Synth Wizards Episode 11: String Machine Madness!

video upload by Syntaur

"The Synth Wizards chase down and compare a crazy number of string machines, including the groundbreaking Freeman String Symphonizer and an extremely rare Elkatwin 61, and take a look at the fascinating history of these instruments. But, the Freeman needs some restoration work before it can be delivered to an interesting buyer in Los Angeles.

00:00 - Introduction
03:03 - Atlanta String Machine trip
06:35 - The Chamberlin
08:25 - The History of the Mellotron
13:00 - Mellotron M400 demo
13:58 - The Freeman String Symphonizer
15:28 - Differences between Synths and String Machines
19:24 - Freeman String Symphonizer demo
20:05 - The History of the Arp Solina
21:50 - Dennis DeYoung (Styx) Interview
23:38 - Crumar Orchestrator
24:30 - Crumar Performer
27:24 - Arp Omni
28:04 - Elka Rhapsody
28:42 - Elkatwin 61
29:55 - Roland RS-101 & 202
30:15 - Multivox MX-202
30:32 - Roland RS-505
33:03 - Roland RS-09
33:12 - Roland VP-330 Vocoder
33:36 - Korg Poly Ensemble S
34:28 - Korg Delta
34:56 - Yamaha SK20
35:49 - Korg EPS-1
37:01 - Refurbishing the Freeman
41:55 - Delivering String Machines to Jason Schwartzman"

Synthesizer Test Drive: Solina String Ensemble
video upload by Syntaur

"Syntaur's Sam Mims takes the iconic Solina String Ensemble out for a test drive. (This is a revised version of our original Solina video, where several sharp-eared listeners pointed out that the chorus effect wasn't quite right. They were correct! The LFO circuit in the original version was not working correctly. Now, here it is in its full glory.)"

Additional Synth Wizards Episodes

Bright Sparks Documentary - A Side

video by GForce Software

"The A Side of the critically acclaimed Bright Sparks documentary, created in conjunction with the I Monster album of the same name, focuses on US based electronic music pioneers, including Bob Moog, Don Buchla, Alan R Pearlman and Harry Chamberlin.

Includes contributions from Herb Deutsch, Michelle Moog-Koussa, I Monster's Dean Honer & Jarrod Gosling, Adrian Utley, Daniel Miller, Billy Currie, Karl Hyde, Alessandro Cortini, Will Gregory, Dennis P Colin, Alan Pearlman."

You can find additional GForce Bright Sparks posts here.

Reverb Drum Machines | The Complete Collection Sample Pack for Free

You can find them here.

"Over 50 volumes of vintage, rare, and landmark drum machines that narrate the history of this modern instrument—from the inception of this invention to relevant contemporary devices—this collection covers any and all electronic rhythm needs and sonic character.

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ChamberTron-RE Rack Extension for Reason & The History of the Chamberlin & Mellotron

Published on Sep 26, 2017 GForce Software

"ChamberTron-RE is our Rack Extension for Propellerheads Reason users and is based on the sounds of Chamberlin Tape Replay instruments.

Effectively, the forerunner to the Mellotron®, Chamberlin instruments were conceived and built between the 1950s and 1980s by a US inventor of note, Harry Chamberlin.

Because of a dislike of Rock & Roll, Harry recorded instruments that (with the exception of the shared Three Violins sound) differ markedly from those of the Mellotron, and many claim that the Chamberlin recordings are more 'open' and 'natural' sounding

ChamberTron-RE combines the best tapes from the archive of original UK tron makers, Streetly Electronics, together with those from the GForce Chamberlin instrument collection. All in an easy-to-use and highly versatile Reason, Rack Extension instrument."

1965 Edmond Bordeaux and Jean Nilsson's "Indian Melodies" All Chamberlin LP

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

This one is in and for salve via peahix of optigan.com, who states it is a pretty early example of an all-chamberlin LP.

Indian Melodies on one side.  Melodias Indias on the other.

The cover reads:

"Rendition from Original Sources and Instruments

by Edmond S. Bordeaux and Jean Nilsson.

The back reads the same in Spanish along with:

"Coleccion de la Academia de Filosofia La Puerta Mexico

©1965 by Edmond S. Bordeaux"

Translated: "Collection from the Academy of Philosopy La Puerta Mexico"

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Extremely Rare Chamberlin Rhythmate Model 25 Drum Machine - Demo Videos

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. Chamberlin Model 25 Rhythmate Tape Loop Drum Machine Demo

Published on Dec 3, 2016 Techno Empire

via this auction

"This is a quick demo of this very rare Chamberlin Model 25 Rhythmate Drum Machine that we have for sale. We do not know of any others like to this in existence. It is very small compared to the better known Chamberlin Model 30 Drum Machine. It was designed to hang off a organ bench. Amazing!"


Published on Dec 3, 2016 Techno Empire

"This video was shot by renowned synth and organ tech Ken Rich while he was restoring our Chamberlin Rhythmate Model 25 Drum Machine. Built in 1949, it may be one of the earliest made. It is truly a Drum "Machine". This video shows the internal workings of the tape loop. See our other demo video with the unit put back together."

