I’ve spent a long time pondering how best to provide some sort of library through which people can get to use modular without having to make a major investment in a case and modules. While the idea is a good one it quickly gets bogged down in difficulties around security, insurance, keeping track of modules and anything to do with couriers. So, I came to a couple of conclusions:
- Rent out modular systems, not individual modules.
- Collect and return face-to-face rather than via couriers.
Renting little modular systems gives the user an opportunity to explore different, curated ideas and combinations that individual modules wouldn’t offer. It also lets people who don’t already have any modular get stuck into something that’s working. Doing it face-to-face cuts out all the issues regarding couriers with damage and things getting lost. There’s something secure in personally handing over a system and personally receiving it back that’s impossible to achieve over a distance.
Synth Picnic creates the perfect situation where someone can come and collect a rental system and then return it a month later.
I’ve also looked into different ways of handling the insurance, security and identity verification required to ensure rentals are returned and not just wandered off with. I’ve decided to use a third party rental system called Hygglo. It charges both me and the renter for the priviledge and provides the security we need to make it happen.
Hygglo is currently operating under the name of Fat Llama in the UK, but this is changing on the 24th of November when it officially changes to Hygglo. Along with the change comes some better pricing and a new App, so I propose that we wait for the change.
In the meantime if you would like to register your interest in renting one of the following systems please fill out this form.
Erica Synths EDU DIY Modular System
Erica Synths Bullfrog Synthesizer
Behringer 2500 Modular System
“Daphne” Modular
“Wendy” Modular
“Morton” Modular