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Books about synthesizers and other electronic musical instruments. For these about Synth DIY electronics see [[SDIY books]], and for more general books about electronics [[electronics books]].
Books about using synthesizers and other electronic musical instruments. For these about Synth DIY electronics see [[Synth DIY books]], and for more general books about electronics [[electronics books]].

⚫
=== ''The A-Z of Analogue Synthesisers Part One: A-M'' by Peter Forrest ===
⚫
Susurreal Publishing, 1998, {{ISBN|0-9524377-2-4}}<br/>
⚫
The ultimate analog synth catalogue part one.

=== ''The A-Z of Analogue Synthesisers Part Two: N-Z'' by Peter Forrest ===
Susurreal Publishing, 2003, {{ISBN|0-9524377-3-2}}<br/>
⚫
The ultimate analog synth catalogue part two.


=== ''Advanced Programming Techniques for Modular Synthesizers'' edited by James J. Clark ===
=== ''Advanced Programming Techniques for Modular Synthesizers'' edited by James J. Clark ===
2003, Online at [http://www.cim.mcgill.ca/~clark/nordmodularbook/nm_book_toc.html nordmodularbook]
2003. Online at [http://www.cim.mcgill.ca/~clark/nordmodularbook/nm_book_toc.html nordmodularbook]


=== ''Analog Days: The Invention and Impact of the Moog Synthesizer'' by Trevor Pinch ===
=== ''Analog Days: The Invention and Impact of the Moog Synthesizer'' by Trevor Pinch ===
Harvard University Press, 2004, ISBN 0-674-01617-3, 384 pages
Harvard University Press, 2004, {{ISBN|0-674-01617-3}}, 384 pages


=== ''Analog Electronic Music Techniques in Tape, Electronic and Voltage-Controlled Synthesizer Studios'' by Joel Naumann and James D. Wagoner ===
=== ''Analog Electronic Music Techniques in Tape, Electronic and Voltage-Controlled Synthesizer Studios'' by Joel Naumann and James D. Wagoner ===
1985, ISBN 0-02-873140-9
1985, {{ISBN|0-02-873140-9}}


=== ''Analog Synthesis: The Newbie Guide'' by Reinhard Schmitz ===
=== ''Analog Synthesis: The Newbie Guide'' by Reinhard Schmitz ===
Music Sales Ltd, 1999, ISBN 3-927954-37-3, 85 pages
Music Sales Ltd, 1999, {{ISBN|3-927954-37-3}}, 85 pages. Archived online via [https://web.archive.org/web/20201108094754/https://www.wizoobooks.com/BA01E_Data_Wizoo_analog_synthesis.zip Wizoo Publishing GmbH]


=== ''Analog Synthesizers: Understanding, Performing, Buying'' by Mark Jenkins ===
⚫
=== ''Die Klangwelt des Musiksynthesizers – Die Einfuehrung in die Funktions – und Wirkungsweise eines Modulsynthesizers'''' by Dr. Bernd Enders ===
Routledge, 2019, {{ISBN|1138319368}}
⚫
Franzis Verlag, 1985, ISBN 3-7723-7761-0 or ISBN 978-3-7723-7761-7 also at [https://www.epos.uni-osnabrueck.de/books/e/endb_85/pages/index.htm epos.uni-osnabrueck.de]


=== ''Electronic Music: Systems, Techniques, Controls'' by Allen Strange ===
=== ''An Individual Note of Music, Sound and Electronics'' by Daphne Oram ===
Anomie Academic, 2016, {{ISBN|1910221112}}, 160 pages<br/>
⚫
288 pages, McGraw-Hill Inc., 2nd revised edition, 1982, ISBN 0-697-03602-2
Galliard paperbacks, 1972, {{ISBN|0852491093}}, 145 pages


