The Peculiar World of Teisco Synthesizers

I borrowed two rare vintage Teisco synthesizers from the early 80s, the 110F and SX-400.
As the former has several videos about it on KZbin, I decided to focus on the latter, which doesn't.
We also look at a curious link to ARP Instruments which has (understandably) caused much confusion.
Thanks to the owner of these two instruments.Thanks also to Florian "Bead Gear" Pilz for the cameo. :)
End track mix by Jakob @Sonic Peak Studio
/ @sonicpeakstudio541
sonicpeak
Drums by JonathanWills
jwillsdrums.co.uk
jwillsdrums
0:00 Intro
1:03 The SX-400
1:50 Poly Modes
3:34 Some Sound Examples
5:14 Portamento & Gliss
5:47 The ARP Patent
7:14 End Performance: "Tableau"

[@ericvanderbogart2464]

“I’ll review them with my face” I think that should be required on all KZbin reviews!

[@AlexBallMusic]

😕😐😏😎

[@robotetanus]

@@AlexBallMusic I smell massive usage on Synth-memes coming soon.

[@toitoitoy]

Those could be series. Synth reviews "no talking" just faces and piggy sounds)

[@foundatlantis]

agreed. this is the new rating format for all synths.

[@ghfjfghjasdfasdf]

There’s a name for this. Bass Face

[@AudioPilz]

He certainly looks like Alex Ball but he sounds like Arnold Schwarzenegger

[@AlexBallMusic]

😂

[@RMMChicagoOfficial]

clowns. lol

[@PeterPlanker]

Wödklass!

[@fakshen1973]

If Alex was pro... he would have done the entire intro with this synth... I mean.. that's like the bare minimum.

[@kerzwhile]

LMAO!!! Aarrnoowld....

[@RCAvhstape]

The AudioPilz reference was gold.

[@foundatlantis]

thanks for watching and....see you next time!

[@rebours]

I missed it on the first round, it was hilarious 🤣

[@bukkaratsuppa6414]

The two did collaborate before, so it's kinda natural.

[@mootbooxle]

I’m so proud to know you Alex Ball. You’re such an asset to the synth community!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Ditto my good man.

[@F0nkyNinja]

@ The Pack Rat Who doesn't remember such classics as "Merry Talkbox Christmas" (I bought the album) and "Explosion - An Improvised Synth Solo" as well as the ones he plays a guitar through a modular. I still haven't seen a better vid of anyone doing that.

[@youngchool]

I’m so proud to know you Alex Ball and mootbooxle. You’re such assets to the synth and youtube communities! Sorry... but I do mean it. Thank you!

[@mootbooxle]

@@youngchool I appreciate your comment more than I can express! I’m so proud of my friend Alex and all that he has achieved…to be mentioned in that short list is an honor. It’s been a rough road and I’m trying with all my might to get back in the groove making and sharing content! Cheers.

[@youngchool]

@@mootbooxle Oh, so sorry for my delayed response. Thanks for the message. Sorry to hear that it's been rough road for you (recent years has been tough for most of us I guess, cannot believe it will be soon 3 years since COVID lockdown in March '23, next month) And with your talents I am sure you will be 'back in the groove' soon. Just remember you (and Mr. Ball too) have been giving us so much and you have many fans around the world! BIG CHEERS!

[@ArmlessAndOveractive]

At the first glance it tics all the vintage boxes. Solid merge :D

[@AlexBallMusic]

Had to be done. 😉

[@wilsonjaksetic6009]

@@AlexBallMusic the Bad Gear-Alex Ball Cinematic Universe

[@wilsonjaksetic6009]

Marvel might not be film, but this is

[@ZetaCarinae]

@@AlexBallMusic It made me smile! Thanks!

[@jamesdefrancesco7765]

You are my favorite internet personality. Thank you for high quality silliness and all the rabbit holes into which you venture. Exclamation point.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you. I do enjoy a bit of silliness.

[@JoeyFTL]

I don't want to imagine life without this channel.

[@Musikkeller-Innsider]

The Eighties called, they just wanted to applaude the brilliant end song!

[@AlexBallMusic]

I'll get them on landline then.

[@althejazzman]

@@AlexBallMusic Fax them of course!

[@tonyjackson5261]

Man Alex, I SO enjoy these synthesizer history trips. NOBODY does this kind of stuff but you. Great one man.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Tony.

[@tonyjackson5261]

@@AlexBallMusic Hey Alex Have a great 2021 man!

[@seandouglas414]

the 60f is the first analog synth i ever owned. Bought it 14 years ago and it still makes it on to 95 percent of my productions. Awesome bottom end. Also, i've never actually heard the word "Teisco" pronounced before, except wrongly by me:) Cheers for the vid!

