iftah-og / Synthesizers-1896-2024

MIT License
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Synthesizers 1896 - 2024: A Dataset and Exploratory Insights

This repository contains an analysis of hardware synthesizers, samplers, and drum machines. The project focuses on exploring trends in electronic music devices, highlighting the evolution of these instruments and the various features they offer. It aims to provide insights into the development of these devices over time, using attributes such as synthesis types, polyphony, and production duration to name a few.

Introduction

This project analyzes a dataset of hardware synthesizers, samplers, and drum machines. It aims to uncover trends and patterns in electronic music instrument design and evolution over the years. The dataset excludes modular systems such as Eurorack, Buchla modules, FracRack, and 4U formats, focusing instead on standalone devices.

The data has been compiled through a mix of automated and manual processes, combined with extensive research. It is intended to be a resource for researchers, musicians, and enthusiasts interested in exploring trends, patterns, and the history of synthesizers. The dataset is a work in progress and will be updated regularly with new releases and additional features.

Custom Metrics

A custom metric evaluating the "Fame" or "Influence" of a synthesizer has been developed. This metric accounts for factors such as:

The metric is designed to help identify the most impactful synthesizers in music history, based on qualitative and quantitative data.

Usage

To explore the analysis:

  1. Clone this repository.
  2. Run the provided Jupyter notebooks to analyze the dataset.

The notebooks guide you through visualizing trends and conducting analyses on the evolution of hardware synthesizers, samplers, and drum machines.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome. If you have new data, suggestions, or improvements, feel free to submit a pull request.

Walkthrough Video

You can watch a Walkthrough Video of the Notebook and the Dataset here

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Marcel Krol of synth-db.com for permitting the use of his valuable information.