Also see the Chamberlain Rhythmate Model 30 here.

via this auction

"This listing is for an extremely rare CHAMBERLIN Rhythmate (model 25) tape loop drum machine. It is one of the first drum machines ever produced, made in 1949. This is a modular version that seems to have been made to hang on a piano or organ bench. Very little is known about it or if there are any others. It may have been a one-off. The internal workings are a marvel to behold with several feet of recorded drum loops winding around multiple pulleys. See video's...

It measures a tiny 8.5 inches tall, 4.5 inches wide and 6 inches deep!

ACCESSORIES - Includes the Reverse Hanger to mount on a organ bench. This item comes only as seen in photos, does not include any other accessories.
PHYSICAL CONDITION - Excellent. The paint on the reverse hanger scratched off in places and starting to oxidize. For it's age it's in great shape.
WORKING CONDITION - Very Good. We just got this little guy back from service from renowned tech Ken Rich (kenrichsounds.com)
In Ken's words "It's the most fascinating piece of gear I've ever had in my shop". This says a lot as Ken's shop has seen the utmost of coolest organs, electric pianos, synths and drum machines in the world. See the quick video below that Ken took of it's operation without the wood box covering its amazing internals."

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Chamberlain Rhythmate Model 30

Published on Nov 26, 2016 Techno Empire

"This is meant to be a short and sweet teaser demo of the Chamberlin Model 30 Drum machine we have for sale. It is not meant to be a full demonstration. Just enough to show that it works for the potential buyer. Known as the worlds first electronic drum 'machine'"

Vintage 1960s CHAMBERLIN RHYTHMATE Tape Loop Tube Amp Drum Machine SN 1293

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Vintage 1960s CHAMBERLIN RHYTHMATE Tape Loop Tube Amp Drum Machine. This is something I hate to part with- I will do so only if I can get a strong price for it. If you're looking at this auction, you probably know what this is. It has 14 different tape loops, each of which have 3 different drum patterns. You move the tape head to the desired loop with a lever, and a sub-lever selects between the three different loops on each tape. All 14 tapes are original to the unit, and all are in good playing condition. Below is a video I shot years ago demonstrating this very machine. Please note that it currently does not work quite as well as it did when I made that video. Specifically, the playback speed is rather slow and sluggish. This is due either to a worn rubber wheel or a loose motor shaft, or a combination of both. This is purely a mechanical issue (the speed runs fine when I apply a bit of pressure to the side of the motor shaft), and should be an easy fix for a qualified tech. Also, the reverb knob currently only introduces a buzzing sound. I've never been quite sure if the spring reverb tank was supposed to apply reverb to the drums, or only to the external input on the amp, but I don't recall ever getting it to work properly either way. Again, though, this ought to be an easy enough issue to resolve for a qualified tech. The tape head itself can be a little finicky in terms of getting it to line up perfectly with the desired track while avoiding minor crosstalk with the other tracks, but I suspect this is an issue that's typical for these units. The unit has the typical minor wear and dust for something of its age. If shipped, this item will be double-boxed to ensure safe delivery."

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1970s Chamberlin M-1R electro-mechanical keyboard

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"For sale is this vintage 1970s Chamberlin M-1R electro-mechanical keyboard. The M-1R, or M-1 Remote, is perhaps the rarest Chambelrin model with only six known to have ever been produced. Since then, several have been hacked, one was destroyed in a fire, and only 2 others are known to be in working functional condition, both of which are owned by the same collector. Of the six made, this is the only one with a matching original keyboard controller. Even though the Chamberlin M-1R is beyond scarce, The Beach Boys used one live for a short period. This particular example, serial number 81304 (indicating the 4th unit in the production) is in 100% all original functional condition. Original tape sounds include; Sound Effects(chains, animal noises, etc)/Female Voice, Mandolin/ Pizzicato Strings, Trumpet, Vibes, Tibia, Organ, Strings (violin), Trombone, Acoustic Guitar."

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Fredrik recording chamberlin solo female voice

Published on Feb 26, 2014 RothHandle·1,696 videos

Some excellent synth spotting in the background including a Moog format 5U modular system and an EMS VC3S Putney. See RothHandle's channel for more.

Chamberlin Music Master Sound FX

Published on May 23, 2013 Joseph McGinty·90 videos

"Demonstrating the Sound Effects bank of the Chamberlin Music Master 600."

Kaiju Science

Published on Dec 29, 2012 Karim More·17 videos

Jamming with analog gear...

http://khoral.blogspot.com
www.khoral.net

DSI Prophet 08 & Tempest
Moog Little Phatty
Doepfer Dark Energy (sequenced w/ iPad)

And also M-Tron Pro Chamberlin, MPC500.

Roger Linn + Carl Craig - Dubspot Workshop Recap

Roger Linn + Carl Craig - Dubspot Workshop Recap @ Decibel: 'Evolution of Drum Machines'

Published on Nov 16, 2012 by DubSpot

"More info: http://bit.ly/TIfQZj
During Dubspot's recent trip to Seattle's Decibel Festival, our video team caught up with Roger Linn, the godfather of the modern drum machine, Carl Craig, one of Detroit's most talented producers, for a lecture/discussion about the history and evolution of the rhythm machines that have shaped our musical world.

