SYNTH GEMS 1: A coffee table book that showcases vintage synthesisers
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14.09.2021

SYNTH GEMS 1: A coffee table book that showcases vintage synthesisers

Words by Sam McNiece

From the Minimoog to the Oberheim Matrix-12.

Bjooks, publisher of musical instrument book titles including Push Turn Move, Patch & Tweak and Pedal Crush are back with a new hardcover book exploring vintage synths in detail. Synth Gems 1 is a large 320-page book with full colour photography and in depth analysis of over 60 vintage synthesisers.

What you need to know:

  • Bjooks have released the 320-page hardcover book SYNTH GEMS 1.
  • The book looks at vintage, weird and rare synths in detail with full colour photography and a breakdown of historical context and sonic design.
  • Over 60 synths are covered in the book with a foreword by Vince Clark of Depeche Mode and Erasure fame.

Read all the latest product news here.

Written by “Dr. Mike” Metlay, who spent over 23 years writing for US pro-audio mag RECORDING alongside engineering and producing music, this book puts synthesisers front and centre, with beautiful photography from Peter M. Mahr who had to travel to various museums to find and photograph the synths in question.

“SYNTH GEMS is truly an ode to the synthesizer in all its forms,” says Kim Bjørn, CEO and founder of Bjooks. “Paging through the book, readers will come across popular favorites like the Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, as well as rare instruments like the Lord Synthesisers Skywave. SYNTH GEMS is a must-have for any fan of electronic music — whether they’re a lifelong musician or just starting out.”

synth gems 1 mini moog spread

Releasing in conjuncton with the SUPERBOOTH show happening in Berlin, the book covers well known synths from the Minimoog (see above) to wacky synths you’ve probably never heard of. The book starts with this synth in 1970, moving throughout time until reaching the year 2000, with the final synth mentioned being the Alesis Andromeda.

“Over the last few years, there’s been a massive increase in interest in these beautiful vintage instruments,” Bjørn says. “As a result, we wanted the SYNTH GEMS series to provide those just starting out with a solid basis and unique insight into the history of synthesizers. We hope that some of these pages might inspire creative musical journeys among our readers.”

With the impact synthesisers have had on the musical landscape of the current day, this book tracks their influence and the inner workings of some game changing electronic music beasts.

Check out Bjooks for more information on this book.