"PPG Wave 2.2 anniversary model number 500 in gold colour. Only one was ever made , see and search for youtube video from Mr. Palm 'PPG 1983'. I bought it many years ago from a friend of Mr. Palm. Full working !"
This one is in via the seller of the Mulogix Slave 32 posted here.
"Here is a google drive URL to a high quality scan of the Schematic, User Manual in two parts, the Digital Synthesis Module RS-232 Interface Technical Reference manual, Mulib Users Guide, the Feature Specification with reference sheet, blank Beta Test Registration form, Software and voice library for the Slave."
First we have a new software model of the TR-808 from the original developers of the 808:
"The RC-808 'Re-Create the 808' emulates the original TR-808 sound with analog manner synthesis. As the name implies, it is with respect to the original 808 sounds which is a criterion for sound synthesis as a vintage. Starting from this criterion, explore the multiverse of sounds, stretch out your vectors, to find out new criterion of your own. Yes, it can take you to the new sonic worlds that are completely different and yet so close and familiar to you.
Hence it is not a drum machine but is a drum synthesizer. No samples nor effects processing are being used, just genuine synthesis only, all in analog manner.
The sound source employs DCO which is in this case Down Chirp Oscillator, combined with a noise source that outputs various kinds of noises including metallic noises. There is also a infinite point wave shaper, a variable filter bank, infinite point envelope generators etc. With maximum 8 partials per voice, it allows sound designing in subtractive synthesis manner which is familiar to all and yet still with vast space beckoning to be discovered.
Thanks to this flexible architecture, all instruments can have Open and Close variations just like Hi-Hats or cymbal choke performance. Coupled with piano-roll sequencer utility this brings new expressions with gate time programming, that you don’t see on a drum sequencer..."
Second, the following is some info on the people behind the RC-808 (pictured above) via Vector808:
"We the Analog Mafia, lead by Tadao Kikumoto, is the original R&D staffs who developed the Mid-O Series from Roland Corporation. We would like to express full gratitude and respect to all the people who were in Roland, and supported us at that time.
In above photo, from left to right, we the Analog Mafia are:
Jun-ichi Kadoya: Roland 1977 - 1983, Mid-O Series software / hardware engineer, still is a programmer
Hisanori Matsuoka: Roland 1979 - 1995, Mid-O Series software / hardware engineer, still is an engineer
Kyokazu Fujiwara: Roland 1978 - 1981, Mid-O Series sound source, now a general manager of a software maker
Tadao Kikumoto: Roland 1977 - 2009, Mid-O and V-Series R&D, now Silent Street Music concept maker and promotion
Yoshiro O-e: Roland 1978 - 1988, System-700 and Mid-O Series R&D, now operating a chemical company
Also are:
Hiro Nakamura: Roland 1975 - 2000, CR-68, CR-78, TR-808 sound sources, engineer
Atsushi Hoshiai: Roland 1982 - present, sampling for TR-909, engineer
We all are still analog manias ;)
Because we are independent from Roland Corporation, they nor we can not answer to any kind of inquiries about us and our deliverables including this website. Thank you so much for your understanding and cooperation for everything.
Tadao Kikumoto is currently also working busy on another equally innovative project, called SSM - Silent Street Music. It is multi-channel concurrent streaming and listening technology that allows zapping through multiple music or lecture sources instantly. Join us on its exclusive introduction website (at the moment the website is only in Japanese language)"
Third, vector808 has a fascinating historical account covering the development of the Roland TR-808 starting with the x0x series, or as the original Roland developers referred to them, "The Mid-O" series. The following are three excerpts followed by a link to the full article. Note how they perceived the TR-808 was a failure compared to the LinnDrum in the second excerpt.
One:
"The Beginning
In 1983, a number of instruments were released with MIDI, the standard that I was involved in. After the tough times with all the difficulties of development, Roland launched the TR-909 the successor model of TR-808. Yamaha made debut of the ground breaking DX7, a serious digital synthesizer and again with MIDI. It was the opening of the new chapter in the electronic musical instruments, the dawn of full digital synthesis.
Roland then was still a new emerging enterprise, and did not have enough resources to pursue digital technology. To combat the situation, the Fundamental Research and Development Department was established."
