A Melbourne not-for profit organization, Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio (MEES), will soon open, providing one-on-one experience with a slew of vintage synthesizers, which is being described as an interactive synth museum.
Conceived and operated by artists Robin Fox (perhaps best known for laser-orientated A/V) and Byron J Scullin (a prominent mixing and mastering technician) out of their North Melbourne studio, the duo claims they have “one of the most unique, eclectic and historically significant collections of electronic instruments in the world,” with a slew of vintage and rare Roland, Korg, EMS, Moog, Yamaha as well as super rare pieces like the Transaudio LaTrobe (3 were made, 2 reside at MESS).
For now, visitors would have to be a member of the museum, of which 500 are available at the price of $220 annually, or $44 one-off sessions with a desired piece. The museum will rotate its collection of available instruments every six months as only 1/3 of it is able to be displayed at a time. The idea behind the membership appraoch is similar to that of a gym, with the duo describing how visitors can, “come down and work out on a synth. If you leave these things locked away, they’re like a vintage car – if you don’t take it for a drive then the whole thing seizes up.”
But, don’t fret by the seeming conflict between “not for profit” and “membership”, as the MESS model looks towards its own maintenance and awareness. According to MESS, funding will be used:
- To document, support and encourage electronic sound and music creation in all its forms.
- To gather and sustain the history of electronic sound creation centred around the collection and maintenance of electronic sound instruments and devices.
- To make all electronic sound devices held in the MESS collection accessible for use to the widest range of people possible as creative and educational tools. To maintain these instruments for use by subsequent generations.
- To educate people regarding the history, technique and process of the creation of electronic sound and music. To promote and stimulate interest in electronic sound and music by engaging and educating young people via schools and community organisations.
- To ensure and encourage cultural diversity in the people who interact with the organisation and to reflect the unique impact of Australian culture on electronic sound creation.
- To support, promote and advocate for electronic music artists who interact with the organisation.
You can sign up to be a member, or gather more information about the space, including a COMPLETE list of available items HERE. Check out a few of the items available in the gallery below, all of which come courtesy of MESS Facebook.
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Source: Broadsheet
