MFOS "Sub-Commander" Guitar Synth

[mistercooper]

http://musicfromouterspace.com/analogsynth/GUITARSYNTHAUG2007/GUITARSYNTHAUG2007.html

Anyone gonna build one?

Features

Generates sub-octave and pulse waveforms
Generates gate and trigger signals
VCF controlled by dedicated AD generator and LFO
VCA controlled by dedicated AD generator and LFO
Mix clean sound with filtered/modulated sound.
Auto-Wah, Warbling Wah, Tremolo, Pseudo-Ring Mod
Gives your guitar a bag of new tricks
Advanced project for advanced electronics hobbyists

[Bassmanfox]

WOW, I haven't seen that one on there yet.  I think that seems like a fun next build.  I have a few to finish before that, but hopefully in the coming months, keep us updated on your progress if you decide to tackle this build.

[aloupos]

Awesome project!!  Not looking forward to etching a 2 sided PCB of that size though!  The wah, wow and synth sounds are amazing!

[stobiepole]

Buy the PCB - I've got a Soundlab PCB I bought from him, and it's a very good quality board. I have to finish wiring it all up...I originally bought the Soundlab for much the same purpose as the Sub-Commander - there's a guitar trigger interface you can use. But I think I'm going to build one of these as well...

Ever since I heard the first couple of Roxy Music albums, with Eno processing the guitar and sax through a primitive synth, I've wanted something similar for myself.

Chris

[Jaicen_solo]

I've gotta say, that is awesome! And ripe for modding too if you ask me. I'd stick the interval section of the Rocktave in there for sure! And i'd add an octave up too, then it would be sweet as, and a real Microsynth killer. Finally a great, easily DIY'able guitar synth project (see, prayers are sometimes answered!).

[StephenGiles]

This is not the "tracking oscillator" type of guitar synth, but looks very interesting indeed.

[Jaicen_solo]

That's exactly why it's cool, like the Microsynth it should respond much better to picking dynamics and dare I say, sloppy technique
When I get round to it, this is definitely going to be on the list of things to build. I'd like to think i'll eventually build a Synthax and EPFM Pitch to voltage converter, but i'm not sure i'll ever get the balls to do it!

[Rodgre]

I'd like to think i'll eventually build a Synthax and EPFM Pitch to voltage converter

Excuse me? EPFM P-V converter? Did I miss something?

Roger

[snufkin]

what?

Excuse me? EPFM P-V converter? Did I miss something?

is that the penfold unit as i am making one right now or is it a better alternative

[Mark Hammer]

It's the one that Harry Bissell designed for Tom's site.  Since Harry is a guitar player, I suspect it is optimized for guitar characteristics, and certainly if it matches the calibre of his envelope follower, it should be good.  I have the schem if anybody needs it.

[Rodgre]

I'd like to think i'll eventually build a Synthax and EPFM Pitch to voltage converter

Excuse me? EPFM P-V converter? Did I miss something?

Just making sure there wasn't a page missing in my Anderton book.

Roger

[GREEN FUZ]

I have the schem if anybody needs it.

I wouldn`t mind having a look at that Mark.

[snufkin]

neather would i


is it possible to buy the full docks of the Pitch to voltage converter and env follower

i think i have only found the site where they are mentioned once and it wasnt that clear 

is it http://www.wiseguysynth.com/


sorry to thread hijack

[Jaicen_solo]

As usual, I was possibly hasty about typing the EPFM bit, it may well be from a different source. I do know I got it from Mr Hammer's site, as with most of the cool old schems I have

[Mark Hammer]

I'd like to think i'll eventually build a Synthax and EPFM Pitch to voltage converter

Excuse me? EPFM P-V converter? Did I miss something?

Roger

Oops!   I read the original query too fast.  I thought you were referring to EFM, Tom Gamble's Electronics for Music site ( http://www.ele4music.com/efm/ ), not Anderton's EPFM.  EFM was where Harry's R-2-V unit was, though it appears not to be there currently.

Anderton did not have a P-2-V unit at any time that I know of, although there WAS the AMS-100 module in DEVICE that was intended to be the "front end" of a guitar processor.  The only guitar P-2-V projects I am aware of are Harry's and the two Penfold projects appearing in Practical Electronics (Guitar tracker and Mono synth interface).  Alternatively, you can adapt Penfold's "Light Metal" project: http://www.experimentalistsanonymous.com/diy/Schematics/Ring%20Modulators%20and%20Frequency%20Shifters/Light%20Metal%20Effects%20Penfold%20Ring%20Mod.pdf  This includes a tracking VCO that can be used as the signal to be processed by filters, etc.

[Jaicen_solo]

Yep that was what I was referring to. As far as i'm aware, the AMS designs were never finalised, only the first few modules were printed. The one I planned to build was a standalone unit that provided CV and GATE out's, and had three knobs for adjustment on the front. I've held off on building it because I'm still not sure about it's tracking accuracy.  I've also just got a GR-300 so, you know....

[Rodgre]

I've also just got a GR-300 so, you know....

Good for you! Which controller are you using? I've been having a little nostalgic rennaissance with mine lately. I hadn't played it in years and now I've really gotten back into it.

Roger

[Jaicen_solo]

Actually, I don't have a controller for it, or even the 24-pin cable! In actual fact, I haven't recieved it yet..
I've been scouring www.joness.com for info and schematics on the G808/303 controller. I'm planning to build a 13-pin GK converter to use my modern guitar and my GR-20 at the same time, and eventually I'll build the G808 electrics into my next custom guitar. At the minute, i'm still not sure wether i'll be able to custom build a suitable socket for the 24-pin connector, or I may just replace the custom connector with a DB24. I'm not fond of mods to vintage gear, but needs must!

[Steve Newton]

Actually, I don't have a controller for it, or even the 24-pin cable! In actual fact, I haven't recieved it yet..
I've been scouring www.joness.com for info and schematics on the G808/303 controller. I'm planning to build a 13-pin GK converter to use my modern guitar and my GR-20 at the same time, and eventually I'll build the G808 electrics into my next custom guitar. At the minute, i'm still not sure wether i'll be able to custom build a suitable socket for the 24-pin connector, or I may just replace the custom connector with a DB24. I'm not fond of mods to vintage gear, but needs must!

Some info here - http://www.joness.com/gr300/GR-300.htm

Schems - http://www.joness.com/gr300/Schematic_1.htm

[bent]

do you think it can be mod for bass ?

bent