"This circuit board came in with one of the many Rhodes Chromas we have bought, restored and resold (we’re finishing another at the moment which we will list soon). It appears to be part of a rare chroma apple ii computer interface that allowed the apple ii computer with sequencing and patch editing software to control a Rhodes Chroma. The Rhodes Chroma website, which is probably the best vintage synth support website we’ve ever come across, has an article on this interface. You can find it by googling rhodes chroma apple computer card. It appears as though there were other components to this interface that we didn’t get with it (converter box, software and possibly more), and we don’t have an apple II computer, so we haven’t tested this item and are selling it as-is as a collectors item, or for parts to possibly get a full system working (with no guarantees)."
"I finally agreed to make a video showing my synthesizer studio. I'm NOT a collector, so you'll see the instruments I've used for over four decades to do my work. It's also my space for composing. In this deep dive studio tour, I walk you through every corner of my space, showing how everything’s connected for performing, recording, and creative flow.
You’ll see icons like the 'Plantasia' Moog Modular IIIc, Synclavier II, Rhodes Chroma with Expander & Enabler, Oberheim Four Voice, Elka Synthex, Roland Jupiter 8, Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, ARP 2600s, Korg MS modular synths, some classic Minimoog — plus a few modern synths I’ve added as I look to the future. Alongside the synths are vintage drum machines, string machines, and rare electric keyboards including a 1973 Fender Rhodes Suitcase and Hohner Clavinet/Pianet Duo.
We'll also explore racks of outboard gear, vocoder units, tape echoes, and a vast array of my custom guitar pedal options, efx pedal boards and studio effects racks that make this room endlessly inspiring. I'll also reveal how my entire studio is designed for instant creativity, featuring 48 channels of synth drivers and stage boxes, so any synth can be patched and recorded on the fly."
"In this episode of Helium Vision, we invite you into a world that hums with the strange and the beautiful—the Vintage Synthesizer Museum (VSM). Founded in 2013 by the avid synthesizer historian Lance Hill, this “living museum” exists in a space where the past and present come together to offer an immersive experience into the magical world of sound. It’s not just a museum—it’s a place where visitors and artists can disappear into their work, perform in a unique atmosphere, or learn the art of synthesis.
Initially opening its doors in Oakland the VSM is now nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, this space has since witnessed the presence of many modern visionaries—Damon Albarn, Egyptian Lover and Neurosis, to name a few—each leaving behind their own distinctive imprints.
Come with us, as we step into the otherworldly corners of the Vintage Synthesizer Museum and uncover the tales of the instruments that dwell within.
Featuring: Lance Hill @vintagesynthmuseum Kareem Karam @k.joseph.karam
Directed & Edited by Vice Cooler @vicecooler Producer: Sapi Chhabra @sapisonic Director of Photography: Dalton Blanco @daltoncamera Camera Op: Adam Franklin @adamscottfranklin Camera Op: Vice Cooler @vicecooler Audio Engineer: Scott Cornish @actuallyadog Story by Vice Cooler & Sapi Chhabra Music by: Lance Hill, Kareem Karam Original Score by Vice Cooler
"An exceptional example of one of the most advanced analog synthesizers of its era. The Rhodes Chroma — originally developed by ARP and finished under the Rhodes brand — delivers 16 analog voices with velocity sensitivity, deep modulation architecture, and dynamic expressiveness years ahead of its time.
This unit is in excellent condition and includes key upgrades: a MIDI retrofit, the Sterooping programmer for hands-on control, and a rugged, custom-built, almost-new ATA flight case for transport and storage. The Chroma has been tested and is performing as expected.
Key Features:
16 analog voices with single or dual oscillator assignability Velocity-sensitive weighted keyboard Extensive modulation options with assignable routings Unique filter architecture with variable state filters Includes the Sterooping programmer for tactile, real-time control MIDI upgrade installed for modern integration ATA-rated flight case included Condition Notes:
Excellent overall condition Tested and working as expected Flight case shows typical wear but protects the unit well One of the rarest and most collectible instruments of the early digital/analog crossover era, the Chroma has been used by artists such as Joe Zawinul, Herbie Hancock, and Eddie Jobson. With these modern upgrades, it remains a powerful and expressive studio centerpiece.
