Will Gregory: My Favourite Synthesizers

Composer, producer and one half of Goldfrapp, electronic musician Will Gregory has an amazing collection of modern and vintage synthesizers, including the ultra-rare Korg PS-3300 polysynth. In our latest video feature, Will opens up about the instruments that mean the most to him - and shows us how great they can sound in the right hands. Did you know you could play a Minimoog using a Yamaha WX7 Wind Controller?
00:00 - Start
00:16 - Intro with Will Gregory
02:20 - Roland Jupiter-4
06:40 - Composition and Production Process
08:05 - Minimoog with Yamaha WX7 Wind Controller
13:52 - Improvising with Hard Disk Recording
15:48 - Electronic Dream Plant Wasp
18:48 - Korg PS-3300 Polysynth
24:54 - Unexpected Results
27:05 - Moog Polymoog
32:05 - Outro
Goldfrapp - www.goldfrapp.com
Moog Ensemble - willgregorymoogensemble.co.uk
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[@Jobotubular]

"you can sit there for hours, just dreaming away, can't you? And having a nice time ... maybe you get a piece of music out it at the end" -- synth use in a nutshell

[@blimolhm2790]

men would literally rather build a wall of synth than go to a therapist

[@maarzt]

@@blimolhm2790 had that thought today (about myself of course) to me it seemed like a positive

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

I have a few physical sythersizors and they are used for exactly that, fun but I will record the audio output and sample any good bits. I use a DAW for 95% of My music production.

[@charliepin4501]

@@blimolhm2790 You say that like it's a bad thing ... ?

[@aseomg]

Whoever recorded the interview & instruments needs to get a raise.

[@soundonsound]

Love Will's comment: "The Minimoog is the first to go out the building in a fire..." Classic!

[@entropybentwhistle]

Just having got a Prophet 10 and an OB-X8 on the way, I would happily give myself the double hernia dragging all 3 out during a fire.

[@oldunclemick]

Always the best way to assess one's true priorities and sometimes surprising. I'd grab my Roland AE-30, my humble but mojo-filled Reface CS, and my MPC. I'd be leaving a bunch of irreplaceable gear to burn which would be sad.

[@suadcokljat1045]

I would grab my Lexicon 480L

[@Ghoopty]

“You can be forensic about your dreaming”. Love that sentence 🎶🪐

[@stopbunsen]

You honestly do feel like you're in the presence of a master. Can listen to him talk about synths for hours

[@rohaxfx001]

I saw Goldfrapp once at a festival and didn't know them that well. It was an incredible show, Alison an incredible performer, but in particular I was just was blown away by the synth sounds (long before I was into synths) - I'd never heard synths sound so enormous and phat - now I know why! Might listen to some now..

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

They have switched to a midi keyboard and software emulsions of there physical sythersizors they used to use, they say its easier to preform that way but I think they might of lost something by doing that.

[@stopbunsen]

I remember the first time I saw them, and I remember feeling the same thing - how phat and huge the sound was. It was so enjoyable. I didn't want it to end!

[@timburdsey]

Never heard a Wasp sound that good. Heavy.

[@DaveInLAS]

EPIC! Hanging out with Will and his kids 🙏🏼😎🤙🏼

[@easytoassemble54321]

I'm slightly encouraged by the fact Will says he's a "rubbish keyboard player", but can knock out the kind of stuff he's done with Goldfrapp and elsewhere. Even the poppiest Goldfrapp stuff is very richly layered, so you're trying to figure out what's going on.

[@jeshkam]

My Gosh, that Jupiter 4 melody, melancholy overload. Will sure is a magician. 😍😍

[@Phoebedumplings]

Will is like the cool/mad uncle that we all should have

[@telsutton]

Twenty years following this chap's work... with bloody good reason. Alison is his perfect foil... batshit crazy and beautiful.

[@ConwayBob]

WX7 to Minimoog -- BRILLIANT! Why hadn't I thought of that? Thanks so much for this video, Will Gregory and SOS.

