Buchla & Friends: Sam Gutman’s Wild Synth Safari

Buchla & Friends isn’t your average synth expo—it’s the kind of event where the gear is as eccentric as the crowd. Sam Gutman kicks things off by comparing it to NAMM, but reckons Buchla & Friends is where the truly wild stuff lurks. If you’re hunting for synths that look like they’ve survived a BBQ mishap and still sound mint, this is the place.

The vibe is pure excitement, with Sam promising to showcase the most off-the-wall instruments and the passionate folks behind them. It’s clear from the get-go that this isn’t about safe choices or polite applause. Instead, it’s a celebration of the weird, the experimental, and the downright bonkers. If you’re bored of beige, buckle up—this is the synth world’s answer to an outback thunderstorm.

First up, Sam dives into the Nymira by Terraphones, a physical take on the circle of fifths that’s as much a teaching tool as it is a performance beast. You can wrangle major, minor, and diminished chords, and even control up to seven overtones—talk about giving your harmonies a workout. The design is hands-on and tactile, perfect for anyone who likes their theory with a side of chaos.

Then there’s the Flux by Soma Laboratories, which takes the theremin concept and cranks it up to eleven. Instead of waving your hands aimlessly, you use magnets to play, with chromatic keys and expressive control over both north and south poles. It’s easier to play than a theremin but just as likely to make your mates’ jaws drop. Both instruments show that innovation isn’t just about more buttons—it’s about rethinking how we interact with sound.

Sam’s love for the Buchla Music Easel is obvious—it’s the synth that first lured him into the world of patch cables and sonic mayhem. He admits he once wanted one more than a decent van, which says a lot about the Easel’s pull. Even after all these years, it stands tall as a symbol of creative freedom and experimental spirit. For many, it’s the holy grail, and seeing it at Buchla & Friends is like spotting a platypus in the wild—rare, iconic, and a bit magical.