A LinnDrum LM2 digital drum machine, serial number 2912.

The LinnDrum unit has a well-crafted metal chassis that is painted black with orange lettering. There are wooden panels on both side of the metal chassis. The control panel is comprehensive with knobs, fades, buttons, and pads. This unit is missing one knob in the center of the control panel. The back panel has the 1/4" outputs and inputs along with a power switch and socket. Power cord is not included. 

As indicated in Zappa Gear by Mick Ekers (Backbeat Books, 2019), "When FZ recorded the snappy instrumental track 'We Are Not Alone' on The Man from Utopia, he laid down a LinnDrum track that was not subsequently overdubbed, and credited himself on the album sleeve as playing LinnDrum. The rack rattles along in a jolly and not noticeably mechanical way, and the drums sound good enough to fool most casual listeners."

Key features include:

• Polyphony: Polyphonic 12 voices
• Timbrality: Multitimbral 15 parts
• Synthesis type: 8-bit digital samples, 28–35 kHz
• Samples: 35kHz samples
• Patterns: 42 preset, 56 user patterns
• Storage memory: 56 user patterns, 42 preset drum patterns, 49 songs
• Effects: Individual level and pan for all sounds, tuning for snare, tom and conga only
• Keyboard: 15 hard plastic "pads"
• External control: DIN sync (pre-MIDI), third-party MIDI Retrofit Kit, trigger inputs x5
• Serial no.: 2912

The LinnDrum was manufactured between 1982 and 1985 by Linn Electronics. Only an estimated 5000 units were sold, which make these extremely rare and collectible. At the height of its popularity, the LinnDrum was used by a list of high profile artists and producers like Michael Jackson and Trevor Horn. The LinnDrum was known for its high quality samples, its affordability compared to its predecessor, and the flexibility it offered its users.

Condition Notes: This item has not been tested for operation. 

Dimensions:
22 x 11.75 x 4.25 inches

Provenance:
PROVENANCE The Zappa Trust

COA / LOA:
None