GODWIN MPS88 - The Final Boss That Does Whatever You Ask

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

Another first to be featured on the site, the GODWIN MPS88

00:00 Setting up and Plugging in
01:24 Specifications and Introduction
02:22 Auto Accompaniment Section
04:26 The Mystery Explained / Musical Interlude
05:27 Drum Machine
08:09 Upper Manual Sounds
10:40 Musical Interlude
11:29 Monophonic Synth
12:55 A Brief History of Godwin Auto Comp Machines
13:24 Lower Manual
16:25 Last Musical Interlude

After our videos on the predecessors Godwin CD1 and CD2 we felt we had to continue all the way to the finish line of Godwins output of amazing and rare, combination instruments.
The GODWIN MPS 88 was most likely the last instrument to come out of the factory and BOY is it something special!
It doesn't look like any other Italian instrument that we've laid eyes on, and the majority of the sounds are unique to this machine.

You'll find all the information we've managed to unearth in the video but a quick roundup would look like this.

The instrument consists of mainly 6 instrument sections with individual volumes divided between two manuals - all playable simultaneously.

1. DRUM MACHINE - sample based sounds
2. AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT section (bass, chords and arpeggiator)
3. 2 x PARAPHONIC PRESETS (upper / lower orchestra)
4. SOLO PRESETS (monophonic synth)
5. 2 X ORGAN FLUTES (organ footages)
6. 2 X STRINGS / CHOIR

There are only minor modulation possibilities available but the spring reverb is nice and deep and the Chorus and Leslie effects are great too, although they might deserve a closer look by our tech since we're not sure they function properly.

If you're into rare Italian synths and drum machines you can subscribe to our channel and please check out our other videos of rare gems, but you might also enjoy the V.A.I. website, an encyclopedia of Italian Vintage Synths and Drum Machines:

https://www.vintageaudioinstitute.com/"

GODWIN CD2 - 1980s - The First Ever Demo Of Rare Apparatus

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

Note this appears to be the first post to feature the GODWIN CD2.

00:00 Setting Up
00:41 Introduction
01:28 UPPER MANUAL : organ tabs and polyphonic presets
04:13 Solo Synth
05:07 Debunking the Mystery
06:19 Drum Machine
08:26 Three Quick Improvisations
09:47 Lower Manual : organ tabs, solo synth routing and arpeggiator
11:18 Musical Interlude
12:42 Bonus Musical Interlude

"A fresh video entry in the category 'Rare as a unicorn on stilts' - this mystifying auto-accompaniment machine organ and synth from Italys' Godwin is the only one we've ever encountered.

These type of sound generators were controlled by foot pedals and electronic accordions, generally in the hands of one-man-bands providing light entertainment in places where people congregated, imbibed alcoholic liquids and sometimes even got up and danced.
Remember those?
Ski resorts, beach clubs, dance halls, restaurants and hotels, for drinks or dinner.

The CD2 (we're not sure what the abbreviation actually stands for but we're guessing Computer Drums) is actually more than sequenced bass lines and chords though.
It's equipped with 2 separate preset- and organ sections and even a monophonic preset synth and the whole Shebang, unlike on many keyboards at the time, can be engaged simultaneously for massively wide and deep soundscapes.
All those sounds need lots of circuitry safely housed in a military grade flight case.
The GODWIN CD2 is well chunky, clocking in at a whopping 24 kilos.

The video explains most its specifications and includes a bit of history too but a summarisation would go something like this :

1. Sample Based Drum Machine with 16 Rhythms and 16 Drum Fills
2. Auto-Comp section with bass, chords and arpeggiator with 2 sounds
3. 2 x Organ Sections with 15 tabs total
4. 7 Polyphonic Preset Sounds
5. 7 Monophonic Synth Sounds
6. Various Chorus and Reverb Effects

If you're into rare Italian synths and drum machines you can subscribe to our channel and please check out our other videos of rare gems, but you might also enjoy the V.A.I. website, a photo book and encyclopedia Italian Vintage Synths and Drum Machines:

https://www.vintageaudioinstitute.com/"

Godwin 32P Drummaker Sisme - Rare Italian Drum Machine

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

via this Reverb listing

You can find a demo previously posted here.

