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About Wid
Expertise
READ THIS CAREFULLY BEFORE ASKING !!! I will answer any kind of query about their music & instruments. I won't answer questions about private life. Just don't ask or the questions will be rejected. Be sure I won't waste my time explaining why. I'm not able and (above all) not willing to answer questions about their wives (please subscribe to the Sunday Sun for this kind of questions, you may find answers). Sounds crazy to write that but I've received some really stupid queries about this subject lately... Other point of interest before you send questions : I'm not a psychanalyst. All questions revolving around you loving Robert as a dad (or lover) are no questions but matter of fact. I'll be delighted not to answer these queries... Last but not least : I won't answer people who don't even care reading replies (yeah, strange, but some "people" do that, showing the interest they put in their own questions and how the respect the time given by volunteers...). No read or rate ? no further questions answered !

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Cure fan since 1981, semi-pro musician

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Master

You are here: Experts > Music/Performing Arts > Alternative Music > Cure, The (Robert Smith) > a forest current / past drum effect sound

Cure, The (Robert Smith) - a forest current / past drum effect sound

Expert: Wid - 10/8/2009

Question
A forest , from at least Boris Williams days onwards , when played live has a lovely 'howl' electric drum effect - where does this originate - in the album original it is used sparsely towards the very end of the song , the rest of the effects seeming to be treated cymbal sounds ? .. Many regards to you !

Answer
Hi Mark,

Boris used to play sampled sound from an Akai sampler triggered by a pad. It's a long tradition in The Cure (since 1980). Lol started using Star Products Synare 3 pads (he had 2 of these) from 1980 onwards to generates electronics sounds, such as the ones heard in "Play for today", "M" or "A forest". One of them was used to trigger a Simmons Clap Trap from 1981 onwards, the best example being heard in "The Drowning Man".

Hope the answer helps.

Wid.

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Follow up : Mark, I know by your comments that you're going to look for a Synare 3. Be aware that these pads are pure vintage memorabelia and that they are no longer available (I thing Star Products stopped manufacturing them in the mid-80s). Some show up on well known auctions sites sometimes but cost a hell of a fortune ! They are really sought after by reggae bands (this instrument was broadly used by this musical genre). I wish you good luck to find one !

Wid.

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