via this auction
"This is an Oberheim Xpander XP-1 in excellent condition. I purchased this Xpander in 1996 from the website of a used gear dealer in Connecticut; their listing stated that the unit had previously belonged to David Bowie's keyboard player, which I assumed meant Mike Garson (but I've never been able to substantiate this). The unit was in remarkably great condition upon receipt and it has remained that way since. I have never gigged with it; rather it has stayed in my non-smoking, temperature-controlled office/studio the entire time, mostly under a custom-fitted cover as I just haven't had the use for its extensive capabilities that I'd thought I would. So I've decided it's time to put it into someone else's hands who I hope will harness its potential and make some killer music.
Released in 1984, the Xpander is the 6-voice desktop version of Oberheim's Matrix-12. Both were digitally controlled analog synths (VCO, VCF, VCA), and as such are often described as perfect analog synths. The Xpander's hugely flexible matrix modulation system allows for internal patching and editing similar to a modular synthesizer. Just the preset sounds are excellent. This unit was manufactured in the U.S. (some were manufactured in Japan).
FUNCTIONAL NOTES:
The unit passes all self-tests (see photos) and sends audio to all relevant outputs. The pedal jacks function properly as well. Please note that I'm not equipped to test the CV/GATE and trigger functions here.
COSMETIC NOTES:
Elsewhere in this listing I've described the unit's exterior as "near-flawless," and I do think that's accurate. The most notable flaw is a small and shallow scratch that is located on the chassis just below the right-hand end of the top middle display, and continues onto the display for about 1/8" (the phoot. The scratch on the display is barely visible, and the portion on the chassis could probably be rendered invisible with the right touch-up paint – but that's outside my expertise and I wouldn't want to make a mistake trying to fix it. The wooden end-blocks are nearly pristine, with no obvious scratches. They might have a couple of minor indentations, but I can't even be sure those aren't original.
EXTRAS
- Original spiral-bound owner's manual ("First edition, June 1984"), pictured – commonly sold separately for $100
- Custom-fit fabric cover
- AC cable (not original)
POSSIBLE BONUS EXTRA
Somewhere around here I have an original data cassette for the Xpander, and I just can't track it down right now. I think the factory patches are pretty easily available in MIDI data form (and in WAV too, for playing directly into the cassette audio port), so it's not an essential thing, but most people would like having it. If I find it as I continue to sift through my accumulated Stuff, I will send it to the buyer at no charge."
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