Syntaur: The Synth Wizards (Documentary)

Filmmaker Lucas Fowler (@lucasfowler75) has created a short documentary on Syntaur, a company devoted to keeping old synthesizers alive, and on and Sam Mims, its founder.

[@AlexBallMusic]

"I recall the first notes I've heard on certain synthesizers" I think that sums up the passion we have very succinctly. In fact this film showed that joy so clearly. On another note - That Juno-107 mod is brilliant. I used to have a Yamaha PSR-27 as a kid (actually still had it until last year) and you could play interrupted whilst holding down the patch up/down buttons and get a patch sequence. It was my favourite thing to do in that terrible old keyboard. Yours is a tad more refined than that ;) Oh and congratulations on the expansion. That new premises looks very exciting!

[@tiagofatturi]

Two of the best channels on youtube right here! Perhaps you could do some collaboration some day.

[@ukiemexican]

That future showroom sounds like a number one synth pilgrimage destination.

[@ToDAZEtheDAY]

Absolutely

[@alexanderdelacruz9249]

Indeed 👍🏻

[@junglejoose813]

Ya, as it shows a DX1 haha

[@dave09453]

100% would spend an entire day in that showroom

[@Gus-jb8cm]

@@dave09453 me too!! Love keyboards!!!

[@jmp01a24]

The Good Guys at Syntaur.... Not everyone knows them, but damn they are fine people!

[@Syntaur]

Thank you so much!

[@davidknight754]

Truth

[@MRNOLAB]

I think now everybody knows them with a KZbin channel its difficult to miss if you interested in music creation and a little curious

[@alexanderdelacruz9249]

I concur 👍🏻

[@lucasfowlerdp]

Had an awesome time coming down and making this with you guys!

[@Syntaur]

Lucas is the Documentary Wizard! And made some really cool music to go with this!

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

So often you get documentaries like this where the camerawork and production is intrusive and distracting. This piece is not straight shot/cut/shot, there is some real creativity in the camerawork and editing, but it doesn't detract from the story - instead it really enhances it, and along with the subtle music, gives a real FEEL to the storyline. Kudos Lucas, this is really well done.

[@incubism]

Your show should be a Netflix special. It is that good. It has got me into synths. I had none when I started watching it and I now have 6.

[@andrewj.682]

They won’t do it since the owners a pedo

[@incubism]

@@andrewj.682 Would have thought that would be a plus for Netflix?

[@andrewj.682]

@@incubism 😆

[@trevor4835]

This man strikes me as just the salt of the earth, a truly kind person

[@AP-zy1vy]

This crew is another of the finest examples of grass-root American entrepreneurial culture and our expert craftsman at their very best.

[@SuluBabylon]

I think the first notes from a synthesizer that was not on a record was an MS 2000, I later bought one of these off that early teen excitement. The next big impact of sound was a Juno 106, this synth stuck with me and still to this day I do not own one. This is the synth that changed everything for me, the way I thought about sounds, the records I listened to and the way I approached music. At 16 years old, one of the owners of the studio letting me play on this synth I still thank to this day.

[@iamtoddmiller]

I just noticed on your website that Gerald has passed...what a unique and endearing man he seemed to be...sincere condolences on a big loss to the Syntaur family, and the great synth community...RIP Gerald

I purchased a replacement touchscreen for my broken M50 from Them (I live in Spain). Perfect service, I even managed to perform the repair myself! Glad to know they also have a passion for this!

[@chediakmusic]

Bought my first analog synth because of your videos! Love your work 💕

[@Drowninggirl]

Me too!

[@markusfuller]

I wish we had a syntaur spare parts shop here in the UK where you could just walk in and buy the part you need.

[@DavidLee07]

Three of my synths play properly thanks to replacement keys from Syntaur. Thanks for helping us keep these old synths alive!