=== ''The Art of Electronic Music'' by Tom Darter and Greg Armbruster ===
⚫
The 2nd edition has much more information than the 1st.<ref name="p4d">Muff Wiggler forum: [https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12812 Newb looking for 'Patching for dummies' kind of thing]</ref>
⚫
1983/1985, {{ISBN|0-688-03106-4}}

=== ''A synthesist's guide to acoustic instruments'' by Howard Massey ===
224 pages, Amsco, 1987, {{ISBN|071191124X}}

=== ''The Complete Guide to Synthesizers'' by Devarahi ===
⚫
Prentice Hall, 1982, {{ISBN|0-13-160630-1}}, Available at [http://thesnowfields.com/manuals/devarahi%20'the%20complete%20guide%20to%20synthesizers'.pdf The Snowfields]

=== ''Creative Synthesizer Technique'' by Adam Holzman ===
Mel Bay Publications, 2020, {{ISBN|1513465031}}, 80 pages

=== ''The Development and Practice of Electronic Music'' by Jon Appleton and Ronald C. Perera ===
Prentice Hall, 1975, {{ISBN|0-13-207605-5}}, 208 pages<br/>
⚫
Especially chapter 4 by Joel Chadabe on The Voltage Controlled Synthesizer. In some ways similar to the Strange book, although not as extensive.<ref name="p4d" />

=== ''Electronic Music: Systems, Techniques, Controls'' by Allen Strange ===
⚫
288 pages, McGraw-Hill Inc., 2nd revised edition, 1982, {{ISBN|0-697-03602-2}}<br/>
⚫
The 2nd edition has much more information than the 1st.<ref name="p4d">Mod Wiggler forum: [https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12812 Newb looking for 'Patching for dummies' kind of thing]</ref>


=== ''Illustrated Compendium of Musical Technology'' by Tristam Cary ===
=== ''Illustrated Compendium of Musical Technology'' by Tristam Cary ===
Faber & Faber, 1992, ISBN 0-571-15251-1, 544 pages. Simultaneously published in the US by Greenwood Press under the title ''Dictionary of musical technology'', ISBN 0-313-28694-9.
Faber & Faber, 1992, {{ISBN|0-571-15251-1}}, 544 pages. Simultaneously published in the US by Greenwood Press under the title ''Dictionary of musical technology'', {{ISBN|0-313-28694-9}}.


=== ''Keyfax Omnibus'' by Julian Colbeck ===
=== ''Keyfax Omnibus'' by Julian Colbeck ===
MixBooks, 1996, ISBN 0-918371-08-2
MixBooks, 1996, {{ISBN|0-918371-08-2}}<br/>

Fairly comprehensive compendium of reviews of synths, samplers, organs and key controllers, from the Farfisa Compact circa mid-sixties, to the mid-nineties. Easy and fun to read, and a great reference. Nearly every entry has a B&W photo. Also look out for earlier editions from the eighties, where more obscure stuff is included.<ref name="sdiy-apr-13" />
Fairly comprehensive compendium of reviews of synths, samplers, organs and key controllers, from the Farfisa Compact circa mid-sixties, to the mid-nineties. Easy and fun to read, and a great reference. Nearly every entry has a B&W photo. Also look out for earlier editions from the eighties, where more obscure stuff is included.<ref name="sdiy-apr-13" />

⚫
=== ''Die Klangwelt des Musiksynthesizers – Die Einfuehrung in die Funktions – und Wirkungsweise eines Modulsynthesizers'''' by Dr. Bernd Enders ===
⚫
Franzis Verlag, 1985, {{ISBN|3-7723-7761-0}} or {{ISBN|978-3-7723-7761-7}} also at [https://www.epos.uni-osnabrueck.de/books/e/endb_85/pages/index.htm epos.uni-osnabrueck.de]


