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"Analog 'patch cord' monophonic synthesizer that contains all of the fundamental modules needed for music synthesis. I assembled this synthesizer in 1980 using 4700-series kits from the legendary PAiA Electronics, Inc. in Oklahoma.
This synthesizer was in “working” condition before I stored it away. I was already an experienced electronic kit assembler at age 18 when I assembled all of the modules. I used terminal strips to create “bus bars” inside the module cabinets to conveniently provide the three supply voltages (plus ground) to all of the modules. Once I got to college at PSU I begged an Electrical Engineering professor let me use a frequency meter in a lab to calibrate each key of the keyboard to the proper pitch. I recently applied power to the cabinets and proved that the power supplies are working, but their output voltages will need to be recalibrated according to the manuals. I say that this unit is “working”, but I never really got it to make the sounds I was hoping for…
I fell in love with synthesizers as a teenager during the 1970’s because I was into both music and electronics. I desperately wanted to buy a MiniMoog (despite the fact that I didn’t have any keyboard aptitude or training) but, in any case, my family didn’t have that kind of money for something non-essential.
I discovered PAiA Electronics when their first 2700-series synthesizer kits were featured on the cover of Radio-Electronics magazine in 1973. The cover picture showed a fully functional synthesizer built from kits – except that the keyboard was made of hand-bent spring wires with buttons glued to the ends in order to keep the cost down. A few years later PAiA started offering professional 37-note keyboards and enclosures.
I bought the road cabinet and the power supplies first in 1979. I bought the actual synthesizer module kits as I could afford them during 1979 and 1980. I finally raised enough money to buy the (approximately) $100 keyboard/case kit in 1980.
This synthesizer contains the following cabinets and modules:
4761 module road cabinet (a hinged case that opens up and holds 26 single-width modules)
Cabinet measures 15” x 14” x 9” when closed, 30” x 7” x9” when open, and weighs 21 pounds
4782 37-note keyboard in a road cabinet (my 1984 PAiA catalog doesn’t list this)
Cabinet measures 31” x 13” x 4 ½” (keyboard cover comes off) and weighs 25 pounds
4720 VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator)
4740 Envelope Generator (ADSR)
4710 Balanced Modulator/VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier)
4730 VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter)
4771 Regulated Power Supply
4770 “Watt Block” Power Supply
The original assembly manuals for every module, the module cabinet, and the keyboard are included. Even the LIMITED WARRANTY and IF PARTS ARE MISSING… cards are included…
Also included is a set of 20 control (voltage) and signal (audio) patch cables that I fabricated:
Control: 2 – 24”, 4 – 18”, 4 – 12”, 2 – 6”
Signal: 1 – 24”, 2 – 18”, 3 – 12”, 2 – 6”
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