I always thought the first use of synth on a live Stones track was in 1975, with a string ensemble on YCAGWYW. (I assume it's Billy Preston.)

But in listening to YCAGWYW from the Essen 1973 show, I'm pretty sure I'm hearing a mini Moog. It's in the song's open (doubling the trumpet), and then playing fills -- for just a couple of measures -- from 8:57 - 9:07.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gfQdCecl9U

Anyone know anything about this? If indeed I'm hearing what I think I'm hearing, does it appear on any other 1973 tour date? I've probably listened to Brussels Affair (in its various incarnations) 100,000 times and have never noticed this instrument before, so I don't think it's there.

Chris

Preston used an Univox synth on the intro of Gimme Shelter, on YCAGWYW, and on the ending of SFM.

[www.gettyimages.fi]


Mathijs

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DelcoProud

I always thought the first use of synth on a live Stones track

The Univox device label says 'Compac-Piano' .... not Synthesizer - [GettyImages.com] .

"Its sound can best be described as a cross between a traditional electric piano and a harpsichord, with a slightly metallic, percussive attack" - [Facebook.com] . Instruments presets are: Piano, Honky Tonk and Clavichord.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025-05-14 00:40 by Irix.

We hadn't yet reached the stage where Chuck was playing guitar parts

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roby
We hadn't yet reached the stage where Chuck was playing guitar parts

We never did

Matt Clifford, However...

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Irix

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DelcoProud

I always thought the first use of synth on a live Stones track

The Univox device label says 'Compac-Piano' .... not Synthesizer - [GettyImages.com] .

I don't know much about those piano's, but the Univox Compac Piano was a piano and clavinet simulator, with a built in phaser. I think Preston used the carry-on one only for his own set, not the Stones set. On pictures from the 1973 tour there is a ARP synth as well, best heard on this 1973 track, after 30 seconds or so:

[www.youtube.com]

Mathijs



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025-05-13 14:04 by Mathijs.

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Mathijs

On pictures from the 1973 tour there is a ARP synth as well

'ARP Pro Soloist' - Billy Preston in 1973 - [PopStockPhoto.com] , [BridgemanImages.com] . Many keyboard instruments in Vienna 1973 - [GettyImages.com] , [GettyImages.com] .



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025-05-13 22:30 by Irix.

Doesn’t he also play a synthesizer on Heartbreaker on the 1973 tour?

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Taylor1
Doesn’t he also play a synthesizer on Heartbreaker on the 1973 tour?

That's the Univox on clavinet setting.

Mathijs

I love Billy Prestons contribution to the Stones. And actually the Essen - Oct 10, 1973 material is quite good soundboard.
I might look into this one then.
[www.discogs.com]

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schwonek
I love Billy Prestons contribution to the Stones. And actually the Essen - Oct 10, 1973 material is quite good soundboard.
I might look into this one then.
[www.discogs.com]

Soundboard? There's a few video sourced tracks, rest is mediocre audience.

Mathijs

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Mathijs

Soundboard? There's a few video sourced tracks, rest is mediocre audience.

Mathijs

My bet. I just thought this was quite good quality. I ain't no expert but it sounded better than audience to me.

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DelcoProud

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gfQdCecl9U