1981 EDP WASP SN 003779

via this auction

"Made in UK between 1978-1981, here we have an ORIGINAL Wasp synthesizer in great condition. Only 3,000 ever made, yet this one is serial number 003779....humm? Maybe one of the last to leave the hive? EDP (Electronic Dream Plant) were creators of some great products at the time; star item being the OSCar synth. Chris Hugget went on to become involved with Novation, who are still around today, with British synths that hold their own with any other in the world.

CONDITION:- considering it is nearly 40 years old, this buzzin' beastie is in a remarkable state. The casing is as new, the pots/switches (only moving parts) work 100%, with no crackles/grumbles. The "keys" are 95% good, with only the tiniest abrasions (see pix). Battery compartment holds the 6 "C" batteries securely. Two knobs do not have the yellow caps. Single PCB inside is uncracked and rust-free.
NEGATIVES:- the speaker & headphone o/put do not work. I suspect that it is repairable, but the connections are well hidden under the main PCB. To compensate, Klassic Keys GB are throwing in a 20w Phonic self-powered speaker. This hooks up perfectly and delivers buckets of bass end; the on board speaker ( made by Fane, of Batley, Yorkshire!...ay-oop) is tiny, hence very "toppy". We do not have an external PSu. It runs happily on the batteries.

SOUNDS LIKE:- very capable synthesizer delivers a vast array of sounds. Its "additive synthesis", really...meaning you have to understand what is happening re the audio path. Having TWO oscillators is a huge bonus, with noise/sample & hold/glide all there for free.. It can sound pleasantly sweet (steady now...dont let music get in the way..), or devilishly wicked/weird and/or funky bass lines/screaming solo lines, and everything in-between. NO "snowflake/lazy boy" presets for you to get you started...oh, no...this is raw analogue at its smouldering best....

Priced @ £899 (GBP),inc VAT, this represents good value. KKGB will give 3 months guarantee against faulty electronics ~ NOT including any casing damage, or mess-ups due to incorrect external PSu being used (dodgy area, that...careful..).

This is the best of British...a piece of synth history. Sold for £199 in 1981, by the way......."