>
> A few instruments, such as the
> Theramin, the Ondes-Martinot, are just about wiped off the planet. Nobody
> bothered to save them because the newer instruments made the "same" sounds
> and did it easier and faster.  Also, the old synths with patch cords, no
> keyboards, exist purely in museums if there at all.
>
          It's not *quite* that bad.  Specifically, the theremin is
          being manufactured, from original specs (or better --
          technology has advanced a bit) by a company called Big Briar
          Electronics.  The CEO of the company is Bob Moog.  Yup --
          *that* Moog.
 
          Similarly, Keith Emerson's old Moog modular was entirely
          rebuilt last year, with the same circuit designs, except
          with some more stable components (with Moog's blessing).
 
          (Incidentally, I think the inventor of the Theremin only
          died a year or so ago, in his 90s.)
 
          But, I don't want to dispute the main point -- that synth
          technology is changing so fast that it's almost a sadness.
          I wonder if this is how it went with virginals, clavichords,
          and forte-pianos.
 
          -Tom Williams (who subscribes to Keyboard, and to Electronic
          Musician, and has no money left over for the Organist or
          Diapason :-( )