Anybody else going?
Chances of Ableton having any Move-related content on their stand?
Chances of me not spending more time on the Soundgas stand than anywhere else?
Pre-purchasing tickets at this stage saves you about a fiver versus walk-up (probably less once you pay fees…) but a fiver is a fiver, as Confucius said.
What are the seminars, you say? Glad you asked! 
12:00pm - Electronic Music Open Mic (EMOM) Showcase
Live Improvised Performances
Founder and organiser Martin Christie will discuss the background and philosophy of the EMOM movement. This year’s showcase will provide an insight into the diverse range of music making that has been uncovered through these regular gatherings. The four artists taking to the stage for 2024 will include:
Susan O’Shea who has been involved as an artist with the EMOM movement since the beginning. Susan also plays as one half of the duo Factory Acts who are signed to Analogue Trash.
Andy Cartridge aka Tekkaz who helps run and host a wonderful Stoke-on-Trent EMOM called Electric Tentacle.
Cheryl Holland who has played at recent Manchester and London based EMOM events and performs uplifting electronic/house/pop music with a positive vibe.
James Glew who hosts the monthly Derby EMOM at Dubrek Studios. James combines organic rhythms with unique synth melodies to create incredible euphoric sounds.
2:00pm - Soundgas Live Gear Auction
Tony Miln from Soundgas will auction a selection of vintage analogue synths, drum machines and effects live on stage at this ‘grab a bargain’ event with most lots being offered with no reserve. Win the bid and walk away with the gear on the day!
3:30pm - Iconic Drum Machines
Oli Freke from Synth Evolution takes us on a guided tour of some of the most iconic drum machines that shaped music in our time.
He’ll be joined on stage by Michael Eden who will demonstrate some of the drum machines in his collection.
5:00pm - DivKid presents ‘Patch From Scratch’
Join Ben Wilson “DivKid” in this seminar as he takes us through a basic modular synthesizer voice and shows how to expand that voice by patching in new layers from the existing modules and articulating those with new rhythms.
A range of techniques will be used such as the use of sub octaves, divided rhythms, AM and ring modulation, waveshaping, panning and mixed modulation sources.
Enjoy! Sadly I’m working at a record fair this Saturday. Really fancy going though, maybe next time.
I’ve not missed one for years and even though there often isn’t anything life-altering on show it’s still an excellent way to spend a Saturday. Which is sort of a way to say: you’re not missing loads but it’s worth a visit at some point.
Still, may your record sales soar!
Superb work 
I’m going.
Funnily enough, I’ve looked at the attendees list and with Ableton at the top of the list, I’m definitely MOVE’ing that way pretty quickly!
I wonder if all Elektronauts who are attending, should wear a pink carnation or something?
Yep I’m going to it’s been a few years since I last did Synthfest. Looking forward to all the talks.
I’m also hoping I might luck out with someone having a Roland P-6 in stock on the day.
We should all try to look middle aged, potentially balding and bearded - nobody at Synthfest looks like that 
I like the idea though!
If anyone is planning on taking in the Soundgas live auction it’s worth giving the “hammer fees” a quick glance 
Having dealt with an auction house recently to sell my late father-in-law’s posessions the fees look quite normal. Some items have an 18% fee, others 38% - I believe this is whether or not 20% VAT is chargeable. Not entirely sure what the criteria is for whether or not VAT is chargeable on these items, possibly something to do with whether they’re Japanese imports, or their value, or something.
On the plus side the estimated price ranges seem to be a lot lower than sold prices for similar items on eBay. So hopefully there’ll still be some bargains to be had. As long as not too many of us bid.
Erm. I mean the fees are extortionate. Don’t bid on anything! 
The thing to really watch out for is a lot of the listed items are Japanese imports and have a 100v power supply requirement.
Ah, I have to confess: I’ve always avoided auction houses, probably thanks in no small part to my late grandfather’s obsession with them, so this element was unknown to me. Thank you for the insight!
i’m going
I’ll be there, as always.
Just looking through the exhibitors list to try to make the best use of my time.
I’ve noted that I need to go down to the basement to see the demo schedule as soon as I arrive, so I don’t miss anything good.
Last time I went there was a retailer (might have been GAK) selling gear at a pretty heavy discount on the day. Does anyone know if there’s a retailer doing the same tomorrow? I haven’t spotted any yet looking at the floor plan.
EDIT: Answered my own question - it’s KMR
I really want to get in on this kind of thing but I’ve unGASsed myself to such an extent that the only thing I’m really interested in buying is Ableton Move… but I absolutely will still be checking on the offers, just in case
I normally go every year - it’s terrific.
Sadly this year I have a clash with the Levitation festival down in Bedford, which I have to attend, as I’m on the bill… 
It’s gonna be great, but I am simultaneously gutted that I’m missing Synthfest.
For whatever it might be worth, I’d absolutely love to be going to Levitation! Have an absolutely awesome one - I enjoy your stuff on CiS immensely 
I’m in a similar situation. But I have some aspirational long term changes I want to make to my setup, so I’m using it as an opportunity to have a in depth play with a few expensive synths that I absolutely will not be buying on the day. I’ll be happy if I come home with a Roland P-6 and maybe a MIDI Merge box. If there’s a vintage FX box about for a good price, I could be tempted.
If it’s anything like previous years I’ll end up playing with loads of stuff and then hankering after something unobtainable from Soundgas 
thanks man - much appreciated ! 