boutique

Dahlia and Roland TR-08

Dahlia is back and she is resting adorably on a Roland TR-08 rhythm composer. From our friend Rob Robinson via Facebook.

The Roland TR-08 is the Boutique recreation of the legendary TR-808 drum machine from the early 1980s.

CatSynth Pic: Ed and PJ (Roland Boutiques)

Ed and PJ faithfully guard the kit of Pete Dolan. (Photo submitted via our Facebook page.)

we see three Roland Boutiques on the shelf, along with the original boxes arranged in a colorful pattern. Among them is the JP-08 that we have here at HQ. Two of the keyboards are (wisely) under dust covers, and the identity of the third is left as an exercise to the reader.

You can see our many posts featuring the Roland Boutiques here.

CatSynth Pic: Coco and TR-09

Coco gets ready to program her Roland TR-09 drum machine. Submitted by Daniel Warner via our Facebook page.

The TR-09 is a recreation of the Roland TR-909 as part of the Boutique series. It has the original controls and layout of the “909”, but in the Boutique form factor; plus some modern additions like USB.

You can see Coco’s previous appearance on CatSynth here.

CatSynth Pic: Roland TB-03 and TR-09

Black cat Tromo with Roland Boutique TB-03 and TR-09 synths.

By Elie Sakr via a new treasure trove thread on the Facebook group Synthesizer Freaks.

Weekend Cat Blogging with Sam Sam : In the Studio

Sam Sam has decided that the space under the studio console is an excellent napping spot.

This is where the Nord Stage lives when not gigging, and my main Pro Tools HDX station for music recording and CatSynth TV post-production. I am loath to move her when I find her there, so I usually just wait a little bit. After all, even napping cats rarely stay in one place for long.

If the studio looks a bit messy and chaotic, that is because it is. Between gigging, travel, and probably too much gear, it has been hard to keep in order during the second half of the year. The latest dismantling was for my recent performance at VAMP, which came before I had replaced everything from my New York trip. The Nord keyboard usually makes it back in place quickly, sometimes it takes the ever-expanding collection of synths a little while longer. Hopefully in the next few quieter weeks will get it organized and better than ever…

CatSynth Video: CSMA: Boutique Jam

From Chrissie Caulfield on YouTube. Spotted by our friend @scatterfilter on Twitter.

“Synth jam with two Roland “Boutique” synths.”

It’s interesting to hear the Boutique synths as a pair (we have two here at CatSynth HQ). You have to wait until near the end to spot the cat 😺.

CatSynth pic: Luna and Roland JP-08 Boutique Synthesizer

Luna and Roland JP-08

Today we have a special treat, as Luna poses for a CatSynth pic with the Roland JP-08 “Boutique” synthesizer. It’s “cat-sized”, but for humans it’s also a good size for an auxiliary synth and easy to carry to gigs alongside the Nord or Moog. It also brings in some Roland Jupiter sound to the repertoire.

As for Luna, she is continuing to do better since her nadir at the beginning of the month. She is eating well and active, though she does still walk with a bit of a limp. Nonetheless, we get to spend some good time together, including in the studio.