Fender Chroma Polaris II (Model 2123B) 6-Voice Hybrid Analog/Digital Synthesizer SN 500324 w/ Extras

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

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"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"

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WISP - Granular Ambient Modular #17 // Instruo Arbhar, Qu-Bit Mojave, Rhodes

video upload by David Falcon

"noun /wɪsp/
a delicate, thin, and sometimes twisting piece or line of something

Me apetecía algo relajante así que hice una pieza para mí mismo. La idea parte sampleando en el @instruo Arbhar: Rhodes, Piano, Vibráfono, Acordeón, Synth bass y Cuerdas. En mi experiencia, este módulo funciona mejor cuando se samplean frases para luego recorrerlas con su motor en lugar de notas individuales. Lleva a sorpresas y texturas interesantes. En esta jam solo utilicé el vibráfono y el rhodes.

La textura aguda, parecida a una voz, soy yo mismo cantando al micro del @QuBitElectronix Mojave y fijando el búfer. Fui editando el módulo hasta hacerlo funcionar en el tema. La línea de bajo nace en el @MoogSynthesizers Subarmonicon y lo envié al @ShakmatModular Dual Dagger para controlar la dinámica.
En el @WeAreElektron Analog Four añado un Kick, Hi-Hat y dos líneas simples en las frecuencias agudas. También improviso con el Nord con un sonido Rhodes en algunas partes a tiempo real (no he podido montar el vídeo que he hecho en el móvil de esta parte por algun motivo en Davinci Resolve)

Gracias por estar al otro lado!

(eng)
I was in the mood for a relaxing piece so I made one for myself! It started by sampling some new sounds into Arbhar. Rhodes, Piano, Vibraphone, Accordion, Synth bass and Strings. In my experience this module works best when sampling phrases to then sweep around with its engine instead of single notes. It leads to more happy accidents and interesting textures. In this jam only the vibraphone and some rhodes was used.

The high texture vocal-like sound is myself singing into Mojave and locking the buffer. I tweaked the module until I found something that worked. It was mixed with a bass line in the subharmonicon and sent to the Dual Dagger to control the dynamics of the song.
Lastly the Analog Four is adding Kick, Hi-Hat and two simple lines on top. I also improvise with a Nord Rhodes sound on top in some of the parts."

FENDER / RHODES CHROMA POLARIS - Analog Synthesizer Review

video upload by synth4ever

"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."

Essai sur Fender Rhodes Mark II, Philips Philicorda GM754 & Yamaha DX7 - Franck Lhermet

video upload by Franck Lhermet

This appears to be the first video on the site featuring the Philicorda GM754. You can find pics of the GM754 in previous posts here.

Crossover w/ Rhodes MK2, Prophet-10, nord lead, Grandmother | Excitement 2025-06-28 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A crossover track featuring Rhodes MK2, ‪@NordKeyboards‬ Nord Lead, ‪@SequentialLLC‬ Prophet-10, and ‪@MoogSynthesizers‬ Grandmother, where breakbeats intertwine with electric-piano and synth lines.

Rhodes MK2: Runs through a ‪@BOSSinfoglobal‬ BOSS CE-5 chorus, then the ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ GENERATIONcha LOSS MK II for tape-style lo-fi warmth.

Nord Lead: Plays the main synth lead, treated with reverb from ‪@gfisys‬ Specular Tempus.

Prophet-10: Swaps patches on the fly, adding abstract synth textures and additional leads.

Grandmother: Handles the bass line."

Faded photograph | Tranquil ambient with Rhodes piano, Prophet VS, Alvarez 12, and FM3 pedal

video upload by MIDERA

"It's been a month. As I said, my wife lost her job in May. We hoped she would get a job that seemed like a great fit, someone had reached out to her and said she'd be perfect. Guess they didn't think so later. Oh well.

I did manage to extract all the audio from my old Roland VS-840GX. I kind of wish I was still recording using that thing, it was so good for just sitting down without a screen and recording whatever I wanted, but using a DAW is just so much nicer.