=== ''Learning music with synthesizers'' by David Friend, Alan R. Pearlman and Thomas Piggot ===
=== ''Learning music with synthesizers'' by David Friend, Alan R. Pearlman and Thomas Piggot ===
Publisher: H. Leonard Pub. Corp, 1974, ASIN B0006CEUL2, 213 pages, Available at [http://thesnowfields.com/manuals/LearnMusicWithSynths1974.pdf The Snowfields]
Publisher: H. Leonard Pub. Corp, 1974, {{ASIN|B0006CEUL2}}, 213 pages, Available at [http://thesnowfields.com/manuals/LearnMusicWithSynths1974.pdf The Snowfields]


=== ''Midi For Musicians'' by Craig Anderton ===
=== ''Midi For Musicians'' by Craig Anderton ===
AMSCO Pubs, 1986, ISBN 0-8256-1050-8
AMSCO Pubs, 1986, {{ISBN|0-8256-1050-8}}<br/>

May be considered a bit dated now. The full [[MIDI]] spec is in the back of the book.<ref name="sdiy-apr-13" />
May be considered a bit dated now. The full [[MIDI]] spec is in the back of the book.<ref name="sdiy-apr-13" />

=== ''Music and the synthesizer'' by Bruce Graham ===
Argus Books, 1980, {{ISBN|085242695X}}, 142 pages


=== ''Music, Physics and Engineering'' by Harry F. Olson ===
=== ''Music, Physics and Engineering'' by Harry F. Olson ===
Dover Publications Inc, 2003, 0486217698, 480 pages
Dover Publications Inc, 2003, {{ISBN|0486217698}}, 480 pages


=== ''Power Tools for Synthesizer Programming'' by Jim Aikin ===
=== ''Notes on Modular Synthesis'' by Peter Elsea ===
From [https://www.lulu.com/en/en/shop/peter-elsea/notes-on-modular-synthesis/paperback/product-1p7qr6ep.html lulu.com]
⚫
2004, ISBN 0-87930-773-0


"A solid primer with many of the fundamental synthesis building blocks. It is module-agnostic, and evergreen stuff that will apply toward really any approach to synthesis."<ref>[https://modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=237668 Beginner friendly video about basic utilities: mixing/attenuating/inverting/offset - with patchtips!], Mod Wiggler forum, September 2020</ref>
=== ''Refining Sound – A Practical Guide to Synthesis and Synthesizers'' by Brian K. Shepard ===
⚫
Oxford University Press, 2013, ISBN 0-19-992296-9


=== ''Synthesizer Basics'' edited by Brent Hurtig ===
=== ''The New Complete Synthesizer'' by David Crombie ===
Omnibus Press, 1986, {{ISBN|0711907013}}, 112 pages<br>
⚫
GPI Publications (Hal Leonard Pubs), 1984, ISBN 0-88188-714-5
A moderately technical but very clearly written book on how synthesizers work, highly recommended.<ref>''[https://www.jstor.org/stable/3397959 The ABCs of Synthesizers]'' by Steven Powell, Music Educators Journal, Vol. 74, No. 4, pp. 27-31, Sage Publications, Inc. Dec. 1987</ref>


=== ''Patch & Tweak - Exploring Modular Synthesis'' by Kim Bjørn, Chris Meyer ===
⚫
Brilliant collection of articles that first appeared in Keyboard Magazine, most of them are by [[Robert Moog]] from the late 70s giving lucid explanations on topics such as Loudness and Attack Shaping, Principles Of Voltage Control, Phasers etc.<ref name="sdiy-apr-13">The Synth-diy Archive, [https://web.archive.org/web/20141010194408/http://dropmix.xs4all.nl/pipermail/synth-diy/2013-April/thread.html SDIY Wiki – books], April 2013</ref>
Bjooks Media, 2018, {{ISBN|9788799999514}}


A beautiful coffee table book, useful if you're starting out in modular synthesis but not not much depth for the experienced user. It describes the building blocks for particular functions and includes interviews with well known modular builders and artists, as well as some patches to try out.<ref>[https://modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=239466 Patch and Tweak book?], Mod Wiggler Forum, October 2020</ref>
⚫
=== ''The A-Z of Analogue Synthesisers Part One: A-M'' by Peter Forrest ===
⚫
Susurreal Publishing, 1998, ISBN 0-9524377-2-4