[@tiekoe]

11:11 "And also i'm not very good at playing the keyboard" cries in incompetence

[@kalthoff1965]

What a feeling for rich sounds ... in the sense of dreaming away in arpeggiated synthscapes, he's like the Captain Nemo of synthesizers.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

The Wasp, Mini Moog, Monopoly and several other vintage synths have been replicated very well by Bahringer and you can buy sevraul of them for the same price as a single vintage one.

[@TeslaDanser]

Its comforting to see someone credible in electronic music with the same hair as me

[@strangehermitage2299]

Gregory is a legend. His composition and production has given me untold joy over the years. Will, you are brilliant. Thank you.

[@Aaa-pz6nh]

If feel the exact same way mate!!

[@jayunito]

I was listening back to the Goldfrapp albums recently, knowing now what I do about synthesis they blow my mind at the level of detail and sound design. Beautiful.

[@Aaa-pz6nh]

His arrangements are so detailed and the sound design is amazing . That’s why they are one of my favorites for sure

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

They are still going and still doing live shows.

[@final_mile_music9713]

Check out the horns crescendo outro on Florence + The Machine’s ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’. Will scored that too!

[@MarkH457]

I just discovered Goldfrapp recently, heard Alison's voice once and was hooked. Working my way slowly through their catalog, taking a while as some songs I just can't leave for a couple days.

[@ThaRuralJuror]

They blow my mind, he makes sounds I can't fathom yet. Allison is amazing as well

[@OliFreke]

Great stuff. I'm fully on board with Will's observation that composition is half happy mistakes, and being able and open to capitalise on them when they happen!

[@TheSlowBallBoy]

Fascinating guy. Always loved Goldfrapp and guess I knew there was a genius at the controls...but first time I've seen/heard/listened to him...wow

[@HoShIfox19]

She’s writing/producing too tho

[@TheSlowBallBoy]

@@HoShIfox19 ofc...they make amazing music together...but she has a bit of a higher profile :-)

[@LuDux]

@@TheSlowBallBoy If I remember correctly Alison has some kind of degree in synths from art college and Will is amateur.. synthesizerist?

[@TheSlowBallBoy]

@@LuDux Neither are amateurs. Both fantastic pro musicians/songwriters/producers

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Goldfrapp are still doing live performances today, they mostly use a midi keyboard and software these days.

[@tihinter]

This video has just one major fail: it ends. I could listen to Will showing us details of his setup for days! What a genius. I think he must be related to Einstein. I mean - I‘m composing for over 25 years, but when he noodles on that gorgeous PS-3300 it sounds like sheer magic. I was wondering why he didn’t show his beloved Two Voice.

[@greeksdorok]

If youve been composing for 25 years and think that was sheer magic idk.. appreciste the positive enthusiasm tho

[@roddymcniven8734]

You want to check out Junkie XL’s synth set up, it’ll blow your mind

[@greedysoul]

Now I see why Goldfrapp music is so interesting! :)

[@Iffy]

The moment he played the Wasp, had a flash back of Felt Mountain. That album had Wasp all over it, it seems!

[@zebonaut]

Felt Mountain? Which songs do you mean? To me it is more Black Cherry rather in my ears: i hear Train, Crystalline Green, Twist, Strict Machine in an instant..

[@Iffy]

@@zebonaut, I hear it scattered around the album itself, on various songs, but could easily be other more advanced and reliable synths uses.

[@zebonaut]

The more Will input there is there the more it is the Goldfrapp i love.

[@jayswitzer9871]

wow, well shot and recorded and the content is fantastic. So relaxing, enjoyable and informative. takes me back to the late 70s and early 80s when i had a MiniMoog and a rhodes, and took a quadrophonic music composition course at U of T with Wes Wraggett. tape loops and 2 big ARPs i was 14 at the time. what a blast.

