Post by David M on Mar 5, 2011 11:24:56 GMT
Of possible interest:
The Gemini III was conceived in February 2007.
Having "retired" from a semi-pro band back in the mid-seventies, music was given a back seat for many years. Although I'd sold all my personal equipment (except my cherished Shure Unidyne III mic.), my love of making music stayed with me, and I often hankered after the old days. Nostalgia ain't what it used to be !!
My position in the band was as vocalist/rhythm guitarist, and I had no desire to play melody lines. That's what a lead guitarist is for - isn't it? Besides, I had enough trouble remembering words and tunes - and chords...........
Many years later, in March 2005 , I was introduced to a local Shads' Club (SMSE) by my lifelong friend and lead guitarist of the day.
I was thrilled and inspired by what I saw and heard, and treated myself to a whole new raft of equipment. I knuckled down to learning melodies, and made serious attempts at emulating Hank's technique.
Yeah - right !!
As with many like-minded guitarists, I couldn't put my finger on what was so elusive about Hank's sound, and it was in February 2007 that I started the thought processes for the Gemini III.
It was apparent that I was dealing with a complex mix, but I concentrated on just one aspect. To a great extent I struck lucky, and I acknowledge that fact.
In April that year, the work was complete. It really was great fun to develop, and with the help of a time-generous professional electronics Development Engineer, the Gemini was born.
The product name was something of a no-brainer.
Gemini (my wife's Zodiac sign), and III because of the three stages it took to reach fruition.
1. Bread-board prototype. 2. Circuit fine tuning and PCB design. 3. Pre-production samples.
The case is made from 1.5mm thick steel sheet in my factory (now under the supervision of son Daren - who also welds them !).
They are then degreased and powder-coated (Epoxy/Polyester) inside and out.
I drew up the artwork, and the screen-printing is done by a small family business in Folkestone, east Kent.
The circuitry is built here in Broadstairs east Kent by a very competent electronics company, and assembled into the case.
Then there's the final assembly and testing of each and every unit. Testing is "live", using guitar and amp.
It's maybe something of a boast, but I'm proud that these little units have been sent (literally) throughout the world.
As one owner in Australia emailed - "So much pleasure in such a small box". I wasn't quite sure how to take that, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt !
The Gemini's don't "fly off the shelf" - but I'm happy with their progress and use world-wide.
Acknowledgements:
Sirius Engineered Products Ltd. (Previously www.cirrusltd.co.uk/
www.zonefollow.co.uk/
www.robinsonstudios.co.uk/
www.eastkentcoatings.com/index.htm
One of our first customers took delivery that year and gave it a glowing, totally unsolicited, review:
www.rickresource.com/geminireview.html
David JM
By the way, the picture below was taken one evening after dark, and is the result of the glow from a Gemini III LED.
The Gemini III was conceived in February 2007.
Having "retired" from a semi-pro band back in the mid-seventies, music was given a back seat for many years. Although I'd sold all my personal equipment (except my cherished Shure Unidyne III mic.), my love of making music stayed with me, and I often hankered after the old days. Nostalgia ain't what it used to be !!
My position in the band was as vocalist/rhythm guitarist, and I had no desire to play melody lines. That's what a lead guitarist is for - isn't it? Besides, I had enough trouble remembering words and tunes - and chords...........
Many years later, in March 2005 , I was introduced to a local Shads' Club (SMSE) by my lifelong friend and lead guitarist of the day.
I was thrilled and inspired by what I saw and heard, and treated myself to a whole new raft of equipment. I knuckled down to learning melodies, and made serious attempts at emulating Hank's technique.
Yeah - right !!
As with many like-minded guitarists, I couldn't put my finger on what was so elusive about Hank's sound, and it was in February 2007 that I started the thought processes for the Gemini III.
It was apparent that I was dealing with a complex mix, but I concentrated on just one aspect. To a great extent I struck lucky, and I acknowledge that fact.
In April that year, the work was complete. It really was great fun to develop, and with the help of a time-generous professional electronics Development Engineer, the Gemini was born.
The product name was something of a no-brainer.
Gemini (my wife's Zodiac sign), and III because of the three stages it took to reach fruition.
1. Bread-board prototype. 2. Circuit fine tuning and PCB design. 3. Pre-production samples.
The case is made from 1.5mm thick steel sheet in my factory (now under the supervision of son Daren - who also welds them !).
They are then degreased and powder-coated (Epoxy/Polyester) inside and out.
I drew up the artwork, and the screen-printing is done by a small family business in Folkestone, east Kent.
The circuitry is built here in Broadstairs east Kent by a very competent electronics company, and assembled into the case.
Then there's the final assembly and testing of each and every unit. Testing is "live", using guitar and amp.
It's maybe something of a boast, but I'm proud that these little units have been sent (literally) throughout the world.
As one owner in Australia emailed - "So much pleasure in such a small box". I wasn't quite sure how to take that, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt !
The Gemini's don't "fly off the shelf" - but I'm happy with their progress and use world-wide.
Acknowledgements:
Sirius Engineered Products Ltd. (Previously www.cirrusltd.co.uk/
www.zonefollow.co.uk/
www.robinsonstudios.co.uk/
www.eastkentcoatings.com/index.htm
One of our first customers took delivery that year and gave it a glowing, totally unsolicited, review:
www.rickresource.com/geminireview.html
David JM
By the way, the picture below was taken one evening after dark, and is the result of the glow from a Gemini III LED.
