Music TECH

By bobrentonmusic

  • Alexander Graham Bell telephone

    this was the first handheld mic which would have paved the way for mics we use on stage today. this was a major step in to the technology that we see today

  • Phonograph

    The phonograph was a predecessor to the gramophone. it was invented by two people at the same time. one was Thomas Eddison and the other was Ernie Beriner.

  • Lee De Forest invented the first vacuum tube

    this was massive for a lot of technology especially guitar amps as the valve gives a nice warm loud sound and can be overdriven to give a natural distortion to the signals.

  • Theremin

    The theremin was invented because of research into proximity sensors by the soviet government.
    the theremin influenced artists like frank zappa and the beach boys.

  • Laurens Hammond created the first Hammond Organ

    This was a big step as it allowed organ players from churches to bring gospel music out of churches and set venues. influencing key artists and genres, for example ray charles and his style of gospel blues.

  • Harry F. Olson patents the first cardioid ribbon microphone

    this was a more sensitive microphone that allowed more high quality recordings and uses magnets to accurately recreate the sounds.

  • Dobro released one of the first guitar amps

    this was powered by valves and became commonplace for guitarists as a PA was common until amps took over.

  • Orson Wells: first director to use studio electronics.

    during his broadcast of War of the Worlds he used audio that made people believe that the world was being invaded by aliens. this was because there was no past experience with sound effects on the radio.

  • The microgroove vinyl record (LP) is introduced by Columbia Records.

    this was an alternative to the shellac records of the past with a higher quality and longer lasting grooves.

  • Wurlitzer manufactures The Sideman.

    this was the first commercial electro-mechanical drum machine. this works like a music box with the sounds coming from a rotating disk. the device gained criticism by musician unions.

  • Phillips introduces the Compact Cassette tape format

    this is a cassette tape that can be used as a portable means of listening to music/audio
    this went on to become a successful alternative to the LP previously mentioned

  • The Mellotron starts to be madein London

    This was a electronic piano that influenced artists such as Ray Charles and The Beatles used it on their single "Strawberry Fields Forever" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtUH9z_Oey8

  • Warwick Electronics start selling the first wah pedal.

    this is an effects pedal designed to mimic the human vocal range.
    Jimi Hendrix and Cream were among the first users of this effect in mainstream music

  • Release of Shin-ei's Uni-Vibe.

    an effects pedal with phase shift and chorus effects. this was a major step towards the multi effects units we have today. this was used on iconic tracks like Machine Gun, Jimi Hendrix. and added a unique tone.