rare birds: Rolling REC-4 analog BBD delay & spring reverb with no so rare Elka Solist 505

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video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"The Rolling REC-4 is rebadged Evans Echopet EP-250, exact same PCB (labeled EP-250 by the way). It's a very nice spring reverb and BBD delay combo. It uses 3x Panasonic MN3005 chipsets, the same used on more famous BBD delay like the Yamaha E1005 / E1010 and Ibanez AD202 among many others. What's make it quite unique is that the delay sound goes to the reverb tank so you can get some very dense effect. If you want only the spring reverb sound you need to leave the "repeat" control of the delay fully counter clockwise.

The Elka Solist 505 is a simple italian monophonic analog synth with preset and some limited sound editing control, like a simple attack release enveloppe that can be routed to VCF or VCA, a 'wow' effect, which is more or less a resonance control; cutoff control, vibrato depth (speed is fixed) and 'bend'.
It is however very nice sounding because of the Moog inspired transistor ladder filter."

via this listing

"The Elka Solist 505 is a simple italian monophonic analog synth with preset and some limited sound editing control, like a simple attack release enveloppe that can be routed to VCF or VCA, a 'wow' effect, which is more or less a resonance control; cutoff control, vibrato depth (speed is fixed) and "bend". It is however very nice sounding because of the Moog inspired transistor ladder filter.

Unit is in fully working condition, see demo.
Cosmetic is not so great, mainly the front panel paint and lettering."

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Elka Solist 505 Monophonic Synth SN 58119

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. ELKA solist 505 synth monofonico

Published on Dec 4, 2012 nuovafesta

"The Soloist 505 is a very simple monophonic synth. Its look reminds one of a Roland SH-1000, but with its controls on the front. The sound is very clear and clean like many Italian cousins (Siel). There is a preset section but the waveforms can also be modified in 'free' mode. Funny sounds, lysergic and ancestral. But the keyboard is good and there are some presets such as the sax, trombone, cosmic, flute e telstar which have some power worth exploring. It's cute and slightly rare. No MIDI or CV here."

via this auction

"Great analog preset monosynth, unique sounding - one of a kind!
There are two Moog ladder filters in this thing, which makes it sound nice and fat.
Check out the video for a run through of the presets and filters, great for library / afro funk type sounds, real greasy!"

Note the video is from 2012.

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Elka Soloist 505 SN 2761

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via this auction

"Rare little Italian beauty, The Solist 505. The Elka Solist 505 was a monophonic lead synthesizer, preset based with variations for added performance. It provided a nice alternative to the Moog Satellite ARP Pro Soloist. It had 11 presets, all which could be changed with freq/res, attack/release, vibrato and portamento. Notably, it contained the famous Moog ladder filter.

A feature of the Soloist 505 is that it has the famous Moog Ladder Filter onboard. Manufacturers installed the components to make the Ladder Filter before Moog Music imposed a patent on it's use in non Moog instruments."

Update: see Hainbach's recent video with one here.

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VAI 50 : Elka Wilgamat III / Elka Solist 505

video by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"The Elka Wilgamat III is an analog auto-accompaniment machine from 1982 It has four sections:
An analog Drum machine
A Bass sections
A piano / brass chord section
And an arpeggiator

Apart from the auto rhythm to each section, you can play the bass and piano/brass sounds just like a synth, no modulation capabilities.
The Elka Solist 505 is a monophonic preset synthesizer from 1976 with a unique / quirky timbre, great filter on this one. And a great look :)"

ELKA Solist 505

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

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Elka Solist 505

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Everything works except 2 preset buttons, you can see them in the last photo. Thick and sweet sound."

You can find demos of the Elka Solist 505 in previous posts here.

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Why Does This Simple Italian Vintage Synth Sound So Good?

video upload by HAINBACH

"I dithered a lot before buying the Elka Solist 505: I had no idea if it would sound any good. It looked odd and rather cool because it has accordion-style buttons instead of a piano keyboard, which made it interesting enough for me to try. When it arrived in my studio, I was in for a surprise."

Additional Elka Solist 505 posts

Synth Magic Elka Solist 505

Published on Oct 15, 2013 SPFXsynthesisers·37 videos

"Elka Solist 505 recreated for Kontakt 5.
Every single key of every preset has been sampled clean and a second set of samples recorded through vintage valve pre-amps. Bot sets can be selected from the front panel.
GUI designed by saintjohnbaxter.
Availble at www.synthmagic.co.uk"

ELKA SOLIST 505 Italian Vintage Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction

"The Elka Solist 505 is a monophonic lead synthesizer, preset based with variations for added performance.
It provided a nice alternative to the Moog Satellite ARP Pro Soloist.
It has 11 presets, all which could be changed with freq/res, attack/release, vibrato and portamento.
Notably, it contained the famous Moog ladder filter.
Although basic in function – no CV, no MIDI – it could produce some lovely tones, and the keyboard action is very nice indeed – something you’d expect from a renowned Italian organ manufacturer!"

