Book excerpt: (Book). The A-to-Z coverage of synthesizer features in Power Tools for Synthesizer Programming will turn any synth owner into a power user! This book fills an enormous gap in the market, and is destined to become the standard text on the topic. Written by Jim Aikin, author of Keyboard magazine's long-running "Technology Basics" column and scores of authoritative product reviews of synthesizers over the past two decades, this book includes sound design projects, dozens of audio examples, and complete chapters on oscillators, envelope generators, and other nuts-and-bolts components. Rather than focus on one specific instrument, this book covers both the common elements found in all synthesizers and esoteric features found only in obscure or high-end gear. It maps out the components of contemporary synths in clear, concise detail, and discusses how they can be harnessed to achieve specific musical effects. Each chapter presents hands-on projects that help musicians hone their skills.