[@alleygh0st]

Twas my first as well, alas, stolen.

[@rachelar]

"Tesco"

[@MelloCello7]

I'm starting to realize that what sets your videos apart art the incredible musicality of your demos! Amazing stuff Alex Bell!

[@RegebroRepairs]

4:50: Sir, your MIDI controller is bored! Edit: Great track as usual!

[@AlexBallMusic]

So is my Isla S2400 in the intro.

[@Michael_Smith-Red_No.5]

I thought it was being probed by aliens, which might be why there was any question about the smoothness of the Teisco's glissando. That gliss is bliss.

[@RemyTerjanian]

Gotta love a good old AudioPliz cameo!

[@harrybrown7745]

Alex ball is back with more quality work!

[@marcinha1973]

that's what I just said. this is one of the best channels in yt. I find it as interesting as vsauce, veritasium and the like.

[@theshinylunchbox]

These reviews and overviews of synths are one of the joys of the internet for me.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Jordan.

[@tonycowin]

That track was Teisco's Finest.

[@grogboggoth]

The main problem with that piece of music was that it was too short. I love the Thomas Dolby meets The Buggles with possibly a touch of Yes West thing.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks.

[@lextalonis839]

@@AlexBallMusic Yeah, super sounds. Like the Soundtrack to an imaginary Romantic Science Fiction Movie from 1983.

[@Thonss]

This channel really is one of the, if not the best produced, content on synths on youtube. Thank you so much for putting these out!

[@LaOxidada]

phenomenal performance on that song at the end, like my god man

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks!

[@incandescentconker6193]

I love it too. The world needs an EP of Tableau

[@MykiVonFerro]

Please never stop making videos and doing channel cross overs. Nothing beats education mixed with humour.

[@jakehendriksen2841]

Informative and funny, with excellent and engaging music; love your work, Alex!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Jake.

[@noahheyl3571]

Omg the synth sounds are incredible this is so suited for modern beat production

[@trilogylonewolf6217]

I wouldn't say just for modern it's a Timeless sound

[@mightyV444]

Another great video! 🤩👍 Great drumming by Jonathan, too! 🤩👍

[@astrorambler6785]

Outstanding performance there Alex. Fantastic video too. Most enjoyable.

[@Megallicafan18]

God I lol’d in the middle of the night watching this, the picture of the keys being a sign of it being a Jupiter knock off killed me

[@AlexBallMusic]

Excellent. 😉

[@modgrip805]

I weed myself a tiny bit also.

[@samsungtelevision695]

@@AlexBallMusic same here. Was not supposed to be watching KZbin and just made way too much noise laughing at that particular cut

[@wilsonjaksetic6009]

I was actually just saying yesterday that Benn, AudioPilz and yourself are my favourite synth youtubers... and as I’m typing this, I hear BAD GEAR. Love you guys!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Wilson.

[@rstoeckler]

I agree, guys with style and humour

[@eikarumba429]

Awesome, informative and fun as ever Alex - love it! Thanks - I really look forward to your videos- keep em coming !!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you

[@FailedMuso]

Another brilliant addition to your fantastic catalogue! Bravo sir!

[@usuariodomes]

Dude, if i had seen this video 2 days ago, this end performance would be the best song I've heard on 2020 (it still is). Seriously, this song is an absolutely masterpiece. And who is saying this is a metalhead addicted to progressive metal. Now I'm addicted to your channel.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks very much, that's kind of you to say!

[@vinylarchaeologist]

The ads weren't even over and I already had clicked the like button as hard as I could. Having Florian on was a treat! And I'm happy you took my advice and continued with your "face reviews" 👍🏻

[@AlexBallMusic]

Back by popular demand....face reviews. 🙂

[@baconfister]

Mr. Ball, this is another amazing and entertaining video! Thank you for sharing!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks for stopping by.

[@PLFMM]

Hilarious review and dope track Alex!

[@renemunkthalund3581]

Informative, witty, musical. Brilliant as always, Alex

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers

[@ZethKeeper]

"Tableau" is a banger!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers. 🙂

[@MrAliensix]

Great vid and awesome outro track! Cheers and Happy New Year to thee :)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers Geoff, happy new year to you too!

[@jstdrv]

Wow. Amazing synth, Alex and channel

[@TechM3X]

That joint you dropped at the end is really fucking amazing. I would love to hear it released as a downloadable track. 😁

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks. It will be on the next album.

[@TDRKB]

I thought that said Tesco syntheisisers! Not Sainsburys!