"Amazing and rare auto-accompaniment unit available for sale - just serviced and sounding fantastic - punchy drum section with individual volumes, chords, bass and arpeggiator with 4 lines per rhythm and 4 different sounds.

Ships out with original foot pedals and 2 button foot-switch for minor and 7 chords function or as start stop / fill in."

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What is thing thing?! Breaking down the MORESCHI / GODWIN CD 1

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

00:00 video begins
01:59 introduction and specs
04:18 drum machine demonstration
06:22 auto accompaniment break
08:06 drum machine demonstration continues
09:25 modulation section
10:52 musical interlude
14:22 bonus musical interlude

"GODWIN / MORESCHI CD 1 - 1984

What is this thing?
Why does it look so awesome?
Who controls it?
How?

Also released under the Moreschi brand and sometimes with a reversed control panel, the questions are piling up over here and since this unicorn doesn't get captured very often we thought we owed the internet quality photos and an in-depth, technical video demonstration of its functions.

We haven't managed to crack open the Treble sounds - we need the schematics to properly access those - if anyone has them please contact us - and stay tuned for a Part II then.

The video probably has the information you need but let's dive in to a basic rundown here just in case:

The CD1 is an Italian auto-accompaniment unit derived from the Godwin Drummaker 32.
Hooking this up to an electronic accordion, foot pedals or an organ you get organ and polyphonic sounds, pre-programmed chords, arpeggios, bass lines and drum machine patterns.
It's unclear which accordion model is compatible to the CD1, if such an object exists.

The unit has 6 sections: Drum machine, Bass, Chords, Arpeggio, Treble and Solo sounds. Plus a modulation section.

The 2 arpeggio sounds are the same as on the Drummaker 32 while the drums are unique to the CD1.
Our plan is to unlock the last tabs sounds properly once we find the schematics or manual but in the meantime the unit trigger 4 chords with the Program push buttons so you can still use it and it sounds great."

Finally a decent video on the GODWIN DRUMMAKER 32

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

""Many find it attractive" reads the gushing review in british music mag Muzines in February 1983 : https://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/go...
The reviewer makes the point that it sounds too good to be a typical auto-accompaniment section from an organ and damnit if that ain't right.
Punchy drums, futuristic synth arpeggios, separate audio outputs and individual volumes for most drum sounds.

We finally found a Godwin Drummaker 32 and its even rarer keyboard 32 K and we think the internet deserves a high quality video of its sounds and functions since the ones out there might leave more to be desired.

Most of the specific information and specs are in the video text so please have a look but a quick summary would go a little something like this :

The successor to the Drummaker 45 share all the original features but got an upgrade with completely new sounds in every section.
The new drums are snappier and fill-ins have been added while the arpeggio has an actual synth sound.

Used by OMBs - One Man Bands - all over Italy, this type of machine generate accompaniment to sing and play other instruments over when the budget and/or stage space is limited.
The keyboard on top indicates the chord and key to the unit below, generating bass lines, chord patterns and arpeggios.

If you're into rare Italian synths and drum machines you should check out our website which is basically an encyclopedia of them : https://www.vintageaudioinstitute.com/

And don't miss our next video of the almost equally rare GODWIN CD1 so subscribe here on Youtube or better still follow us on Instagram where we also post vintage gear for sale : / vintage_audio_institute_italia

Elgam carousel elka wilgamat solton disco 64 solton polyvox wersimatic cx1 cx2"

You can find addtional posts featuring the GODWIN DRUMMAKER 32 here.

Godwin Drummaker 32

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

via this Reverb listing

"Amazing and rare auto accompaniment unit available for sale - just serviced and sounding fantastic - punchy drum section with individual volumes, chords, bass and arpeggiator with 4 lines per rhythm and 4 different sounds.

