Vintage Drum Machine Demos & Book - RHYTHM MACHINES The Rise and Fall of the Presets

video upload by Momtnz

"RHYTHM MACHINES - The Rise And Fall Of the Presets - by Alex Graham

Rhythm machines – the precursor to what we in the modern age refer to as a drum machine. This book documents the emergence of the preset pattern electronic rhythm instruments that (for a time) were used as a viable alternative to the drummer. Contained within are the Rhythmates, Rhythm Aces, Rhythm Boxes, Rhythmers, Rhythm Kings, Rhythm Masters, Donca Matics, Mini Pops and many more. Nearly three hundred rhythm instruments are documented here, with over two hundred pictures and information provided on their country of origin, instrument sounds, patterns and features. The book is a ‘must have’ for collectors, vintage instrument enthusiasts and recording artists.

For information on purchasing this unique book, follow the links here:

https://www.amazon.com/Rhythm-Machine...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rhythm-Machi..."
video uploads by Momtnz

This is one massive playlist of 68 videos. You can use the player controls to skip around.
The Godwin DM32 gets my vote for best looking rhythm machine.

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1969: What Is ELECTRONIC MUSIC? | Workshop | Radiophonic Workshop | BBC Archive

video upload by BBC Archive

Be sure to check out 3:59 on. I won't give it away, but it's interesting they had the same views back then. Note 7:33 for a glimpse of what would come. Finally also see this post for Daphne Oram's Oramics and her Bird of Parallax. See the Oramics label for more.

"What is electronic music? How is it produced?

Desmond Briscoe - the head of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop - enlists the help of Daphne Oram, David Cain and John Baker to explain the fundamentals of synthesised sound.

This clip is from Workshop: The Same Trade As Mozart, originally broadcast 3 August, 1969.

You have now entered the BBC Archive, a time machine that will transport you back to the golden age of tv to educate, entertain and enlighten you with classic tv clips from the BBC vaults."

Doobie Rhythmini FR-112 preset rhythm drum machine

video upload by Harry Axten

Note this is the first post to feature Doobie and the Rhythmini. If you know more about either, feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this post.

"Thought I'd record a brief demo of what this somewhat rare machine sounds like prior to selling it - not that it's anything particularly special. It's based around the Sanyo LM8972, so will have the same patterns as every other rhythm machine that uses this IC.

Not much known about the company other than it was made in Japan, presumably in the late 1970s. Possibly related to the Newport Rhythm Sound, which looks visually similar."

Lyre Inc. FDSS Studio Additive Synthesizer + Resynthesis

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

via this auction

This is the first post to feature both Lyre inc. and the FDSS Studio Additive Synthesizer. It was spotted and sent in via M Me. The listing, images, and info is from Synthmaster.de, posted here with permission.

Details from the listing:

"I am offering my ultra mega rare Lyre FDSS Studio.

The FDSS is an additive synthesizer with analysis and resynthesis function from 1987

The technical data is on the last picture in the web, you can find almost nothing about it

Ultra rare , as far as I know less than 50 devices have been built , only three have been delivered to Europe .

This synthesizer was available as an 8 or 16 voice version,
The 8-voice version was always the basic version, which could be expanded to include a further 8 voices out of 16.

Like the famous Technos Acxel synthesizer, the Lyre
FDSS synthesizer also designed and built in Quebec / Canada.

You had to operate it via a terminal, similar to the

Synclavier, Synergy or Kurzweil K150FS.

Software was and is included for PC and Apple Mac

Mac could be connected directly and with the PC you needed a card (ISA is included)

price, no idea.....

with such rare things "whatever someone is willing to pay" applies :-))

or exchange for vintage synthesizer?"

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Skyline Pioanotronic 61

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

via this auction

Controls for Tune, Bass, Pianos, Piano, Clavichord, Timbre, Phase, Phase Rate, Phase Reactance, Output Level..

