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Theremin invented
The first commercial rock album to incorporate a Theremin was "pet sounds (1966)" by The beach boys. It wasn't till the mid 60's that the theremin was recognised as a useful instrument in popular music, possibly due to it's unique sound and awkward controls. The Beach Boys' track "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times" also from Pet Sounds combated this with the use of a Tannerin (a keyboard that mimics that of a Theremin). -
Electric piano invented
With the invention of the electric piano (or keyboard) came the infestation of syths in 80's music. Synth music prevailed across the decades and makes up the majority of modern music, perhaps due to its vast array of sounds and simple controls. -
Electric guitar invented
Arguably the most revolutionary advance in music technology, the electric guitar opened up the possibility of guitar solos (as the steel strings and pick-ups allowed for soloing techniques). Furthermore the instrument acts as a forerunner for modern rock and pop music, as its sound is easy to manipulate and embellish with electronic kit. The first performance with the instrument was at the shadow land dance club in Wichita, Kansas by Gage Brewer. -
Hammond organ invented
The first to use the instrument in performance was Ethel Smith. -
Electric bass invented
Paul Tutmarc created an early form of the electric bass (as an electronic upright bass with a pick up). However this was still difficult to use, due to its large scale. In the 40's he then created a smaller horizontal electric bass guitar, coined the "serenader bass". -
Shure unidyer 55s microphone invented
Most notably used by Elvis, this mic was the first dynamic microphone to be produced. -
Modern electric bass invented
It wasn't till Leo Fender's design that the electric bass became widespread. Known as the "precision bass", Fender's founder developed the instrument to combat issues associated with the upright bass. This model is closely related to modern bass guitars and was the first to include frets.
Bill Black has been credited for being one of the first to use this bass exclusively. -
Telecaster invented
After years of developing the guitar, fender created the telecaster. Being much louder and easier to play than it's rival Gibsons's semi-acoustic model, this guitar aided the development of blues, rock and roll, and funk. It produced less feedback, thus was useful on stage. Furthermore the device was portable and reletively cheaper than some other models. Luther Perkins was one of the first known users of the instrument, on the track "Folsom blues" by Johnny Cash. -
Stratocaster invented
Being the first guitar to include three pickups and pickup switch, the strat allowed for musicians to select which tone they wanted to amplify. Thus the playing of blues or rock (by switching to higher tones for lead parts) was achievable, whilst playing rhythm or metal (by selecting lower tones) was permitted. This opened up the opportunity to play different genres with one guitar, saving many musicians money.
Buddy Holly is credited as the first commercial user of the strat. -
Bozak mixers invented
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Vocoder created
The "Farad" (after Michael Faraday) was a prototype vocoder created by Bruce Haack. First featured on "The Electronic Record For Children" ( 1969) the vocoder hit success as more artists began using it (commonly in art rock). It was also featured on his rock album "The Electric Lucifer" ( 1970).
An early vocoder is also used on the track “North American Time Capsule" by Alvin Lucier (1967). -
Technics SL-1200 and SL-1210 turntable invented
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CDs used
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Traktor, ableton live and launchpad used
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Wireless technology takes over music