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Elka Solist 505 Mono Synthesizer w/ Hard Case SN 2819

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via this listing

"Elka Solist 505 Mono Synthesizer w/ Hard Case in good cosmetic and functional condition. Amazing preset synthesizer that is quite rare and from what I read online has a Moog style filter inside. To note, while everything functions without issue, the volume, cutoff filter, and wow sliders could use a cleaning as there is some noise while adjusting them. In addition, the case holding the top part of the synth to the bottom section of the synth is not fully secured on the right hand side of the synth and will need to be serviced to reattach it fully. Also of note, the synth is 220V and will need a step down transformer to function in the US. Includes hard case pictured."

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Elka Solist 505

Published on Sep 6, 2016 Musicnectar

This one is in via swissdoc who spotted on listed here. It's essentially a preset accordion style synthesizer with limited controls. You can find a handful of posts featuring the Elka Solist 505 here.

There's a Synth Magic software emulation of one you can find here.

VAI 5 - Crumar Multiman S/2 - Maestro Rhythm King - Maestro Universal -Elka Solist 505

Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"Crumar Multiman string machine with separate outputs: strings are going through the Mu-Tron phaser, brass is going through the Maestro Rhythm Kings' modulation effect, an input in the back of the drum machine will chop up the input signal like a rhythmic tremolo.

From there is goes to the Maestro Universal Synthesizer (?) System, possibly the first multi-effect ever put on the market, triggering the envelope filter and possibly adding some phaser there as well...

The Maestro Kings' drums are processed through the Roland RE-301 for crunch and echo. The Elka Solist 505 monophonic synthesizer is playing the lead.

We make these videos as a showcase for our studio and for curious vintage heads - and for fun.
We don't dilly-dally too much with production and mixing but it can sound pretty good with headphones on."

Elka X705 Vintage Synthesizer Combo Organ Synth

via this auction

"You can get a lot of info about the Elka X705 from this great site if you go to this link: http://www.combo-organ.com/Elka/#X-705

This has a lot of features once it gets going. There's 2 rows of keys and drawbars. There's a string section, also a synthesizer with a filter."

Update via Qwave in the comments: "I own one o these too. I
The Stringsection is 100% technically identical to the ELKA Rhapsody 610 http://till-kopper.de/elka.html. Only some sliders are missing. The monophonic synth is a build in ELKA Solist 505.

Jarre used one of these with some optical extras for the very first China tour to play the "Last Rhumba" live."

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VAI 4 : Maestro Rhythm King - Maestro USS - Crumar Multiman S/2 - Elka Solist

Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"Making good use of the Crumar Multiman S/2 string separate outputs: string section are going through the Mu-Tron phaser, brass and bass sections are going through the Maestro Rhythm Kings' modulation effect : an input in the back of the drum machine will chop up the input signal like a rhythmic tremolo.
From there is goes to the Maestro Universal Synthesizer (?) System, possibly the first multi-effect ever put on the market, triggering the envelope filter and adding some phaser there as well...
The Maestro Kings' drums are processed through the Roland RE-301 for crunch and echo.
The Elka Solist 505 monophonic synthesizer is playing the lead.


We make these videos as a showcase for our studio and for curious vintage heads - and for fun.
We don't dilly-dally too much with production and mixing but it can sound pretty good with headphones on."

Elka Solist 505 vintage preset synthesizer with Moog ladder filter

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction "Vintage Siel Solist 505 preset synthesizer in good working condition. It has a pretty good playable keyboard and sounds much better when you add some reverb and delay. The cool thing is that it has a Moog ladder filter inside.

Cosmetically it’s in very good condition too with only some minor signs of use on the case and knobs (see photos). Inside there’s some rust on the metal parts."

One pic of the inside below. You can find demos of one in previous posts here.

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ELKA Synthex 1981-1985 SN 1239

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via this auction

"The Synthex was conceived and developed by independent Italian designer Mario Maggi, who then gained the financial backing of the company of Italy, who produced the synthesizer from 1981 to 1985. Elka, a company more noted for its organs, had previously introduced their Rhapsody 490, 610 string machine, the monophonic Solist 505 and the big combo organ/synth X-705. A total of 1850 units were produced. Today is a highly sought-after instrument which recently reached quotations around 8.000 UKP. It was succeeded by the Elka EK-22 (based on the CEM3396 chip which was also featured in e.g. Oberheim's Matrix line of synthesizers) and the Elka EK-44 (based on Yamaha's 4-OP FM).