=== ''Power Tools for Synthesizer Programming'' by Jim Aikin ===
⚫
The ultimate analog synth reference book part one.
⚫
2004, {{ISBN|0-87930-773-0}}


=== ''The A-Z of Analogue Synthesisers Part Two: N-Z'' by Peter Forrest ===
=== ''The Prophet from Silicon Valley: The Complete Story of Sequential Circuits'' by David Abernethy ===
Susurreal Publishing, 2003, ISBN 0-9524377-3-2
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015, {{ISBN|1-5121-9832-3}}, 274 pages


=== ''Push Turn Move - Interface Design in Electronic Music'' by Kim Bjorn ===
⚫
The ultimate analog synth reference book part two.
Bjooks Media, 2017, {{ISBN|9788799999507}}


=== ''The Art of Electronic Music'' by Tom Darter and Greg Armbruster ===
=== ''Refining Sound – A Practical Guide to Synthesis and Synthesizers'' by Brian K. Shepard ===
⚫
Oxford University Press, 2013, {{ISBN|0-19-992296-9}}
⚫
1983/1985, ISBN 0-688-03106-4


=== ''The Complete Guide to Synthesizers'' by Devarahi ===
=== ''Synthesizer Basics'' edited by Brent Hurtig ===
⚫
GPI Publications (Hal Leonard Pubs), 1984, {{ISBN|0-88188-714-5}}<br/>
⚫
Prentice Hall, 1982, ISBN 0-13-160630-1, Available at [http://thesnowfields.com/manuals/devarahi%20'the%20complete%20guide%20to%20synthesizers'.pdf The Snowfields]
⚫
Brilliant collection of articles that first appeared in Keyboard Magazine, most of them are by [[Robert Moog]] from the late 70s giving lucid explanations on topics such as Loudness and Attack Shaping, Principles Of Voltage Control, Phasers etc.<ref name="sdiy-apr-13">The Synth-diy Archive, [https://web.archive.org/web/20141010194408/http://dropmix.xs4all.nl/pipermail/synth-diy/2013-April/thread.html SDIY Wiki – books], April 2013</ref>


=== ''The Development and Practice of Electronic Music'' by Jon Appleton and Ronald C. Perera ===
=== ''The Musical Art of Synthesis'' by Sam McGuire and Nathan van der Rest ===
Prentice Hall, 1975, ISBN 0-13-207605-5, 208 pages
Routledge, 2015, {{ISBN|1138829781}}, 390 pages

⚫
Especially chapter 4 by Joel Chadabe on The Voltage Controlled Synthesizer. In some ways similar to the Strange book, although not as extensive.<ref name="p4d" />

=== ''The Prophet from Silicon Valley: The Complete Story of Sequential Circuits'' by David Abernethy ===
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015, ISBN 1-5121-9832-3, 274 pages


=== ''The Synthesizer'' by Roland Corporation ===
=== ''The Synthesizer'' by Roland Corporation ===
2nd edition, Roland Corporation, 1979, ASIN B001E88X88, 4 volumes, paperback
2nd edition, Roland Corporation, 1979, {{ASIN|B001E88X88}}, 4 volumes, paperback<br/>
⚫
[https://web.archive.org/web/20171113202334/http://www.smg.org/stuff/The_Synthesizer.zip Electronic Music, Multichannel Recording and Practical Synthesis books]


=== ''Synthesizer: So funktioniert elektronische Klangerzeugung'' by Florian Anwander ===
⚫
[http://www.smg.org/stuff/The_Synthesizer.zip Electronic Music, Multichannel Recording and Practical Synthesis books]
PPV Medien GmbH, 2019, {{ISBN|3941531700}}


