Museum of Gadgets
An ever-growing page of toys and tools that I’ve used throughout the years, including my honest reviews.
The original OP-1 is shown above: the instrument I still own and love.
OP-1
I have a difficult relationship with the OP-1. I love it and hate it. It’s a brilliant little synth that utterly kills. Every time I lift its titanium case, I am smitten without pressing a single key. Its simple and fun interface reminds me of the early Apple Macintosh. The OP-1 is intelligently designed and, with continued software updates, it keeps getting better with age. Would you believe that the OP-1, that I purchased over ten years ago, is more valuable today than it was back then (and it still works flawlessly)? So what can be bad about this thing? I have big hands and I wish the keyboard fit my fingers. And with its long list of features, I miss velocity sensitivity. At the very least, I’d like that to be a feature I could turn off or on. Lastly (and most importantly) the OP-1 is pricey. Way way pricey. The latest version (the Field Version) cost 2k. Is it worth it? If you’re a pro or a performer, it might be (but get ready to skip rent for a month).
I consider this little keyboard essential to any home studio.
KORG NANOKEY 2
For plunking out ideas, I can’t live without this $45.00 midi controller. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve started sketching a composition using this tool, only to discover… the composition is done.
I use this midi controller for my software synths (on Logic Pro) but it can be used on any DAW. It’s light and fits into any backpack. Did I mention it offers velocity sensitivity?
MYST ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK - VINYL
Decades ago, I wrote the soundtrack to Myst. For years, fans asked for a vinyl version and, finally, working in tandem with Fangamer, we created a unique collectable. The first pressing immediately sold out, Fangamer immediately ran a second printing, available only at the Fangamer website for $45.
FANGAMER WEBSITE
A handheld game system that features a crank.
Playdate by Panic
I bought a Playdate when they were first announced. I held onto it for months, carried it through a move, waiting… until Christmas. Finally, I gifted it to my daughter (12). Amidst all the bustle of Christmas day, she lost interest. BUT, a couple months later, she picked it up began to understand just how cool this little device is. Some games are decent. Some are great! Some games cleverly take advantage of the crank.
The bright yellow design is nostalgic and smart (thanks Teenage Engineering).
Tears of the Kingdom requires an Nintendo Switch and is a sequel to Breath of the Wild.
ZELDA—TEARS OF THE KINGDOM
Have you played Zelda Tears of the Kingdom (for Nintendo Switch)? If not, you’re missing out. Other games are great. This game is dangerously addictive. I’ll never win… but that’s fine with me; there is so much to explore and unravel in this massive realm. 10/10 (despite the often silly creatures). It’s worth every penny of it’s $53.
The Kuretake Brush Pen comes in this gorgeous wood box.
Kuretake Brush Pen No. 50
Kuretake is a Japanese company that makes many styles of awesome brush pens. I’ve tried many of them, but long ago I graduated to their (refillable) No. 50. The sable hair brush tip is like drawing with silk. It goes from hairlines to bold lines with subtle changes in pressure.
The wooden box makes this pen feel like a rare find. Everything about the packaging is stunning.
So yeah… I love this pen. So much that I’ve bought them as gifts for every artist I know that might want to use one.
They aren’t cheap. But for $48 dollars, I think you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.
Apple AirPod Pro (2nd Generation)
I’m a huge fan of these ear-pods. The sound is stunning: almost as good as my over-the-ears headphones. They fit my ears perfectly, so I can wear them for hours without ear fatigue. $189.00.