Elka SynthexGeneralmusic (GEM,LEM,ELKA)Dates1981-1985
Technical specifications842 memory40+40 locationsChorus, Ring ModulationInput/output61-keyLeft-hand controlJoystickExternal controlCustom interface / MIDI (late models)
Foot switches (Advance, Glide, Hold, Release)"

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VAI 10 : Böhm Solist 78 / Crumar Multiman S2

Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"The Roland TR77 Drum machine is going through the Emthree Pulsatron Mixer for crunch.
The Dr. Böhm Solist 78 is playing through a mysterious no-brand phaser "Rotor Monster" (that could be some kind of Vermona product) while the seconds short decay chords go through the Roland RE-301 Space Echo.
The short drum fills comes from the Dr. Böhm Solist 78 as well, with Telefunken Echo Mixer spring reverb.
The Elka Solist 505 is a house favorite, an underdog, monophonic synth with a unique timbre.
The drum machines are not midi-or clock synced, just synced manually.
We make these videos as a showcase for our studio and for curious vintage heads - and for fun.
We don't dilly-dally too much with production and mixing but it can sound pretty good with headphones on."

Till Kopper's Workspace

Get ready to drool. The following is a set of images sent my way via Till Kopper. Absolutely impressive. You might remember Till Kopper from these previous posts. Be sure to scroll as the link is a search on "Kopper" and will bring up this post.

You can listen to and see more of what Till does with this gear on his website. Be sure to click the images or the full size shots. Also I think I got all the synth labels. : ) If I missed any post a comment.

Overview from the staircase.
The wooden rack right of the WAVE contains:
Moog Prodigy (my first real synth)
Access MicroWave controller
ART Multi FX unit
Waldorf waveSlave
Waldorf microWave
Waldorf waveSlave (another one)
Waldorf microQ keyboard
Behringer mixer
Ibanez DM2000 delay
Waldorf Midibay-15
(see the other pictures for the rest of the gear shown here)

foreground: Moog Voyager
left keyboard stand:
Jen Sx1000
Waldorf XTk30 (lent away, therefor not shown here)
Manikin Electronics Memotron

between the keyboard stands:
Korg Micro Preset 500
Korg Poly Ensemble PE-1000
Korg Poly Ensemble S PE-2000
Monikin Electronics Schrittmacher
Behringer sub-mixer
3 Modulus MonoWaves (2 beta units)
Waldorf rackAttack
right keyboardstand
Minimoog (with Lintronic Midi and beechwood cabinet) Waldorf WAVE +16
Q32 with
Prototype Waldorf Blofeld atop

The wall of string keyboards (left column from top to bottom):
Wersi Voice FX atop
Farfisa Syntorchestra
Hohner String Vox atop
Logan String Melody
ARP Quartet
ELKA Rhapsody 610
(right column from top to bottom)
Crumar Performer
Vermona PianoStrings (from former East German) Hohner String Performer Crumar Multiman S Wersi Stage Performer Mk1 SII (additiv synth with a single SSM filter and Wersi Voice FX build in) Spot the Waldorf Pulse, Waldorf 4Pole, Waldorf EQ-27. AceTone (= early Roland) Rhythm Ace 2L and Tascam HD recorder

ELKA Solist 505 atop
ELKA X705 organ (with bass foot keys and pedal

Notshown on these pictures:
Eminent 310 unique
broken Hohner ADAM
Schimmel piano
Boss DR-220E
Keio (= early Korg) MiniPops 3
Casio VL-1
Dübreq Stylophone
EEH DS500 (does not boot anymore, need new battery?)
2 ELKA Rhapsodies 610 as spare parts
Waldorf WAVE (the spare WAVE) lent away to a friend

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VAI 51 Elka Wilgamat III / Elka Solist 505

video by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"More Elka Wilgamat III - this time with some external help from the Schulte Compact Phasing and Roland RE-301 for rooms.
We also like to use the Roland Space Echo as a tape machine : a round on tape, wet only echo with one bounce, does magic for drum compression."

Vintage Audio Institute Italia posts

Elka Solist 505 analog synthesizer --- Moog Ladder Filter SN 1834

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via this auction

"This very rare analog synthesizer features both presets and free control of key parameters sort of like an Italian SH1000 or Arp Pro Soloist (hmm, that name rings a bell), or Moog Satellite. According to the site 'encyclotronic': 'A feature of the Soloist 505 is that it has the famous Moog Ladder Filter onboard. Manufacturers installed the components to make the Ladder Filter before Moog Music imposed a patent on it's use in non Moog instruments.' Some cosmetic damage(you can see on photos). Original Elka case included."

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