I had half written the rhodes part on this track, when I ended up recording something else that I plan to put into a rock track (yes, I am trying to get back into writing that type of music). Came back to this last night and recorded this, with some changes. Funny how walking away and coming back to something helps you change it for the better.

I used the Fractal Audio FM3 as a looper to loop the first part and then played everything else over it. The Rhodes and Prophet VS was performed in one go, the guitar was done in a second round with Eventide Blackhole VST for reverb.

Well, I hope you enjoy this - my first track written in a month."

Improv on Yamaha #cs80 and Hardware (!) Lexicon 224X

video upload by Jose's Vintage Keys

"It's just great to play the real thing - amazing how this almost 50 year old digital machine can sound. And great to have the true #vangelis combination! #bladerunner"

Also featured:
Roland JX10
Oberheim OB-X
Ymaha CP-70 w/ MIDI
Sequential Prophet-5
Fender Rhodes
Roland VP330
Moog Minimoog

OXI ONE + Fender CHROMA POLARIS quick afternoon improv

video upload by CGMAGIK

"Playing around with my Chroma Polaris and OXI ONE sequencer today. Using 2 channels on the Polaris - although, amazingly for a 1984 synthesizer, this synth is 6 part multitimbral. You can run 6 different sounds on different MIDI channels and automate all the parameters on each channel. I think most other synths of that era pretty much only did note-on/note-off!"

Rhodes Mark II & Prophet-10 | Seasons Fall Apart 2025-03-28 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created using the ‪@SequentialLLC‬ Prophet-10 and Rhodes. Deep harmonies resonate with echoing electric piano tones.

On the Prophet-10, I perform harmonies with a noise-infused timbre.

On the Rhodes, I play single-note lines with delay applied via ‪@strymon‬ TIMELINE, and towards the end, the sound fades out with intensified modulation."

Missing | Fender Rhodes Electric Piano and Kawai SX-240 improvisation

video upload by MIDERA

"The other night - I learned about the Yamaha CP-70. Now I want one. They sound so good. I can't usually play acoustic piano on my main floor because my kids are around and I'll be distracted. I can't play at night because they're sleeping - so I kind of wanted an acoustic piano in my studio... Of course, from what I hear, the CP-70 is very big. It seems like it's about the same size as my rhodes, but deeper. I would probably have to part with my Rhodes to get the CP-70. I'm not sure what to do....

On another note, yesterday I started to realize that I'm embarrassing my daughter. I was dancing with my younger daughter, and my older daughter wanted nothing to do with it or me. It was a realization that those fun days making her laugh, dancing with her, playing with her, are coming to an end. It made me really sad.

Rhodes Electric Piano
Kawai SX-240
Fractal Audio FM3 pedal for FX (for both instruments)"

Vintage analog vs modern - using @devinbelangermusic‬ midi tracks

video upload by Jose's Vintage Keys

"@devinbelangermusic‬ made a great video together with ‪@VultureCulture‬ comparing Devin's modern analogs with Alex's Vintage gear. Devin was so kind to share the midi - so I could make my version. Check out their video!"

Do Vintage Synths Actually Sound BETTER?! (with Vulture Culture)

video upload by Devin Belanger

Music & comparison starts at 6:26.

Vintage Synthesizer list:
Yamaha CS-70m
Kog Polysix
Fender Chroma Polaris
Formanta Polivoks
Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo
Kawai
Korg MS 20

Modern Synths:
UDO Super Gemini
Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave
Oberheim OB-X8
Moog Matriarch
Hologram Microcosm
Meris MercuryX
Polyend Play+

🎹 Get my custom analog synth patches: https://shop.milesawayofficial.com/
🎵 Stream my original music: https://beacons.ai/milesaway

0:00 - intro
0:31 - rules of the competition
0:55 - vintage synths choices explained
6:25 - vintage synths final song
8:39 - modern synths explanation
12:08 - modern synths final song
14:21 - what we learned from this experiment
19:37 - who won? tell us in the comments!
20:10 - ???

