Superbooth 2026: Bjooks BEAT GEMS is an upcoming book by Oli Freke about the sounds, circuits, and culture of drum machines.
Many new instruments and other audio tools will be presented in the coming days. Superbooth also has news for people who occasionally want to swap their synthesizer for a good book.
Bjooks will present this year at their Superbooth 2026 booth the upcoming BEAT GEMS, a book about drum machines in modern music.
Bjooks BEAT GEMS
BEAT GEMS is an upcoming book by Oli Freke about vintage and modern drum machines in modern machines. In case you don’t know Oliver Freke. He wrote various synth books, including Synthesizer Evolution.
This book continues the GEM series, which they started a few years ago with the SYNTH GEMS by Mike Metlay – a highly recommended book.
BEAT GEMS offers readers an in-depth exploration of the sounds, circuits, and culture of drum machines and their profound influence on modern music.
According to Bjooks, it’s both a visual and narrative journey into the evolution of electronic rhythm. It offers information about 60 iconic and lesser-known machines like The Rattlesnake, a drum machine from my home country, Luxembourg.
The book examines the design, technology, and cultural context of the drum machines that helped shape genres ranging from early electronic pop to hip-hop, house, and techno.
Drum Machines And Their Stories
At its core, BEAT GEMS tells a broader story that connects the development of drum machines to humanity’s enduring relationship with rhythm.
From early preset rhythm boxes to programmable studio tools, these instruments not only mirrored technological progress but also actively redefined how music is created and experienced.
Readers can explore each machine with detailed photography and thoughtful commentary, highlighting its origins, interface design, and musical significance.
Of course, it also includes the legendary models such as the Roland TR-808, Linn LM-1, Oberheim DMX, and Akai MPC60, alongside overlooked and unconventional devices that reveal unexpected innovations and creative approaches
Author Oli Freke brings decades of experience as a musician, illustrator, and historian of electronic instruments to the project. Known for his Synth Evolution series and contributions to publications such as Sound On Sound, Freke combines technical insight with accessible storytelling, making BEAT GEMS engaging for seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
First Impression
They are beautiful, high-quality books that you can immerse yourself in and forget about the online world for a while. Anyone who loves drum machines and all their lovely special features will probably not be able to ignore the upcoming Bjooks BEAT GEMS.
Bjooks BEAT GEMS will be available through a Kickstarter campaign, which will begin at the same time as Superbooth 2026. They will offer early bird tiers, exclusive offers, and special rewards for backers.
More information here: Kickstarter
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