Two:
"To meet the low target price, I employed oscillation technique of pulse wave modulating the simple T-network bandpass filter. By short circuiting the resistors in the T-type network for the certain initial duration with transistors, it was possible to raise the frequency. This allowed us to enforce the attack sound compared with conventional rhythm boxes.
But the initial reputation of the 808 was nothing but crippled as it was compared with the Linn products. Furthermore, the sound had insufficient impact or punch at the beginning, which resulted to have pronounced fundamental frequency 60 Hz. But then again, it was this prominent fundamental which attracted the attention of later time hip-hop and EDM artists, and they gave a name to it as “Deep Decay”. This led to the rediscovery of Mid-O Series. The long decay sound was made possible by decay parameter that I added to show at least as a sign or as an evidence of the 808 being a synthesizer. Even inside the company this was regarded as going too far, but later it became one of vital identities of the 808.“
Three:
"If you liken it in the picture art world, the TR-808 sounds are simple line drawings and illustrations so to speak. It puts more weight on showing essence simply rather than realistic photography. The traditional painting of Japan known as Ukiyo-e is a pictorial method and manner that is primarily made of outlines derived from specification of printing and paints. This manner has its own limits, and hence is a vector of criterion. Katsushika-Hokusai, famous for his Mr Fuji pictures, created The Great Wave off Kanagawa（神奈川南沖浪浦 Kanagawa Minami Oki Nami Ura）. In that piece of work, he threw off the photographic details into abstraction that boldly enhanced the great waves by outlines, and made contrast with a pointed Mt Fuji. This manner derived from its own limits is something impossible with realistic paintings that put priorities on details.
The inventor of the bass drum must have done trial and errors like enlarging the diameter or making the membrane thicker to produce fat low sound. Large portion of the beater strike energy to the skin however must have been consumed by uneven fractional vibration or parasite vibrations, resulting unwanted muddy sound. Also, the drummer spends a long time doing a lot of work on damping with blankets and else in order to suppress the unnecessary resonance with the body or with other drums. But once adequately used, this dirt will become important part of the sound, its identity, reality, and criterion.
The TR-808 bass drum was without the reality of the drums but was like an enhanced great wave depicted in the Hokusai’s picture. It is with abstraction of the details, but then again, also with dynamic and ideal low sound. It lacks with the attack impact and the release decay of sampling drum reality, but the artists chose its ideality."
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Rare SWTPC Psych Tone 1971 digital analog synthesizer sequencer triadex Muse electronic music Published on Apr 28, 2013 salvadory
Interesting note that this was the first digital sequencer synth prior to the Triadex Muse, the first digital synth.
"First of all my camera is terrible so my apoligies for audio and video-( my camera keeps shutting off even though the power is charged-)
However this is a very rare SWTPC psych tone music composer from 1971 with original magazine article- the only video on youtube as of now - my model is in very good full functioning condition and is a much sought after piece- a precursor to the famous and also rare Triadex Muse-
An interesting missing link in synthesizer development from the early age.... quirky interesting patterns and sound- design way ahead of its time in my opinion- plenty of switches and knobs to make things interesting!"
Looks like a crusty, beat-up KORG Volca in a custom case with speaker. These do come up now and then. You can find some in the archives here. You can find pics of the inside/backside below.
Note the video above is not for this specific listing. You can see it is dated 2013. I found it searching for demos on YouTube. This is the first demo of the SWTPC Psych-tone posted on the site for that matter.
"Glenn Gould's radio programme on the Moog Synthesizer as rebroadcast on May 21, 1969.
0:00 Ken Haslam introduction
0:56 Glenn Gould introducion
5:25 On the Moog Synthesizer: interviews with W. Carlos and Jean Le Moyne
42:06 Glenn Gould conclusion
45:09 Ken Haslam credits
45:26 Ken Haslam introduces J.G. Parr [James Gordon Parr (May 26, 1927 – April 28, 2000)]
45:55 Parr lecture
59:52 Ken Haslam conclusion"
Update: you can find a link to the schematics and user manual further below.
