Organ demo 17/20: Wersi Comet with Wersimatic CX1 drum machine and MFX5 Magic Fingers unit.

video upload by organfairy

"Sorry about the long title, but the problem in saying that you play a Wersi organ is that they all came in several versions. Most of them were sold as kits that you assembled yourself and often people upgraded them with new circuitry that Wersi released over the production run.
The Comet was initially released with another drum machine called Wersimatic IV and no 'Magic Fingers', which is a unit that adds arpeggio, automatic chords, and a (primitive) sequencer to the organ. I demonstrated that in an earlier video • Wersi Comet Magic Fingers MFX 5 demo [below]

In this demo I play eight songs using a reasonable amount of the features in the Comet. I am not using multitrack so everything is played 'straight'. I did make quite a few edits along the way, as I am not capable of playing eleven minutes without goofing up something. But it is possible to play the entire demo as it is, because I have added drum fill-ins that are long enough to make it possible to change the settings between songs - the Comet doesn't have user presets, so if there isn't one of the 20 'Wersi Registrier System' fixed presets that suits the song, you have to press a lot of buttons to change the sound.

The songs I play are:
Abracadabra (Steve Miller)
Här kommer Pippi Långstrump (Astrid Lindgren / Jan Johansson)
Τα Παιδιά του Πειραιά / Never on a Sunday (Μάνος Χατζιδάκις)
Chattanooga Choo Choo (Harry Warren / Mack Gordon)
Gungorna och karusellen / Gyngerne og karrusellen (Karl Gerhard / Dix Dennie / Herbert Steen)
Kald det Kærlighed (Lars Lilholt)
Krummes sang (Michael Hardinger / Rasmus Schwenger)
Flower-Power-Kleid / Flower power tøj (Hans Christian Bruhn / Georg Buschor)"

Wersi Comet Magic Fingers MFX 5 demo

video upload by organfairy

"Since my Wersi Comet started to come back to life again there are three questions I have been asked surprisingly often in the comments: "Does your Comet have a 'Magic Fingers' MFX5 module, does it work, and what does it actually do?"

The first part was easy to answer: Yes, it does have an MFX5. However, until recently it seemed like it wasn't working and I nearly gave up on trying to repair it. But then I noticed a wire that had detached from one of the plugs on the backside of the MFX5 circuit boards in a hard to see and even harder to reach place. 

After reattaching it the magic started - once I found a cryptic German user manual online.
And so to answer the third part of the question I have now made this video where I go through the things it can do:

Arpeggiator 0:00
     Song: "Da' Ya' Think I'm Sexy" (Rod Stewart/Carmine Appice/Duane Hitchings) 2:30
Marimba effect 3:50
     Song: "Blue Spanish eyes" (Kämpfert/Singleton/Snyder) 4:35
Automatic Organ Chords 6:13
     Song: "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face" (Frederick Loewe/ Alan Jay Lerner) 6:55
Sequencer 9:00
     Song: "Tjo Och Tjim Och Inget Annat" (Ulf Peder Olrog) 11:05

The only things I don't demonstrate is step-recording of a sequence - which is basically entering the notes one by one followed by a tap on a pedal, and saving/loading from a cassette. I cannot do that because the cassette interface plug is connected to the drum machine and I don't have the instructions on how to connect the MFX5 module to a cassette recorder. The person who build the organ just left the connections on the circuit boards unconnected."

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #146: Wersi M.A.X.1 - Song 1

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the first recording with the Wersi M.A.X.1. Almost nothing is known about this small desktop sound module. It's 16-voice, 8-way multitimbral. The minimal, somewhat non-self-explanatory UI allow you to adjust a few parameters, as long as you have access to the manual, which unfortunately isn't available online. However, the 96 preset sounds are simple but surprisingly useful. The drum sounds are clearly ROM-based, but everything else sounds like a real FM synth to me.

I used for the recording the following FX pedals:
Hologram Microcosm, Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe, GFI System Specular Reverb 2.

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. On some tracks Compressor and EQ where added in Cubase. The final song was then mastered using iZotope Ozone.

Well, I decided to go back to the basics, but at the same time make something useful for the synth community and do a kind of competition (I like competitions;-). What's my best synth for ambient music :-)

Check out my Best Ambient Synth Shootout Playlist:"



Additional Wersi M.A.X.1 posts here.

Wersi CX5 Drum Composer w/ Programming Overlay

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

via this Reverb listing

"This scarce and unique piece of German ingenuity and (over?) engineering has been tested to the best of our ability. Due to its unique architecture (i.e. - confusing layout, features, and programming), we can only vouch 100% for complete function of the screen, back lights, buttons, faders, and sounds/voices, etc.

We've included a video link of the actual unit for sale below.