=== ''The Technique of Electronic Music'' by Thomas Wells ===
=== ''The Technique of Electronic Music'' by Thomas Wells ===
2nd edition, Macmillan USA, 1981, ISBN 0-02-872830-0, 304 pages. Available at [https://archive.org/details/TheTechniqueOfElectronicMusicByThomasWells1974 Archive.org]
2nd edition, Macmillan USA, 1981, {{ISBN|0-02-872830-0}}, 304 pages.<br/>
Available at [https://archive.org/details/TheTechniqueOfElectronicMusicByThomasWells1974 Archive.org]


=== ''Vintage Synthesizers'' by Mark Vail ===
=== ''Vintage Synthesizers'' by Mark Vail ===
Miller Freeman, 1993, ISBN 0-87930-603-3<ref name="sdiy-apr-13" />
Miller Freeman, 1993, {{ISBN|0-87930-603-3}}<ref name="sdiy-apr-13" />


=== ''Welsh's Synthesizer Cookbook: Synthesizer Programming, Sound Analysis, and Universal Patch Book'' by Fred Welsh ===
=== ''Welsh's Synthesizer Cookbook: Synthesizer Programming, Sound Analysis, and Universal Patch Book'' by Fred Welsh ===
3rd edition, 2006, ASIN B000ERHA4S, 128 pages
3rd edition, 2006, {{ASIN|B000ERHA4S}}, 128 pages<br/>

Great for bread and butter type stuff. Definitely more [[Moog]] based patches as opposed to [[Buchla/Serge etc]]. Has things like strings, bass, bells, leads, pianos etc.<ref name="p4d" />
Great for bread and butter type stuff. Definitely more [[Moog]] based patches as opposed to [[Buchla/Serge etc]]. Has things like strings, bass, bells, leads, pianos etc.<ref name="p4d" />


⚫
{{From Muff Wiggler wiki|Bibliography and Reading Materials}}
== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[SDIY books]] for books about SDIY electronics and closely related topics.
* [[Synth DIY books]] for books about SDIY electronics and closely related topics.
* [[Electronics books]] for books about electronics.
* [[Electronics books]] for books about electronics.


== References ==
== References ==
⚫
{{From Mod Wiggler Wiki|Bibliography and Reading Materials}}
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


Line 107: Line 138:
* [http://www.wavemakers-synth.com/buchla/PaMtEO.zip Buchla music easel manual], also relates to synths in general
* [http://www.wavemakers-synth.com/buchla/PaMtEO.zip Buchla music easel manual], also relates to synths in general
* Digisound [http://www.digisound80.co.uk/digisound/other_documents/documents.htm Step by Step Guide to Synthesis]
* Digisound [http://www.digisound80.co.uk/digisound/other_documents/documents.htm Step by Step Guide to Synthesis]
* [http://www.samecoff.com/works.html Fundamentals of Music Technology: Subtractive Synthesis] with audio samples
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100708073450/http://www.samecoff.com/works.html Fundamentals of Music Technology: Subtractive Synthesis] with audio samples
* Nord Modular G2 [http://rhordijk.home.xs4all.nl/G2Pages/ Workshops and tutorials], also relates to synths in general
* Nord Modular G2 [http://rhordijk.home.xs4all.nl/G2Pages/ Workshops and tutorials], also relates to synths in general
* Sound On Sound magazine's [http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/jun97/synthschool1.html Synth School]
* Sound On Sound magazine's [https://web.archive.org/web/20160516023645/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/jun97/synthschool1.html Synth School] - archived
* Sound On Sound magazine's [http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/allsynthsecrets.htm Synth Secrets], also at [https://github.com/micjamking/synth-secrets github/micjamking/synth-secrets]
* Sound On Sound magazine's [https://web.archive.org/web/20160403115835/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/allsynthsecrets.htm Synth Secrets] - archived
* [https://github.com/dlemmon/synth-secrets Synth Secrets] by Gordon Reid, Sound On Sound, May 1999 to July 2004 - compiled to .epub