Knobs & Nerds Interview with Reinhold Heil (Spliff, Nina Hagen Band, Cosa Rosa, Nena,...)

video upload by Knobs & Switches

"Here is my knobs & nerds interview from 10.01.2025 with Reinhold Heil. He shared great and exciting insights from his live and studio history and I learned a lot about his equipment from that time. I hope you enjoy the episode as much as I did.
Thanks again to Reinhold for his time and kindness.

https://reinholdheil.com/

New Solo Album: / freiheit-geilheit-m%c3%a4nnlichkeit

https://spliffband.com/

Image Sources:

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Winter Landscape (Night) for VCS3, Arp 2600, Bowed Glockenspiel, Electrosphere, Gong, Fender Rhodes

video upload by R. Reger

"Original soundscape for ancient and modern analog instruments."

Session w/ Rhodes MKII, Prophet-10, OP-1 field | Footprints 2025-01-22

video upload by atnr

"A jam session featuring the Rhodes MK2, Prophet-10, OP-1 field, bass, and drums.

It centers on the harmonies of the Rhodes, with synth melodies from the Prophet-10 and OP-1 field layered on top. The drum and bass parts were performed and recorded separately."

Session w/ Prophet-10, Rhodes MK2, OP-1 field, Guitar | Mad Realm 2025-01-09 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created using guitar, ‪@SequentialLLC‬ Prophet-10, Rhodes MK2, and ‪@teenageengineering‬ OP-1 field. The Prophet-10 plays the melody along with the guitar harmony. The OP-1 field processes a simple rhythm with effects. The string section in the middle is produced using a VST instrument within a DAW.

The bass is recorded through SANSAMP's BASS DRIVER."

Eventide Harmonizer H949 Demo with Roland JX3P + Fender Jaguar + Yamaha PM-1000

video upload by Synth Tailor Electronics

"Here's a wonderful piece of outboard gear restored by our shop...the Eventide Harmonizer H-949 Pitch Shifter. This demo is for Vartan who just purchased this unit.

The gear used on this video was a Roland JX3P Synthesizer, 1984 Fender Jaguar, Yamaha PM-1000, recorded straight into a Focusrite Clarett+ 8 Pre.

Intro 00:00-00:25
JX3P Sequence I: 00:26-05:06
JX3P 2 DCO Sequence : 05:07-05:56
Fender Jaguar Pitch Shifting: 05:57-08:12
Fender Jaguar Pitch/Rainbow Delays: 08:13-09:14
Fender Jaguar II : 09:15-10:10
H949 HOLD Function: 10:11-11:49

History on the H-949:
The Eventide H949 Harmonizer was a pitch-shifting and harmonizing device released in 1979-1984 that was a significant step forward in the development of these technologies:
-De-glitched pitch shifting: The H949 was the first pitch-changing device to analyze audio in real-time and avoid audible glitches.
-MicroPitch: This feature used a proprietary modulation technique to precisely control small pitch shifts.
-Multiple harmonies: The H949 could create up to five simultaneous harmonies using multiple pitch-shifting algorithms.
-Digital display: The H949 had a digital display that made it easier to adjust parameters than its predecessor, the H910.
-Randomized delay: The H949 included a randomized delay feature.
-Reversed delays: The H949 included a reversed delay feature.
-Flanging: The H949 included a flange feature.
-Real-time tuning: The H949's features made real-time tuning possible, which was long before Autotune.
-Double-tracking emulation: The H949's features made double-tracking emulation possible.

This Eventide H-949 was overhauled/restored by our shop here in Columbus, Ohio. Please visit us on our website, if you have a broken Harmonizer, or vintage synthesizer, drum machine, tape machine or other vintage outboard gear.
www.synthtailorelectronics.com"

Classic Synths Like You’ve NEVER Heard Before! (Mind-Blowing Solos)

video upload by Andy Whitmore

"Step into the world of analog magic with our jaw-dropping video featuring legendary synths and keyboards! Including the lush tones of the Yamaha CS80 & the punchy sounds of the Mini Moog Model D, this video takes you on an exhilarating ride. Each synth & keyboard shines in solos performed alongside a top-tier session band, showcasing climaxes.