[@AlexBallMusic]

I was tempted to film a shot of me carrying it out of my local Tescos as a joke but what with the pandemic and the fact that it weighs as much as a small car, I decided against it.

[@DaveMcGarry]

I thought exactly the same! The ASDASynth

[@DavidLee07]

@@DaveMcGarry Me too, lol.

[@hydorah]

@@DaveMcGarry haha the ASDA synth. I think it's awaiting release ;-)

[@johncarter2741]

I liked the way he used a Lidl amount of vcf modulation. More reasons to feature this synth on future videos.

[@fotszyrzk79]

Wow! The end song and I subscribed in a blink! The bass line is sick!

[@superserge]

Thank you for a nice evening, Alex! The final track pleasantly surprised me. This is the kind of synth power that I love. ❤

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks for dropping by Serge.

[@WilliamBurnett]

Teisco - Every little helps.

[@secretelitemusic]

Your gift for mimicry is astounding. Your impression of Florian von Mobisch was spot on.

[@SuneSalminen]

I thought it was Doctor Mix

[@modularmountain3910]

I always getting excited seeing these videos. I always hope that you add some more of those awesome soundpacks you make.. The song at the ends has some sweet hooks man.

[@AlexBallMusic]

A few people have asked for samples of it. If I am able to find time to do that I will, but might not be able to.

[@MarshalArnold]

lol 5:36 yeah, like a staircase in a 100 story building :) Awesome review of another synth I had no clue existed! Hope you have a happy New Year!

[@The1Nomad]

We need extended versions of Alex's songs. Honestly, they'd do se well. Particularly "Tableau", it was mesmerizing.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks. A new album will appear in 2021.

[@chrishooper68]

Well that explains why I couldn't find the song. I spent quite awhile looking for that ending song on KZbin, then Googling the Lyrics, 'cause it sounds so freakin' amazingly awesome, to find out that it's only here at the very end in too short of a duration. Such a tease! LOL!

[@SarahMaywalt]

@@AlexBallMusic You're now followed on Spotify. Suck on that!

[@skrat1001]

@@AlexBallMusic I'm so glad to hear that, i definetly need an extended version of this song.

[@Avence41]

@@AlexBallMusic I hope it comes soon, I can't wait!!!

[@torstenjensen4708]

Those chords at 2:40 warmed my cold, seratonin-deprived heart

[@vascomanata]

Right? THEY ARE PERFECT! But what chords are?

[@torstenjensen4708]

@@vascomanata I think: Eb m7, F m7, F# maj9, Ab (sus4 in LH, maj in RH), Eb m7, F m7/ Ab, F# maj9, Ab maj/ Eb, Db maj

[@vascomanata]

You are cool! Thanks bro :)

[@torstenjensen4708]

@@vascomanata no probs :)

[@Megallicafan18]

@@torstenjensen4708 impressive, thanks a lot!

[@ArvidOlson]

I always love your videos and your music. Great production value, great humour, very informative and then bangin’. Keep it up.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Arvid.

[@thesadwolf]

Wowee! Nice track at the end there! Love your songs :)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Daniel

[@jonathankulesa]

Man, I had the biggest smile on my face during this video...

[@designator7402]

At first glance this video ticks all the boxes. Heavy accent, listing features, a bit of humor. But upon closer look you can see that it is in fact an Alex Ball video, not an episode of bad gear.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Bit of cross modulation going on there for a moment.

[@michaelthorpe1379]

Nice review- as always. All the best for us all in 2021.Looking forward to more reviews ;-)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Michael, more to come.

[@noel101082]

yo...that at the end was amazing... totally out of the blue unexpected and wonderful

[@snowleopard9749]

Very convincing Austrian accent, and well done on the tune!

[@AlexBallMusic]

I performed it through the body of an actual Austrian.

[@snowleopard9749]

@@AlexBallMusic Impressive!

[@secretelitemusic]

Bodyswapping was all the rage in the 80s. Even the Arndroid gave it a go. It seems to be an Austrian thing.

[@geertvanschlanger8057]

I usched SCHEX-400 on Rambone III.

[@majicboxstudios3996]

🙈🙈🙈🙈

[@bmhater1283]

S C H E X

[@telefunkian]

Thanks for featuring Teisco, we don't see too many of those on this side of the pond and I've been curious to hear them for quite some time now. Also nice to see someone else paying attention to the patent literature! A great video, as always. Happy New Year!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks. Yes, there's not all that many floating around outside of Japan. The patent thing has come up in everything I've seen about the 110F, so I decided to actually explain it (or more accurately explain why it doesn't make sense).

