MATRIXSYNTH: EDP Caterpillar controller keyboard for Wasp, Gnat, Spider


Tuesday, July 17, 2012

EDP Caterpillar controller keyboard for Wasp, Gnat, Spider

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"EDP Caterpillar controller keyboard, for Wasp and Gnat synthesizers and Spider sequencer.

The Electronic Dream Plant Wasp was a popular and affordable British-built synthesizer sold in the '80s. It featured a flat touch-sensitive keyboard which, though it made it inexpensive, also made it difficult to play. EDP's answer was the Caterpillar, a proper three-octave mechanical keyboard which could be connected to the Wasp and play it via a proprietary cable. The Caterpillar is also compatible with EDP's cut-down Gnat synth, and the Spider digital sequencer.

The Caterpillar has four EDP connectors, so it can play up to four Wasps simultaneously; either polyphonically, or randomly, or cyclically. The effect of this is stupendous - I've seen it done once, but who these days has four working Wasps? The Caterpillar also has a Hold function, and a Voice Select mode which was intended for a programmable synth which never made it to market.

The Caterpillar has a charmingly hand-made looking wooden case and is normally powered by an internal 9V battery. This one is a bit of an oddity in that it's been painted black - not in the factory I think, but by a previous owner. Certainly there's a lot of scratching to the paintwork and the original wooden finish is showing through. There's been a mod made so there's a dangling external connector for a 9V power supply - I haven't taken the back off, but I imagine it would still be possible to connect a battery.

One knob cap is missing, and the other has lost its cover, but they're easy enough to replace and the switches still seem fine.

Points to bear in mind;

1) This is purely a controller keyboard, it doesn't make any sounds. Its sockets may look like MIDI, but they're not; it will control only EDP synths, and you will have to provide the appropriate EDP cables.
2) I haven't been able to test it at all, since my Wasp died long ago. Therefore it's being sold with no guarantee of functionality of any kind, and no possibility of return. If you're interested enough to collect EDP gear, I imagine you're willing to accept the possibility that it may need service or maintenance. It certainly needs a good clean.
3) I don't have any cables or manuals - there are only two switches, so you should be able to manage without a manual if you can't find one on the net; I think Kenton Electronics can supply EDP cables.

It's not too heavy to post, but collection from St Albans is welcome."

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