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Tonto's Expanding Head Band was a British-American electronic music duo formed in the early 1970s by Malcolm Cecil and Bob Margouleff. The project centered around their custom-built multitimbral polyphonic analog synthesizer, T.O.N.T.O. (The Original New Timbral Orchestra), which was featured on their two albums as well as several records by notable collaborators and other prolific artists. The development of T.O.N.T.O. began with two Moog Series III modular synthesizers housed in curved wooden cabinets. Over time, the system was expanded with various modules from other manufacturers, inspired by collaborations with Serge Modular. T.O.N.T.O. became known for its visual consistency and innovative sound. In June 1971, they released their debut album, "Zero Time," which received critical acclaim despite limited commercial success. The album gained a cult following among audiophiles and experimental electronica fans, leading to collaborations with artists like Stevie Wonder, for whom T.O.N.T.O. appeared on several studio albums. Their sophomore album, "It's About Time," was released in December 1974 in Europe and the UK. The T.O.N.T.O. synthesizer made a notable appearance in the film "Phantom of the Paradise" in October 1974. In 1975, Malcolm Cecil became the sole owner of T.O.N.T.O. after buying out Bob Margouleff's share. In the mid-1990s, T.O.N.T.O.
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