"If you've never heard one, here's a nice description: 'piano sounds like a square wave mixed with a sawtooth, the clavichord is a pulse wave, and the bass is a square wave, very short and percussive and electronic sounding. Best sound....piano mixed with clav with phase on - instant Kraftwerk,'"

Note this is the first post to feature the Pioanotronic 61.

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National KX-33 Panakit

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

via this auction

Another one spotted by M Me.

Note the only ins and outs are on the front panel. It appears to be some sort of drum machine sequencer. If you know and/or can translate the controls, let us know in the comments below.

National (Panasonic) also made the RF-1300 and SY-50 Rhythm Machines as seen in previous posts.

Update: See the comments at the bottom of this post for more.

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The Surprising Musicality of a Telephone Line Simulator

video upload by HAINBACH

You can find the post HAINBACH mentions with pics here.

"Of all the instruments in my studio filled with many obscure things, this is the one that draws most peoples attention: the vintage telephone line simulator by Axel Electronics. It looks rather disco for a piece of test equipment, with its Battlestar Galactica golden color. In this video I put it through its many surprising musical applications.

SOUNDPACKS, MUSIC and LOVE: http://patreon.com/hainbach"

MI, Inc. Automatic Bass Computer 1 Rhythm Machine SN 1198

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

via this auction

This appears to be the first post to feature MI, Inc. and the Automatic Bass Computer

Front panel controls:

Volume knob

9' Flute
String Bass
16' Flute
16' Tuba
Sust.
Perc.
Sig... Count...
6/6 8
4/4 4
2/4 2
Shuf 5
Rock 5
Latin 3 3

Mode
Norm
Foot
Auto

Back IO:

Rhythmer In
Rhythmer Out
Bass Audio
Power Switch

Made in Waco, Texas, USA

PPG 380/340b/340a Listed for $77,959.62

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

via this auction

"This is by far one of the rarest synthesizers ever built! only 5 left and 1 is known to be working!

has a one of a kind upgrade wich enables you to either use rhe Tapes or Waveterm A as the software loader! the Wavetetm software is the ultra rare ASK wave cutter software! included are also the original casettes, VDU, Keyboard and a one of a kind Apple II cable! if you buy it without the waveterm A, you will get a 10k discount.... it also works without the waveterm A. keep in mind i never used the tapes! no guarantees! can also allow you to connect a wave 2.0 to the 380 and trigger ut via auxillary sends!!!!

there is a high possibility that this system belonged to tangerine dream!

you will never ever have a chance to buy it again unless you decide to get it now! it works and loads all the software."

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New Distortions - an EMS Sound Study

video upload by zack dagoba

BENGE
FORMS 14
"New Distortions"

Available NOW on Benge's Bandcamp page: https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com/album...

This sound study was created on electronic instruments made by British synthesiser manufacturer EMS. The specific items used were as follows:

Polysynthi
VCS3 Mk1
Dual Synthi AKS (known as The Crystal Machine)
TKS Sequencer
8-Octave Filter Bank
Pitch To Voltage Converter
Random Signal Generator
Dual High Pass Filter

Note that the Polysynthi has an analogue delay unit which can be accessed via an external input

No other instruments or sound processors were used in this composition

The video was created by Benge at the Memetune VideoLab. The following equipment was used:

Panasonic WJ-MX50 (x 2)
Grass Valley Indigo Video Switcher
Sony DSR DR1000 DVCAM HD Recorder
Sony DSR500 Video Camera
Davinci Resolve

Written and recorded by Benge (BD Edwards) at Memetune Studios, UK


(c)+(p) 2023 MemeSongs

Creation Modular Systems - Red 909 & 808 Red Rack Based Modular Drum System

via @KleineMusic, via @emptyvesselnz

"Anyone know anything about this? a modular drum unit with all analogue versions of the TR909 Bass/Snare/Clap/HH and a TR808 Bass/Snare....."

