Saturday, May 08, 2010

Electronium Restoration

Although Raymond Scott designed and built several versions of his automatic composing-performing machine, The Electronium, the only surviving model was one commissioned by Berry Gordy for Motown. Following Scott's death in 1994, the non-functioning instrument was purchased by Mark Mothersbaugh, who promised to restore it. That resurrection is now being attempted by engineer Darren Davison

7 comments:

  1. This is very exciting.

    Was there any documentation left by Scott?

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  2. Hi Lain:

    Yes, hundreds of RS's schematics, wiring & circuit diagrams, patent disclosures, etc. survive. But even with those documents, this project will be a long & difficult challenge.

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  3. I can only imaging how difficult this will be but at least there is something of a paper trail even if it is a puzzle itself.

    Look forward to posts on the progress. Upon completion I hope there is an Electronium party.

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  4. I am very much pleased to see that the long promised Restoration of the Electronium is finally undertaken.

    I can only hope that such knowledgeable technicians as are best suited to this undertaking are involved.

    Hopefully some particularities of the auto-composition and synthesis functions of the Electronium, which are at present secrets; will be revealed.

    Be kind to Her Gentlemen; She is the Crown Jewel of Early American Polyphonic Synthesis, and if to be laid to rest deserves no less than a place of honor and dignity at the Smithsonium.

    All My best to Mark and Everyone involved in this exciting Project.

    Cheers!

    Throxx Of Vron

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  5. I'm wondering if the instrument has been restored? Like you, I'm also a fan of Raymond Scott's music and it's sad to see it die with him.

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  6. Hi Gabrielle:

    No, it has not been restored yet, but they're trying...

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