[@suadcokljat1045]

Listening to people who have grown old together like those synthesizers is the most rewarding of all. Thanks. S

[@Tapper1969]

This is a great video. I’ve had the privilege of working in Will’s studio building but not in a musical capacity. He’s a wonderful person and great to talk to. It’s quite an experience to hear a composition come to life after an hour of Will making beeps and noises. The whole building is an Aladdin’s cave of synthesisers and studio kit. The man is a genius.

[@bobbymelbourne4502]

If anyone want's to see Will Gregory in action live I highly recommend searching for Tears for Fears Going to California. Wow.

[@VolubilisSynthesis]

Merci beaucoup for this moment of pure synthetic happiness.

[@timburdsey]

Nothing like watching Will rock that WX7. Amazing.

[@jackodonnell3463]

This mini doc is top quality, thank you for creating and sharing it.

[@kostradamus5739]

It's amazing to see how solid these machines are build with such love and care. Buy a tv these days and you're lucky when it will be working and usefull for 10 years or so. Some of these machines are over 50 years old, but still full of character.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Bahringer has actually done a great job at recreating these vintage synths for a good price, I have there Monopoly and sounds identical to the Vintage Korg.

[@kostradamus5739]

@@HOLLASOUNDS I agree to that. People test the Behringer gear vs the original analog gear. But can you hear the difference in a mix? I don't think so. Even two identical analog machines do not sound the same. So price and qualitywise Behringer nailed it ;-)

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

@@kostradamus5739 Well you could say the same for software emulsions apart from that any digital or Software will sound the same every time but no two Analog sythersizors will be identical. I dont have a Korg Monopoly but have watched youtubers who have both in the video and they all say the Korg and Bahringer Monopoly are pretty much identical.

[@kostradamus5739]

@@HOLLASOUNDS right...but above the soft-synths i prever the hands-on synths to work with. This is much more intuitive

[@StevensSounds]

My gosh, I didn't think I would want to keep watching this video. I've seen synths and studios... And then he started playing. Wow 🤯

[@christopher_ecclestone]

We need more of these kinds of videos on KZbin. I could watch studio tour/synth talks all night long.

[@Unison_Detune]

SOS, this is what makes you brilliant. Artistry and moments are difficult to describe. You nailed it here. Thank you.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Korg PS3300! Can't be many of those in the UK, might even be the only one here! Seriously mythical synth. On a Will note, I saw the Moog ensemble some years back and remember a guy at the back making a fabulous sound with some synths I couldn't see. With a Moog modular and all sorts on stage I thought it would be something fancy, so I shouted over the barrier at the end to the guy and he kindly came over; he was playing a little SH-101 and a JX-3P! It did make me chuckle how good those (once) budget Rolands sounded in the midst of the monsters. Anyway, very enjoyable upload, many thanks.

[@alistairsteadman3765]

Aphex Twin has a couple and a buddy of mine has one in storage still I think but yes, hen’s teeth!

[@AlexBallMusic]

@@alistairsteadman3765 Ah yes, of course! He had three at one point, goodness knows where he found those! I remembered they have one at Church Studios too, which I guess could be the one RDJ sold on Vemia a few years back.

[@alistairsteadman3765]

@@AlexBallMusic yes, I think you’re right with 3. There’s a photo isn’t there with him sitting on the floor surrounded by them?

[@alistairsteadman3765]

@@AlexBallMusic yes, one listed at Church Studios 👍🏻

[@AlexBallMusic]

@@alistairsteadman3765 Have just found out that Will's 3300 was one of RDJs. Makes sense that the same few are moving around given there were only 50 odd to start with. And yep, there is indeed a great shot of him sat in front of 3 of those beasts. I once saw a 3200 in a studio, but didn't get to play it. That's as close as I've got thus far.