30% of proceeds support the Bob Moog Foundation, preserving and celebrating the legacy of electronic music."
"The Fender Chroma Polaris II Model 2123B is a rare, 6-voice hybrid analog/digital synthesizer that followed the original Chroma and Polaris models. It features dual Curtis CEM3374 oscillators per voice, along with a sub-oscillator and noise generator. A Curtis CEM3372 4-pole low-pass filter is used for each voice, offering rich analog filtering. The synth includes oscillator sync, ring modulation, two envelope generators, LFO modulation, and flexible analog routing options. It has a 61-note velocity-sensitive keyboard with support for layering, splits, patch storage, and a basic onboard sequencer.
The Model 2123B was primarily produced for the Japanese market with a 100V power supply but is functionally identical to other Polaris II units.
Includes original paperwork from Fender, preset cassette tape, user manuals, sustain pedals and accessory cables as shown. Tested in wonderful working condition, showing average cosmetic wear from age -- but it very clean overall. Recently serviced in-house...
Service notes:
-Cleaned and resoldered switch panel connectors (PCB side)
-Cleaned key contacts
-Replaced primary filter capacitors in power supply
-Checked tuning and calibration and adjusted as necessary"
"Fender Rhodes Chroma Polaris synth review, demo and sounds. The Chroma Polaris is a classic 6-voice analog synthesizer released in 1984 by Fender Rhodes, and has Arp heritage. Join me for a review of the Chroma Polaris where I provide an overview, demo presets and patches, and provide my final thoughts on this vintage synth."
Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Bruce Sklar
"This is a short video of my 1984 Rhodes Chroma. I am the original owner.
This shows me creating a scratch patch using the CC+ Split 39 function , which shows the instrument functioning as it should"
Is it fully functional , has the CC+ and midi interface , and a new power supply installed by the best Chroma tech on the east coast.
It is cosmetically beautiful. The black metal top shows a few scratches from having a Rhodes Chroma Polaris on it years ago, hence the 'excellent' vs ' mint ' condition
It has a new flight case to original specs, all original manuals , all needed pedals , although those are not original"
"Fantastic Rhodes Chroma Polaris. This Chroma has a new membrane, has been fully serviced including battery, full factory reset/spec, Factory load. Super rich, midi heavy Poly analog. Great integration, expressive w/ pedal and assignments.
The panel was installed a year ago and in that time something did press the surface (see last pic) - no functional issues, but wanted to note the visual since it is a new membrane."
"Serviced a few years ago and given a new membrane which is known to go bad on these. For this listing, we had it serviced and given new batteries. With that, all the factory patches were erased and about 50% of them were located and installed. Banks G-K only play an initialized saw patch. All other factory banks are loaded, and all features and functions work very nicely!"
00:00 Opening Titles
00:17 Introduction
01:26 Switched On 80s
13:36 Little Black Boxes
16:07 Commercial Break
18:42 Synthesiser Club
21:40 Patching Today
33:44 Video Lab
40:06 Outro
"Episode two of the third series of the TV program from Benge, made at his Memetune Electronic Music Studio
The series explores his passion for vintage synthesiser instruments and studio gear and how he uses them in his productions and collaborations"
"In THIS episode:
SWITCHED ON 80s - A detailed presentation on the Arp / Rhodes Chroma, the mega-poly-synth that nearly took over the world
LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A look at the Korg M3R, a slimmed down version of the biggest selling synth of all time
SYNTHESISER CLUB - a picturesque study made on the Sequential Six-track, the Drumtracks, the Prophet VS and the mighty T8
COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some adverts for Memetune-related goodies, including the new Memetune Annual 2024, the range of Memetune merchandise and Benge's seminal 13 Systems album
PATCHING TODAY - on the vintage Emu Modular, with some help from a big Modcan A-Series
VIDEO LAB - In this episode we try and use the video mixers without any external inputs - its all about self-generating feedback imagery - with a soundtrack made on classic vintage modular synths
The MemeTune Programme Credits:
Everything in this video was created by B D Edwards (Benge)
All music, design, writing, filming and production completed at Memetune Studios, UK, 2025"
"THIS IS ME EXPERIMENTING WITH THE CHROMA CONSOLE FOR THE FIRST TIME. I AM ON THE SEARCH FOR A GOD PLAYABLE EFFECTS BOX LIKE THE DREADBOX TYPHON BUT I DON'T THINK THIS IS IT... YOU WILL SEE WHY."
