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Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

2009-05-25 by Grant Richter

Josh and I discussed the idea of modifying the existing Frac-Rack faceplate designs to fit the Malekko Euro-rack PCBs.

This would allow continued support of the Frac-rac format.

The modules would have to change. The faceplates have to be much thinner, so the blue engraved style can not be done.

But the black style can still be supported. Josh would be happy if I took care of the Frac-racs and let him concentrate on the Euro-rack.

There are more designs in the 1200 series, that have never been released. They will be released in Euro-rack format. There are at least 4 more modules in the series.

If people can deal with the faceplate issues (less than perfect aesthetics, black only) the possibility exists to make things easy for Frac-rac people to get the existing and new designs with Frac-rac faceplates and +/- 15V power connectors.

Prices would be like before ($300) because of the small run size (expect 25 is limit of market size).

Any positive comments on the idea? Please, no snide remarks, this is something I would do as a favor to my existing Frac-rac customers because business wise, it makes no real sense.

But keeping the fun going and supporting my customers is worth it to me.

Re: [wiardgroup] Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

2009-05-25 by Paul Lord

Grant,

Yes, I am happy to deal with a black-only release of 4 more Frac rack
Wiard modules.  Please keep us informed.

Paul
Show quoted textHide quoted text
On Mon, May 25, 2009 at 12:28 PM, Grant Richter <grichter@asapnet.net> wrote:
>
>
> Josh and I discussed the idea of modifying the existing Frac-Rack faceplate
> designs to fit the Malekko Euro-rack PCBs.
>
> This would allow continued support of the Frac-rac format.
>
> The modules would have to change. The faceplates have to be much thinner, so
> the blue engraved style can not be done.
>
> But the black style can still be supported. Josh would be happy if I took
> care of the Frac-racs and let him concentrate on the Euro-rack.
>
> There are more designs in the 1200 series, that have never been released.
> They will be released in Euro-rack format. There are at least 4 more modules
> in the series.
>
> If people can deal with the faceplate issues (less than perfect aesthetics,
> black only) the possibility exists to make things easy for Frac-rac people
> to get the existing and new designs with Frac-rac faceplates and +/- 15V
> power connectors.
>
> Prices would be like before ($300) because of the small run size (expect 25
> is limit of market size).
>
> Any positive comments on the idea? Please, no snide remarks, this is
> something I would do as a favor to my existing Frac-rac customers because
> business wise, it makes no real sense.
>
> But keeping the fun going and supporting my customers is worth it to me.
>
>

Re: [wiardgroup] Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

2009-05-25 by Timm Mason

This is an exciting idea. I'd be all over Frac-format Borgs.  Also
very interested in the JAG and of course the unreleased modules.

Faceplates are no deal-breaker.  I want what's inside!

-timm
Show quoted textHide quoted text
On Mon, May 25, 2009 at 12:28 PM, Grant Richter <grichter@asapnet.net> wrote:
>
>
> Josh and I discussed the idea of modifying the existing Frac-Rack faceplate
> designs to fit the Malekko Euro-rack PCBs.
>
> This would allow continued support of the Frac-rac format.
>
> The modules would have to change. The faceplates have to be much thinner, so
> the blue engraved style can not be done.
>
> But the black style can still be supported. Josh would be happy if I took
> care of the Frac-racs and let him concentrate on the Euro-rack.
>
> There are more designs in the 1200 series, that have never been released.
> They will be released in Euro-rack format. There are at least 4 more modules
> in the series.
>
> If people can deal with the faceplate issues (less than perfect aesthetics,
> black only) the possibility exists to make things easy for Frac-rac people
> to get the existing and new designs with Frac-rac faceplates and +/- 15V
> power connectors.
>
> Prices would be like before ($300) because of the small run size (expect 25
> is limit of market size).
>
> Any positive comments on the idea? Please, no snide remarks, this is
> something I would do as a favor to my existing Frac-rac customers because
> business wise, it makes no real sense.
>
> But keeping the fun going and supporting my customers is worth it to me.
>
>

Re: Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

2009-05-25 by data2action

Grant

absotively possolutely!  i'm in for anything you come out with, including a reissue of the joyrider.  anxiously await any hints of what the previously unreleased modules are.  

