Due to the increasing degradation of my spine and vintage instruments themselves, I can no longer perform repairs and restorations as I used to.
With that said, I’m closing shop and selling almost everything in it.
This includes a lot of parts, tools, amps, test equipment, docs, books, etc.
The Synthfool website will remain up and available for those that need the docs contained there.
A module that’s here and owned by one of the forum’s members will be worked on some more and sent either when I’m finished or unable to progress further on it.
Most items will be sold on Ebay as I can get the time and energy to do so.
Some will be sold separately. Some in lots.
The last run of OptoKeys is also being finalized, so only a few remain.
No additional ones will be made later on as far as I know.
I own all the rights to the design also (PCB layouts, schematics, source code, etc) and I hope to sell it as intellectual property, but the price will be in the thousands.
No need for sorries or personal wishes.
I already know who my friends are.
I just wanted to officially announce the end of my services.
This post may be copied and posted to any other forum if desired.
Each time I play my Minimoog, I’m so grateful that you came up with your optical contact design. My Mini will most probably outlast me !
Thanks for everything indeed, man !
Kevin, thank you so much for the excellent restoration work you did for my Odyssey a couple years ago. So sorry to hear this - your service and expertise will be greatly missed. Hoping the best for for you!
Kevin, I am so sorry to hear that your spine is degrading further. You have helped so many pursue our musical creativity by your expertise and undying efforts to keep our vintage instruments in top condition. You have also shared so much of your personal knowledge and experience to benefit all of us. I truly appreciate that your efforts went far beyond the call of a repair engineer. I second MC in hoping that you will continue to participate in this forum.
Thank you (truly!) for the all kind words and wishes.
I’m not leaving the forum, at least yet.
Members are welcome to PM or email me. (synthfool at synthfool dot com)
Anyway, there’s a lot of very smart and experienced people on this forum.
Several more intelligent than I am too. I’ve learned a lot here also.
I’m sure that if someone needs a question answered, they’ll obtain some quality help from others still here.
All good.
Kevin, I am saddened to hear this, but am not surprised. Like so many others here, I value your expertise, and our conversations, as well as the few services I have been provided by you. I will see you on the forums and will correspond when appropriate.
I don’t know what your condition is, but stem cell tech has already been used to grow neck vertebrae. I am sure you know there are many clinical trials for new stem cell therapy, so there’s hope for degenerative spinal disease. Sorry about giving up your work, I hope you can still play.
Sending well-wishes your way, Kevin. You’ve helped me with my synth issues countless times. It’s always been informative (and exciting!) reading whenever you post. That includes back in the AH hey-day. Please stay in contact with your fellow synth fans.
Thanks Kevin for your contributions, past and present to the synth world. They are astounding.. You deserve a place in the synth “Hall of Fame” in my opinion.. And it hasn’t always been a bed of roses in our communications but I recognize I had the knowledge of a weed compared to you and you provided me with much important info on my journey, beginning with the time you told me via phone how to get my (now sold, sadly) ARP 2600 to stop making its sound (something I later discovered Joe Zawinul needed to be helped with as well when he started on one). Your love of the Minimoog was one of many great reasons I still have my Musonics Mini and basically, your input on these forums has been indispensable.
Thank you and may you have all the health and energy you need to enjoy your life.
Kevin, It’s sad to hear about this (and it’s somehow 2 months after the original post)
but allow me to say a big THANKS for everything you offer to us and share with all of us, all these years!!!
I wish to you and yours, the best possible.
Nikos - Greece