Only one was previously featured back in 2011 for a MOTM sale posted here. According to the seller: "Supposedly the WC stands for Wendy Carlos but I have never been able to verify it. i even contacted Stoney the creator of the Slave and he thinks I am correct BUT he can not find the records in his attic."
Auction description: "I purchased this Slave in 1998. I was not even aware they existed until reading Mark Vail's book 'Vintage Synthesizers'. I am sure that book is what infected a lot of us with the vintage synth BUG.
This is like a rack mount Synergy with more features. You can control the velocity, pitch, and modulation from any vintage or modern midi controller.
The internal board is marked 002 and the hand written serial number has faded or been accidentally wiped off with a misguided spritz of contact cleaner but it also reads 002. The synth is in overall good, un-abused shape with no bent rack ears etc. It does have some very mild rack rash here and there in the typical places but overall it is very clean.
Another one in via M Me. I believe these are the first to be featured on the site. Anyone know when they were produced? I'm not finding them on the EMS Rehberg site.
"EMS Rehberg Analyse-Filterbank B1-II pair (2) available for sale! These units are ultra rare and it’s probably the only chance to find two with matched serial numbers. Both units are just been serviced and in perfect working condition.
The building quality is impressive with those long Penny & Giles faders, Pikatron and Haufe transformers and the Reticon filter chips inside. This are high-end studio effects with a phenomenal sound...
Both units are working on 220v and the serial numbers are: 223 & 224."
This is not click bait, I swear! ;) For those looking for new Elektron products though, this is not it. That said, this might be just as interesting. Well, for those that find vintage-synths-long-lost-in-the-annals-of-history interesting, at least.
To the left you will find a ROCK STAR vintage ad for the Digitone DS1000. Below you will find a video for the Digitone Teclado 44RT. How did we come across these gems?
This is actually a follow-up to this post from back in 2011 for a different ad. The description that went with that post stated it was a DS1000 Giannini Programmable polyphonic synthesizer. Turns out it wasn't. According to a new comment from wmoecke in the comments section of the post, "This synth was created and sold exclusively by DIGITONE, a company owned and operated by Mr. Christóvão Batista da Silva. It never had anything at all to do with Gianinni." Gianinni was another Brazilian brand that re-packaged Siel synths as you can see in these previous posts.
I did a quick image search for DIGITONE DS1000 and found this new, old advert for it. See the previous post for the other ad, and some details. I'm guessing the details are correct minus the mislabel for Gianinni of course.
I then did a quick search for Digitone -elektron for other products and found the 44RT video below. Note the logo is the same cursive style Digitone with the ® on the e as on the DS1000.
If anyone knows more about the Digitone brand and any other products they manufactured, synths or other, let us know!
As I did not know the brand was Digitone prior to this post, I created a new label for them below. I'm also giving this post the New Old labels.
It looks like there was a DIGITONE before Elektron.
Teclado Digitone 44RT Published on Jun 4, 2019
This one appears more preset organ synth with rhythm section than synth. What's BLUMP?
Update via Marcelo Self in the comments:
"As far as I know, yes, Giannini had the license from italian companies. They made a Siel DK60 synth, renamed as GS7010 and Crumar string machine. Digitone was a division of Blump ( or vice versa) which made some preset organs, this synthesizer, DS1000, also comparable to the Poly800 ( or Siel DK60, Giannini GS7010) or Suzuki SX, but without the sequencer, and finally, a hybrid of splitable organ with autothythms and synthesizer section, the Poly SS61. They even thought about relese a system to compete with MIDI, based on paralel port, not serial. Specifically the SS61 sounded really good, rhythms , presets and poly synth part, but according to a local seller, were really not durable. Company stopped to make keyboadrs soon and I never heard about them after. Another Brazilian company which made organ with (solo) synthesizer section ( good) was Gambitt. And Gamasonic produced for a while a small 2 and 1/2 octave mono one with really few parameters, something more like a Prosoloist."