bbob


--- In wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com, "Grant Richter" <grichter@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Josh and I discussed the idea of modifying the existing Frac-Rack faceplate designs to fit the Malekko Euro-rack PCBs.
> 
> This would allow continued support of the Frac-rac format.
> 
> The modules would have to change. The faceplates have to be much thinner, so the blue engraved style can not be done.
> 
> But the black style can still be supported. Josh would be happy if I took care of the Frac-racs and let him concentrate on the Euro-rack.
> 
> There are more designs in the 1200 series, that have never been released. They will be released in Euro-rack format. There are at least 4 more modules in the series.
> 
> If people can deal with the faceplate issues (less than perfect aesthetics, black only) the possibility exists to make things easy for Frac-rac people to get the existing and new designs with Frac-rac faceplates and +/- 15V power connectors.
> 
> Prices would be like before ($300) because of the small run size (expect 25 is limit of market size).
> 
> Any positive comments on the idea? Please, no snide remarks, this is something I would do as a favor to my existing Frac-rac customers because business wise, it makes no real sense.
> 
> But keeping the fun going and supporting my customers is worth it to me.
>

Re: Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

2009-05-25 by mrboningen

that's great news grant and josh!

depending on what the four "new" modules are, i would DEFINITELY be interested in frac versions. my frac modular is entirely based around core wiard and blacet with wiard helped modules. 

looking forward to finding out what they are!

gregg

--- In wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com, "Grant Richter" <grichter@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Josh and I discussed the idea of modifying the existing Frac-Rack faceplate designs to fit the Malekko Euro-rack PCBs.
> 
> This would allow continued support of the Frac-rac format.
> 
> The modules would have to change. The faceplates have to be much thinner, so the blue engraved style can not be done.
> 
> But the black style can still be supported. Josh would be happy if I took care of the Frac-racs and let him concentrate on the Euro-rack.
> 
> There are more designs in the 1200 series, that have never been released. They will be released in Euro-rack format. There are at least 4 more modules in the series.
> 
> If people can deal with the faceplate issues (less than perfect aesthetics, black only) the possibility exists to make things easy for Frac-rac people to get the existing and new designs with Frac-rac faceplates and +/- 15V power connectors.
> 
> Prices would be like before ($300) because of the small run size (expect 25 is limit of market size).
> 
> Any positive comments on the idea? Please, no snide remarks, this is something I would do as a favor to my existing Frac-rac customers because business wise, it makes no real sense.
> 
> But keeping the fun going and supporting my customers is worth it to me.
>

Re: [wiardgroup] Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

2009-05-25 by Muff

This is exceptional news! I have a small euro setup, but due to the cost of rackspace in that format, I strongly prefer frac, and the majority of my modules are in that format.

I would very much welcome new designs in the 1200 series, and would buy them in whichever format they were released in. But having an option for frac makes this all much, much sweeter. At least in my opinion, for my needs and preferences, 'your mileage will vary', etc. etc.

Thanks for thinking of us 'little guys' Grant!



From: "Grant Richter"
Date: Mon, 25 May 2009 19:28:15 -0000
To: <wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [wiardgroup] Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

Josh and I discussed the idea of modifying the existing Frac-Rack faceplate designs to fit the Malekko Euro-rack PCBs.

This would allow continued support of the Frac-rac format.

The modules would have to change. The faceplates have to be much thinner, so the blue engraved style can not be done.

But the black style can still be supported. Josh would be happy if I took care of the Frac-racs and let him concentrate on the Euro-rack.

There are more designs in the 1200 series, that have never been released. They will be released in Euro-rack format. There are at least 4 more modules in the series.

If people can deal with the faceplate issues (less than perfect aesthetics, black only) the possibility exists to make things easy for Frac-rac people to get the existing and new designs with Frac-rac faceplates and +/- 15V power connectors.

Prices would be like before ($300) because of the small run size (expect 25 is limit of market size).

Any positive comments on the idea? Please, no snide remarks, this is something I would do as a favor to my existing Frac-rac customers because business wise, it makes no real sense.

But keeping the fun going and supporting my customers is worth it to me.

Re: [wiardgroup] Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

2009-05-25 by KLAVIS VERGE

I would be very interested in future and previous designs to still be made for frac format. I just wish there was more support for frac format and I hope there will be future frac format designs.

Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: Grant Richter
To: wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 2:28:15 PM
Subject: [wiardgroup] Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

Josh and I discussed the idea of modifying the existing Frac-Rack faceplate designs to fit the Malekko Euro-rack PCBs.

