WLFS Music Technology

1930s

The Hammond Organ

•Provided a portable and versatile alternative to traditional pipe organs

•Major impact on jazz, gospel and rock music

Hammond Organ

The Electric Violin

• Offered violinists the ability to amplify their sound via the use of pickups

• Early versions faced challenges in reproducing the acoustic violin’s timbre

Early Electric Violin

The Electric Bass Guitar

• In the 1930s, various manufacturers began marketing versions of an electric upright bass however, Paul Tutmarc invented the first electric bass guitar

• Was more compact and portable
• Could be played horizontally
• Added frets to the fingerboard for added precision

• This invention allowed for easier amplification of the instrument in various genres of music

1940s

The Electric Piano

• Harold Rhodes invented the electric piano, providing a more portable and versatile option for keyboardists

• The instrument featured built-in pickups and amplification systems, allowing for it to be easily connected to amplifiers

• Made it possible for keyboardists to achieve greater volume and projection in live performances, overcoming the limitations of acoustic pianos in noisy environments

• Its invention also influenced the development of synthesisers and electronic keyboards along with digital emulations of itself

• Very popular in jazz, funk and rock music

1950s

The Clavinet

• The Clavinet’s distinctive sound contributed to the evolution of funk and disco music

• It’s timbre is similar to that of a harpsichord or guitar, however, its mechanical limitations such as a lack of sustain restrict its use in certain musical contexts

1960s

The Moog Synthesiser

• The invention of the Moog synthesiser revolutionised electronic music production with its modular design and programmable sound synthesis capabilities

• It helped to introduce the concept of voltage-controlled synthesis to the music industry

• It also expanded the sonic palette available to musicians, allowing them to create sounds that were previously impossible with only acoustic instruments

• This led to the emergence of entirely new genres of music including electronic, ambient and experimental music

Moog Synthesiser

1970s

The Yamaha DX7

• The Yamaha DX7 synthesiser popularised digital synthesis techniques and the use of FM synthesis, which led to advancements in electronic music production and sound design

• FM synthesis allowed for the creation of complex and dynamic sounds that were difficult or impossible to achieve with analogue synths

• Compared to earlier analogue synths, the DX7 was more compact, lightweight and affordable, making it accessible to a wider range of musicians

Yamaha DX7 Synthesiser

1980s

The Roland TR-909

• The TR-909 drum machine became a staple in electronic music production and shaping the sound of techno, house and hip-hop music

• It was one of the first drum machines to combine analogue synthesis with digital sequencing capabilities

• The TR-909 also introduced real-time pattern sequencing capabilities, allowing users to program drum patterns on the fly and create complex rhythms with ease

• It was among the first drum machines to incorporate MIDI connectivity, enabling seamless integration with other MIDI-compatible instruments and equipment

1990s

The Akai MPC2000

• The Akai MPC2000 sampling workstation combined sampling, sequencing and drum programming capabilities in one unit, revolutionising beat-making and music production

• The workstation’s built-in sampler allowed users to sample sounds from external sources such as vinyl records, CDs or instruments and manipulate them in various ways

• The MPC2000 also offered extensive drum programming capabilities

• Velocity-sensitive pads for triggering drum sounds
• Quantisation options for tightening up rhythms
• Swing settings for adding groove and feel to sequences