The Audio Expert, 2nd Edition

Chapter 14

Synthesizers

A synthesizer is a device that creates sounds electronically, rather than acoustically using mechanical parts as with a piano, clarinet, or electric guitar. The sound is literally synthesized, and electronic sound shaping is often available as well. The first synthesizer was designed in 1874 by electrical engineer Elisha Gray. Gray is also credited with inventing the telephone, though Alexander Graham Bell eventually won the patent and resulting fame. Gray’s synthesizer was constructed from a series of metal reeds that were excited by electromagnets and controlled by a two-octave keyboard, but the first practical synthesizer I’m aware of was the Theremin, invented by Léon Theremin and patented in 1928.

Several modern versions ...