Farfisa Syntorchestra demo and tech tips

video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"i've serviced several Syntorchestra and I found out that because of the age, build quality and design limitation of the synth, owners can sometimes wonder if their unit is working and sounding how it should.
So here you have an example of a properly working unit, with its strength and weakness. These instrument are quite unique. Before I laid my hands on one I was not really convinced by the demos I heard. Sure is sounded nice but nothing to rave about. But I must admit that when you have the chance to play with one you get quite quickly drowned in its sound. There is something very unique about that instrument, nothing I can really compare it too. Especially when you play both sections together, something magical happens.
First part of the video is a quick performance using a Welson S12 drum machine and Vermona VRS23 for reverb. Second part is recorded dry from the synth with no production. I go over every sound and parameter of the synth in that section so you can compare to your unit.

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Farfisa Soundmaker 61-Key String Synthesizer SN 6644

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via this listing

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Kraut Rock Starter Pack SN 11904

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via this listing

"Krautrock Starter Pack : A unique opportunity to fast track your studio.

Farfisa Syntorchestra - Serviced, re-capped and calibrated to Farfisa specs.

Elka Drummer One - Serviced, re-capped with new caps and transistors, power supply re-built, very low noise floor - this is the best sounding unit we've ever had - and we've had quite a few.

Schulte Compact Phasing A - excellent condition unit with a fresh, professional paint job, one knob cap is 3D printed. Foot switch is from the era but might not be original although we've seen others sold with it.

Neu Klang Kraut Rock Book - learn all about Krautrock with the definite book on the scene."

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rare birds: Farfisa Rhythm Maker 16

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video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

via this listing, also on Reverb

"rare analog drum machine from the 60s.

Basically it's almost 100% the same circuit as the Ace Tone FR1 / FR2L and as the Farfisa Melodic Rhythmer CER-60 in a different case.

Was also sold / rebranded by other manufacturers like NDK, Nomad or Goya, often in slightly different cases and different names but sharing the same pattern and cancel switches.

Unit was serviced: every electrolytic capacitors were replaced and unit was calibrated. Sounds and works as it should.
Cosmetic is in quite good condition except sor some minor scuff and wear."

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INSIDE THE MIX: Richard Wright Episode 2

video upload by EMEAPP

Episode 1 here. This video has been added to that post as well.

"Time for more Rick Wright from Pink Floyd? You bet! Here is episode 2 of INSIDE THE MIX featuring the types of instruments that Rick used during the Wish You Were Here, Dark Side of the Moon and Animals era. Check out a Farfisa Compact Duo, Yamaha YC45D, EMS Synthi AKS, Solina String Synthesizer, Rhodes Super Satellite, Minimoog, Taurus bass pedals, Clavinet D6, ARP Quadra and Keith Emerson's Steinway Model D.

Mike Kiker joins us once again to recreate a Pink Floyd favorite, Wish You Were Here. He even gives us a close-up look at these remarkable instruments with demos!"

FARFISA Polychrome (1979) HD DEMO

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video upload by Alberto Napolioni

"Free Improvisations on this ultra rare hidden gem italian synthesizer!

00:00 Ocean Waves
00:22 Rhodopsins
00:47 Mystic Flames
01:26 Dreaming of You
01:57 Angelica
02:23 Quantum chromodynamics
03:33 Retina
05:25 Empyrean's Fairies
05:47 Vertigo
06:44 The Last Call (Salvation)
08:47 Movimento II 'Lightdrops'

FX used on some patches:
OTO Bam reverb
OTO Bim delay"

via this listing

See the seller's other listings for more.

"Extremely rare machine (around 25 working units known in the world today)

FEATURES:

An ultra-rare instrument from the Italian Farfisa company from 1978 – the Polychrome. It’s a combo synth/strings/organ/vocal, and percussive instrument, that is not like anything coming out of USA or Japan at that time (Korg Trident/Arp Quadra etc). There are believed to be only a couple of hundred ever made, so certainly rare.

Fully polyphonic using octave-divider technology, and features an inbuilt analogue Phaser and Ensemble for effects. Particular fame was the chorus section, which many comment as being the most beautiful sounding of all analog synths from these era and reason enough to want to own one.

Another great feature of the keyboard is what Farfisa call the “Touch Brilliance” operation. This provides 3 aftertouch settings to control the Chorus Section and all the tone colours for; Electric Guitar, Brass, Reed and Strings. It’s a nice ‘Touch’ so to speak and offers a level of playable control that really makes this instrument sing."

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Farfisa Soundmaker 61-Key String Synthesizer

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via this listing

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Farfisa Syntorchestra

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via this listing

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Farfisa Syntorchestra 1 37-Key Vintage String Synthesizer

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via this listing

"The first and best Farfisa Syntorchestra, rare and iconic vintage analog string synthesizer. Very good condition and fully working, nice wood finish, with detachable note stand."

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SAX or SUX? Farfisa Syntorchestra 4: Saxophone Preset

video upload by Reuben Jones

"Tell Farfisa in the comments if you think the saxophone preset on their Syntochestra 4 sounds like a sax, or if it sux! Bear in mind it's an analogue design from 1975-80!

This is a solo in an upcoming track.

Novation Supernova: chords and bass
Mario Maggi Synthex: background textures
Roland CR78 (VST): drums/perc

#synthsolo #vintagesynthesizer #electronicmusic #acidjazz #farfisasyntorchestra #synthex #novation"

A Tour of The Farfisa Super Synthaccordion

video upload by Chicago Electric Piano

"Our Combo Organ Tech Keegan "Krazy Keegan" Meuris walks us through the unique and vast features of Farfisa's most advanced Combo Organ/Accordion ever built, the Farfisa Super Synthaccordion.