[@kristianTV1974]

Sam - at a time when a spotlight is being shone on your country that is pretty much entirely unfavourable from abroad, it's really heartwarming to see your humble attitude and great (all the team at Syntaur) work, and serves as a good reminder that not everyone in the US is an arsehole, as it can seem recently. Cheers from the UK, keep up the good work, and all the best with the new premises and expansion.

[@Syntaur]

We've got a lot to sort out in this country, no doubt. We started - back in the '60's - working on treating all of our citizens equally, but sadly, not all have embraced that. I'll refrain from getting into politics, but I'll just say that I'm an eternal optimist, and am hopeful that things are gonna get better. Meanwhile, we're going to keep working to make the world a better place, one synth at a time!

[@kristianTV1974]

@@Syntaur Hey - thanks for the reply. And also - we don't have it great here either, didn't mean to sound like we did.

[@fjfrancois]

Man, what a underrated awesome show, the best for you guys 😊 “Pimp my Synth”

[@Psychiccleaners]

Spend the morning watching news about Covid and getting bummed out and then this popped up and cheered me right up.

[@christopherprice3226]

Sam I recall my first time talking to you on the phone back in the mid 90s, it was a treat. You and Julian Colbeck would answer the phones back in 96. Big fan bought most of your samples and presets for my trusty TS10. Thank you for the care and pride in all you do.

[@zoelenentine80]

As someone who is also highly fascinated by synthesizers, watching your videos are not only extremely entraining, but also highly informative and inspirational!! thank you guys for all your amazing and talented hard work. I can only dream to come by your shop one day and meet the synth wizards myself!

[@SanelKeys]

So far I have had only good experience with Syntaur, for spare parts. I'm from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balkans. Thanks.

[@jessegimbel]

Great stuff Sam (and Lucas). Nothing makes me want to support a company more than seeing the owner's passion for the area their company deals in. I've slowly been getting into the synthesizer world, and done quite a few pro audio DIY projects, so I'm hoping being able to fix synths is in my future at some point. I'm in Philadelphia but I'll be really excited to make a pilgrimage to the new location on tour at some point. Love everything you all are doing.

[@charlieletendre873]

i'm a korg triton user and i fixed my triton with SYNTAURs key replacement im glad to know that you vbeen working on the factory patchs

[@1of437]

The new showroom is gonna be rad!! I can’t wait for it. I still remember the time I finally was able to touch a real Mini Moog at your shop. Excellent person and awesome company!!

[@misc2011]

I love your channel. I remember back in the day seeing syntaur adds in the back of Keyboard mag and electronic musician. I owned the ensonic ks-32, TS-10 and Fizmo - God bless you guys - cool channel

[@audioartisan]

I listed my first advertisements for sound design in the M.U.G. magazine periodical back in the early 90's (Midi Users Group), That's where I first found Syntaur, and remember how happy I was that you guys had discs for my Ensoniq Mirage. You guys have come light years ahead since then! I'm really happy Syntaur still exists, and I hope to come visit your new showroom someday! Congratulations on the many years of success doing the one thing you love the most, Sam.

[@tonyjackson5261]

Congrads on the new building. I been a fan since your Ensoniq days, I bought things from you for my old SQ-80 & EPS back then. Love those Synth Wizards videos and now I’m one of those guy who you’ve inspired to fix my old synths, my TS-12, S-330 and S-10. Keep up the great work, your still very much needed in this industry.

[@derek7676]

Hi. I love your little synth family. I appreciate all the effort that goes into your videos also. Well done. I also love all your synthesisers. 🇦🇺

[@nitbot]

I love this series, one of my favorites for sure

[@jesusrocks7500]

Cool stuff. (Exceptional Dave Smith tribute BTW!)

[@keykiyox]

He is a genuine beautiful human being.

[@Syntaur]

You are very kind, thank you.

