La Danse du Feu (Vangelis, 1978) cover with 2 Yamaha CS80's

video upload by kovalmoog

"Technical info

Sergio Koval
Yamaha CS80 (Brass line)
ARP Odyssey (sequence, controlled by PC via Roland MPU-101)

Jordi Pascual Guasch
Yamaha CS80 (Main lead, originally played by Vangelis on a Hohner Clavinet)
ARP ProSoloist (MKII version, named ARP ProDGX but still with the ProSoloist's circuitry)
Zoom R-16 (digital 16-channel multitrack recorder)

Reverb effect by Digitech DSP-256XL
Percussion sounds placed on post-pro by Jordi

Produced on July 20, 2015 at Sergio Koval studio, Barcelona."

Hohner String Performer MK2 analog string synthesizer

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

via this Reverb listing

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Hohner K2 Stringvox

Note: Auction links 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.

"Extremely rare in this black livery, this is one of only a few that were exported to the USA. One of them was bought by Frank Zappa. Zappa's was recently sold at auction for $1905, despite seeming to have no visible sliders. This example here is in similar cosmetic condition, but has its slider stalks and thus can be controlled! We will be trying to source slider tops correct for the era and make - watch this space. 117V, so how it found its way back to Europe is a bit of a mystery. More info when known. Like many Hohner instruments, it is tatty on the outside, but the playing surface (protected by its lid) is very good. Also of course the heavy-duty case and lid make it a seriously heavy instrument. Packing 18GBP."

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Hohner / Logan String Melody II SN 7562 w/ Original Case

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

via this listing

"Behold! The great and iconic vintage string synthesizer (or organ if you will) Hohner String Melody II.

Anyhow, this awesome instrument has 8 sliders that control percussion, bass and melodies. Also Attack and Sustain can be controlled on the bass and melodic part separately. In result You can get many different vibes out of the String Melody II - from pretty classic but somewhat unique organ to Stranger Things type space synthesizer. And I have to add that sounds are just amazing. No wonder a lot of well known bands and musicians had these in their studios.

Some of these are also known as Logan String Melody II in the market. I don't think there is much difference between them though."

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1960s Hohner Bass Key Synth (Made in Germany) - Serviced

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

via this listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

SN 62866x

"Rumored to be the first solid-state synthesizer! This unit is identical to the more well-known Hohner Basset and has two basic sounds: string bass (sine wave) and tube bass (sawtooth wave). The percussion switch adds a nice simple decay envelope. Cool sounding little synth! It can also be mounted on a dedicated stand via the thread mount on the bottom. This unit was just serviced in-house; reconditioned keyboard contacts, cleaned thoroughly inside and out. Replaced audio and power jacks with modern components."

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Your Guide To: The Hohner Bass 3

video upload by Analog Emma

"A guide to the monophonic Bass 3 synthesizer from the 1970’s

Introduction: 0:00 - 0:34
History 0:34 - 0:59
Features: 0:59 - 3:26
Repairs: 3:26 - 4:42
My Opinion: 4:42 - 7:15
Conclusion: 7:15 - 7:40
Demos: 7:40 - 8:58"

Studio Tour 2025 - Synthesizer and Drum Machines - vintage Gear from the 70s, 80s & 90s

video upload by 3L3C7RON1C MU51C

Nice custom silver Roland SH-101. Also a Tiracon 6 in there.

Hohner Logan String Melody II

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

via this listing

"Iconic Hohner / Logan String Melody II analog synthesizer with classic 70s lush ensemble sounds. Fully working and in good condition, including case and pedal."

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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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Hohner Rhythm 80 SN 800012

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

via this listing

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Hohner Electronium NG 60s tube monosynth

Note: Auction links 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.

"***In the shape of an accordion (and the bellows act as volume control) but actually a dedicated tube monosynth.*** This amazing instrument (probably from the early 60s, but originally designed in the 50s) has been recently serviced and should be in good working order. Imported about 11 years ago from Japan, where it looks like it had sat in a shop unsold for decades. To get an idea of its potential, check out Hainbach's great video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h08NFqon0es .

It's also in stunningly good cosmetic condition - even the case (very modernistic for the 60s) is beautiful. It comes with its essential original Hohner power supply - now converted to operating at 240V with a UK plug. The original Japanese transformer is included if you want to revert to a lower voltage (with proper tech support!)."

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Hohner International K4 (Mark Shreeve)

via this Vemia listing

See the site's other listings for more. You can find listings by category here

"From Mark Shreeve - actually bought from VEMIA more than ten years ago. Although the case has lots of dings, and there is a mark behind the power switch, this is otherwise in very nice cosmetic condition. Works well, and just uses a standard IEC mains lead. Serial number 177413. Packing 15GBP."

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VintageRack process vintage synths

video upload by Igor Vasiliev

"VintageRack (iOS/Mac) - minimalistic and convenient multi-effect app realistically modeling notable retro gear from the early digital era with their inherent aesthetics and atmosphere. ~
In this demo I tried to give some ambience and depth to the sound of vintage synths by adding a little processing with several effects in the VintageRack app specifically for each track. ~
The original tracks, without any processing, were recorded from real instruments and were kindly provided by @ohm_studi_ohm, as were images of these instruments from which they were recorded. On his channel you can find original demos of these synths and other interesting instruments and devices."