Ships out with original foot pedals and foot switch.

Some wear and oxidation on main unit as seen in photos, very good condition foot pedals and foot switch."

You can find a video featuring one previously posted here, and posts featuring additional pics here.

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Godwin Drummaker 45 Computer System - Italian 1970s - With Keyboard

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by percussionologist

via this Reverb listing

"Godwin Drummaker 45 Computer System with original Keyboard controller.

See video attached.

Mostly working but needs service.

Arp section not sounding. Drums section working but high pitched noise bleeding through.

Keyboard seems to be working fine.

Other few minor issues with the machine, it just needs a service and some attention from someone who had the time. Beautiful sounding machine."

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Godwin 749 String Concert

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

via this VEMIA listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

VEMIA is Peter Forrest's auction house. He is the author of The A-Z of Analogue Synthesizer Books.

"Godwin string concert fully overhauled by James Walker in 2024, including a full recap of all the board and power supply. A fully polyphonic Italian string machine that sounds superb! Near good condition with slight rust spots on the front panel, otherwise a particularly good example, comes with lid, pick up from South Sheffield or Crich, unless VEMIA can collect and deliver."

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Godwin DrumMaker32 & Friends "Italian Electric Current Only"... trigger control/handmade LiveJam

video upload by VSMI - Vintage Synths Made in Italy

"Godwin DrumMaker32 it's a 1982 complete accompaniment section with rhythms, arpeggios, chords and bass. All analog and his trigger control two channel of Davoli Drum Synth Effects.

Bass play on Jen SX1000, solo on Jen SX2000.
Everythings handmade and as is...
Alesis Alex reverb
Yamaha SPF50D echo"

*WARNING SUPER CHEESY* Non-Stop Music From The Godwin Drummaker 45

video upload by LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

Follow-up to this post.

GODWIN DRUMMAKER 45 TIME
Download The EP, Samples, And ALSO The isolated Godwin from these songs without the other instruments or effects over here :-
https://www.patreon.com/posts/1191629...
-----
FULL EP IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON BANDCAMP :-

A WHOLE 1970's BAND IN A BOX? The Godwin Drummaker 45.

video upload by LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

"GODWIN DRUMMAKER 45 TIME
Download The EP, Direct Samples, Isolated Parts of the godwin and much more! here : / lookmumnocomputer"



"A Collection of songs made with the Godwin Drummaker 45 and a Korg MS10 released January 1, 2025"

Godwin 32P Drummaker

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

via this listing

"Cult classic Groovebox.

Usually working but glitching occasionally. All sections functional but unit freezes occasionally, but keeps playing. No controller (foot pedal or keyboard) included.

Seems to function fine after it's been powered up for a while."

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Godwin Drummaker 45

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

via this listing

You can find a demo of one posted here.

"Godwin Drummaker 45 Computer System - 1970s Italian Drum Machine / Auto-Accompaniment / Bass System.

Comes with Pedal Controller.

Working excellently, sounding fantastic. Some of the nicest analog drums ever engineered. Smooth deep bass, nice 3-voice synth section.

Two notes of the foot controller not working, otherwise working perfectly."

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Godwin 32P Drummaker Sisme - Rare Italian Drum Machine / Synth / Groovebox

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

via this listing

You can find a demo of one previously posted here.

"Godwin 32p Drummaker by Sisme.

Italian analog drum machine / synth/ bass machine.

Recently serviced. Fully working.

Comes with Godwin 32 foot pedal controller.

Slider volume per drum voice.

Tempo sync via voltage clock jack, can be synced to a huge range of gear, keystep beatstep, roland units etc etc.

Individual outputs with drums grouped, arpeggiator, bass, chords.

Truly incredible sounding unit. Some of the nicest sounding drums in existence. Synth voices and arpeggiator and bass machine are to die for.

This thing will put you in a trance guaranteed. Its really really a unique machine.

All buttons working, all outputs clean, Led screen perfect, all potentiometers cleaned."