And via vito_mf:
Some years ago I bought a beat-up analog preset drum machine from digitone/blump. It need some heavy cleaning and whatnot so I took it to be serviced. The technician got really exited and he saw it. Turns out he worked at Digitone in the 80's. Last week I took it for some maintenance to another technician who ALSO worked at digitone. He told me they used to make robot pool cleaners in the 80's. But stopped because of poor sealing material. He said digitone instruments were not clones, he designed them himself and kept the schematics in a vault. About 5 years ago, by coincidence, I've met Mr. Batista's daughter. She told me some amazing stories: When he learned that R2D2 was operated by an actor with dwarfism he wrote George Lucas proposing to build a actually working robot. George Lucas wrote him back! (declining). He also built the robot who helped removed and discard the radioactive material in Gioânia in the 90's in what was one of the worst atomic incidents in the world (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goi%C3%A2nia_accident). He did it on his own (no commission etc). When he asked for some compensation the government gave him a pat on the back. He went bankrupt soon after.
This one is in via Brian Kehew who had the following to say:
"I believe this may be the very first 'synthesizer cartoon' from an in-house RCA publication in 1956 (The RCA MkI synthesizer was completed then.)"
If you know of anything earlier, let us know!
P.S. I first thought that was one messed up Santa going after the floating kid with a sword, but it appears he is holding, and offering, a bow and violin. :) Hence the caption of the kid yelling "I wanted a synthesizer!". He must be jumping in anger with his fists clenched. That or he managed to levitate by vibrating at some harmonic frequency only possible with a synthesizer? What's with the spikes in his shadow?
P.P.S. I'm guessing the "COOK" under the tree is the artist's name, that or they missed the IE. Santa wants his cookies.
This one was spotted and sent in via xonox who noticed the following: "No mention is made in the auction but there is AFX scratched on the surface of the machine. According to Ed DMX (DMX Krew), Aphex Twin used one on his early tracks. Interview here. It is not my auction, i have no insider knowledge on anything either. Is it possible it's indeed one of AFX's drum machines or is it some classic AFX prank ?"
The following is the full description from the listing saved for the archives:
"Up for sale a unique extremely rare vintage drum machine. impossible to find it in another place. Many years ago I found this diamond and made the service in a professional workshop. Please note - this is an old gear for the collection and synth enthusiasts, this drum machine is in working condition, but I will not accept any returns and no compensation after the sale - please accept it. These are the first innovative electronic music devices and therefore you can see in the pictures the old technology of plastic coatings and touch buttons have traces of use, but all functions and buttons are well work.- It runs on 220 volt AC.The sound of this beast is very unique, the sound structure and flow are capable of creating incredible emotions and creative potency. The sound is incredibly relevant, I give a detailed description below. The package will be sent internationally, I pack the electronics well — a double strong box and a lot of bubble — look at my seller feedback.
The graphic design reminds me of a KORG Poly-800 meshed with a Poly-61 and Yamaha DX7.
"Up for sale one of the rarest Soviet synth from the late USSR - CADANS S-12. The synth after full profesional service (recapped, tuned, cleaned). riginal Case + 5din to 1/4 TRS jack cable included!
This synth was manufactured In USSR by Tula Musical Factory, it's a one of the first hybrid synth productions in the Soviet period. It are digital but has analog filter and chorus, 64 patches, tape interface, chord memory, 2 independent DCO's, extended envelopes and other parameters.
Cadans has a warm old school synth sound, also can be used for modern timbres, the built-in quality design and unique powerful functions give you a big potential for your ideas and sound creations! It plays better than Poly-800 or Alfa Juno!
Connections (5-din) - Line Out, Tape Interface, External Keyboard Input, Fuse, Ground, Power Cord.
Dimensions (WxDxH): 920cm х 390cm х 95cm
Weight: 13 kg (16,5 kg with Case)"
The DIY Units where built by Sam for use with the SYNTHI!
uses a modified EMS PRESTO PATCH TO INTERCONNECT WITH THE SYNTHI.
Then there's another modified prestopatch with a cable on it.
This is a very cool innovative device for that time. it has historical and museum item. the author took a long time and big work and love to create this complex device.
Please note - since this is an old device, I don't give any guarantees for parts and labor - please = only synthesizer enthusiasts and synth-maniacs, synth-collectors welcome."
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Here's something you definitely do not see every day.
via this auction
. As always, go through eBay for the buyer protection. If you make a deal outside of eBay, you are on your own.
