electricwestern.com

I have been getting questions regarding the availability of ribbon controllers, rack mountable synths, kits or products relating to the Ondes Martenot, Theremins, etc… So, I’ll let anyone know what is going on, and why the Phantastron is still the only instrument listed for sale on this site.

The ribbon controllers are ready for production and sale, and the designs for many other things, like theremins and heterodyne oscillators, and maybe a filter or two are solid. However, I simply don’t want to post something as “for sale” unless I REALLY can stand behind it 110%, both in terms of quality and in terms of meeting demand. At this point, I don’t have the money (let’s face it, times are tough) to have all parts on hand, ready to ship for these new contraptions. Therefore, I am only willing to offer them on an individual request basis — since I am opposed to taking orders which I cannot fill immediately.

Meanwhile, I can reliably and happily continue to ship Phantastrons without delay, hassle or any back orders. So hooray for that!

I am also willing to take my time to prevent rushing some designs or acruing debt. I believe this policy results in a better product, happy customers and happy musicians / sound artists. It also keeps Electric Western in the black.

This being said, Electric Western is not going away, and I will offer more products, but things are going very slowly as we grow (we are growing, and not losing money). On the other hand, I will not finance my business with credit right now, nor accept money for goods I don’t have in stock.

And, on a personal note, Electric Western has never been my sole support — it does pay me, but much of my personal costs are really covered by other income, which occupies a lot of my time right now.

So, ribbon controllers already exist, many other crazy instruments and modules are coming. It is innevitable, however, I don’t want to lose my commitment to a unique product range, customer satisfaction and surviving a rough economic turn…

In the meantime, if you really want to know about these things on the horizon or even ask for DIY design input, I’m always happy to talk about it. Indeed, I can even make the new ribbons for people now upon request. All you need to do is send me an email:

Lorin Parker

Parker@electricwestern.com

P.S. No, I won’t do thermatron kits! I’m not that crazy (wow how many lawyers would I need?!). However if you are a savvy artist, I’d be happy to consult .