This would allow continued support of the Frac-rac format.

The modules would have to change. The faceplates have to be much thinner, so the blue engraved style can not be done.

But the black style can still be supported. Josh would be happy if I took care of the Frac-racs and let him concentrate on the Euro-rack.

There are more designs in the 1200 series, that have never been released. They will be released in Euro-rack format. There are at least 4 more modules in the series.

If people can deal with the faceplate issues (less than perfect aesthetics, black only) the possibility exists to make things easy for Frac-rac people to get the existing and new designs with Frac-rac faceplates and +/- 15V power connectors.

Prices would be like before ($300) because of the small run size (expect 25 is limit of market size).

Any positive comments on the idea? Please, no snide remarks, this is something I would do as a favor to my existing Frac-rac customers because business wise, it makes no real sense.

But keeping the fun going and supporting my customers is worth it to me.


Re: [wiardgroup] Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

2009-05-25 by RSA

Grant,

This is an awesome idea! Can you tell us something about the new 1200 designs? =)

Cheers,

Rob Adams




________________________________
Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: Grant Richter <grichter@asapnet.net>
To: wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 2:28:15 PM
Subject: [wiardgroup] Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

Josh and I discussed the idea of modifying the existing Frac-Rack faceplate designs to fit the Malekko Euro-rack PCBs.

This would allow continued support of the Frac-rac format.

The modules would have to change. The faceplates have to be much thinner, so the blue engraved style can not be done.

But the black style can still be supported. Josh would be happy if I took care of the Frac-racs and let him concentrate on the Euro-rack.

There are more designs in the 1200 series, that have never been released. They will be released in Euro-rack format. There are at least 4 more modules in the series.

If people can deal with the faceplate issues (less than perfect aesthetics, black only) the possibility exists to make things easy for Frac-rac people to get the existing and new designs with Frac-rac faceplates and +/- 15V power connectors.

Prices would be like before ($300) because of the small run size (expect 25 is limit of market size).

Any positive comments on the idea? Please, no snide remarks, this is something I would do as a favor to my existing Frac-rac customers because business wise, it makes no real sense.

But keeping the fun going and supporting my customers is worth it to me.






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Re: [wiardgroup] Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

2009-05-26 by kwote uno

So this would mean you'd be producing the Frac Rack stuff then? Honestly i'd love to see the 1200 series continue, however I hate to see you labor over it when it seems clear to me you have enough on your plate with the 300 series. If Josh isn't truly interested in making any runs of Frac Rack, perhaps there's a Frac Manufacturer that could throw their hat into the ring.

I think they'd sell well as Frac is only 2nd to Euro in sales as far as I'm aware(please correct if wrong).

Whatever does happen is fine with me and I appreciate your major contribution to the modular world.

-Kwote
Show quoted textHide quoted text
On Mon, May 25, 2009 at 12:28 PM, Grant Richter <grichter@asapnet.net> wrote:


Josh and I discussed the idea of modifying the existing Frac-Rack faceplate designs to fit the Malekko Euro-rack PCBs.

This would allow continued support of the Frac-rac format.

The modules would have to change. The faceplates have to be much thinner, so the blue engraved style can not be done.

But the black style can still be supported. Josh would be happy if I took care of the Frac-racs and let him concentrate on the Euro-rack.

There are more designs in the 1200 series, that have never been released. They will be released in Euro-rack format. There are at least 4 more modules in the series.

If people can deal with the faceplate issues (less than perfect aesthetics, black only) the possibility exists to make things easy for Frac-rac people to get the existing and new designs with Frac-rac faceplates and +/- 15V power connectors.

Prices would be like before ($300) because of the small run size (expect 25 is limit of market size).

Any positive comments on the idea? Please, no snide remarks, this is something I would do as a favor to my existing Frac-rac customers because business wise, it makes no real sense.

But keeping the fun going and supporting my customers is worth it to me.




--
---------------------
Voltage Controlled Crackpot at your service:
http://www.kwotemusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/kwotemusic
http://www.twitter.com/kwotemusic

Re: Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

2009-05-26 by Tommy DOG

Grant,

When I read that a unreleased design was coming out I flipped my wig. I will, no offense to any of the folks making licensed product will take the stuff however it will be.  

As I have said to you on the phone in the past, I would love to see any and all designs come to fruition. I strongly believe in The Wiard and can certainly live with some aesthetic limitations in an instrument I love a play every day.