Modules from left to right:

TR-909 BASS ms-9 w/ Level, Tune, Attack, and Decay knobs
TR-909 SNARE ms-9 w/ Lvel, Tune, Snap, and Tone knobs
TR-909 CLAP ms-9 w/ Level knob
TR-909 HiHAT ms-6 w/ Level, Tune, OH Decay, and CH knobs
TR-808 BASS ms-8 w/ Level, Tone, and Decay knobs
TR-808 SNARE ms-8 w/ Level, Tone, and Snappy knobs
PROFESSIONAL DRUM - SYSTEM - modular systems - blank panel
PROFESSIONAL DRUM - SYSTEM control panel with Limited logo, MAIN volume knob, ON switch, an additional knob with button, three TRIGGER LEDs w/ buttons, and a small display with an additional button.

It's interesting that the TR-909 HiHat has a ms-6 label rather than ms-9.

Note there are no patch points. It almost looks like a Clavia (Nord) prototype rack drum system. It does appear to be 3U high like eurorack. Could be a nicely done DIY system.

This appears to be the first post to feature Modular Systems on the site. If anyone knows anything about them, let us know! Thanks to @emptyvesselnz for bringing this to our attention. Whenever I think I've captured it all after 15 years of running the site, something new old pops up. See the New Old label below for more.

Update: two new pics in via @KleineMusic. You can see the brand name on back is Creation Modular Systems. You can see individual outs, main stereo outs, MIDI In, Thru, Thru-1, Thru-2, and 3 trigger outs, and AC 230 V socket on back.

Micks Old ETI Analog Synthesizer

video upload by watikura

"Testing my old homemade 1975 synthesizer after cleaning, repairs and restoration. It's been sitting gathering dust and grime for about forty years but still works, just need to iron out a few more bugs still."

11 Con Brio - Bizarre Sequence

video upload by Con Brio Synthesizers

"These sounds play atonally with this sequence, seemingly ideal for a weird film scene."

See the Con Brio label below for more.

Super Rare Yamaha AWM Voice Expander AVX-1 w/ Loadable Voice Carts

Some pics of the super rare Yamaha AVX1 Voice Expander in via M Me.

Note this is different than the Yamaha FVX-1. This is the AWM Voice Expander. This is the first post to feature pics of the AVX-1. It was only mentioned briefly once before on the site here. I'm not finding any videos on YouTube. If anyone knows more about these feel free to let us know.

Note the pull-out slot for AWM Voice Pack carts.

I can make out the following carts:
LoSTRINGS 1 1/2
LoSTRINGS 1 2/2
AVP-001
AVP-002
AVP-003
AVP-004
AVP-007

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Bandmaster Ltd. Scotland, BMI Powerhouse 8 Track Tape Based Rhythm Machine

video upload by Audio Animals Studio

Note: this post started with the pics below spotted and sent in via M Me. This is the first post to feature one.

Video description:

"Download all audio recordings and VST of Bandmaster Powerhouse here : http://www.audioanimals.co.uk/shop/sa...

We originally purchased the Bandmaster Powerhouse in order to sample it and create a VST and wav sample pack. Now we have completed doing so we are looking to sell the unit as the VST we have created is essentially an identical emulation of the hardware. The tapes include the following recordings. If you are interested in purchasing the Bandmaster Powerhouse drum machine in physical for you can do so via our website here : http://www.audioanimals.co.uk/shop/st...

Tape 1 - Quickstep / Shuffle / Twist / Funky Beat
Tape 2 - Old Time Waltz / Jazz Waltz / 12/8 Rhythm / Modern Waltz
Tape 3 - Slow Foxtrot / Tango / Pasadoble / Bolero
Tape 4 - Samba / Mambo / Meringue / Calypso
Tape 5 - Rhumba / Cha-Cha / Bossa Nova / Beguine
Tape 6 - March / Polka / 6/8 Rhythm / Jig
Tape 7 - Motown Slowbeat / Latin Slowbeat
Tape 8 - Latin Rock / Rock Rhythm / Cuban Rock / Glitter Rock"

Controls:
4 Modes per tape
Balance
Mains On
Volume
Mute
Mon.
Comp.
Basic
Mode Tempo
Footswitch jack on back

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Rare POLYMOOG Road Kit with Original Box

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

via this auction

I've never scene one of these before. Interesting bit of synth history.

