I wanted to create something that would force me to make choices that I wasn’t thinking to make.
What started as a tool created to expand my own skills and creativity with the modular, became something even better. Something that anyone with a modular could use to do the same, in flexible and unique ways, tailored to their needs. I’m excited to have made something that can help the entire modular community grow their skills and connections to what I think is the most personal and expressive instrument available to musicians.
Abstractions
The Nine Abstraction cards can be thought of like a framework, or set of rules that the patch must follow.
Progressions
Eight Progression cards generally aim to evolve or morph the state of the patch in a simple but impactful way.
Disruptions
Eight Disruption cards seek to alter the state of the patch significantly, sometimes in a way that presents a challenge to the player.
Dealers
Canada
Nightlife Electronics
Vancouver, BC
United States
Modular 8
Portland, OR
Patchwerks
Seattle, WA
Control Voltage
Portland, OR
Perfect Circuit
Burbank, CA
Boutique Pedal NYC
San Diego, CA
China
Animato Audio
Hong Kong
Europe
Thonk
Brighton, UK
Signal Sounds
Scotland, UK, EU
Hieber Lindberg
Munich, Germany
Modular Square
Paris, France
“For over a decade James Cigler has been masterfully showing us the joy of patching, the unexpected moments of chaos and silence, the beauty that comes from translating ideas into sound and back. Now, he’s given us a gift that will open our minds and ears even further. One that frees our creative impulses from whatever ruts we’ve unconsciously plugged into, and jumpstarts our relationships with our ears, our instruments, and maybe even each other.”
“A powerful tool for dislodging creative blocks, breaking typical habits, and freshening up stale patching styles. It’s like having a friend with you asking, “That’s cool, but what if you tried THIS..?”
“It was such a fun way to help teach my daughter Eila about how modular systems work and some of the most basic fundamentals of synthesis.
To be honest, it’s genius and I wish I had thought of this.
”
“It helps take my patches to new territory, creating variation in the ways I patch my system and allowing me to spice things up a bit. Never again will I feel stuck making the same patch over and over again. A real game changer for creativity and composition!”
“It’s pretty much the closest thing to having a producer in your studio with you.”
“I really like how it gets me out of my comfort zone, guiding me into patches I wouldn’t have tried or thought of otherwise.”
“It’s like a ouiji board for modular. It has helped me explore weird things I’ve never done before.”