I actually like the color variants in the blues for example, it adds an other worldly texture to the instrument.

I think those of us who have read your sites over and over have often hoped to see the Babble Box, the C/V Twister (WITH VIDEO IN & OUTPUT), The Walk About, Envelooper, aNTi Oscillator, the first version Tone Generator... That's all off the top of my head.

Yeah, I could be very happy with two of everything and will settle for whatever I can have the chance to add.

I know the gig can be very tiresome and I know  that people don't always appreciate it. So from me to you, do it for us.  

TD



--- In wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com, "Grant Richter" <grichter@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Josh and I discussed the idea of modifying the existing Frac-Rack faceplate designs to fit the Malekko Euro-rack PCBs.
> 
> This would allow continued support of the Frac-rac format.
> 
> The modules would have to change. The faceplates have to be much thinner, so the blue engraved style can not be done.
> 
> But the black style can still be supported. Josh would be happy if I took care of the Frac-racs and let him concentrate on the Euro-rack.
> 
> There are more designs in the 1200 series, that have never been released. They will be released in Euro-rack format. There are at least 4 more modules in the series.
> 
> If people can deal with the faceplate issues (less than perfect aesthetics, black only) the possibility exists to make things easy for Frac-rac people to get the existing and new designs with Frac-rac faceplates and +/- 15V power connectors.
> 
> Prices would be like before ($300) because of the small run size (expect 25 is limit of market size).
> 
> Any positive comments on the idea? Please, no snide remarks, this is something I would do as a favor to my existing Frac-rac customers because business wise, it makes no real sense.
> 
> But keeping the fun going and supporting my customers is worth it to me.
>

RE: [wiardgroup] Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

2009-05-26 by Andris Tauvers

Grant that is fantastic news. I hope you will be able to continue with the 1200 series. You can count me in on any future Frac designs.

Andris
To: wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com
From: grichter@asapnet.net
Date: Mon, 25 May 2009 19:28:15 +0000
Subject: [wiardgroup] Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support



Josh and I discussed the idea of modifying the existing Frac-Rack faceplate designs to fit the Malekko Euro-rack PCBs.

This would allow continued support of the Frac-rac format.

The modules would have to change. The faceplates have to be much thinner, so the blue engraved style can not be done.

But the black style can still be supported. Josh would be happy if I took care of the Frac-racs and let him concentrate on the Euro-rack.

There are more designs in the 1200 series, that have never been released. They will be released in Euro-rack format. There are at least 4 more modules in the series.

If people can deal with the faceplate issues (less than perfect aesthetics, black only) the possibility exists to make things easy for Frac-rac people to get the existing and new designs with Frac-rac faceplates and +/- 15V power connectors.

Prices would be like before ($300) because of the small run size (expect 25 is limit of market size).

Any positive comments on the idea? Please, no snide remarks, this is something I would do as a favor to my existing Frac-rac customers because business wise, it makes no real sense.

But keeping the fun going and supporting my customers is worth it to me.



Hotmail® goes with you. Get it on your BlackBerry or iPhone.

Re: [wiardgroup] Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

2009-05-26 by Mark Griffiths

Grant, many thanks for including the Frac rackers in your thinking.
As a frac rack and 300 series owner I'd welcome new modules, especially as I think it's unlikely I will add Euro rack. Blue is nice but no big issue, if they need to be black and look a little different no problem.
I'm assuming that these won't be developed further in 300 series? (by that I mean in the way the dual Boogie gives something more than the 1200 Boogie, ie high and low pass varieties..rather than the Dual Borg2 which I think is the same module as the 1200 but mounted on the 300 series faceplate)
Looking forward to the "big reveal"!
regards, Mark

Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: Grant Richter
To: wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, 25 May, 2009 8:28:15 PM
Subject: [wiardgroup] Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

Josh and I discussed the idea of modifying the existing Frac-Rack faceplate designs to fit the Malekko Euro-rack PCBs.

This would allow continued support of the Frac-rac format.

The modules would have to change. The faceplates have to be much thinner, so the blue engraved style can not be done.

But the black style can still be supported. Josh would be happy if I took care of the Frac-racs and let him concentrate on the Euro-rack.

There are more designs in the 1200 series, that have never been released. They will be released in Euro-rack format. There are at least 4 more modules in the series.

