MusicRadar

(Photos - Bob Moog: © Michele Asselin/Corbis, Kraftwerk: © Juerg Mueller/epa/Corbis, Stevie Wonder: © Aaron Rapoport/Corbis)

Welcome to Synth Week on MusicRadar - a celebration of the instrument that, quite simply, changed the sound of music forever.

With synthetic tones once again dominating the airwaves (God damn it, even the keytar's back), there's never been a better time for us to consider the designers, instruments, players, programmers and tracks that have shaped synth history.

However, this isn't just a nostalgia-fest - if you take anything away from this week, we hope that it's the desire to use more synths in your own music.

Here's the story of Synth Week so far - keep checking back for more.

15 ultimate synth icons
Designers, bands, programmers and players - as chosen by you!

The 10 greatest synthesizers of all time
Meet the machines that changed music

The 10 greatest synths of all time... in software!
Virtual versions of the finest hardware instruments

The 40 greatest synth tracks ever: pt 1, 1974-1986
From Kraftwerk to Depeche Mode

The 40 greatest synthesizer tracks ever: pt2, 1990-2008
The Prodigy, Aphex Twin and LCD Soundsystem anyone?

17 amazing Steampunk synthesizer mods
Brass, wood and bleeps: synths for Victorians

SampleRadar: 976 free classic synth samples
ARP and Roland sounds are just a click away

26 essential synth tutorials
Step-by-step guides, videos, tips and more

Ask MusicRadar: who's the ultimate synth icon?
Name your favourite designer, programmer or player

More great synth content on MusicRadar

The 12 most outrageous synths on the internet
From the insane to the unspeakable

The 12 most bombastic synth solos of all time
The greatest players' finest moments

10 synths that defined the '80s
A decade's worth of classic hardware