Super rare synthesizer, originally designed by ARP just before they closed their doors. Rhodes saved the day by bringing just 3000 units to the light of day. This particular unit has been serviced thoroughly by our in-house technician. Serial No. 21030915
Polyphony - 16 voices max
Oscillators - 16 VCOs: 0-63 value mix of sawtooth and variable pulse waveforms; 16 modulation sources
LFO - 16 LFO waveforms
Filter - Switchable hi-pass or low-pass filters
VCA - ADSR
Keyboard - 64 weighted-keys with velocity (polyphonic aftertouch optional)
"A demonstration of discovering new sounds using the Electra One's snapshot morphing and randomization features.
This functionality will be available in the upcoming Electra One firmware version 4.0.
The demonstration showcases the powerful capabilities of the mighty Rhodes Chroma. I intentionally made the Patch Algorithm parameter part of the sound morphing to achieve more dramatic changes in the sound while morphing and randomizing."
00:00 Opening Titles
00:17 Introduction
01:27 Switched On 80s
15:30 Little Black Boxes
20:13 Commercial Break
23:19 Synthesiser Club
27:08 Patching Today
40:16 Video Lab
46:25 Outro
"Episode one of the third series of the TV program from Benge, made at his Memetune Electronic Music Studio
The series explores his passion for vintage synthesiser instruments and studio gear and how he uses them in his productions and collaborations
SWITCHED ON 80s - This third series takes an in-depth look into six classic 80s synthesisers, selected because of their interesting and unique attributes
LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A further look at some classic rack mount studio gear of the 80s and 90s
SYNTHESISER CLUB - A short musical demonstration of a synthesiser classic or three, concentrating on 'families' of synths
COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some shameless Memetune shilling
PATCHING TODAY - A deep-dive into vintage modular systems and how to set up a patch on them, starting from scratch, this time using Cybersynthesis techniques to bring an element of surprise to the patches
VIDEO LAB - A look at old video equipment and how to create experimental visuals, concentrating on a specific device in each episode
SWITCHED ON 80s - A detailed look at the Korg Monopoly from 1981, and Benge unveils his virtual 80s studio environment
LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A look at four of the first true Little Black Boxes - not synths, but early digital reverberation units: the AMS RMX16, Quantec Room Simulator, Yamaha REV1 and the Lexicon Model 200
SYNTHESISER CLUB - Today, it's the Kawai Klub - the K4 synth, R-50 drum machine, Q-80 sequencer and K1m desktop synth. The drum machine and sequencer were very kindly donated to Memetune by a generous viewer called Alex 💕
COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some adverts for Memetune-related goodies, including the new Memetune Annual 2024, a Benge album on vinyl, and the range of Memetune merchandise
PATCHING TODAY - on the Serge Paperface system, and a modern recreation of the CGS Gated Comparator in Serge format made by Loudest Warning
VIDEO LAB - In this episode we take a deep dive into the legendary Panasonic MJ-MX50 Production Mixer from the mid-1980s
The MemeTune Programme Credits:
Everything in this video was created by B D Edwards (Benge)
All music, design, writing, filming and production completed at Memetune Studios, UK, 2024"
"This circuit board came in with one of the many Rhodes Chromas we have bought, restored and resold (we’re finishing another at the moment which we will list soon). It appears to be part of a rare chroma apple ii computer interface that allowed the apple ii computer with sequencing and patch editing software to control a Rhodes Chroma. The Rhodes Chroma website, which is probably the best vintage synth support website we’ve ever come across, has an article on this interface. You can find it by googling rhodes chroma apple computer card. It appears as though there were other components to this interface that we didn’t get with it (converter box, software and possibly more), and we don’t have an apple II computer, so we haven’t tested this item and are selling it as-is as a collectors item, or for parts to possibly get a full system working (with no guarantees)."
