Gakken Modular Synth + Synth Questions

[Seten]

Alright, disclaimer, I'm new to this. Sorry if I ask something obvious. Also, I realize that this is not about effects, it's about a synth, so if it's unacceptable for me to post this here I apologize in advance.

So I got a gakken yesterday, and it's really cool. But I want to actually do something musically with it, and, for me, that involves a shit ton of mods and such. The main idea is I want to buy four and make a four oscillator modular synth. I know this is possible (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVu2O8ZK-tA) but I don't know if its possible to do everything I want to do to it. This is also my first project of almost any kind with electronics (I know some things, just havent done anything with that knowledge). (Side note - I considered doing this with a monotron, since I've heard they're much easier to mod, but 4 monotrons would be 240 new while the gakkens would come to 80.)

Here's my list of questions.

1. Is this possible/within reason (not a whole year of work)?
- 4 gakkens connected
- synced lfo
- able to use all oscillators in unison or separately to do chords
- keyboard (I might also want to have both a keyboard and a strip like is shown in the video and be able to switch between the two. Either that or I would be happy with a pitch wheel.)
- ASDR
- Hold note function sort of thing (drone)
- sequencer
- Here's the kicker - do all of this completely analog

2. How do you add a keyboard without midi?
- I'm guessing its possible, but how? This is an area I know almost nothing about. I know (think) a lot of modern analog synths are using midi but they cant all be, especially not vintage synths. So how the hell does that work?

3. There are analog sequencers, right?

4. Can I make this all powerable by some sort of power supply?

5. Could all of this be done for under $200?
- I was originally going to buy a microbrute for my first analog synth, but if this works out I might be satisfied for awhile. However, I'd like to spend less than what a used microbrute would cost.

6. I need a soldering iron (Most important question I have right now since to do basically anything I know I'm gonna need one.)
- Preferably one thats cheap as shit. (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/13140910 ... 0&ff14=108)? I only care if it keeps me through this project, and if it breaks after this project, that's fine as long as, like i said, its cheap as shit. part of the reason I'm doing this is to see if this is something I want to get into (and extend it into building pedals and shit like that.) If I like it, then I'll invest in a solid, high quality soldering iron.

Ok, I think that's it for now. Obviously once I get around to doing this, I'm going to have a fuck ton more questions.

[Faldoe]

There is a mod for a CV input online for the Gakken. You'd need something that outputs CV or a Midi to CV converter so you can use a regular midi controller or keyboard with midi out and the notes will be changed to CV

[Seten]

There is a mod for a CV input online for the Gakken. You'd need something that outputs CV or a Midi to CV converter so you can use a regular midi controller or keyboard with midi out and the notes will be changed to CV

Thanks! Do you know of any cheap keyboards (or ribbon controller) that outputs cv? I havent really found one cheap.

[Faldoe]

Not that I know of. I just found this site linked below where a guy devised a MIDI converter kit. I emailed him asking if he sells just the PCB. He sells a kit which is like $77 shipped or so from Japan.

I'm hoping he may share a PCB layout so I can etch my own.

http://beatnic.jp/manuals/SX-mk2/index-e.html

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wc0u4G90h8[/youtube]

[Seten]

Not that I know of. I just found this site linked below where a guy devised a MIDI converter kit. I emailed him asking if he sells just the PCB. He sells a kit which is like $77 shipped or so from Japan.

I'm hoping he may share a PCB layout so I can etch my own.

http://beatnic.jp/manuals/SX-mk2/index-e.html

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wc0u4G90h8[/youtube]

Alright. I mean, at that point I might as well just mod the gakken for midi input and use a midi keyboard.

[Faldoe]

Not that I know of. I just found this site linked below where a guy devised a MIDI converter kit. I emailed him asking if he sells just the PCB. He sells a kit which is like $77 shipped or so from Japan.

I'm hoping he may share a PCB layout so I can etch my own.

http://beatnic.jp/manuals/SX-mk2/index-e.html

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wc0u4G90h8[/youtube]

Alright. I mean, at that point I might as well just mod the gakken for midi input and use a midi keyboard.

I'm going to order a kit. I'll report back what I think of it. Looks cool.

[Faldoe]

I got the kit and it is pretty cool. I still need to box it up.