Trautonium – a German synthesizer invented in 1930

The Trautonium is an electronic synthesizer invented in 1930 by Friedrich Trautwein in Berlin. It features a unique manual made of a resistor wire over a metal plate, allowing for expressive sound production through pressure and gliding motions. The instrument was first marketed by Telefunken between 1933 and 1935, with around 200 units produced. Sound generation initially relied on neon-tube relaxation oscillators, evolving to include thyratrons and transistors. The pitch is determined by the position of the finger on the wire, enabling techniques like vibrato and portamento. Oskar Sala, who joined Trautwein in development, performed publicly with the Trautonium and composed music for it, including sound effects for Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds." The Mixtur-Trautonium, developed later, allowed for more complex sound manipulation. Today, manufacturers like Doepfer and Trautoniks produce Trautonium-like devices, and contemporary performers such as Peter Pichler and Daniel Matz continue to explore its musical potential. Pichler has notably preserved Sala's legacy and composed new works for the instrument.

- The Trautonium was invented in 1930 by Friedrich Trautwein and further developed by Oskar Sala.

- It uses a resistor wire for sound production, allowing for expressive techniques like vibrato.

- The Mixtur-Trautonium introduced more complex sound manipulation capabilities.

- Contemporary musicians are reviving and composing for the Trautonium, preserving its unique sound.

- Manufacturers continue to produce Trautonium-like devices for modern use.