[@icedstev0433]

This song is a banger man. Sounds great. I thought i was just watching a video about a couple cool synths, you surprised me.

[@miamha]

Thought this said Tesco in the title no gonnae lie

[@EdgieAlias]

I loved every bit of the mono-poly demonstrations. That "stick insect" must have eaten a cat or something.

[@synthlord2368]

I love the cross over with AudioPilz. Another of my favorite KZbins. Lol. Another great video Alex! Keep them coming!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Florian is the best thing to happen to the synth community in 2020.

[@synthlord2368]

@@AlexBallMusic Totally agreed. He's reviewed some of the synths that I have in my collection. So much fun to here what he comes up with on them.

[@kaystreubel8622]

Those glasses are killer! Great chorus in the final track! Happy new year...

[@AlexBallMusic]

The glasses add 10% syntheyness.

[@natbvm1880]

Man I’ve owned several teisco guitars and seen friends with them. They are such cheap quirky little dudes. Had no idea they ever made synths, very interesting

[@lucasexempligratiasmith8266]

I have a teisco guitar and it's a total piece of shit, but I love it.

[@foundatlantis]

TESCO : EVERY LITTLE HALPS *SCREAMING INTENSIFIES*

[@kirabarsmith9353]

Cool synth, sounds great. You made me LOL a few times in this one. The snare sound on your kit impressed me most, crackin'!

[@jakobole]

I'll toot my own horn here, as I mixed/mastered it. Thanks!

[@jakobole]

Here's how it was mixed + a samplepack : kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqimoZhngt-Dh6c

[@morayonkeys]

I never knew I needed LED ladder meters on my synths until now! Cool video and I love the end track, big 90125/Big Generator vibes

[@NVM_S]

I love the BadGear reference

[@testohtoby]

Gf: "How's your day been ?" My inner R2-Ball-D2 self: 1:32

[@AlexBallMusic]

😱

[@dankro279]

Solid research. And the track surely is a true highlight at the end of this year.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you

[@JohnMassari]

Love your track at the end!

[@MichaelCozineSounds]

The synths sound really great BUT HOLY CRAP THOSE DRUMS SOUND TIGHT.

[@jakobole]

We aim to please // Sonic Peak Studio

[@AlexBallMusic]

The fine work of Jakob here.

[@iNerdier]

The thumbnail on this is terrifying.

[@nickhaldin8674]

Bro you are the most underrated synth channel on KZbin. Quality documentaries with really funny moments and legitimate knowledge. Bravo.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Nick!

[@gunnarliljas8459]

This is awesome stuff. Not only informational and funny, but great playing too!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Gunnar.

[@XavierRadix]

"HMMMMMMMM- more on that later."

[@nowavecharles]

Iconic line. Lol

[@Music-tg5is]

I thought the title said "Tesco" synthesizers at first ... I mean, "every little helps" I suppose.

[@metabrisa5789]

Thank you for this wonderful documentation and for the splendid demo track

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@oryjen]

Great video as usual!

[@Mattieval]

That sounds incredible. Will you be releasing an album or anything?

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yes, collecting tracks for the next album. Nearly there.

[@Mattieval]

@@AlexBallMusic It just occured to me that I actually follow you on Spotify and somehow missed the album from 2019.

[@amphobius]

Sorry to take the focus off the synths but that drum mix is incredible 👀

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah, that's Jakob's work. Sounds absolutely massive.

[@jakobole]

Thanks!

[@tihinter]

Do you think it might be possible to share some details about that drum sound? Like ALL the details? :-) I‘m hunting down that 80ies big rockpop snare and tom sound for years. I‘m nit a beginner (although it feels like sometimes). I run a big studio with 100+ mics, hundreds of musicians walked in and out over the years. I know about the role of the drummer, the instruments, the skins, the tuning, the room. But man, what you got here at the end sounds insane! Like my fav drum sound for years! So please share all you got about it! P-L-Z !

[@jakobole]

@@tihinter I'd be happy to do a video about it. Thanks for the nice words. // Jakob, Sonic Peak Studio

[@tihinter]

@jakobole That would be wonderful! Honestly, that is one grrrreat drum sound! If you really did that in-the-box, you deserve the highest respect!

[@lefttoe6969]

As always, thx for educating the people and making lovely music. Hats off!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks toe, I'm glad you though I _nailed_ it.

[@static-audio]

Another great bid. And what a lovely synth and a cracking track 😊

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers!

[@barrnycharlton8951]

4:09 sounds just like Posterity by Ludwig Göransson (the Tenet soundtrack) definitely worth a lesson if anyone’s bored

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks, I'll check that out.

