MATRIXSYNTH: Vako Orchestron, Model C


Friday, April 20, 2012

Vako Orchestron, Model C

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"Designed as a superior alternative to the Mellotron, the Orchestron is fully polyphonic and operates on principle of modulated light measured by photoelectric cells... The Vako Orchestron elevated the concept of the Optigan into the professional musical instrument market with higher quality, more reliable parts and construction. Similarly, the Orchestron uses optical disks loaded with waveforms that are read by a light bar reader and turned into sound. The result of higher-quality parts and better build is a unique mix of really nice lo-fi sounding orchestral strings, chorus, brass, and other sonic possibilities with much better playability. It can be heard on the Yes album "Relayer" and the Foreigner hit song "Cold As Ice"... and has also been used by Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, Richie Blackmore's Rainbow, Michael Penn, Semisonic and other recording artists over the years. Less than 100 Orchestrons were produced and it is estimated that less than forty remain in existence today. The Orchestron is revered and very sought after by vintage keyboard enthusiasts for the murky atmospheric sounds it produces and is very inspiring to play and improvise on.

It comes with 6 valuable, original disks easily worth $100-200 each: Vocal Choir (2 discs), Flute, Violin, Cello and Pipe Organ [note: most of the pictures shows only five of the discs, but the gallery photo shows all six discs]. This vintage Orchestron is currently UNTESTED, DOES NOT TURN ON, AND IS SOLD AS-IS WITH NO RETURNS NOR WARRANTEE. It might have incurred water damage in the past, as I see mildew on the back of the case, so that's likely related to why it doesn't turn on, and so it is probably a parts machine."




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