Subject: Thanks for The Synth! Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2004 11:21:22 -0400 From: John LeVasseur To: info@synthesizers.com Roger,   I finally purchased one of your amazing modulars (QSS-22 w/ QKB-15S keyboard controller), and of course, I am overwhelmed. The first thing I have to say is how perfect, and I mean, perfect the packaging was. The really amazing thing was when I unpacked the synth from its shipping carton, patched it up, the damn thing was dead in tune, apparently left over from the factory burn-in. An incredible testament to the stability of these music machines. And this thing shipped from Texas to New York!!!!   The primary reason for me in choosing the Synthesizers.com, instead of the competing brands, was because unlike any other manufacturer out there, you make all the details, (i.e. form factor, electrical specifications, spare parts, patching cables, design philosophies, etc.) available on your website. I couldn't be sure, without asking a million questions in mailists and discussion boards, about this kind of information about MOTM, Analogue Solutions, Encore, etc. In fact, I found more info about specifics on MOTM on the s.com website than on MOTM's website. The s.com website, and its content, is really what sold me. Also, being a Moog IIIC owner (and fanatic), the s.com's ergonomics and looks naturally appeal to me, not to mention electrical compatibility. I have some unused Moog Modules laying around. Now they will see use.   Also, I have owned a very large Dopfler (100+ mudules, not a spelling error) and once patched up, you can't get a finger in anywhere. The panels and knobs are too damn tightly packed. I sold it after the first session for this reason. (It didn't sound particularly good for my taste either; weak, no balls).   Now after seeing the dotcom synth, something struck me. Your design is one that I can see as being highly "field serviceable" right down to the component level! Now if you happen to travel with a modular, repairs in the field can be tough, and with the digital counterparts it's nearly impossible. Roger, your component choices are mostly common, readily available industrial products. In fact many connectors could probably be had from an auto parts store in a pinch. This is a wonderful thing for touring people.   Build quality. I keep hearing about your build quality being awesome. Now that I have one of your designs in hand, the build quality and design is ... well ... not awesome ... it's perfect! Now being an engineer myself I am hypercritical when it comes to design. Roger, I couldn't even come close to designing in such a common sense way. I have never seen this degree of smart designing in any product in the entire MI industry, except maybe Manley ... maybe. You talked about your friend and competitor Paul being one of smartest analog circuit designers, and seeing his product I agree. But never underestimate your own talent, I think your more clever than Paul in pragmatic design application for instance.  And I am any designers worst critic. I'm amazed ... I have no criticism. That is a first. Well ... I guess I gotta look closer. Now where is my microscope ...   Another reason I chose the "Arrick" is because of the man, that's you Roger. First off,  you are not afraid to show your face. You're totally on-hands. Your face IS the face of your products in a sense. It's obvious this guy is passionate and proud of his work, and life. You put a great deal of thought into the final total package concept of the entire product line. From your module choices, design techniques, construction quality, QC, ease of servicing, marketing plan, customer service, ease of planning custom configurations, simplicity of ordering. I could go on all day.   You considered everything in designing, building, selling, servicing and supporting an analog modular synth product line. It's a complete musical system approach. Look, how can any manufacturer say it builds synths and not offer a keyboard/controller under  its own brandname for example? Personally, this is why I believe all of us who own these should refer to them as Arrick Synths, with the s.com tagged on after just to let people know where to buy these wonderful machines. Roger, I understand the internet marketing thing. But everyone who owns these musical instruments will certainly want to honor your efforts and personal commitment to your design and clients, by using this "unofficial brand name". Heck I do not refer to my Moog as an "R.A.Moog Inc.", so why refer to my Arrick only as a "Synthesizers.com". Maybe someday in 40 years or so, here in NYC at BB King's we'll be having an ArrickFest!   See now by your thinking we should refer to it as my "Synthesizers Synthesizer". Ouch! My tongue! Conversely, in a crowded bar the other night I referred to "... Arrick" and the person responded, "God bless you". Well ...  it was noisy in there.   This synth is as good (though different) as my Moog. I think the design is much pragmatic and of course more modern. It is tremendously less complicated to move around modules, more patchable, quieter, and it's lighter. Most importantly; IT'S NEW!!!   The goal is to get my synth up to an 88sp Studio System, by year-end. I already have it designed in an Excel document, provided by the s.com website, thank you!   Roger, here's one for ya. How about a four patch matrix (either using a defeatable internal normalization scheme or a physical patchbay) allowing to store and recall four complete patches. Sure why not add to that Midi addresability as well as CV/Gate. Call it the Q175 Digital Store & Recall Module. Now there's a challenge ... I'd love it. I use modulars live more than in the studio.   Thanks Roger & Margo,   John LeVasseur