=== Patching ===
=== Patching ===
* [https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12812 Newb looking for 'Patching for dummies' kind of thing]
* [https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12812 Newb looking for 'Patching for dummies' kind of thing]
=== Music technology ===
=== Music technology ===
* [http://www.samecoff.com/works.html Basic Music Technology I & II]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100708073450/http://www.samecoff.com/works.html Basic Music Technology I & II]
=== Lists of books on other sites ===
=== Lists of books on other sites ===
* [http://www.synthesizers.com/books.html Books worth reading] at Synthesizers.com
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20141103232119/http://www.synthesizers.com/books.html Books worth reading] at Synthesizers.com
* Detachment 3 Laboratories, [http://labs.det3.net/diy/synthbook.html The Master Synthesizer Book List r1.1]
* Detachment 3 Laboratories, [https://web.archive.org/web/20150204032834/http://labs.det3.net/diy/synthbook.html The Master Synthesizer Book List r1.1]
* Doepfer Musikelektronik [http://www.doepfer.de/a100_man/a100b_e.htm A-100 Further Reading]
* Doepfer Musikelektronik [http://www.doepfer.de/a100_man/a100b_e.htm A-100 Further Reading]
* Fred Wilder's [http://www.stcroixstudios.com/wilder/music/synthreading.html Reading List]
* Fred Wilder's [http://www.stcroixstudios.com/wilder/music/synthreading.html Reading List]
* [http://patchpierre.blogspot.nl/search/label/Booktip PatchPierre BookTips]
* [http://patchpierre.blogspot.nl/search/label/Booktip PatchPierre BookTips]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140830210311/http://home.swipnet.se/cfmd/synths/books.html Magnus Synth Book Page]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140830210311/http://home.swipnet.se/cfmd/synths/books.html Magnus Synth Book Page]
* Music From Outer Space:[http://www.musicfromouterspace.com/index.php?CATPARTNO=&PROJARG=ELECTRONICS%2Fbookstore.html&MAINTAB=SYNTHDIY&VPW=1321&VPH=810 Suggested Reading]
* Music From Outer Space:[https://web.archive.org/web/20190613231915/http://musicfromouterspace.com/index.php?CATPARTNO=&PROJARG=ELECTRONICS%252Fbookstore.html&MAINTAB=SYNTHDIY&VPW=1321&VPH=810 Suggested Reading]
* [http://m.matrixsynth.com/2006/12/synth-books.html Synth Books] at MATRIXSYNTH
* [http://m.matrixsynth.com/2006/12/synth-books.html Synth Books] at MATRIXSYNTH
* [http://www.snap-dragon.com/synth_books.htm Synth Books] at www.snap-dragon.com
* [http://www.snap-dragon.com/synth_books.htm Synth Books] at www.snap-dragon.com
* [http://www.solorb.com/anhevn/synthbooks.txt Synth/MIDI/Analog/Acoustic Bibliography] by Mark Frazer Bower
* [http://www.solorb.com/anhevn/synthbooks.txt Synth/MIDI/Analog/Acoustic Bibliography] by Mark Frazer Bower
* The Synthesizer Network [http://www.analogue.org/tsn/books.htm Literature, CD´s and Videos] page, from 2011
* The Synthesizer Network [https://web.archive.org/web/20190613231744/http://www.analogue.org/tsn/books.htm Literature, CD´s and Videos] page, from 2011
* Music Thing Modular [http://musicthing.co.uk/modular/?cat=21 Reading List]
* Music Thing Modular [https://web.archive.org/web/20171013104705/http://musicthing.co.uk/modular/?cat=21 Reading List]


[[Category:References]]
[[Category:References]]

Latest revision as of 17:52, 15 February 2023

Books about using synthesizers and other electronic musical instruments. For these about Synth DIY electronics see Synth DIY books, and for more general books about electronics electronics books.