[@KarlMiller-DjKarl]

That was nice to see that Mini-Moog put a big ole smile on his face ... 🎹☮🔥

[@PORRFNK]

Here is a comment for you

[@macronencer]

If you don't mind my asking, what was up with your SH101? Only mine has an odd fault now where every note comes out at the same very high pitch. It feels like the keyboard controller's broken, but I'm no electronics wizard. I was going to ask on the Syntaur forum, but sadly I have a lot of other stuff to do and this task keeps getting postponed...

[@PORRFNK]

@@macronencer It was nothing more than a faulty power switch, that caused the tuning to become very unstable

[@Syntaur]

@@PORRFNK Oddly enough, the power switch affects the SH-101 in unexpected ways - you'd think it would only affect whether the power is on or not. But it can cause weird tuning issues, as you pointed out!

[@btraker]

I look forward to making that short pilgrimage from Austin to your new showroom when it opens and "all this" is done and through with.

[@checktheevidence]

I've really enjoyed several of your videos and I think Lucas did an excellent job of capturing the essence of Syntaur and how and why you do what you do - because you love it - and fellow lovers of electronic music and synthesizers love seeing your love of all this stuff! (I also like your humour and storytelling!)

[@zibbybone]

Congrats on the new building! Looking forward to seeing it soon. Hopefully, we can get the COVID under control and do synth meets again.

[@iamtoddmiller]

Congratulations on the new building, hope to drive down from Toronto one day to see it! Much future success :)

[@ScottFromCanada]

Thanks for being there. You've helped save a few of my synths now!

[@masonx3376]

This absolutely made my day! You guys are awesome, thank you for all of this amazing content! I can't wait to see what you guys do next!

[@Studio271]

New building! Awesome, great to hear!

[@jameswilson4426]

You guys are outstanding, I find your videos very entertaining and informative. Looking forward to seeing more videos in the future. Good luck on the expansion, will be a treat to see your visions come to light.

[@JosieLP]

Thank you for sharing & Congratulations!!!

[@JimAlfredson]

You guys are awesome. Thanks for all you do!

[@Pichuscute]

Your show is absolutely incredible and I can't wait to see what's next. Can't believe there's something this high quality out there for something like this, but I'm damn grateful you guys do it!

[@timrichmond5226]

Congratulations on your growth! Well deserved! Working within your passion doing something you love may not feel like work, but that doesn't stop you working hard on it!

[@dxtrs_mnpltr]

Congrats on the new building, you guys are doing such an amazing job and the 107 mod was absolutely stunning!

[@MarshalArnold]

I love the show, love the shop and love synths! Thanks for all you do!

[@claytondefrain749]

You guys inspire me so much! Keep up the good work, and I can't wait to visit your new showroom one day!

[@DouglasLippi]

Yes, your videos gave me the confidence to open stuff up and try to repair! Was successful a couple of times!

[@tonycarpenter-Makzimia]

The ride down memory lane. And I am glad I was there with you when you made sounds too :). TS-12 was awesome!.

[@garygood369]

you guys are so inspirational! great videos, great vibes. Whatever you are doing, keep doing it!

[@BluePlanetMedia]

You have helped me revive countless pieces of gear. New and old. Thank you.

[@randyclere2330]

What an incredible human!! THanks for all of your work and dedication!!

[@synth4ever]

Congrats to you and Lucas on this excellent documentary, Sam! Thank you for sharing your synth love and insights with us over the years, it's been incredible. Looking forward to the future of Syntaur and the new showroom as you continue to keep the passion alive! :)

[@richardwalley2862]

thank you guys for doing what you do!

[@st0rmchild]

Well done! Love the show. Keep ‘em coming. I may well end up calling on you for parts too.

[@DopamineOverload]

This is AMAZING. I ordered a few tiny small things from you guys in the last few years... but you guys truly have everything, basically. Some stuff you don't have, but I think you guys can basically get any part. What a beautiful documentary. Thanks guys!!!

[@Gus-jb8cm]

I'm slowly getting around to watching every single episode of Synth wizards. I will honest!!! Love synths ever since the Tornadoes (Joe Meek's produced) "Telstar" single got to number one over here in the UK. Fantastic shows Thanks for uploading these great videos 👍

[@DigitalGamerBE]

Nice documentary! I'm so happy that you're getting bigger! Hope that new building will be amazing!