If people can deal with the faceplate issues (less than perfect aesthetics, black only) the possibility exists to make things easy for Frac-rac people to get the existing and new designs with Frac-rac faceplates and +/- 15V power connectors.

Prices would be like before ($300) because of the small run size (expect 25 is limit of market size).

Any positive comments on the idea? Please, no snide remarks, this is something I would do as a favor to my existing Frac-rac customers because business wise, it makes no real sense.

But keeping the fun going and supporting my customers is worth it to me.

Re: Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

2009-05-26 by m0n075

Grant,

Some modules got dip switches for different settings.
Like the noisering and borg.
What about making these switches on the frontpanel?
I am really excited about the new designs.
To bad there aint blue stuff coming but better black instead off nothing.


Cheers,

Dennis

http://mono-poly.blogspot.com

Re: [wiardgroup] Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

2009-05-26 by Igor Medeiros

http://matrixsynth.blogspot.com/2007/03/grant-richter-on-cutting-down-modular.html

"The single most expensive component in a synthesizer is the aluminum faceplate. There is only one source for turnkey faceplates in the US and they are obscenely expensive. I pay $70 each for 1200 series faceplates. Your only other option involves using 4 different vendors. One to get the metal blanks, one to put the holes in them, another to anodize them and another yet to silkscreen them. Each step is a chance for errors to creep in. Also, there are 5 shipping charges to move everything from place to place or lose the whole batch. Or drop the box... "

i think that you can do modules in any format and they will be very well received by modular community --
but the idea of have a major dropping price in modules using fiberglass/plexiglass or something like bugbrand touchcontroller is really what i would like to see. i am not complaining about the price, just remembering a alternative that was suggested sometime ago, and if you are the one that gonna deal with 4 different vendors i think it';s better being developing new designs, don't you think?

and the new modules? walkabout, envelooper, or any touch controller / sequencer ? :)


igor
Show quoted textHide quoted text
On Mon, May 25, 2009 at 8:28 PM, Grant Richter <grichter@asapnet.net> wrote:


Josh and I discussed the idea of modifying the existing Frac-Rack faceplate designs to fit the Malekko Euro-rack PCBs.

This would allow continued support of the Frac-rac format.

The modules would have to change. The faceplates have to be much thinner, so the blue engraved style can not be done.

But the black style can still be supported. Josh would be happy if I took care of the Frac-racs and let him concentrate on the Euro-rack.

There are more designs in the 1200 series, that have never been released. They will be released in Euro-rack format. There are at least 4 more modules in the series.

If people can deal with the faceplate issues (less than perfect aesthetics, black only) the possibility exists to make things easy for Frac-rac people to get the existing and new designs with Frac-rac faceplates and +/- 15V power connectors.

Prices would be like before ($300) because of the small run size (expect 25 is limit of market size).

Any positive comments on the idea? Please, no snide remarks, this is something I would do as a favor to my existing Frac-rac customers because business wise, it makes no real sense.

But keeping the fun going and supporting my customers is worth it to me.


Re: Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

2009-05-26 by Tommy DOG

I think Dennis' point is good, although I have never met a dip switch I liked.

Maybe translucent yellow, pink and green just to fuck with people.

I don't think much matters to users in terms of appearance, beyond maybe keeping their rows in the same color, if that.

Maybe having someone like Metal Box do the panels or something. Gee, I'd hate to see you regret bring on this idea, so anything that will lesson the burden is cool with me.  

Best synth news since the 300 return.

TD

--- In wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com, "m0n075" <modular@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Grant,
> 
> Some modules got dip switches for different settings.
> Like the noisering and borg.
> What about making these switches on the frontpanel?
> I am really excited about the new designs.
> To bad there aint blue stuff coming but better black instead off nothing.
> 
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Dennis
> 
> http://mono-poly.blogspot.com
>

RE: [wiardgroup] Re: Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support

2009-06-07 by T3h caTmaN

i think u forgot to mention BLACET.
seems like the obvious choice.

d.


To: wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com
From: r_a_quirk@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 07:32:11 +0000
Subject: [wiardgroup] Re: Possible idea to continue some Frac-Rac mechanical faceplate support



I'd definitely be very interested in some frac 1200 series, with whatever kind of faceplate.

Maybe Metalbox or Bugbrand would be interested in releasing it in frac and giving you your time back to the 300 and whatever else lies in the future?

cheers

Richard



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