It has a fat, punchy sound with a ton of retro character and a few unique and quirky voices. Once in a while we think there's a faint intermittent 'phantom' background noise?

The "SPEED" fader works but is missing the knob. Also, a handful of scratches, nicks, and abrasions are present on all surfaces - nothing serious. The power cable is safe and stable but has areas of electrical tape along its length - we're not sure why. Probably not splits or exposed wire but we did not remove the tape to find out.

Hard to find programming overlay included."

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Wersi String Orchestra

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

via this Reverb listing

Video in the listing previously featured here.

"This ultra-rare gem delivers lush, iconic string sounds that make it one of the best-sounding string machines ever built. A truly unique version of the Logan String Melody but this one is crafted by Wersi in Germany in the 1970's. Comes with the volume pedal.

Seems that it is in all original state, and no modifications have been done to it."

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Das Model #kraftwerk #70s #synth #synthesizer #evergreenhits Wersi OAX Sonic Orgel

video upload by Thorsten Sith

WERSI BA-900 repair/midi

video upload by Alexey Taber

Wir sind die Roboter kraftwerk on Wersi Organ

video upload by Thorsten Sith

"Wir sind die Roboter kraftwerk #synth #70s #synthesizer #electronicmusic #evergreenhits Wersi Orgel"

Logan Wersi String-Orchestra 1975

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

via this listing

You can find a couple of demos of one in previous posts here.

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Wersi Wersimatic CX1

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

via this listing

Demo in the listing previously posted here. You can find additional demos in previous posts here.

"Wonderful analog Groovebox/Drum Machine/Sequencer/etc/etc from 1982. The later CX2 would replace the sounds with digital samples, but this is the earlier, fully analog model - and you can hear it! Deep, warm, rich and powerful tones - that's how I would describe it! Check the video or YouTube for a demonstration - there are some pretty good examples on there. This thing really grooves effortlessly. There is a fully-programmable sequencer inside too, as well as the in-build rhythms. A 'Super Sequence' mode can be used during playing which runs through all of the stored sequences (which could be up to 512 bars) lasting possibly 20-30 minutes."

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Wersi Wersimatic CX2 Proto-Groovebox from 1984

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

via this listing

The CX2 is a stereo, proto-groovebox that is part warm analog synth, part organ, part crunchy, punchy 12-bit sampled drums, all user programable with analog effects and auto-accompaniment. Not bad for 1984!!

Listing Includes:

Wersimatic CX2
Printed manual/assembly guide
Printed “Technical Document” (German)
User “Cheat-Sheet”
New CR2032 Battery

The CX2’s drum machine section consists of 54 preset rhytms, but it is also possible to compose your own rhytms by using its composer (static/real time composing) and the 20 different drum sounds available, plus it also has programable accents.

The accompaniment section has a bass (guitar, synth, tuba), chord (e-piano, guitar, wah guitar, strings, organ), and arpeggio section (brass, clarinet, banjo, bells, strings) which can be played solo or combined. When the drumsection plays the accompaniment section can be triggered and transposed via the 29 key keyboard. And best of all, you can also make your own custom bass, chords, and arpeggio patterns!

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2024/01 - dawless winter session #2 with DIY gear and MUCH reverb

video upload by Stereoping

"Drowning the lead synth - which imperturbably repeats it's themes - in the dark and endless reverb of a Roland #DEP5. Other guests beside the DIY gear: FB01 through Dynacord #VRS23, Moog #Matriarch, Boss SX700 which got modulated by fader on the phaser mid frequency while processing the Wersi CX-1 HiHats. A Volca Sample also contributes a bit of background beat."

Arp Omni 2 with external ensemble FX (Wersivoice)

video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"if you've watched some of my videos you know I love string synth and string ensemble FX, I collect the former and build the latter.
I wanted to test how an Arp Omni would sound through a Wersivoice unit.
To do so I used the synth section of the Omni and plugged it to the Wersivoice, since the waveshape of the synth and string section of the Omni are basically the same.
In the first part I A/B the 2 chorus sounds by using a foot switch. It's quite obvious which is what so you'll figure out. As you'll probalbly find out the Omni built-in chorus sounds mellower than the Wersi, which is brighter and harsher. Not better or worse, just a different taste. It's worthy to note the Omni 2 chorus is build around Reticon SAD512 BBD chipsets (so is the Moog Opus 3 btw) and this Wersivoice is build around Panasonic MN3004 (the same used in Roland Jupiter 4 / VP330). Early Wersivoice units (FM76s and WV3 / WV7 pcb) are build around philips TDA1022 and sound mellower. I'll make a demo with the Arp and one of those at some point.

