Just published, “The Prophet from Silicon Valley, The Complete Story of Sequential Circuits” is a lavishly illustrated and exhaustively researched history of Sequential Circuits from its genesis in Dave Smith’s one-bedroom apartment to its supernova at the advent of the Age of the Japanese Digital Synths. Author David Abernethy has crafted a 274-page, photo and anecdote-packed chronicle of one of the great American synthesizer companies — one that created such innovative concepts and products as MIDI, programmable effects, multitimbrality, high-quality sampling, music workstations, MPC systems, and more.
Assembled with unprecedented access to never-before-seen material from Dave Smith’s personal archives, Abernethy’s book features many exclusive and highly entertaining stories from ex-Sequential staff, legendary musicians, music industry moguls, and Dave Smith himself. The result is a highly-readable account of the fast-moving formative years of the American synthesizer industry and the colorful culture and personalities surrounding it.
If you’re interested in synthesizers, the music industry, 80’s-era Silicon Valley, or obtaining an exclusive inside view of the most innovative musical instrument design think-tank of the 20th century, get yourself a copy of this landmark book. Can the movie version be far behind?
Includes over 240 photos and illustrations. Foreword by Dave Smith. Available now from Amazon here.