Unfortunately, there are hardly any records in the form of written paper or audio recordings. Therefore, many things about the band Signalgeber are not entirely clear. The band consisted of four young musicians with a dream, a vision. Since two members were studying, the band spread out to different places such as Dresden, Weimar, Rostock and Leipzig. When the opportunity arose, the four could make music together once a quarter. For this they had a practice room in a barn near the town of Wurzen in Saxony.
Signalgeber was a pioneering electronic music group from the German Democratic Republic (GDR) that emerged in the late 1970s. Despite the limitations imposed by the socialist state, the group managed to create innovative and experimental music, often utilizing the domestically produced Vermona synthesizers.
Key characteristics of the Signalgeber:
Pioneering spirit: They were among the first electronic music groups in the GDR, pushing the boundaries of what was possible with the available technology.
Experimental approach: The group embraced experimentation and was not afraid to explore unconventional sounds and techniques.
Focus on Vermona equipment: They relied heavily on Vermona synthesizers, which were produced in the GDR and offered unique sonic capabilities.
Limited resources: Due to the political and economic situation in the GDR, the group often had to work with limited resources and creatively adapt their equipment.
While the Signalgeber may not be as widely recognized as some Western electronic music groups, their contributions to the history of electronic music in Eastern Europe are significant. Their music serves as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of musicians working under challenging circumstances.
Unfortunately, there isn't a wealth of information readily available about the Signalgeber online. However, you might find some information in specialized music forums, archives, or books about the history of electronic music in the GDR. It's also worth exploring the history of Vermona, the East German synthesizer manufacturer, as their instruments played a crucial role in the Signalgeber's sound.
The band "Signalgeber" faced significant challenges in the 1970s due to the limitations imposed by the GDR's political and economic climate. While they were captivated by the innovative potential of Western synthesizers, these instruments were largely inaccessible within the country.
To overcome these obstacles, the band members turned to domestic alternatives, primarily the products of the Vermona company. By saving up and investing in these instruments, they were able to experiment and develop their unique sound. Their dedication to their craft and their innovative approach to music production allowed them to push the boundaries of electronic music within the constraints of the GDR.
Since at that time and given the financial possibilities, only Eastern products could be bought, this was immediately used as a stylistic element. Since two band members were electrical engineers, they could also understand the circuit diagrams and recognized that most devices, whether East or West, were constructed in a similar way. The quality of the components and the housings were more relevant when it came to quality issues.
Ultimately, however, a lot of Vermona keyboard instruments were exported. Signalgeber also acquired a tape recorder to record their music. Since there was almost no access to a recording studio, they tried to do everything themselves. This always required a lot of rehearsals, as the songs were recorded live. This was because they only had a two-track tape recorder.
There was not much that could be done afterwards. So they tried to make the sound as optimal as possible using a mixing console. Effects such as phasers and spring reverb were also available. You could achieve a lot with these. Nevertheless, the band realized that there was a big difference whether you came from Lyon or Düsseldorf. It was unusual for the musicians that quite a few successful musicians had access to special privileges.