Brent Mydland | Brent adopts the first fully programmable polyphonic synth

Property of Grateful Dead Productions

Brent Mydland

Sequential Prophet-5 Analog Synthesizer, manufactured ca. 1979 

Analog synthesizer (16 x 37.5 x 5”). Revision III model, with case. Serial number: 3377.

Sequential Circuits’ Dave Smith and John Bowen designed the Prophet-5 in 1977 and began production in 1978. It was the first fully programmable polyphonic synthesizer and the first musical instrument of any type to feature a microprocessor. 

When Brent Myland joined the Dead in 1979, he was quick to expand the range of keyboards in the band’s sound. While famed for his Hammond B-3 playing, Mydland also adopted the latest synthesizer technology to add to his set up. The present Prophet 5 was purchased for him by the band, was cutting edge for the time and was a mainstay through many concerts.

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Photograph © Bob Minkin. To purchase a print, or view more of Bob Minkin’s work, visit https://minkinphotographystore.com