Faces
RIP : Synth & MIDI Pioneer , Dave Smith ( 1950-2022 )
Dave Smith , the founder of synth maker Sequential who is considered the father of MIDI , died on May 31 , 2022 , at the age of 72 .
Smith invented a range of synths that were used by electronic artists on iconic albums throughout the 1980s and beyond , such as Radiohead ’ s Kid A .
On June 1 st , Smith ’ s company , Sequential , wrote on Facebook : “ It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Dave Smith has died . We ’ re heartbroken , but take some small solace in knowing he was on the road doing what he loved best in the company of family , friends , and artists .”
Smith founded Sequential Circuits in 1974 and pioneered MIDI instruments in the early 1980s . After also working on innovative projects with Korg and Yamaha during the 1990s , he launched Dave Smith Instruments in 2002 , which was changed to Sequential in 2018 .
On Twitter , The Cure ’ s Roger O ’ Donnell wrote , “ So sad to hear of Dave Smith ’ s death . He started Sequential Circuits who made some of the most iconic synths from the early ‘ 80s until now . He invented MIDI !!! The Prophet 5 is one of the greatest synths ever made , he will never be forgotten . Great man and a dear friend .”
Bon Iver ’ s Justin Vernon also said , “ Dave Smith made the best keyboards ever … that ’ s saying it lightly . Innovator of so much . Inspiration . Thank you , Dave Smith .”
Duran Duran ’ s Nick Rhodes wrote in a statement that , “ I am really sad to hear Dave Smith , synth guru and designer of the Prophet V has left our analogue world . He was a pioneer and never stopped looking for new ways forward in the synth universe .”
Precision Music ’ s Keith & Kathy Lumley Retire After 40 Years in MI Retail
KEITH & KATHY LUMLEY
After four decades in business , Keith and Kathy Lumley , the owners of Precision Music in Bracebridge , ON , have retired . They began the business from their home in 1982 and their last day of work was July 2 , 2022 . The store ’ s name , client list , and inventory have been sold to Long & McQuade .
“ It ’ s hard for me , to tell you the truth ,” Keith told the Bracebridge Examiner . “ I ’ ve just done this for so long . 40 years . It ’ s starting to set in .”
The Lumleys began Precision Music by teaching lessons , selling pianos and keyboards , with providing piano tuning and repair . The first storefront was opened in 1983 , originally as Precision Pianos , on Manitoba Street . In 1987 they moved the store down the road to 28 Manitoba St ., where it remained ever since . The building , which the Lumleys own , was not sold to Long & McQuade .
Speaking with the Bracebridge Examiner , Keith Lumley said MAP pricing , the pandemic , and shrinking profit margins all made it tougher to run a small , independent MI store . “ We ’ ve made a conscious decision , we feel that the industry that we ’ re in is now for the big guys ,” he said to the newspaper . “ You ’ ve got to do tons of volume to make up for the lower margin . At the same time , I can ’ t control it .”
CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE 19