Then in the second part this is when it gets really interesting... Since we use the synth section of the Omni we have access to a full ADSR enveloppe and a resonant filter with control over it by enveloppe, LFO and external pedal.
And this allow for a much wider sound palette.
Thanks to the enveloppe shaping the VCA you can get some string articulations that are not possible in the string section since it has a ASR enveloppe (meaning you can control Attack and Release but there is no Decay and Sustain is always maxed). Great for swell, staccatos, stabs etc
It's also worth mentionning that the release of the ADST (synth) enveloppe is tied to the string section release, this one being the "master" or final release. If you want a long release on the ADSR you have to bring the String release up. This is not an issue, it is the way it is designed and that's one of the drawback of paraphonic design.
And then comes the resonant filter... with it you can shape the tone of the sound to almost choiry / vocaly ones. And you can bring this more lively by using the LFO or an external pedal to open the filter like I did at some point.
And of course you can always run the string section through the Wersivoice, which I did in the last part. And that, when the builtin Omni's chorus is set to phaser mode gives a very thick (sick ?) sound.
Hope you like the video.

00:00 builtin chorus / Wersivoice comparision
02:48 quick discovery of ADSR and filter
05:19 example of ADSR use for string articulation
08:19 example of Filter use for tone shaping
10:56 use of external swell pedal (not on screen) to control filter and then LFO
14:41 BONUS string section in phaser mode through Wersivoice"

Wersi Wersimatic CX1 / CX2

video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"Demo of a Wersi CX1 I just serviced. Showcasing the general functionality of the instrument by fiddling with some presets I made.

This unit is actually more a CX2 since it was upgraded at some point to a CX2. This was a possibility given by Wersi when they released the CX2 not too long after the CX1. Basically it replaced the full analog drum sounds with 12 bit PCM drum samples. Otherwise the CX1 and CX2 shared the same analog arranger and programming unit. There are still 4 analog drum synthesized sounds in the CX (maracas, claves, tambourine and "synthdrum", the latter being only manually triggered).

The CXs also have 3 SSM2044 filters for the 3 analog parts (bass, chord and arpeggio) and it features a great Wersivoice BBD triple chorus card to give that ensemble sound to the string presets sounds (check my videos about these units if you dont know how they sound).

Both drum and arranger parts are programmable and you can store your own 16 presets, in top of the 48 builtin presets. Instant 80s and italo disco sound with this unit. Very close in philosphy and sound to the mlighty Bohm Digital Drums, with the latter being a much more advanced unit though."

WERSIMATIC CX1

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"Here’s some more Wersimatic CX1 for you - a hella stylish auto accompaniment unit made in Germany when the going was good - the early 80s.

The machine looks like a obsolete computer terminal and sports 4 sections :

Analog Drum machine
Bass section
Chord section
Arpeggiator section

We modded this one quite a bit - with separate volumes and outputs for the bass, chords, strings and of course the drum section.
We're routing the separate outs to a ton of different effects:
The Compact Phaser effect is an odd one - it could be a Vermona prototype - it sounds like the Vermona Phaser and looks very nice and stylish for a one off.
It's sitting next to the Compact Schulte Phaser and you can see the resemblance in design."

Crumar Bit99 + Wersi Wersivoice

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

"Quick demo of the Crumar BIT99 i fully serviced. In the frst part i flip through a few patches to let you hear how this one can sound, mainly for bass/lead/keyboards sounds. And in the second part I focus on pads and i run the synth through a custom built Wersi Wersivoice analog triple chorus. As you can hear i can turn the BIT99 into a great string machine and more.
Record with no other FX or treatment.
Pardon my playing, I'm better at servicing these instruments than playing them :-)"

via this auction

"Here is your chance to grab a unique combo in the form of 6 voice analog polysynth and a custom made BBD triple chorus ensemble effect.

The Crumar BIT99 was fully serviced:
- power supply electrolytic capacitors replaced
- voice board electrolytic capacitors replaced
- firmware upgraded with Tauntek one: you can now easily control and program the synth with any midi controller
- keyboard dismantled and contacts and bus bar cleaned
- meticulously calibrated
- panel board and case fully dismantled, cleaned and polished
- custom made real wood side end cheeks

It sounds, plays and looks awesome. It does has some wear and scuffs but it is in great condition.
STAND IS NOT INCLUDED.

The Wersivoice was custom built and is a great addition to any synth, analog or digital. It simply can turn anything into a great string machine, and more.
Very simple, no control: sound in sound out. There is a 3 positions switch with ON / MUTE / (true) BYPASS positions.
It runs directly from 230v.
Since it's DIY it doesn't look perfect."

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THE WERSIMATIC CX1

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"Introducing the Wersimatic CX1 - a stylish auto accompaniment unit made in Germany in the early 80s.