The A-Z of Analogue Synthesisers Part One: A-M by Peter Forrest

Susurreal Publishing, 1998, ISBN 0-9524377-2-4
The ultimate analog synth catalogue part one.

The A-Z of Analogue Synthesisers Part Two: N-Z by Peter Forrest

Susurreal Publishing, 2003, ISBN 0-9524377-3-2
The ultimate analog synth catalogue part two.

Advanced Programming Techniques for Modular Synthesizers edited by James J. Clark

2003. Online at nordmodularbook

Analog Days: The Invention and Impact of the Moog Synthesizer by Trevor Pinch

Harvard University Press, 2004, ISBN 0-674-01617-3, 384 pages

Analog Electronic Music Techniques in Tape, Electronic and Voltage-Controlled Synthesizer Studios by Joel Naumann and James D. Wagoner

1985, ISBN 0-02-873140-9

Analog Synthesis: The Newbie Guide by Reinhard Schmitz

Music Sales Ltd, 1999, ISBN 3-927954-37-3, 85 pages. Archived online via Wizoo Publishing GmbH

Analog Synthesizers: Understanding, Performing, Buying by Mark Jenkins

Routledge, 2019, ISBN 1138319368

An Individual Note of Music, Sound and Electronics by Daphne Oram

Anomie Academic, 2016, ISBN 1910221112, 160 pages
Galliard paperbacks, 1972, ISBN 0852491093, 145 pages

The Art of Electronic Music by Tom Darter and Greg Armbruster

1983/1985, ISBN 0-688-03106-4

A synthesist's guide to acoustic instruments by Howard Massey

224 pages, Amsco, 1987, ISBN 071191124X

The Complete Guide to Synthesizers by Devarahi

Prentice Hall, 1982, ISBN 0-13-160630-1, Available at The Snowfields

Creative Synthesizer Technique by Adam Holzman

Mel Bay Publications, 2020, ISBN 1513465031, 80 pages

The Development and Practice of Electronic Music by Jon Appleton and Ronald C. Perera

Prentice Hall, 1975, ISBN 0-13-207605-5, 208 pages
Especially chapter 4 by Joel Chadabe on The Voltage Controlled Synthesizer. In some ways similar to the Strange book, although not as extensive.[1]

Electronic Music: Systems, Techniques, Controls by Allen Strange

288 pages, McGraw-Hill Inc., 2nd revised edition, 1982, ISBN 0-697-03602-2
The 2nd edition has much more information than the 1st.[1]

Illustrated Compendium of Musical Technology by Tristam Cary

Faber & Faber, 1992, ISBN 0-571-15251-1, 544 pages. Simultaneously published in the US by Greenwood Press under the title Dictionary of musical technology, ISBN 0-313-28694-9.

Keyfax Omnibus by Julian Colbeck

MixBooks, 1996, ISBN 0-918371-08-2
Fairly comprehensive compendium of reviews of synths, samplers, organs and key controllers, from the Farfisa Compact circa mid-sixties, to the mid-nineties. Easy and fun to read, and a great reference. Nearly every entry has a B&W photo. Also look out for earlier editions from the eighties, where more obscure stuff is included.[2]

Die Klangwelt des Musiksynthesizers – Die Einfuehrung in die Funktions – und Wirkungsweise eines Modulsynthesizers'' by Dr. Bernd Enders

Franzis Verlag, 1985, ISBN 3-7723-7761-0 or ISBN 978-3-7723-7761-7 also at epos.uni-osnabrueck.de

Learning music with synthesizers by David Friend, Alan R. Pearlman and Thomas Piggot

Publisher: H. Leonard Pub. Corp, 1974, ASIN B0006CEUL2, 213 pages, Available at The Snowfields

Midi For Musicians by Craig Anderton

AMSCO Pubs, 1986, ISBN 0-8256-1050-8
May be considered a bit dated now. The full MIDI spec is in the back of the book.[2]