[@davidm3569]

THANK YOU. For having the insight and above all the passion to keep the music alive. I, like many synth collectors out there, are passionate about the vintage machines. To know that you and your team save and bring back to life a part of history is a heart warming feeling. Even with the growing jungle of soft synths, the tacktile feel of the classics will never be equaled. These beasts, for some actually are, deserve to be saved and played. Best wishes for your new venture, I hope it continues to inspire us all and keeps the synth flag proudly flying high.

[@MartinGalway]

Good luck with the new place :) Can't wait to visit. I live in Austin but I discovered you while stuck in the UK. Can't come back for a little while :\

[@Syntaur]

Dang, good luck getting home! And when it happens, please do come by!

[@MartinGalway]

@@Syntaur I used to compose+program music on the Commodore 64 in the 80's. The SID was my first synthesizer, lol. Your connection with Bob Yannes is such a tease!

[@MartinGalway]

@@Syntaur would you pass this on to Bob? He might get a kick out of it kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJi4fpmEf86YhZY

[@gelsol]

Good to hear they're expanding! I hope to visit some day!

[@scoutingvideos579]

Love the videos and the back story! Can’t wait for more episodes. Best wishes on the new building. I will be there for the grand opening. I miss my memoymoog and my VFX.

[@aeonvoid_]

killer!!! this is absolutely amazing.

[@chrisdecato]

Looking forward to more from y’all... and would love to see the new digs in person someday!! 😉👍

[@shawnaebbeson7882]

You guys are the real deal. I remember seeing your patches for different Ensoniq synthesizers back in the day. I subscribed to the Transoniq Hacker for years and still own a VFX, VFX-SD, an SQ1+ (screen is getting dim), and two SQ-R+/32 units. I enjoy your shows and your sincerity in what you do :) When I visit TX (I live in Iowa now), I would love to stop by your place :) Keep up the good work :)

[@bradburnwilliams-synthstronaut]

Congrats on the new building, I am excited to see it all kitted out! :)

[@SethAmaradasa]

Absolutely spectacular, I love this

[@dougllewellyn4620]

What an awesome little film! You hit the nail square on the head about the Minimoog.

[@anton6280]

Y'all are extremely cool. Congratulations on the new space!

[@Taronites]

Had I still been in the States, I would've made it a pilgrimage to come see you guys. I deeply enjoy watching your Synth Wizards episodes. Can't wait for the next! Especially with the snazzy new building! Best of Luck to y'all and keep up your brilliant spirit!

[@toddmiller796]

WOW, congratulations on the big upcoming move! And hopefully you'll push out a few more Synth Wizards videos!

[@HomeInFuerteventuraTV]

Love these great videos!

[@JMacQ77]

Love your shop, your mission and your crew, Mr. Mims. I joined your Patreon as soon as it started. I won't say whom, but a certain someone allowed me to touch the LinnDrum and the CS-60 in the showroom. Two items accomplished on my bucket list. Thank you for refurbishing the Roland JV-1000 which I bought (as near to factory-mint condition as possible), and it was nearly unbelievable when you guys had a replacement main display module for my old 1000, which glitched out when I was still in college. Good people, great equipment and [none of my business] prices quite lower than what you all could get. God bless, be well, safe and healthy.

[@bumfan]

Congrats on the new digs! If I ever get near Braunfels, I'll stop by and say "hi." Love the videos, and you guys are definitely wizards! Keep up the good work - you're an inspiration to many!

[@GODZINACOMA101]

Great video once again, wishing you all the very best with your move 👍

[@positivelydark]

Great documentary. I've watched several of the Syntaur videos and it's always cool seeing them restore vintage synths, especially when they restored a Yamaha CS-80.