[@IanHalbwachs]

Yeah came in here to say this, it's uncanny!

[@barrnycharlton8951]

@@IanHalbwachs sounds better on this tho 🤪

[@AlexBallMusic]

Same kind of patch, although very different sounding synths. I wonder if his was software based as it's so accurate. Or maybe it's a modern synth with midi or something. I've not seen the film but the soundtrack is making me want to.

[@barrnycharlton8951]

@@AlexBallMusic i know he uses midi to sequence the sound. It’s basses of trap hi hats you hear the resemblance after you realise. Not sure what to actually make the sound tho

[@shaydockmusic]

I don’t know if you already have done this, but you should make a one shot sample pack! I would definitely use it.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Of all of the notes?

[@shaydockmusic]

@@AlexBallMusic ya and some other synths. It would be better than most emulations when put through a sampler.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cool, I can do that when I get a minute. It would need to be without filtering and ensemble I guess, otherwise you're stuck with the setting and the ensemble is a master effect rather than per-note.

[@shaydockmusic]

@@AlexBallMusic awesome, looking forward to it!

[@nowavecharles]

It’s lovely to see a little collaboration in the synth community on KZbin. AudioPilz, chad. :)

[@LouisSerieusement]

Thank you Alex ! It does takes all the boxes indeed ^^ very cool architecture and massive sound when multiple osc's are engaged !

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah, nice and fat with that stack!

[@robertsyrett1992]

I enjoyed the bad gear cameo! I was wondering, are you were a fan of 1970's Italian soundtracks?

[@AlexBallMusic]

To be honest I'm quite ignorant of 70s Italian soundtracks. What would you recommend?

[@viennaditto]

@@AlexBallMusic Tenebre - Claudio Simonetti (which Justice ripped off wholesale)

[@robertsyrett1992]

@@AlexBallMusic Well my two favorite composers are Ennio Morricone and Riz Ortolani because of their melodic genius. However, for synth music I have to give it up for Goblin and their collaborations with Dario Argento. Highlights include DEEP RED (1975) and SUSPERIA (1977). But there are tons of more obscure composers and who made amazing scores for the trashier giallo and police crime movies. It's a good time.

[@viennaditto]

Also his Demoni OST

[@robertsyrett1992]

@@viennaditto Tenebre and Demoni are both classics, but from the 1980's. BTW, I'm happy to see another Italian film enthusiast here :)

[@ErikEkholm]

Did you just assume I’m an earthling? The audacity!

[@christofferainek]

💪 what an absolute UNIT! Can’t wait to see/hear more 👌 EDIT: That opening bassline.. woof. You’re the uncrowned king of awesome and quirkey synth bass riffs!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you - do enjoy a spot of monophonic bass shenanigans.

[@moebest]

yooo that song at the end slaps! very cool video :)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers

[@starsky101]

Great to hear some human drums and the snap on that snare!!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Jonathan on the drums and Jakob nailed the mix, yeah.

[@masterchain3335]

Yeah I was thinking the same thing. That snare sound is precisely dialed in to my taste.

[@grahamphillips3099]

Alex goes Vaporwave, love it :-D

[@user-lr9ce4zb5q]

I really commend you for reviewing such a valuable model. It's a very amazing story and I'm impressed with you.

[@Mark_Ocain]

Sweet!! I saw the 110F reviewed briefly on "Sonic State". I think I made a comment regarding the SX400 .......and here it is on your channel a week later LOL..ta muchly, Alex. You made my day!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yes, nice there's been a couple of Teisco synths of late.

[@jakehendriksen2841]

***screaming intensifies***

[@emnigmamachine]

Reeeeeeee

[@PocketSunlight]

Aw! It won’t fit in my Teisco trolley......;0(

[@MysticFrequencies]

Great video! Thanks for sharing! I love all of my Teisco synths. I have all of them except the 100f (or is it 100p?). My favs are the SX400, SX240, and s110f. but surprisingly my s60p present synth sounds great too, especially with some flanged delay added. Love the song you made at the end too, well done! :) :) :)

[@Paul_Y_T]

Loved every second of that - thanks!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers

[@computationalerror69]

me whole vid: *HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM*

[@nibblrrr7124]

4:07 doom eternal called,

[@JoeyFTL]

For real, I love Andrew a lot, but I'm ready for Alex on the next installment, whenever it comes out

[@AlexBallMusic]

@@JoeyFTL Where do I sign?

[@SenorX75]

Love the track at the end and the fact that you used real drums. Nice!

[@anthonybrett]

Dude that chorus hook at the end was awesome!~