TOOLBOX MAKE LOOKS AT KITS
Ye Olde Oscillator
Phantastron Synthesizer Kit
$195 electricwestern.com
In some alternate version of the Old West, folks
played electronic synthesizers, and they likely
called ’em Phantastrons. Those searching for
the new and unusual in DIY synths will find a
welcome change in this very analog device.
The kit incorporates two vintage vacuum
tubes, rolled steel panels, and a hot-iron
branded wooden crate enclosure ripe for
customization. Though a basic power supply
comes mostly assembled, the kit’s core forgoes
fancy-pants printed circuits for a 1930s-era
“turret board” soldering experience — a
refreshing challenge for seasoned kit builders.
Don’t expect the standard volt-per-octave
functionality here; this beast of an oscillator can be steered via amplified audio or
basic control-voltage signals, reacting with a
thick and often rebellious voice. The output’s
pitch response can be tamed or tweaked via
onboard controls, and a rotary selector offers
three different waveforms.
On the Electric Western website, kit maker
Lorin Edwin Parker demonstrates the Phantastron using a homebrew ribbon controller
appropriately built from bone and wood —
though foil and a length of videotape would
probably yield similar results.
Simply plugging my dual-humbucker electric
straight into the sync/audio jack proved to be
very fun. My guitar’s familiar thumpy twangs
were translated into staunch square/saw-wave
plateaus offset by wiry bends and shifts. As an
effects box, the device produced a variety of
sub-octave tones along the lines of Devo meets
Rage Against the Machine. Though it would
be a more-than-welcome addition to my own
“guitarsenal,” I foresee the Phantastron being
best used as the core of some original and
unusual instrument. Hmm … time for some
brainstorming. —Collin Cunningham
170 Make: Volume 17