We’ve included timeless classics like the Roland Jupiter 8, Oberheim OB-1, Wurlitzer 200A, and even the powerful EMS Synthi AKS VCS3. You’ll see filters pushed to their limits, resonances soaring, and ADSR curves sculpted to perfection. With pitch bends, glides, portamento, and wah-wah in full force, this is a true love letter to vintage keyboards.

Get ready to experience the raw energy of the Fender Rhodes, the groove of the Hohner Clavinet D6, and the elegance of the Steinway Model O Piano. This is more than music – it’s a celebration of sound. Buckle up for an analog synth extravaganza like no other!

00:00 Intro
00:28 Roland Jupiter-8
01:27 Mini Moog Model D (Vintage)
02:35 Roland Jupiter-4
04:25 EMS Synthi AKS VCS3
05:40 Yamaha CS-80
08:10 Yamaha CS-40M
09:34 Roland Jupiter-4
10:39 Roland SH-1000
11:30 Wurlitzer 200A
13:07 Hammond C3
14:54 Steinway Model O Piano
16:30 Roland Jupiter-8
17:37 Oberheim OB-1
18:58 Hohner Clavinet D6
20:10 Fender Rhodes Stage 73 Mk I

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Does Michael Jackson's Thriller Really Have 7 Basslines? Greg Phillinganes Explains

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Join keyboard legend Greg Phillinganes and me in this special video, as we dive deep into the 7 distinctive bass parts on Michael Jackson’s "Thriller"! Together, we'll deconstruct all the unique bass lines, showcase Greg's incredible artistry and share behind-the-scenes insights into the song's groundbreaking arrangement by Rod Temperton....with some silly sidebars by Greg along the way.

In this video, you’ll discover:

Greg’s approach to adding fills and interpreting songs when perfroming.
Lessons learned from working with Stevie Wonder.
The creative process behind Rod's arrangement
How to play these parts on classic synths

From the growling 'Verse Sustain Bass' to the gothic 'Pipe Organ Bass Pedal' and the funky 'Froggy Bass,' every detail is explored in this masterclass in keyboard performance and arrangement. Plus, experience the full song to hear how it all comes together at the end.

We made this video together with love to pass along our knowledge to you. We hope you enjoy it!"

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Rhodes Chroma Polaris 64-Key 6-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer

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

via this listing

"It’s in phenomenal physical shape for its age. The membrane buttons had been previously replaced so they work like a charm. Comes with power cable and will be packaged very securely.

The only strange workaround is that the Assignable Control Fader doesn’t work. Instead, the Volume Envelope Release Fader controls both the selected Assignable Control parameter and the Volume Release at the same time. So when you move the Release fader, it affects both. Weird, but I usually set the Assignable to something that doesn’t affect the sound so it never bothers me. It’s probably a simple fix in the right hands. This synth just sounds too good to care! Everything else works well and I haven’t had any issues creating with it. One day I will regret letting this one go."

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Fender Rhodes Chroma Polaris (Serviced)

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

via this listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"The Chroma Polaris was the predecessor to the classic Rhodes Chroma. Even with its heritage, the Chroma series of keyboards has seemed to resist the inflation that vintage analog synths often have. This synth gives massive sounds with the added benefit of having midi I/O. A hi-fi synth with 6 voices of analog polyphony. Creamy sounds, very lush with tons of character. Total sleeper! Wow.

Service notes:

-Replaced membrain switch panels
-Removed all faders and disassembled and cleaned, reinstalled
-Replaced supply caps on panel boards
-Resoldered other panel board components and connectors
-Replaced filter caps and all power supply caps
-Cleaned keys and key assembly
-Cleaned all power supply connectors
-Resoldered panel board LEDs
-Cleaned bender faders, straightened shafts of panel board faders"

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