[@FLH3official]

A PS3300... Wow. Just seeing one, even unplugged is a rare thing, so hearing one played... Thank you for the video

[@lisarippon]

I’ve met Will a number of times at gigs, before, after, once sitting outside a venue in Cambridge & he’s always such a sweet guy with time to chat & interested to hear what you think. That comment about mistakes is so true, fingering a chord & getting one finger in the wrong place & thinking “hey, wait a minute…” Great film.

[@meilstone]

What a wonderful person and what a collection of treasures...

[@alferfoot1861]

Those instruments should make a comeback to music and songs. They sound so much better than all those computer generated plastic sound..

[@DrJ3RK8]

Completely agree about getting that one sound into a track.

[@carriersignal]

I love the English. Their idioms and phrases and ways of expressing things are always fascinating to me. I got a feeling I could listen to this guy for hours.

[@cresshead]

00:00 roland jupiter 4 06:40 roland space echo 08:06 mini moog and yamaha wx7 wind instrument 14:00 how do you recdord 16:00 edp wasp synth 18:50 korg PS-3300 poly synth 25:00 randomness? 27:00 polymoog 30:00 power supplies 32:00 outro

[@pryere]

A gentleman and an absolute joy to watch.

[@kgbinfo]

God that Jupiter 4 sounds so lovely🥲

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

10:18 I can honestly say I dont think I have ever seen a mini Moog or any sythersizor being played with a electrictronic wind instrument, Im fascinated by it, what an intresting concept.

[@annother3350]

Therea a latin guy who plays an ARP2600 with a wind controller and it's even more interesting than this!

[@VinylWave11]

He has so much practical knowledge. This was wonderful.

[@GNeuman]

Wow, an almost fully working Polymoog... Great interview

[@iosmusic3938]

A Synth🎹is a magic thing in the world which sound is mysterious and charming 🎧

[@lo-firobotboy7112]

The Jupite r4 is one of my bucket list synths. Such a beautiful instrument. For me, VSTs, emulations and clones will never be a substitute for big ol' wood and steel analog synthesizers. I have a couple JUNOs but one day I hope to have a Jupiter-4 or ProMars in the studio.

[@mrgooakalegooster]

Great talk and teaching!

[@fredflintstone1428]

Brilliant film, many thanks.

[@modernlondonmusic]

Brilliant video!!!!! Loved it.

[@chestnystarik1]

Thank you! Great master of great gear, great experience!

[@CarlArmstrong]

Such a great interview and so insightful to a band I love. Thanks!

[@camofilms]

More of this, fantastic

[@Yosser70]

When he was playing the ps3300 I couldn’t get Queens, who wants to live forever, out my head. Beautiful instrument.

[@scobot1]

LOVED THIS! Thank you so much for making this. ❤

[@maarzt]

delightful and informative. thank you!

[@mandellabeats9962]

This Korg sounds crazy! love the sound of it! full of emotions! when you play a chord on it, It means something!

[@_fig.8]

raw and flawless

[@proaudiorestore8926]

Absolute inspiration!

[@sxipshirey]

This is really nice. Thank you.

[@minisynthcollective7822]

What a fantastic video. Will is a total genius.

[@DEADLINETV]

Thanks for this video! I enjoyed it a lot. It's always great to see and hear passionate people talk!

[@traceyjane4288]

will is a legend !

[@box88]

What a nice chap! down to earth and straight forward also great talent!

[@pixelwash9707]

This is wonderful, many thanks to Will for sharing, and for SOS for doing this interview.

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

love your work!!

[@Basilio_oboe]

Thank you sir. You really help me.

[@dhollsynthmusic]

23:46 "because i'm such a rubbish keyboard player" ...proceeds to play beautiful notes and chords. Lovely video x

[@paulcooper9981]

Great video Will. Nice to see you after 44 years or so - we were at school together (BGS). Only recently realised you were with Goldfrapp. Also enjoyed your piece with Charles Hazlewood on Sky Arts recently. Your analog noodling in this video has inspired me to get my Juno 6 out of the loft! And maybe the JX8P as well.

