via this auction
Like a reversed Atari 2600.
"For auction is a very rare Stylophone 350s. This was an early Syntesizer made in the UK. The original models were made for home use, but the 350s was DubReq's venture into a "professional" performance instrument.
It's weird, and that's good. Bands like Jon Spencer, Kraftwerk, artists like Bowie and Jack White, all used this or a version of this on recordings. Most notably, Bowie used a Stylophone in his seminal song Space Oddity.
This particular model was purchased new, however it did not include the actual box, only the styrofoam packaging. I used it a couple times several years ago, maybe a total of 3 hours, only at home and only by me.
The 350s works by using to electric styli to operate a keyboard. There is also a photo sensitive cell that works similar to a pitch bend. The unit has input and outputs and operated on 9v or an AC adaptor (both not included).
Here are the specs:" [at the bottom of this post after the pics]
"Which can also be found at:
stylophone [dot]fsnet[dot]co[dot]uk[slash]350ins[dot]html
http/www.stylophone.fsnet.co.uk/350ins.hThe STYLOPHONE 350S
Technical Specification:
Frequency Range: 6.5 Octaves from 'A' (2.25 octaves below Mid. C) to 'E' (4.25 octaves above Mid. C.)
Power Output from Internal Speaker: 0.7 Watts RMS. = 1.4 - I.5 Watt Peak Power.
Input Socket: Input voltage required for full output = 0.5v RMS.
Input impedance: = 100 k ohms.
The input socket can be used for most Tape Recorders, Radios, Record Players, Rhythm Units, etc., but will not work directly from a microphone.
Swell Pedal. When a swell pedal is connected the photoelectric cell is switched off, and the same functions are obtained from the pedal.
Recommended resistance of the pedal is 50 - 100 k ohms.
External Output. Will provide an output to drive headphones, tape recorders, amplifiers, etc. Output voltage 0.6 volts RMS, and the radio input socket on the tape recorder should be used. The output impedance is 130 ohms, suitable for driving headphones of 10,000 ohms impedance.
N.B. The earth connection on the output socket is to the inner conductor of the jack, and the signal output to the outer conductor. If no output is obtained, reverse these connections.
Key to General Layout:
1. Stylus 1 - Located on the right hand side, this stylus is held in the right hand for normal playing.
2. Stylus 2 - Located on the left hand side, and used for producing effects such as Banjo, Mandolin, etc., held in the right hand. and used in conjunction with the Reiteration Switch (7). To produce harmonies, hold Stylus I in the left hand, and play notes lower down the keyboard. Harmonies can only be produced when the Reiteration Switch is in operation.
3. Keyboard - Set out in the same way as a piano keyboard, with the upper row of notes representing the black notes, or sharps and flats. Sound is produced by applying the metal tip of the stylus to the keys, using a pressure much the same as, or slightly heavier than that used when writing. It is essential that both keyboard and stylus tips be kept clean and free from finger-marks or grease. For normal purposes a soft cloth or tissue will suffice. An occasional polish with a non abrasive metal cleaner is recommended to keep the keyboard and styli in excellent playing condition.
The Control Switches are operated on the 'Rocker' principle. They may be pressed down at either end depending on the voice or effect required - or they may be left at flat -or neutral position.
N.B. At least one of the voice Switches must be activated in addition to the on/off switch before any sound is produced. Also, when the Photo Switch is on 'Photo Vibrato', and the Vibrato Switch (8) is in the neutral or off position, the Photo Control is inoperative and the volume is set with the Volume Control only.
4. Photo Control.
5. Photo Switch (Swell/WaaWaa/Photo Vibrato). The Photo Control (4) is used in conjunction with the Photo Switch (5).
It is light-activated instead of mechanical, thus giving a more natural expression to the sound. The required effect must be set on the Photo Switch prior to use. With the Photo Switch in the neutral, or flat position, a Swell effect is produced by covering the Photo Control with the hand. With the switch set to Waa-Waa, the effect is again obtained when the Photo Control is covered. The WaaWaa is most effective on the '8' and '16' stops. On Photo Vibrato, the vibrato is brought in when the Photo Control is covered, and the Vibrato Switch (8) must be in use when this effect is required.
N.B. Since the Photo Control is light activated, insufficient lighting will reduce its effectiveness.
Should it be necessary for the instrument to be used in poor lighting conditions, a standard foot pedal may be plugged into the 'Pedal' Socket, automatically switching off the Photo Control, and taking over its functions.
When the Photo Switch is set to Photo Vibrato, and the Vibrato Switch (8) is off, the Photo Control is inoperative and the volume is set with the Volume Control only.
