LETTER from the editor

Hey gang,

We’re back at it with another themed issue, this time exploring all things synth-related. We first broached this topic a few years back in a jampacked issue, much of which is still relevant today (and can still be found on Issuu.com if you don’t have the old print copy handy). But we wanted to expand upon our earlier issue and provide more synth content that we hope you’ll find useful both on stage and in the studio in 2023.

Inside you’ll find expert articles on wavetable synthesis, the debate over paraphonic vs. polyphonic terminology, a primer for getting started in the modular and Eurorack worlds, as well as helpful tips for buying and maintaining vintage synths PLUS an exhaustive look at the building blocks of analog synthesis and waveforms for newcomers.

Whew! As if that weren’t enough, we just got back from our annual NAMM show pilgrimage, and we’ve devoted a few pages to some of the cooler synths and keyboard instruments we saw on the show floor this year.

As with the special Pedal Issue last time around, we have supplemental artist videos showcasing some of our sponsor’s new gear PLUS a free streaming sampler of the new tracks they’ve created up on our Bandcamp page. Make sure you hit up our YouTube to catch the videos and give the sampler a listen, as well, to hear the synths and controllers in a real-world mix.

HUGE THANKS to Donner, Jamstik, IK Multimedia and Novation for helping us make this issue and companion mixtape a reality.

Enjoy!