Alphaville Forever Young ~ Vintage Synthesizer Recreation ~ RetroSound

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-24 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

❤️ Support #RetroSound​ channel: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com

One of my favorite tracks from the 80s
Forever Young by Alphaville from the album Forever Young (1984)
Written by: Bernhard Lloyd, Marian Gold, Frank Mertens

Featured the PPG wave 2.2 , the Logan String Melody II, the Arp Odyssey III and the Roland JX-3P Synthesizer

This cover song series contains my own recreations of my favourite songs from the last 50 years. The original music from which I take inspiration belong to their respective owners. I recreate tracks only for personal passion and to pay homage to these tracks.
My intention is not to create covers that sound exactly like the original (if you want to hear identical sounds, please listen the original). It's more of an inspiration with my sounds from the old synthesizers from the past and of course the great appreciation for the original performers and producers.
Check out the original songs with the original artists here on YouTube.
Thank you."

1977 Hohner String Performer Analog String Synthesizer SN 869387

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

via this listing

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Hohner String Performer

video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"The Hohner String Performer was one of the very last effort to release a string synth, in the early 80s I think. This was the only one genuinely manufactured by Hohner. The early ones like the String Melody, StringVox or String Orchestra were italian rebadged ones.
The Performer features 3 strings presets, 1 piano, 1 harpsichord, 1 bass (only on the left part of the keyboard) and a monophonic 'solo' section on the right part of the keyboard only. Just like other 'orchestral' synths like the Crumar Orchestrator/Multiman or the Elka Rhapsody 610 you have individual volume faders for each sound on each side as well as a mute switch per section.
The 'bass' preset overides everything on the left part of the keyboard when selected.
Overall this is one of the most refined string sound you can get, very polished, maybe too polished for some. I like it a lot, I find it very cinematographic.
The solo section is not very interesting in its own but when layered with the strings it adds a very nice lead touch.
The instrument features 3x seperate outputs in top of the general output, and jack input for piano/harpsichord sustain pedal and a volume pedal.
There were 2 revisions made to this instrument, and the only difference is the power supply. The most common you will find is this one and it uses an external power supply (18v DC but you can use anything between 15 and 24 since this supply gets regulated inside the synth). The second one has a built in 230v power supply and you can easily recognized it because it has a red translucent on/off switch.
The builtin power supply probably lowers the tendency to hum and magnetic interference you get with the first one, which can be quite picky on the power adapter you use. But I never had a second version at hand to compare to the first one so i can't be sure.

TECH TIPS:
This is the 5th String Performer I serviced and though they had all different issues one common issue it that they ALL had cracks on one or more PCB, leadind in cut traces.
The design of the instrument is clever but not sturdy enough. The case is very well built and solid and it's very hard to seriously damage it.
But all the 12 oscillators and filter PCBs are socketed to the motherboard which is underneath the keys, and are screwed to a hinge that tends to get bent when the instrument is subject to violent transport, so the pcbs bend too and crack.
This result usually in some mute notes on all poly section (just like if a divider has died) or on some section only, and very often the solo is also dead because of a cracked pcb.
This is one of the synth I would advice not to have shipped, the chances to receive a 100% working instrument is closed to null."

Hohner K4 String Synthesizer kosmische phaserings

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Blake Helton

Update:

via this listing

"Hohner String Synth from late 70s made by Italian company Elex who made other string synths for Farfisa, Logan and whoever else asked them to build a model. if they asked real nice.

This thing is in awesome shape and sounds like a poor man’s ARP String Ensemble/Eminent Solina. Much closer to the functionality and sound of an Elka Rhapsody 490 but I think the ensemble modulation sounds thicker. The lowest F# not working when just using cello sound. Could be a case of reseating one of the socketed ICs. Your basic divide-down synth. The power supply has been recapped and some other cap replacements. I added a mod so you can dial in or remove the ensemble modulation. Gives another sound set for some combo organ type vibrato-less sounds. Separate power supply/swell pedal.

With the power supply/vol pedal, this is kind of heavy so would prefer to meet somewhere in the Atlanta area. Of course I offer shipping as well for a flat rate.

Run this gal thru some phaser and start working on that horror movie soundtrack or Klaus Schulze-inspired kozmik voyages. Very easy to work on but you wont need to do anything to enjoy immediately."

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Unlocking Greystoke: The Ultimate Keyboard Collection Revealed!

video upload by Andy Whitmore

"Greystoke Studio boasts an impressive collection of 48 keyboards, including a diverse array of analog synthesizers, digital synthesizers, and vintage keyboards.

Massive Analog & Digital Keyboard Collection
Greystoke Studio Tour Update - The Complete Keyboard Collection!
Mar-24
48 Keyboards Including:
30 Analog Synthesisers
13 Digital Synthesisers
5 Vintage keyboards

Greystoke Studio in London, is a high-spec London recording studio.

