The Greatest Synth in History | T.O.N.T.O

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*ABOUT THIS VIDEO*

Dive into the revolutionary world of T.O.N.T.O, the legendary synthesizer that became synonymous with Stevie Wonder's groundbreaking music during his classic period. In this video, I explore the incredible story behind T.O.N.T.O (The Original New Timbral Orchestra), a pioneering modular synthesizer created by Malcolm Cecil and Robert Margouleff in the early 1970s.
Discover how T.O.N.T.O's vast array of analog modules and innovative design allowed Stevie Wonder to explore new sonic frontiers, shaping timeless albums like "Innervisions," "Fulfillingness' First Finale," and "Songs in the Key of Life." From its towering size, custom wood cabinets, to its intricate patching system, T.O.N.T.O not only expanded the palette of sounds available to musicians but also set a benchmark for electronic music production.
Through my interview with Grammy Winning Super-Producer Robert Margouleff, (T.O.N.T.O co-creator), we'll uncover its enduring impact on music production techniques and its part in shaping the evolution of synthesizers. From its role in creating iconic basslines and ethereal textures to its influence on the development of funk, soul, and electronic music genres, T.O.N.T.O remains a testament to the power of innovation in music technology.
Whether you're a die-hard Stevie Wonder fan, a synth enthusiast, or simply curious about the instruments that changed music forever, this video provides a comprehensive look at T.O.N.T.O's journey from obscurity to becoming an icon of musical innovation. Don't miss out on discovering the secrets and stories behind Stevie Wonder's magical sounds and the synthesizer that continues to inspire generations of musicians worldwide. Hit the play button and embark on a sonic adventure with T.O.N.T.O!

00:00 Intro (theme music)
00:09 Building TONTO
01:33 Meeting Malcolm Cecil
03:25 Writing Ads for the Moog
03:55 Designing the a Giant Synth on a Tablecloth
05:05 ARP, Serge, and other synths
06:45 Making "Zero Time" & 1st Record Deal
09:14 Stevie Wonder meets Robert, Malcolm & the Moog
12:09 Moving to Electric Lady Studio
13:16 John Storyk Builds TONTO's Case
14:54 TONTO's Live Concert
16:47 TONTO's Keeps Growing with Special Features
18:45 No Minimoog
19:26 Special Expression Techniques on the Moog
21:14 Stevie's Custom Pitch Bender
24:08 Logo (theme music)

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*ABOUT ANTHONY*

Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including _*Young Guns*_ , _*Internal Affairs*_ , _*The Man From Elysian Fields*_ , _*15 Minutes*_ and _*Planes, Trains & Automobiles*_ , been commissioned by the *Los Angeles Philharmonic* for his symphonic work "In the Family Way", written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as *Michael Jackson's* _*Thriller*_ .

His extensive work as a young arranger, orchestrator and performer for *Quincy Jones* , *Jack Nitzsche* , *Lamont Dozier* , *Arthur Rubenstein* and *Giorgio Moroder* was vital in launching his own career. His early years pioneering modular analog synthesizers along with his wide-ranging music scholarship positioned Anthony at the center of the music technology revolution. He attended the University of Southern California School of Music as a piano and composition major.

[MakerFarmNL]

You are creating an archive of electronic music history with these videos! You really leave a legacy behind! Thank you!

[Rhythmicons]

What an experience to have someone like Stevie drop by and catapult their dream.

[mikebro]

I borrowed Zero Time from a friend of mine 50 years ago, I recorded it on a cassette tape and played it to death in my car, I eventually bought the album, this is the history of my younger life. I never knew the history behind this album until now. Thank you so much for this interesting interview

[Rhythmicons]

Cecil's work with Gil Scott-Heron is some of my favorite also. Delta Man.

[samalcis]

It’s amazing how the custom cases are just as iconic as the synths themselves

[btsndcts]

This channel is so important and I am so happy this has been documented.
So much valuable information right here, thanks to everyone involved ❤

[andrewsmith]

"He went completely bonkers." These stories are great. Best channel on YouTube right now

[CommunityGuidelines]

I love the creative spirit behind TONTO, what an exciting time it must have been for those guys. Great interview!

[mikesnyder]

Thanks again Anthony for unearthing these incredible pieces of history! Your relationships & contacts throughout the music industry are doing a great service of cataloging historic back stories that may otherwise get lost in time! I absolutely love this channel & your continuing labor of love for music and synthesizer history. Also thanks for enlightening us with musicians we may have never had knowledge of otherwise! Bravo.

[evanglicanism]

Now I understand what your experiments with the Continuum are all about. MPE and MIDI 2.0 must be the key to continuing the work those three guys started all the way back in 1968.

[davidsharp]

"There's no Minimoog" 😂 Thanks Anthony!

[Siralantoon]

Zero Time blew away a generation of English Hippies.
At the time Stockhausen was popular,
Emerson Lake and Palmer were in their early days and Dark Side of the Moon 2 years away.
These sounds, this music, were from another dimension entirely and created a mystique all of their own.

[ninobatistamusic]

Literally the most exciting new YouTube discovery for me in YEARS, is this channel. Been watching for about a month. So incredible. Please keep the videos coming, I have learned so much and continue to be inspired. Thank you, Anthony.

[jimchik]

Loved the Mutron. A buddy of mine had one and I was always using it with my Rhodes. Awesome.

[heathwellsNZ]

Love that final reinforcement about 'no Minimoog' !

[TomAtkinson]

That was exciting as!!!! Falling off my chair over here.

[MrElrondHubbard]

What a great conversation. This is great work you're doing here. I love this stuff. He's such a character too.

[ChainsawCoffee]

Who needs a Mini Moog when you have a Maxi Moog?? Long live the Maxi Moog! 😁

[guyclegg]

What keeps me working the job I hate is knowing that at some point I can build a modular synth and it'll be all that matters

[Rhythmicons]

Through Experience Hendrix, I found out from Eddie Kramer that Hendrix was never in the same room with the Moog that they bought. It sat in the booth at EL Studios and became TONTO before it was moved out.