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The Resynator - Alison Tavel

September 24, 2026 · 47 min

Show notes

Alison Tavel talks to Rob Puricelli about Resynator, her documentary exploring the history of the synthesizer invented by her late father. They discuss reconstructing the instrument, its innovative design and early history, tracking down surviving examples, and placing the Resynator into the hands of contemporary musicians.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:28 - Reasons For Making The Film
12:41 - What Is The Resynator?
20:05 - Reconstructing The Resynator
27:32 - Interviewing Peter Gabriel
31:28 - Filming in Colombia
40:00 - Where To View The Film

Alison Tavel Biog
Alison Tavel is a filmmaker and music archivist. Her work with archival material has included directing music videos, documentary projects, commercial spots and EPKs, as well as producing and overseeing archival content for major releases. Earlier in her career, Alison worked in music management and supervision before moving into touring and studio support for artists including Grace Potter, Beck and Jenny Lewis. RESYNATOR is her feature directorial debut, which won the Audience Award following its premiere at SXSW. The film explores the story of the pioneering synthesiser created by Alison's father Don Tavel and its rediscovery decades later.
https://www.resynator.com
http://instagram.com/resynator
http://facebook.com/resynator
http://x.com/resynator

Rob Puricelli Biog
Rob Puricelli is a Music Technologist and Instructional Designer who has a healthy obsession with classic synthesizers and their history. In conjunction with former Fairlight Studio Manager, Peter Wielk, he fixes and restores Fairlight CMI’s so that they can enjoy prolonged and productive lives with new owners. He also writes reviews and articles for Sound On Sound, his website Failed Muso, and other music-related publications, as well as hosting a weekly livestream on YouTube for the Pro Synth Network and guesting on numerous music technology podcasts and shows. He also works alongside a number of manufacturers, demonstrating their products and lecturing at various educational and vocational establishments about music technology.

www.failedmuso.com
Twitter:
@failedmuso
Instagram:
@failedmuso
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/failedmuso


Catch more shows on our other podcast channels: https://www.soundonsound.com/sos-podcasts

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