[@rayNmanMusic808]

My Roland S-50 from Jersey loves Syntaur sounds and now...........WOW! Lets go Sam!

[@moonglimmers]

Thanks for the upload.

[@TheCasalinthesky]

You guys are awesome !!! I think you guys are real innovators of the synth world

[@ThomasLoyd]

Man this was a good video! I remember my first exposure to a really cool synth was Korg's Poly-800 and SAS-20 over in Germany. I was (and still am) a bass player, but MAN did all those cool sounds and the possibilities stick with me. Ever since then I've been a closet synth-geek and am glad that I can at least play with them virtually through the simulations that are available now. Love that you're restoring them and will most likely make a pilgrimage to the Syntaur Synth Shangri-La showroom when it is up and running. I'm sure you'll have a whole lot of ivories to play and synths to make noise with!

[@InSurrealtime]

I still have and play my Yamaha CS-5 bought brand new at Guitar center. It was on layaway and took me 8 months to pay it off. I remember walking out of the store trying to be cool and hide the giant grin I had. One note: I ALWAYS use dust covers and all my original Synth's still work and look like brand new after 40+ years.

[@ToDAZEtheDAY]

Dude you guys are amazing!

[@V.A.T.4music]

You are great guys!!! Keep the good work!!

[@g.marion5888]

It's inspiring to see someone make a success of their passion. Best of luck with the new location and big dreams!

[@SoundmanCH]

I love this channel and the synth wizard crew!

[@FarkyDave]

Love this channel and all that you guys do. I hope to head down to your shop sometime from up here in the Chicago area.

[@suzanneaston2206]

Yay a new Synth Wizards Video

[@mschorer]

Thank you for the video. I restore synths as well and now I know where to get parts!

[@sauce_aux]

Can’t wait for the new showroom/venue to be a reality! Congratulations!!!!

[@leiviartit]

I'm amazed for the work and care you guys do for synthesizers. It's fascinating, both passionate and inspiring, I just recently got to know about the series of SynthWizards by YT's algorithms and I can't be more thankful, I'm from Chile way down south, a former guitarist now turned to be a synth lover and your show made me get to know a little better about some aspects and stories behind them. Thank you so much, I got suscribed, hoping for more to come. Godbless, stay safe Syntaur team!

[@GEOSynths]

Great stuff, love what you guys do :)

[@phd_sound]

Syntaur rocks! Can’t wait to visit you guys someday

[@hustonsingletary402]

Love Syntaur. Great documentary.

[@jimrandle3165]

Your videos have been a huge inspiration to me! Watching the synth wizards series has encouraged me to step away from a lot of digital VST emulations and move to the real hardware! I live in England but one day I will have to come and meet you guys! Legends 🎹🎛😎👍

[@austinseeger3305]

Love you guys, keep it up 🦊

[@joecantdance494]

I think the great thing about this, is that you are bringing together enthusiasts and people like me who have a relationship with electronic music that isn't necessarily technical. I love everything synthesizer and pretty much listen to nothing but instrumental electronic music, and I dabble in writing some too... But I wouldn't have the first clue when it comes to analog synthesis or repairing. It is still hugely interesting to watch

[@stevecoscia]

I enjoyed this video, Sam. Nice message.

[@ExecutionerO]

Love Syntaur so much, you guys rock🤘

[@Peter-nf3wp]

I was repair engineer for Ensoniq in Sweden back in the 80-90´s the head office was in Holland back then, the ESQ-1, Mirage and Esp was the ones that I service, but these repair was not on component basis , it had a board replace warranty system. But great synths anyway.

[@scottcupp8129]

I have a mint Ensoniq SQ1 32 voice. I bought it from the original owner. It is in beautiful condition

[@Peter-nf3wp]

@@scottcupp8129 Nice to hear, for me with lack off space these days i only collecting digital VST's 😎

[@AllanLoboVST]

Better than anything on netflix

[@YruamaZepol]

SYNTAUUUURRRR yeesssss congrats on your new building!!