were made. (I interviewed him oncMcDonald's cash registers, etc. all over the world. The instrument is made from a circuit built by SERGE Modular synthesizers (see photo of circuit board) and has a warm, mellow tone. You slide your finger along the diatonic-tuned soundboard. More importantly, there are 3 control pads: Slider wobbles the pitch a little (vibrato), Tone adjusts brightness, Half-Step gives you half-step notes (as diatonic scale misses some in-between, you can get them here). The tone control doesn't do much, maybe it's waveform adjust or something, but the sound is already dark and low, like a flute, so there's not many highs to affect. It's easy and fun to play, comes with original case.

'You are bidding on an extremely rare Sonica synthesizer built by Frank Eventoff in 1979. Only 650 of these were ever made. Very few are now known to exist. The body is carved of mahogany, and has a plaque with the number 311 comes with the original custom-sized case.'"

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Frank Eventoff Sonica Synth - Serge

via this auction
"Extremely rare Sonica synthesizer, built by Frank Eventoff. Only 650 of these were ever made. Very few are now known to exist.

The body is carved of mahogany, and has a plaque with the number (#229). It comes in a custom-sized case.

I've played this both with the internal speakers and plugged in on a stage, and it sounds fantastic. Something like a sitar combined with a theremin. Very easy to play, with options for bending notes and changing keys. The gentleman who gave me this synthesizer claimed it was a gift from Donna Summer, when she bought 24 of them and made a Sonica Orchestra. I unfortunately have no proof that this is the case."

Frank Eventoff Sonica SN 227 Video

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. Sonica- late '70's primitive synth

Published on Apr 11, 2013 Derek See

"Made in L.A in 1979; kinda theremin, kinda magical musical thing..."

I believe this is the first video of the Sonica posted on the site.  It's much smaller than I expected!  I've posted a ton of these and I don't think I ever realized just how small it is.


via this auction

"Super cool primitive synth, made in Los Angeles by Frank Eventoff in 1979. This one is #227 out of (allegedly) 650. Very clean with all original paperwork in the custom chipboard case. The center tone knob is not functioning, but all else works great. See it in action here:" [embed above]

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B Willing James Sonica Synth Solo

"Solo with a Sonica Synthesizer. Rare instrument designed by Frank Eventoff in 1979. So yes, we're the same age. Not me and Frank that is."


via this auction

VINTAGE FRANK EVENTOFF [SERGE] SONICA SYNTHESIZER

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SONICA by FRANK EVENTOFF SN 230 & 410

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

SN 410 via this auction

SN 230 via this auction

"Travel back in time with this vintage Sonica. Yes, it is an unusual instrument. Around 1979-1980, only 650 were built. It's really a synthesizer that looks like a mini-guitar/sitar. The tone is something like a theremin. To hear the actual tone, there are various Youtube videos of folks playing one. This one is numbered 410. It's only about 20" long. It has its own little speaker and runs on a single nine volt battery. It has two octaves. All the notes on the headstock are major, but there is a half-step button on the body. The key is adjusted by a key knob. Yes, it is an odd duck! It is quite well made with a wood body (carved from Red Alder) and brass front, back and rear head stock plates (coated with baked enamel). The "fretboard" is also side with brass. This one is in good condition except for tears on the interior speaker grill cloth. The brass plating is tarnished, but I didn't dare scrub it with Brasso. It comes with the original (cute as the dickens) black chip board case with two piece of case candy. The mini six-page instructional booklet and warranty and the Sound Instruments warranty card (with the original 15 cent USPS "1980 Winter Olympics" speed skating stamp). It has an odd "in-tune" function: "Play the middle diamond... on the keyboard and turn the Key knob until the note sounds in tune with the music you're listening to." It also has an 1/8" output jack for a regular amplifier. Ol' Eric Clapton had one of these that was sold at his 2011 Bonhams auction for over $3,400. (Check it out online.) The inventor of the Sonica, Frank Eventoff, previously invented the popular Magical Musical Thing, and now runs Sensitronics, which is still on the cutting edge of experimental electronic musical instrument technology."

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Sonica Synthesizer SN 513

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

via this auction

"Rare Sonica Synthesizer in immaculate condition with case and paperwork.

Number 513 of 650 ever made. Beautifully made.

So weird and rare there's not a great deal about this piece out there."

Video in the listing posted here. See the Sonica label below for more.

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Sonica Synthesizer Instrument by Eventoff SN 609

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

via this auction - learn how to sell on eBay here

"There were only 650 of these made for a very short time beginning in 1979. This one is #609. Controls include Off/On/Volume and Key knobs and three touch pads titled Slider, Tone andHalf Step. It is powered by a 9 volt battery and has its own built in speaker. It also has a jack. The body is beautifully hand-carved wood and shows very little wear for its age. The face and rear plates appear to be brass. The soundhole area of the face plate is a bit bent in but it should be very easy to straighten it. The foam under the plate is showing a minor amount of cracking due to age. The Key knob has a thin crack at the tightening screw but it is solid and functional. There are two minor, superficial scratches on the fingerboard. Overall, this is a beautiful instrument. It works. It comes with its original case. In the case, you will also find the original warranty card, complete with stamp, and the small Sonica brochure showing the major scale, info about the Sonica and music for a song to play. Sonicas are very rare and are seldom seen on the market. Don’t miss your chance to own this wonderful and beautiful instrument!"

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