One of the most inspiring elements of Seattle's annual Decibel Festival is the conversations that transpire between some of the world's most talented musical thinkers. Decibel acts as a catalyst for these moments, with lectures and demonstrations taking place throughout the festival. We were especially excited to catch a workshop where drum machine creator and pioneer Roger Linn joined Detroit techno innovator Carl Craig for a talk on the evolution of drum machines and the future of electronic rhythm.

In this video, Linn explains that our assumption of drum machines appearing in the early 80s is incorrect, and he takes us on a tour of early electronic rhythm devices such as Leon Thermin's Rhythmicon (1930), the Chamberlin Rhythmate (1957), Raymond Scott's Bandito the Bongo Artist (1963), Seeburg's Select-A-Rhythm (1964), the PAiA Programmable Drum Set (1975) and the CompuRhythm CR-78 (1978). Craig probes with questions regarding interface design for musicians vs. engineers, discusses the development of drum interfaces, and talks about how the Akai MPC changed his production and composition techniques."

Chamberlin Rhythmate model 20/30/40

YouTube Published on May 8, 2012 by dietervanmarcke

"A short demo of the Chamberlin Rhythmate model 20/30/40. Don't know which one it really is, as it is not written on the instrument. Also sorry for the low quality audio and the phone noises in between. No, really. Sorry."

Chamberline Rythmate

YouTube Uploaded by danthoms on Nov 5, 2011

"Chamberlin Rythmate 20, one of the first drum beat machines ever made. Only around 10 were produced. This one can be found for sale on eBay." via this auction

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Chamberlin M-1 keyboard

via this auction

Update: link updated.

More pics at the auction.

"For your consideration is this vintage Chamberlin M-1 keyboard. This particular example, serial number 86132, is in excellent original condition. It works perfectly, sounds amazing and features a set of original tapes. The Chamberlin is the, better and more advanced, predecessor to the Mellotron which has better sounding recorded samples resulting in a better, more dynamic, instrument. Due to the original premium purchase price, the Chamberlin M-1 was produced in very limited quantities (around 150-200), and they have since become one of the rarest and most coveted vintage keyboards. Worse examples have sold for upward of $20,000.00, so take advantage of this extremely reasonable Buy it Now, and own one of the best keyboards ever made!

The original tape set currently installed is extremely practical and features the following sounds:

1. Vibs (Vibes)
2. Violins
3. Harpsichord
4. Cello
5. Bells
6. Fr. Horn (French Horn)
7. Flute
8. Oboe"

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Sylvia Massy's Chamberlin Rhythmate Model 40

via this auction

"The Rhythmate comes from a smoke free studio environment, here at Sylvia Massy's RadioStar Studios in Weed, CA.

The Chamberlin Rhythmate is an extremely rare tape loop based drum machine! From what is known, only a handful of the model 40's were ever produced!!!!

This Rhythmate stll has its original tape set!

All tapes are intact and work with all settings (1 through 14 and A, B, and C variations).

Comes with heavy duty roadcase with wheels!

The serial number for this Rhythmate is 1263"

See the seller's other items for more.

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Chamberlin - Ancient sampler (Stupeflix test)

YouTube Uploaded by btpro on May 4, 2011

"Chamberlin is ancient sampler! It used 1950's latest technology Magnetic Tape for sound recording (sampling).
It has 8 tracks (Sound Effects, Trumpet, Flute, Cello, Organ, Violin, Female voice, Organ) and has stereo output.
from My synthesizer photo library.

Created using the Stupeflix Youtube App"

Disney CHAMBERLIN M-1 KEYBOARD MELLOTRON?

via this auction
"For your consideration is this vintage Chamberlin M-1 keyboard. This particular example, serial number 86103, is in very nice all original condition. It works great and sounds amazing, and features a set of original tapes. The Chamberlin is the, better and more advanced, predecessor to the Mellotron which has better sounding recorded samples resulting in a better, more dynamic, instrument. Due to the original premium purchase price, the Chamberlin was produced in very limited quantities (around 150-200), and they have since become one of the rarest and most expensive vintage keyboards. This Chamberlin is being offered with No Reserve, which means it will sell to the highest bidder regardless of price!

This particular one was owned by a Disney composer and was outfitted with 2 sets of original tapes. One set was a small collection of sound effects, and the other set was used for scoring cartoons. It was last serviced about 1 year ago, and is in excellent functional condition.

The set currently installed features:

1) Strings (3 Violins) 2) Cello 3) Bass Clarinet 4) Oboe 5) Trumpet 6) Flute 7) French Horn 8) Alto Sax

While it worked perfectly when tested immediately prior to listing this auction, the lowest note (G) has a tendency to me temperamental. Otherwise, all switches, knobs, keys, dials function perfectly."

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Vintage CHAMBERLIN Keyboard Brochure

via this auction

"Original vintage brochure for the Chamberlin tape replay keyboard, the predecessor to the Mellotron. Brochure measures 4"x10.5" unfolded, and is in perfect condition."

See the seller's other items for more.