You'll see features, hear sounds, and learn history about the Super Synthaccordion in this comprehensive overview of Farfisa's finest Accordion related creation ever to be built."

Farfisa Syntorchestra SN 484

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via this listing

"Extensively serviced Farfisa Syntorchestra - almost complete recap of the whole machine - power supply, mono and poly sections as well as all keyboard caps.

Calibrated mono and poly sections and tuned to specifications - sounds just as it should.

Some scratches and dings - please take a look at the photos.

220 volt power with EU plug.

No UK, Norway or Switzerland shipping sorry"

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Dynacord Echocord Mini / Roland MC202 / Farfisa Rhythm Unit

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video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"Quick demo of a Dynacord Echocord Mini vintage tape delay recently serviced and for sale
(http://www.ebay.com/itm/305463654546 ).
I used a Roland MC-202 to demo it, as well as a custom built Farfisa rhythm unit that is also for sale (http://www.ebay.com/itm/305464352202 )"

via this listing

"One-of-a-kind drum machine.
It"s a rhythm unit ripped from a 70s Farfisa spinet organ and built in a custom case (trying to remain faithful to the original look).
Classic analog drum sounds like the ones you get out of the many boxes of that area (Roland TR77, Ace Tone FR-1 FR-2 FR-8, Hammond Auto Vari etc etc)
It is very close in to the Farfisa Rhythm 10 unit that Kraftwerk used at its beginning.

10 rhythms that can be combined to get some more, controls for tempo and volume. Mono jack output, on/off switch and running on 12v-18v DC (power supply is provided).
Case is DIY so don't expect manufacture quality. YSWYG."

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Farfisa Syntorchestra 37-Key String Synthesizer

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via this auction

"This is a players machine for serious analog synth lovers, Polyphonic + Mono sections (so called 'Stereo')."

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Farfisa Soundmaker 61-Key String Synthesizer

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via this auction

Farfisa Syntorchestra first contact

video upload by Faustola

"This Syntorchestra was in really bad condition, but luckily it could be revived. It still needs some work, but I´m already loving the sound (As a huge krautrock fan, I really can´t help it) The polysection oscillator was completely dead, luckily I found a working substitute here: http://www.flatkeys.co.uk/

Also a huge shout-out to Verde for helping me in repairs: https://www.verdeaudio.com/"

Farfisa Soundmaker vintage synthesizer + brochure (serviced)

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via this auction

"Farfisa Soundmaker analog synthesizer with its original brochure (in German) available for sale. It's just serviced by a pro tech and in perfect working condition. The service report is part of the sale.

When you layer the strings, polyphonic and monophonic parts you create a unique sound. It's simply beautiful, like no other synth can produce. One of the underrated synths around.

Cosmetically it's in very nice condition, considering its age of 45 years old. There are some minor signs of use on the veneer, the buttons on the front panel are discolored, and one of the original rubber foot has been repaired. Other than that it's in top condition.

The synth is working on 220v and doesn't have a serial number on the case."

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Farfisa Syntorchestra

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via this auction

"Very nice Farfisa Syntorchestra, excellent exemplar. It's so very clean, well maintained, used in studio only. It has been recently serviced so perfect working, sounds amazing!"

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Farfisa Melodic Rhythmer drum machine

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via this auction

You can find a demo of one previously posted here, and a Guild branded model here.

"From 60s

Very rare

Great condition (see photos)

100% functional

Heavy, fat, full, bassy, thick, greasy and very punchy sound

You can MUTE some instruments (very rare for that period of drum machines)

You can also combine more rhythmes at the same time (pressing more than one preset button) and you get really unique rhythmes"

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UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF THE FARFISA SOUNDMAKER

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"There seems to be some mystery surrounding the Farfisa Soundmaker - how does it sound, is it actually cool, and what does Poly & Strings in Mono actually do?

In this video I go through the presets of all three sections and then move on to the marvellous Poly & Strings in Mono - unlocking your Poly & Strings in Mono is crucial to really getting the best out of your Soundmaker though.

I added some text to further explain its unique architecture - but here's a short info sheet:

Then Soundmaker has three independent sections - each with its own with volume and cut-off filter.

1. Polyphonic section with 3 Piano presets, 1 brass preset with its own fixed vibrato setting.

2. The additional Polyphonic section is the strings section : 2 footages of strings with attack, decay controls on top of volume and cut-off sliders. The strings sound surprisingly good - top tier 1970s string machine.

3. Monophonic preset section with additional Free mode which let you modulate the preset sounds with filter and ADSR and lastly - the Oscillator bank (LFO) with LFO controls, wave forms and vibrato controls.

Engaging the Poly & Strings in Mono internally routes both Polyphonic sections into the filter and oscillator bank of the monophonic section - letting you modulate them freely and really unlocking the uniqueness of this instrument.

The best way to experience the Poly & Strings in Mono is to create a dedicated Monophonic audio output - which the Soundmaker unfortunately doesn't have.

We carved out a Mono only output by cutting the Polyphonic signal to the Phones output in the back.
This is quite easy, you flip open the machine and simply cut the wire from the Poly section inside (it's easily reversible) - please have an experience technician do this for you if you're hesitant.

The second trick to enhance the performance of Poly & Strings in Mono is easier : turn off the mono section preset with its dedicated on/off button (it will still pass audio but no preset will be engaged). Since the mono preset sound is much louder in volume than the signal arriving via Poly & Strings in Mono, turning it off will make you hear the effect better."