6. Sustain/Decay. In the neutral, or flat position, notes are sustained as long as the stylus is in contact with the keyboard. In the Long Decay position the note will decay approximately I.5 seconds after the note has been played, and with the stylus still in contact with the keyboard. With the switch on Short Decay the note will fade rapidly, giving a percussive effect rather like a piano.
7. Reiteration - When simulations of instruments such as Banjo, Mandolin. etc., are required this switch is brought into operation. There are two reiteration speeds- Fast... or Slow---. When using this effect, Stylus 2 is held in the right hand.
8. Vibrato - For use when continuous vibrato is needed, with a choice of Fast or Slow speeds. When used in conjunction with Photo Vibrato (4&5), the vibrato will not be effective until the Photo Control is covered.
9. 10. 11. 12. Voicing Switches - These control the voices-from the 2' stop at the top end of the musical range - to the 16' stop at the lower, or bass end. In addition to simulating some of the more conventional musical instruments, they produce original sounds, and may be played singly or in combination with other voices.
13. Tuning Control -This enables the pitch of the 350S to be altered to match other musical instruments or accompaniment such as tape or disc.
14. On/Off Switch - As the illustration shows, the switch is On in either of two positions, and Off in the flat or neutral position.
15. Output -This socket enables the 35OS to be used with an external amplifier, and also for Headphones or Earphone for silent practice. The output impedance is 130 ohms, and is suitable for headphones of 10,000 ohms impedance.
N.B. An external mains-operated amplifier should always be earthed. If such an amplifier is used, the earth connection should be taken to the Inner connection of the output jack plug, and the signal wire to the Outer terminal.
16. Pedal -This socket takes a standard Foot Pedal to produce the effects of the Photo Switch (5) and over-rides the Photo Control which is automatically switched off when the pedal is plugged into the socket.
17. Input -Into this socket may be plugged a tape recorder, record player, rhythm unit, etc. The sounds from these sources will emanate from the speaker of the 350S, together with the sounds of the 350S itself.
18. Volume Control -This controls the overall volume of the instrument, pre-setting the maximum volume necessary for Swell & Waa-Waa effects.
Inserting Batteries:
The power supply for the 350S is 2 x PP9 or equivalent batteries. They are fitted in the following manner:
Carefully turn the instrument upside down, and you will see the two battery compartments on the underside.
The covers are removed by inserting a coin or screwdriver into the screw slot and giving it a half turn in a clockwise direction. This will release the locking device, and the domed end of the cover will lift slightly. The cover may now be removed.
Inside the compartment are the wired battery terminals, to which the battery should be connected.
The battery should then be lowered into the space provided.
The compartment cover should then be replaced as follows:
Firstly, turn the screw back into its original position, with the screw slot horizontal.
Place bottom section of cover into slot first, and then lower the top or domed end of the cover into place, pressing firmly on the screw until it clicks into position. Repeat the operation with the second battery.
Operating Instructions:
Should you already possess a Stylophone, you will of course be familiar with the use of a Stylus to produce the sound. The Stylophone 350S is operated on exactly the same principle basically, but it does have a much wider range.
If, however, you are using this type of instrument for the first time, here are a few pointers to get you started .
Having fitted the batteries, you are now ready to try out the instrument.
Switch On, and remove Stylus 1 from its housing. Switch in one of the voices, (preferably the 8' or 16'), leaving the Photo Switch (5) in the neutral or flat position.
Turn the Volume Control (18) fully clockwise, and apply the metal tip of the stylus to the keyboard. Now, by moving the left hand slowly over the Photo Control (4), you will obtain a Swell effect. The closer your hand is to the Photo Control, the louder will be the volume. Move your hand backwards and towards over the Photo Control until you get the 'feel' of its operation.
The next step is to slide the Stylus up and down the keyboard, using a fairly firm pressure at the same time using the Photo Control to increase or decrease the volume as you go. When you have mastered this simple exercise, move the Photo Switch to Waa-Waa, and switch in the 16' Brass. Again apply the Stylus to the keyboard, and use the hand over the Photo Control as before. This time you will obtain an effect similar to that of a trombone being played with a mute. For Waa-Waa effect a lower volume is required. Now switch to PhotoVibrato on the Photo Switch, and press the Vibrato Switch (8) to Fast Vibrato. With the switches in this position, the vibrato effect is brought in only when the Photo Control is covered with the hand. This facility enables a much more natural expression to be obtained when playing, bringing in the vibrato when required, and removing the hand from the Photo Control when you wish to stop the vibrato effect."
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