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*Super Rare* Godwin Symphony SC849 MOD.849 Polyphonic Synthesiser Analog Synth Vintage Italian Organ

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by riffers

via this auction

"Serial Nº: 102106
230v-50 Hz
Condition:

Recently serviced. Some of the black keys are scratched (photographed). Still has the orange levered feet and hardcase lid. Replacement fader caps. New LED fitted (violin). One of the buttons looks to be a replacement."

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Godwin Drummaker 45 Computer System - All Rhythm Presets - Italian Classic Drum Machine

video upload by percussionologist

"A short video demonstrating the preset drum rhythms from the fantastic Italian Godwin Drummaker 45 Drum Machine from the late 1970s.

This fully analog machine has some of the nicest sounding drum sounds going. Punchy, deep, clear, hypnotic sounds. With excellent rhythm patterns to go along with them.

Each of the preset rhythm patterns cycle through three rhythm variations.

This machine also has a fantastic chord / bass / three voice arpeggiator, which can be played with a foot pedal controller or mini keyboard (like a three note poly synth) and choosing combinations of voices and patterns to go along with the rhythms can create a huge number of variations. The accompaniment side of the machine is not demonstrated in this video. I hope to show it in a subsequent video."

And here it is:

Godwin Drummaker 45 Computer System - Melody Accompaniment Demo - Classic Italian Drum Machine

video upload by percussionologist

"Short demonstration of the Godwin Drummaker 45 Computer System - Drum Machine / Bass / Chord / Arpeggiator unit.

Made in Italy, late 1970s.

Very nice machine. Fully analog sound generation. Chords can be played using the bass foot pedals or small keyboard, both of which were available as an option when new.

Cheers :)"

Godwin Drummaker 45 - With Bass Pedal Controller

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

via this auction

Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

"Godwin Drummaker 45 drum machine / synth /arpeggiator.

Comes with bass pedals (foot) controller for playing polyphonic melody parts.

Working perfectly, fully tested.

Sounds fantastic. Tonnes of character. Absolute heaven through some reverb.

Punchy drums, smooth cymbals, preset rhythms to die for.

All buttons, switches, pots working without issue.

Tempo knob added instead of slider for more accurate control.

Cosmetic condition decent, some surface marking as is common on all these. Inside is perfect."

Godwin Drummaker 32 P

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

via this auction

"ULTRA RARE! Amazing analogue Arranger drum machine made by Godwin Sisme in 1973. Complete of k32 keyboard, P32 pedal, original volume pedal and The original metal stand. Cosmetically perfect! The machine sounds very good is really warm and beatiful. Quite IMPOSSIBLE to find another like this complete and ready to play. Extremely rare and collectable. Used by kraftwerk!"

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GODWIN DRUMMAKER 45 SOUND DEMO - LAST AVAILABLE UNIT

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"A little demo of a the last available Godwin Drummaker 45 for sale - just back from extensive repairs it sounds marvelous!
Some spring reverb and echo from the Solton Cathedral E-2000 unit.
Condition is very good with some oxidation on front panel which tend to happen with these - we put down some anti-oxidation to halt it in its tracks so should not deteriorate further down the line.
The keys of the keyboard have some minor scratches and miss-coloration up close.
We demo the one finger mode towards the end of the video - along with the Orchestral arpeggiator mode - good fun."

via this auction

"Godwin Drummaker 45 for sale - this is our last available unit - just back from extensive repairs it sounds marvelous!

All wooden details have a fresh new veneer.

The keyboard has a new all-black paint job and a new cable.

I cannot stress enough how damn cool these machines are - check the video demo of this very unit for sale here.

Condition is very good with some oxidation on front panel which tend to happen with these - we put down some anti-oxidation to halt it in its tracks so should not deteriorate further down the line.

The keys of the keyboard have some minor scratches and miss-coloration up close.

220 volt version Power cable (standard) is not included.

Item ships from Italy."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Godwin Symphony Mod.849 Vintage Synthesizer

video upload by Niel Solitude