>where can i buy a buchla for 8k

Buchla.com is the only dealer other than the occasional used module
going for near 100% of list price. Buchla usually has a deal with a
dealer or 2 like noisebug to park a demo system at their store or get
one to a trade show, but if you asked to buy one new, you would be
put in contact with Buchla.

As for price, you can get a very minimal one for $1750 if you want a
very minimal one (their 291e triple filter self oscillates x3, has 3
VCAs and an 8 step sequencer for all parameters and they have a 2
module powered case that's quite affordable).

In hindsight they unintentionally left some net impressions 5 or so
years ago that are still buzzing around on the net, like you needed
to buy $20K worth (presumably because they sent a $20K system to a
couple magazines for review) and that it's a software based system
because they tried to use a good amount of digital technology inside
analog modules to it's best advantage.


Anyway back on topic. It's easy to think that "I'm going to research
and ask some people and then buy a great system with all my money and
I'll be happy forever". It's nearly impossible. The best advice is to
get a bit more than a small system, hold on to a good part of the
money and then use the system a while. You using a system and then
adding to it is always the best way to build a larger system. You
don't want to buy a totally minimal system unless you have to because
a really small modular isn't the best way to take advantage of what a
modular offers. Look at classic monosynths to get an idea of the
number of vcos, vcas, etc. as well as look at a suggested system
configuration to get a start and then see where you need to add to it
by using it a while. If there is a module that totally seems
fantastic you ought to just get it so it doesn't make you impatient.
Then you have a chance to be patient and see what you need to turn it
into a more ideal system.