"This is a modified vintage EMS TKS sequencer built into a hand-made transformed wooden case. The device has a lot of modifications, which are unique features that serial sequencers did not have. I will also sell the rest of Sam's system, a unique Randrum and THE PATCH PANEL LOGIC This device was in a smoking studio so there is a smell of tobacco. This is a very cool innovative device for that time. it has historical and museum item. the author took a long time and big work and love to create this complex device."
"In which I demonstrate and make music with a Tektronix Type 160 modular oscilloscope, which makes for a fantastic sounding tube synthesizer. Perfect for heroes of the wasteland."
Update: video is back. I switched to their YouTube upload thinking it would be a better option long term for the archives, but apparently not.
Update2: bonus video on YouTube while it's up:
Web Extra: Buchla Model 100 Synthesizer at Cal State University East Bay
Published on May 23, 2019 KPIX CBS SF Bay Area
"Here more about the groundbreaking musical instrument at Cal State University East Bay and what it can do. Interviews with retired professor and composer William R. Shannon, electronic music pioneer Suzanne Ciani, musician and Buchla representative Joel Davel, and CSUEB Associate Professor Inés Thiebaut."
This one is in via Brian Comnes. The legend of the CSU Hayward acid/LSD soaked vintage Buchla 100 is true. Apparently it was dipped in LSD back in the 60s. It wasn't clear, however, if all panels or just the red one was dipped. You can find some additional pics of the infamous CSU Hayward Buchla 100 here. BTW, this was likely some Owsley Stanley LSD.
Left image via Todd Barton: "I love that the red panel is a 156 Control Voltage Processor which can blend, invert and mix up to 6 different CVs! You’re only as trippy as your CVs. Oh, and I love the squiggly line pattern on the faceplate 🤩"
"SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) — For years, an urban legend circulated online and in documentaries, purporting how part of a groundbreaking musical instrument — versions which are stored at a Bay Area university and other institutions — was dipped in a psychedelic drug.
Online chatter detailed how musicians who used the instrument would wet their finger, touch the device, and then lick their finger to get a little bit of mind-expanding inspiration.
Now this supposed myth may turn out to be a reality.
—
At the helm of KPIX Television, Broadcast Operations Manager Eliot Curtis tackles all sorts of technical problems to keep Channel 5 on the air. Recently however, a strange electrical transmission threw him for a loop. It happened inside his brain.
“It was … felt like I was tripping on LSD,” remarked Curtis.
It turns out that Curtis was indeed tripping on the infamous psychedelic drug known as lysergic acid diethylamide, or LSD for short. He got dosed by accident at home in his workshop — in front of his wife.
“I think it’s super wild. I think this whole situation is a nice chapter in the history of the counter culture,” commented Curtis’ wife Holly.
"In the 1960s musician and designer Don Buchla was among the first wave of enthusiasts to imagine and invent the modern synthesizer as we know it today. In their RBMA lectures Buchla and his acolyte Morton Subotnick, alongside fellow designers Bob Moog, Dave Smith and Tom Oberheim, recall these early days while Suzanne Ciani and Joan La Barbara reflect on the futurism of Buchla's unique approach."
Update: it looks like today is Don Buchla's birthday.
"Today we celebrate the birthday of west-coast synth maverick Don Buchla, whose distinctive design perspective has helped to build the foundation for modern experimental synthesis and continues to inspire new sounds ⚡️."
Moving this one on top for a little bit considering. This post originally went up at 12:15.
Auction description: "I purchased this Slave in 1998. I was not even aware they existed until reading Mark Vail's book 'Vintage Synthesizers'. I am sure that book is what infected a lot of us with the vintage synth BUG.
"Up for sale one of the rarest Soviet synth from the late USSR - CADANS S-12. The synth after full profesional service (recapped, tuned, cleaned). riginal Case + 5din to 1/4 TRS jack cable included!
This synth was manufactured In USSR by Tula Musical Factory, it's a one of the first hybrid synth productions in the Soviet period. It are digital but has analog filter and chorus, 64 patches, tape interface, chord memory, 2 independent DCO's, extended envelopes and other parameters.