It sports 4 sections :

Analog Drum machine
Bass section
Chord section
Arpeggiator section (it’s maybe more like a second chord generator)

Each section can be muted, individual drum sounds can be muted.
This specific unit was modified with independent volume control for each section - those are the extra knobs on the front panel - as well as separate outputs for each section in the back.
The drum patterns, the chord and arpeggiator sections are all programmable.

The CX1 was followed by the CX2 - which is basically the same machine but with 12bit sample drums instead of the CX1’s analog drums - it seems the bass, chords and arpeggiator sounds and patterns are all the same on the CX1 and CX2. The CX2 sports an additional row of buttons for programming purposes but those are available on the CX1 as well - the row of buttons on the left has a third submenu."

Additional WERSIMATIC CX1 posts

Custom Made Wersi Wersivoice triple analog chorus / string ensemble effect

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

Update: "THIS IS A NEW VIDEO. THE CHORUS WAS NOT PROPERLY ADJUSTED IN THE PREVIOUS ONE."

"A VENDRE / FOR SALE HERE

This Wersivoice unit is based on later revision model that uses 3x Panasonic MN3004 Bucket Brigade Device chipsets, the same chipsets used on Roland VP330 or Jupiter 4 chorus for instance, instead of the more classic Philips TDA1022 you find in earlier Wersivoice units.

No fuzz in this unit, it only does the string ensemble effect. Mono input / mono output. 3 positions switch with true bypass and mute position. Unit has a built in power supply that runs on 230v.
Case is DIY so don't expect manufacture quality.
Works perfectly of course.

recorded dry with no further treatment."

via this auction

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WERSI WERSIMATIC II / CRB OBERON

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"This is an analog auto-accompaniment machine produced by the German organ manufacturer Wersi sometime in the mid-70s. Originally part of a big, dual manual organ called Helios, this auto-comp section was probably removed from the organ and squeezed into a faux Teak cabinet - literally crammed with circuit boards - all beautifully snug inside - a very good job by whoever built it.
We used a ton of effects of this track - most noticeably the Davoli 2K disc echo - insanely rare unit with a Schaller disc unit mounted inside - the very mounted inside the Lombardi mixing desks.
The Digitech Synth Wah is also going strong - an envelope follower pedal on the cheap side.

We're pairing the Wersimatic II with the glorious CRB Oberon - a unicorn of a dual oscillator monophonic synth made in Italy in the late 70s - one of very few still existing.
Lots of fun features it can really sound huge - there's still lots more to explore here

The grey string machine in the video is also marked CRB - a simple, two sounds (violin and cello) string machine, unusually light weight for the oldie it is - the CRB 709.
It's sound is bright and lush - really not at all bad.

Vintage Audio Institute Italia is a gear vendor and recording studio in the hills of Florence."

Additional CRB Oberon posts

Additional WERSIMATIC II posts

WERSI WERSIMATIC II

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"It's still here and we love it - so here we go again with new music :
The Wersimatic II - the previous generation of the Wersimatic 24 auto-accompaniment machine and probably familiar to fans of the Elgam Carousel, Böhm Solist 78, Elka Wilgamat and Godwin Drummaker 45 units.

The Wersimatic II has 4 sections on board:
Bass line tone generator
Drum machine with individual mute options
Various chord sounds
Various Arpeggiator sounds (same sounds as chords but with busier patterns)

The bass sounds great - very nice and analog.
Drum sounds are very analog - this is sound generation in its infancy - the hi-hats scare me :)
The chord and arpeggiator sounds were processed through the Digitech Synth Wah - a relatively cheap envelope follower pedal that’s a great bang for the buck.

The sounds and controls are across the board identical to the Wersimatic 24 unit as far as we can tell but the difference being the Wersimatic II was never made as a stand-alone unit - it was part of a large, double manual organ called Wersi Helios.
This particular one is unique : it has been transplanted from that organ into a smaller box with a twelve buttons acting as chord control instead of the two bottom octaves of the organ.

Special thanks to Organfairy for the rare schematics that were necessary to complete the repair : dude you f-ing rock

Vintage Audio Institute is a gear vendor and recording studio in the hills of Florence"

Additional Wersimatic II posts

Wersi CX5 / german 12 bit drum machine from the 80s

video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

This one is currently listed for sale on Reverb here, and on eBay here. You can find pics from the listings and an older demo posted here.

"Very quick demo of the Wersi CX5 drum machine. Classic 80s 12 bit sounds. There are 26 of them including a analog drum synth sound plus a chromatic timpani mode (!)

Very comprehensive it has 8 analog outputs, MIDI IN and OUT, Tape, Sync and a dedicated connector to plug some pads in order to trigger the sounds.

The video focus on the MIDI control of the unit and as you can see you can easily play the sounds over midi with velocity.

And thanks to the global pitch control it is a great live performance tools in the right hands (oblivously not mine)."