Owen Fraser, who embarked on the project at just 15, recently completed the instrument, which he built from scratch. It measures more than a metre wide and nearly a metre tall.
He undertook every aspect of the build, from crafting the wooden frame and power supply to soldering the complex internal circuits.
The front panels were custom-fabricated to his precise specifications, based on adapted online designs.
The synthesiser functions as a modular musical instrument, enabling users to generate and manipulate unique sounds by connecting various modules.
These include oscillators that produce different wave shapes and frequencies, allowing for a vast array of possibilities.
‘I’ve got software that can simulate all of this but it’s just much more engaging to have something physical,’ he said.
His journey began with a passion for music creation and a desire for a more tactile, physical approach to sound design. While drawing inspiration from 1980s modular synthesiser architectures, Owen evaluated and modified many of the original circuits to enhance their features.
The most significant construction challenge was the woodwork for the main enclosure, an area where he admits his skills were initially less refined.
Despite this, and a substantial personal investment of approximately £3,000 for components, Owen’s motivation remained unwavering.
He adopted a disciplined routine, dedicating an hour each morning before school and several hours on weekends to the intricate soldering, allowing him to complete two modules per week for months.
Looking ahead, Owen plans to pursue a mathematics degree at Durham University, with aspirations for a career in programming. However, his electronic endeavours are far from over.
He is currently developing an audio routing box to integrate his synthesiser with his computer and guitar.
He also envisions adding further capabilities, such as a dedicated sequencer for automated note playback.
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