Electronic musical instruments seem to be a clearly defined group of instruments, which made its appearance around 1900 due to the growing importance of electrical engineering and had their first great period of prosperity in the Roaring Twenties. Until the early sixties they are referred to as a side issue in the cosmos of musical instruments, which at that time already split up in different subgroups, types and shapes. Synthesizer, piling up to high racks and wall units of control knobs, switches and wires on big stages made a great impression on the public. But also drum machines, alternative controller and last but not least computer software gain more and more importance, particularly in the present time of digitalization.

This book presents a selection of the hardly ascertainable variety of electronic musical instruments in large-format illustrations to convey an insight into the most significant stations of the development of electronic instruments. Essays from the current state of academic research illuminate the evolution and reception history of this young group.