Orchestron
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Vako Orchestron is a keyboard instrument, which produces its sound through electronic amplification of sound pre-recorded on an optical disc. It is the professional version of the Mattel Optigan.
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[edit] History
Vako Synthesizers Incorporated, founded by electronic instrument pioneer and former Moog technician David Van Koevering, started to build improved versions of the Optigan under the name Orchestron in 1975. Intended for professional use as an alternative to the Mellotron (hence the name Orchestron), it featured improved recorded sounds over the Optigan and a much better mechanical stability and reliability. The Orchestron incurred many of the improvements introduced with a similar instrument, the Chilton Talentmaker. The Talentmaker was taken out of the market after Optigan's manufacturer threatened to sue Chilton, because of patent infringements.
Some Orchestron models included sequencers and synthesizers. While the same fidelity limitations of the Optigan applied to the Orchestron, these instruments were built to be more reliable and were used successfully in commercial recordings. The Orchestron wasn't a commercial success, though. An estimate total of 50 units have been built before the production ceased after a couple of years. Its rarity and popularity amongst lo-fi enthusiasts makes the Orchestron well sought after.
[edit] Technical description
The Orchestron uses basically the same principle as the Optigan: each note of the keyboard is recorded in an infinite track on a pre-recorded, interchangeable optical disc. A beam of light is sent through the disc, variations in the light intensity are detected and amplified.
There were only 8 sounds available for the Orchestron:
[edit] Orchestrons used in professional recordings
Kraftwerk's Florian Schneider bought an Orchestron during their Autobahn tour in the USA in 1975. On the unofficial live album Concert Classics, recorded during their 1975 tour, the instrument can be heard. They have used the instrument on the albums Radio-Activity, Trans-Europe Express and The Man-Machine .
Patrick Moraz had a special version of the Orchestron built for him, with three manuals. He used a prototype of it during the recording of Yes' Relayer album. The instrument broke and disappeared after sending for repair.
The Orchestron is also listed as part of the equipment used in the tour of the band Rainbow that resulted in their 1977 live album Rainbow on Stage. Their keyboard player at the time was Tony Carey.
AK-Momo uses this instrument prominently on their album Return to N.Y. The album was recorded using only Optigans, Orchestrons and Mellotrons. Swedish record producer and progressive rock musician Mattias Olsson has since the late 90's recorded several albums that features the Orchestron and Optigan prominently.