From the listing: "NEW OLD STOCK 1980 Moog Polymoog Road Kit parts case. It is complete, obviously untested and sold as is."

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Vintage Cretone Rhythm Maker

This one was spotted here and sent in via M Me.

"Cretone/Teisco Rhythm Maker, Very rare drum computer. This one has had a recap of all electrolytes, but the rhythms that come out are not correct and I think a transistor is no longer working properly, it starts to crack after a while. Amplifier section works well."

This is the first post to feature the Cretone brand and Rhythm Maker. If you know more about them, let us know!

Rare Dynacord ADS-K Keyboard Sampler

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

via this auction

This one was spotted and sent in via M Me.

This appears to be the first one to be featured on the site. Also see the Dynacord ADD-two.

From the listing:

"Here comes the rare keyboard version of the ADS, namely the ADS-K, under the hammer!

The ADS/ADS-K dates back to 1989 and raised the 16-bit bar a little higher with 20-bit converters. On the one hand, the ADS ties in with Dynacord's drum sampler history and, on the other hand, with their PA products (the well-known DRP-20 dates from the same time).

Extremely slick 80s design. Is - for my taste - only topped by the white version. But I've never seen them for sale. But the black version is also impressive. Who owns a Dynacord keyboard!?

Can also be used as a master keyboard due to the good synth keyboard and the large contact surface for computer keyboards or similar.

The features:
- 16bit with 20bit D/A converter
- Stereo sampling
- 16 votes
- 2MB, expandable to 8MB
- reads S-900 floppy disks (but I was never able to try it due to the lack of the sampler mentioned)
- Re-sampling (can sample itself)
- Additive synthesis with 64 harmonics
- Modulation matrix (see pictures; That's right, we also know it from another device, especially from the ramp generators. The software was said to have been programmed by the same gentlemen.)
- Internal mixer with loop-in path
- Individual outputs
- SCSI connection (I haven't been able to try that before, but it should still work)
- Good synth keyboard with effective dynamic conversion
- more features: see Internet

Unfortunately, the 33 years have left the following traces:

- The top two buttons are broken and beyond repair. I took them out of service and temporarily glued them on for cosmetic reasons. Didn't turn out that well - you can see a slight difference in height in the pictures. I hope the construction survives the transport.

- The upper right segment of the right 7-segment display is defective. You can see that in the pictures. "00" should be displayed. But that doesn't matter when playing, because you primarily look at the display and the button labels.

- The lower octave keys are slightly yellowed.

Scope of delivery:
- Dynacord ADS-K
- Original box
- Power cord
- Disks with sounds (unfortunately some of them are no longer readable)
- Leftovers/components of the two defective keys"

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NOS 1982 Octave Voyetra One Mylar Front Panel

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

via this auction

Note, this appears to be the first mention of the Voyetra One on the site.

"This mylar front panel was made in 1982 by Octave-Plateau for their Voyetra One synthesizer that was never manufactured. This is a rare collector's item for any fan of the Voyetra Eight synthesizer and would look great framed and displayed on the wall of a studio. The layout clearly shows the complex voice architecture of the Voyetra Eight, which is not obvious from looking at the Voyetra Eight front panel.

This item is New Old Stock (NOS) and is covered with a protective film as shipped from the factory. The back has an adhesive covered with a paper protector and the manufacturer's sticker shows it was made on March 22, 1982.

The Voyetra One was originally intended to be a programmer for the Voyetra Eight but it was abandoned when Octave-Plateau decided instead to make a software voice editor for the IBM PC. For more information on the Voyetra One and Voyetra Eight, Google 'Fandom Voyetra Eight Synthesizer'."

Rare BME Rattlesnare drummachine HQ direct sound!!

video upload by Remco Rones

"I had only 15 minutes with this rare drummachine, synced it to my SH-101 clone and recorded some quick stuff. The low end sounds really great."

This is the first post to feature the BME Rattlesnare.