[@afinderofquietcorners5313]

So many nice synths! Will seems very nice too!

[@lukeskywalker2656]

Wow, I'm amazed at how well the moog works with the midi wind. That's sounds like an MPE controller. Vielen Dank Will ❤‍🔥und Sound on Sound für das Interview.

[@axs203]

He comes across like he really knows his stuff and synths and seems very humble and intelligent.That Korg is so amazing. I also loved that Bach mini moog stuff....it never gets boring does it. Makes me want to learn a wind instrument and get a Moog.That keyboard is cool on the Wasp.....what a curious instrument it was. Yes I agree with have to fiddle around with things and see what comes out. You have to say I don’t know. Completely!

[@jimsanger]

Brilliant, the breath controller is a great bit of kit

[@Aaa-pz6nh]

Thanks for this. I’m a huge Goldfrapp fan, and a huge Will Gregory fan. His writing and arrangements are really awesome!! Very underrated

[@lumpyfishgravy]

Thank-you Mr G for giving my sub a workout! These are beautiful sounds.

[@JohnLRice]

Excellent in every way! 👌🤓👍

[@user-pk5np1nq8b]

I think i would be just like this man someday. Its like seeing yourself in s future and calm down - none of nowadays experiments can get me out of mind. Im gonna be okay.

[@JohnMassari]

Excellent

[@SanderAnderon]

"...when we have a guest synth in here", love that

[@jorisvoorndj]

This is amazing and music talk, I can 100% relate to the random improvisation process hoping something good will come out of it.

[@downpatmusic]

Old analog consoles also rely on their power supplies. I have a big 'ol heavy custom power supply for my Trident Series 80B console and the 2 together sound awesome. All of your timbres remind me of orchestral color choices but your colors are from those synths. You have the woodwinds square waveish sounding instrument, the sawtoothy stringy instrument, etc... Pretty cool pallet choices.

[@SRDhain]

Great use of wx7 with the minimoog via the kenton pro solo. The patch is set up similarly to a moog taurus-y sound, with the one oscillator set for modulation. Will made it sing so well. Most people - inc myself- who use a mini, tend to play riffs and runs within the range as that's what is in front of you, so to speak. The jumps using the wind controller sounded sweet and 'airy' , for want of a better phrase. A wonderful sound. I think the wasp (maybe that particular one), is used on a lot of tracks on Black Cherry. The PS3300 I've never knowingly heard (it might have been on some vangelis works from the late 70s, but i can't place it) and Will made it sound lush, and creamy. Even the polymoog sounded good. Thank you for sharing 👍

[@interbudelblag]

I can watch this video many times.

[@kalibduarte536]

The „John Carpenter Stuff“ was done by Dan Wyman at Sound Arts in L.A.

[@bigfreak58]

Clasic analog madness

[@Stazma]

Super interesting video even tho I did not knew much about Will Gregory. Make me want a Jupiter 4 even more hahaha.

[@dankeplace]

An amazingly cool guy who can do more than just play keys. Great interview, thanks.

[@Culture_of_Ghosts]

Polymoog looks and sounds interesting!

[@chriszanf]

Would be really good to have an interview with David Morley, as hes very much like Will: lots of old analogue gear and really into his sound design. And I really like his music as well as Wills!

[@smartti1970]

thanks to this gentlman to share his wise experience

[@shpongled587]

Respect, OG!

[@federicofernandezdeullivar5294]

GENIUS💘

[@swiftbiscuit455]

The sounds produced by the PS-3300 cured my anxiety for a moment.

[@OIP_1]

love this so much! that moog via WX7 is incredible

[@wd25a]

And it's already got more than enough velocity steps.

[@Projacked1]

The wind control YEAH!

[@TR-707]

10:22 "it does make one play a bit muzaky" .. *does a sweet flourish*

[@Bigmojo75]

Wow!

[@dankeplace]

Wee!