Music and the synthesizer by Bruce Graham

Argus Books, 1980, ISBN 085242695X, 142 pages

Music, Physics and Engineering by Harry F. Olson

Dover Publications Inc, 2003, ISBN 0486217698, 480 pages

Notes on Modular Synthesis by Peter Elsea

From lulu.com

"A solid primer with many of the fundamental synthesis building blocks. It is module-agnostic, and evergreen stuff that will apply toward really any approach to synthesis."[3]

The New Complete Synthesizer by David Crombie

Omnibus Press, 1986, ISBN 0711907013, 112 pages
A moderately technical but very clearly written book on how synthesizers work, highly recommended.[4]

Patch & Tweak - Exploring Modular Synthesis by Kim Bjørn, Chris Meyer

Bjooks Media, 2018, ISBN 9788799999514

A beautiful coffee table book, useful if you're starting out in modular synthesis but not not much depth for the experienced user. It describes the building blocks for particular functions and includes interviews with well known modular builders and artists, as well as some patches to try out.[5]

Power Tools for Synthesizer Programming by Jim Aikin

2004, ISBN 0-87930-773-0

The Prophet from Silicon Valley: The Complete Story of Sequential Circuits by David Abernethy

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015, ISBN 1-5121-9832-3, 274 pages

Push Turn Move - Interface Design in Electronic Music by Kim Bjorn

Bjooks Media, 2017, ISBN 9788799999507

Refining Sound – A Practical Guide to Synthesis and Synthesizers by Brian K. Shepard

Oxford University Press, 2013, ISBN 0-19-992296-9

Synthesizer Basics edited by Brent Hurtig

GPI Publications (Hal Leonard Pubs), 1984, ISBN 0-88188-714-5
Brilliant collection of articles that first appeared in Keyboard Magazine, most of them are by Robert Moog from the late 70s giving lucid explanations on topics such as Loudness and Attack Shaping, Principles Of Voltage Control, Phasers etc.[2]

The Musical Art of Synthesis by Sam McGuire and Nathan van der Rest

Routledge, 2015, ISBN 1138829781, 390 pages

The Synthesizer by Roland Corporation

2nd edition, Roland Corporation, 1979, ASIN B001E88X88, 4 volumes, paperback
Electronic Music, Multichannel Recording and Practical Synthesis books

Synthesizer: So funktioniert elektronische Klangerzeugung by Florian Anwander

PPV Medien GmbH, 2019, ISBN 3941531700

The Technique of Electronic Music by Thomas Wells

2nd edition, Macmillan USA, 1981, ISBN 0-02-872830-0, 304 pages.
Available at Archive.org

Vintage Synthesizers by Mark Vail

Miller Freeman, 1993, ISBN 0-87930-603-3[2]

Welsh's Synthesizer Cookbook: Synthesizer Programming, Sound Analysis, and Universal Patch Book by Fred Welsh

3rd edition, 2006, ASIN B000ERHA4S, 128 pages
Great for bread and butter type stuff. Definitely more Moog based patches as opposed to Buchla/Serge etc. Has things like strings, bass, bells, leads, pianos etc.[1]

See also

References

This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Mod Wiggler Wiki:Bibliography and Reading Materials (View authors).

  1. ^ a b c Mod Wiggler forum: Newb looking for 'Patching for dummies' kind of thing
  2. ^ a b c d The Synth-diy Archive, SDIY Wiki – books, April 2013
  3. ^ Beginner friendly video about basic utilities: mixing/attenuating/inverting/offset - with patchtips!, Mod Wiggler forum, September 2020
  4. ^ The ABCs of Synthesizers by Steven Powell, Music Educators Journal, Vol. 74, No. 4, pp. 27-31, Sage Publications, Inc. Dec. 1987
  5. ^ Patch and Tweak book?, Mod Wiggler Forum, October 2020

External links

Anything in-depth worth reading and longer than a page or two.

Sound and synthesizer theory

Patching

Music technology

Lists of books on other sites

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