Tucked away above a supermarket at Kottbusser Tor is a special place for music lovers. At the Synthesizer Museum at Skalitzer Straße 135A, visitors can not only look at but also play the original instruments that shaped the sound of Depeche Mode, Madonna, and Kraftwerk.
Hands-On Music History
Founder Michael Soltau has assembled more than 50 rare vintage analog synthesizers at the Kreuzberg venue. His vision is to bring music history to life, rather than locking the instruments away behind glass. Among the exhibits is a Korg M1, whose piano preset is exactly the same as the one that provided the beat for Madonna’s hit “Vogue.” Right next to it are various models from Moog and Roland, which legends like Kraftwerk and Depeche Mode used to shape the electronic music of the 1980s. Another highlight is a Yamaha CS-80, whose unmistakable sound became world-famous thanks to the soundtrack of the movie “Blade Runner.”
Exception for Bruce Springsteen
There is, however, one notable exception to the exhibition’s interactive concept. The space houses a very special collector’s item: the very synthesizer that once belonged to Bruce Springsteen and was used during the recording of his legendary album “Born in the U.S.A.” This historic instrument is thus not only a valuable piece of music history but also one of the most extraordinary exhibits in the collection. Since the synthesizer is now estimated to be worth around 60,000 euros, visitors are strictly prohibited from touching it. Unlike the other exhibits, visitors may view the instrument only from a distance.
All other devices in the collection, however, are available for guests to try out on their own. For a twelve-euro admission fee, music enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the world of electronic sounds for two hours, experiment with the various vintage synthesizers, and play with different sounds, rhythms, and melodies. No prior musical knowledge or experience with electronic instruments is required. Anyone who creates their own track during their visit can save it directly to a USB drive they’ve brought along at the end, taking home a very personal musical keepsake.
