SENNHEISER VSM201 VINTAGE VOCODER

via this auction

The pics and description appear to come from Los Angeles Guitar Shop which shows it as sold. The top of the listing on eBay claims "make it yours for $1800!" but the seller has 100% feedback with 2873 transactions. The sellers other items appear to be all over the place. You be the judge. The seller also had a Waldorf Q+ that was pulled.

"Sennheiser Vocoder VSM 201!
#32 with Original Wood Case!
Perfectly Serviced, 100% Original!

For your consideration is this extremely scarce 1978 Sennheiser VSM 201 Vocoder. With regard to design, sound quality and historical context, the VSM 201 is considered by many to represent the absolute pinnacle of vocoder effects. With production believed to be under 100 units total, combined with an original price of $20,000.00 US, claiming the Sennheiser VSM 201 was reserved for a highly specific clientele would be a serious understatement: there are simply none available. Take advantage of this probable once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy the best vocoder ever made.

First and foremost, this particular example (serial number 32) was recently professionally serviced, and is currently in absolutely perfect working condition. The capacitors, resistors and chips that were removed during the maintenance are all intact and included, so the unit remains 100% original. The original wood transportation case and original rubber feet are also included.

Famously used by Herbie Hancock, Kraftwerk and iconic silver screen robots, the VSM 201 is the ultimate vocal effect. Having inspired modern digital representations and miscellaneous plug-in programs, this original VSM 201 is superior in every respect.

A superficial inspection will reveal and impressive; 55 knobs, 69 LEDs, 11 switches and 34 sockets. Technically, this legendary unit features; 20 separate channels with fixed envelope routing internally from each analyzer envelope generator to the corresponding VCA, numerous mic and line inputs with a corresponding VU meter. As the complexity of the control panel implies, there is much much more to describe. All photos are of the actual item!"