0:00 - Introducing Greystoke's Analog & Digital Synthesiser Collection
0:07 - Yamaha CS80 - 1976
0:11 - Roland Jupiter 8 - 1981
0:12 - Roland Jupiter 8 - 1981
0:15 - Roland SH1000 - 1973 [chrome]
0:20 - Roland SH1000 - 1973
0:26 - Yamaha CS40M - 1979
0:30 - Roland SH1000 - 1973 TTSH Two Thousand Six Hundred Mini Meanie Arp 2600 Clone 2023
0:34 - Yamaha CS50
0:38 - Mini Moog Model D – 2017
0:44 - Roland Vocoder VP330 MK I – 1979
0:48 - Oberheim OB-1 – 1978
0:52 - Prophet 5 Rev 3.2 MIDI – 1981
1:03 - Prophet 5 Rev 3.0 MIDI – 1980
1:14 - Oberheim Xpander – 1984
1:20 - Oberheim OB-8 – 1982
1:33 - Roland Jupiter 4 MIDI – 1979
1:36 - Logan String Machine – 1975
1:41 - Hammond C3 + Leslie Speaker - 1968 + 1963
1:43 - Mini Moog Model D – 1976
1:50 - Wurlitzer 200A Electric Piano - 1976 (bought from 10CC's Eric Stewart!)
1:52 - Fender Rhodes Piano Stage 73 – 1979
2:03 - Roland Juno106 – 1984
2:09 - Roland Vocoder VP330 MK II MIDI – 1980
2:16 - Korg M1 - 1990
2:18 - Nord Electro 3 - 2008
2:24 - Roland JD800 - 1991
2:35 - Korg Trinity - 1995
2:41 - Roland D50 - 1987
2:51 - Korg Poly 800 – 1983
2:52 - Roland SH101 – 1983
2:56 - Roland MC 202 – 1984
3:03 - Hohner Clavinet D6 - 1979
3:10 - Korg Z1 - 1997
3:17 - ARP Odyssey – 1979
3:21 - Prophet VS – 1986
3:31 - Roland MKS80 with MPG-80 programmer – 1986
3:41 - Yamaha TX816 - 1984
3:47 - Yamaha TX802 - 1987
3:50 - Studio Electronics SE1X – 1994
3:56 - Roland JP-8080 - 1998
4:00 - Roland JV1080 - 1994
4:07 - Nord Rack 2 - 1997
4:14 - Roland P330 - 1988
4:20 - Akai S3000XL 32 Meg - 1996
4:29 - Novation Supernova - 1998
4:43 - Novation Bass Station – 1994
4:59 - Steinway Model O – 1908
6:10 - EMS AKS Synthi VCS3 – 1972"

Hohner Gis SKYLINE 61p - Vintage Analog Synth/Drum Machine (1979)

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Alberto Napolioni

Currently listed on Reverb here. Pics captured below.

"Just some improvisations on this Rare Beauty!
the HOHNER/GIS SKYLINE 61P!

00:00 The Wizard
00:18 Communication Breakdown
00:29 Blue Sunset
00:45 Silikon Carpet
00:59 Elves
01:29 Skyline 78
02:12 Amiga Figa
02:21 Carpenter's Dream
02:29 Bubblewraps
02:42 Chiptuning
03:00 Buzz House
03:15 Where are you?
03:24 Broken Dreams
03:51 Dopamine
04:01 NES medley
04:28 Silikon Tissue
04:43 Sine Poly
04:55 Scatter Brain
05:13 Zelda 2 "Indoor Theme"
05:26 Skyline Rhytmn Machine/Arpeggiator/Acc


FXs Used on some patches:
OTO BIM delay
OTO BAM reverb"

via this auction

"An absolute rarity:

The ultra rare Hohner GIS Skyline 61p - Synth w built in Drum Machine!

I made a Demo video to show how it sounds this beauty. Check it below .

FULLY PRO SERVICED

Collector's Item

100% working conditions

It Comes with a Custom Brand new Case included!

The Skyline 61p has a very wide sonic palette with a lush unique timbre

It has a built in Drum Machine with a surprising "Cr78s" character!

It has also a built in speakers!"

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Hohner Stringvox Repair Notes

This one is in via supporting member, zasm.earth.

"I completed a repair of a Hohner Stringvox (ELEX K2) revision 3 Piano & Strings keyboard, and have posted an extensive, technical, multi-page article on the subject, with pictures and new schematics. If anyone’s interested they can have a look, starting at:

https://zasm.earth/hohner-stringvox-repair-notes-1

Different K2 versions have previously been mentioned at:

https://www.matrixsynth.com/2008/01/hohner-stringvox.html

https://www.matrixsynth.com/2009/03/hohner-roland-string-vox-arp-string.html

https://www.matrixsynth.com/2011/09/1970s-hohner-stringvox-string-vox.html

https://www.matrixsynth.com/2014/07/rare-italian-elex-vintage-analog.html

https://www.matrixsynth.com/2019/09/hohner-string-vox-super-rare-string.html

https://www.matrixsynth.com/2021/06/elex-k2-1970s-rare-italian-vintage.html"