The Massive Sound Of An Experimental Soviet Drum Machine

video upload by HAINBACH

This appears to be the first post to feature the RMIF ES-2-5.

"The RMIF ES-2-5 is an experimental drum machine that was made in Riga, Latvia, in the last days of the Soviet Union (1991). It was an attempt at re-creating the Roland TR-808, but was hampered by the lack of microchip technology available. RMIF abandoned the project after only a testing run of 30 units where made. One rare surviving example found its way to my studio in a sorry state. I had it restored to better then new condition, as I feel it is a piece of instrument history. And it sounds so very very heavy and melancholic.

PATRONS get sounds of the ES-2-5: http://patreon.com/hainbach"

00:00 Unboxing
01:08 First Track: With Maestro
02:30 Second Track: Solo ES-2-5
03:27 A Closer Look
05:31 Third Track: FX
06:22 The Sequencer
07:41 History Time
09:16 The Competition At The Time
09:50 Relevance Today

Shamballah (K7) Recording in SANYO KBX-7 WIRELESS SYNTHESIZER KEYBOARD RADIO CASSETTE 80'S

video upload by AMYR VON BATHEL CANTUSIO JR ALPHA III PROJECT

"SANYO KBX-7 WIRELESS SYNTHESIZER KEYBOARD RADIO CASSETTE 80'S VINTAGE (Curiosities)
MUSIC BY AMYR CANTUSIO JR( 1990) Kanx K7(cassete tape)
Music I produced, recorded in K7 on this device. I already had one. The little keyboard separates from the radio but the sound is WIRELESS (ie the keyboard itself has no sound output, but comes out via "remote" through the radio speakers ) bluetooth type.
Radio sound is fantastic and above all, the Keyboard records audio in K7 (cassette tape) with great definition!
With the Audio output of the Headphones vc. you can plug in an amplifier and use the Keyboard signals for a P.A. with great possibilities. The keyboard is not a wave synthesizer, but similar to Casio Portátil with K7 recorder."

Note this is the first post to feature the SANYO KBX-7. I found the following pics of a white one on eBay.

via this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »

Rob Rosen Reveals His Ultimate Synth Collection

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

A look inside the Yamaha CS80, the 14th ever made Sequential Prophet-5, a Rev 1, and a Roland Juno-106, touching on some of the evolution of analog synthesis technology over the years.

"I hope you enjoy this rare opportunity to visit with my close friend Rob Rosen for a deep dive into his ultimate vintage synth collection. Together, we’ll see inside some of the rarest synthesizers of all-time and learn from this master technician how synthesizers have evolved, what makes them tick and why synthesizers make such cool sounds!

I consider Rob’s shop @Rosen Sound ground zero for anything relating to synthesizers. It’s also the biggest wonderland of vintage synths in perfect working order that you’ll ever see .

Rob is a self-taught technician and is now the world leader for repair, restoration, custom manufacturing and sales of vintage synthesizers. He’s also quite an accomplished musician programmer and keyboard player as well."

Chapter Time Stamps:
00:00:01 Intro Anthony on the street in Burbank, CA
00:01:55 Entering Inside Rosen Sound
00:02:06 Meeting “P” from Chromeo and The Rosen Sound Team
00:03:06 Rob shows us his personal work space
00:11:42 Montage of Synths - Start
00:12:35 Montage of Synths - End
00:12:36 Anthony and Rob in “The Cabin” - a wonderland of vintage synths
00:13:42 Anthony explains and demonstrates features on the CS-80
00:20:36 CS-80 “Under the Hood” in-depth tour by Rob
00:53:31 Prophet 5 “Under the Hood” in-depth tour by Rob
01:12:50 Anthony Demonstrates some of the Juno 106 sounds
01:19:27 Juno-106 “Under the Hood” in-depth tour by Rob
01:28:54 One-of-a-Kind Oberheim Modular 8 Voice System tour by Rob
01:35:31 Anthony asks Rob 20 Questions about Synthesizers
01:39:09 Rob asks Anthony some Questions about Synthesizers
01:49:47 Bass Shootout: 1973 Moog System 55 VS ARP 2600
01:54:54 Shoot Out Conclusion and Bass Tips

The first recording with Minimoog synthesizer - Sun Ra – ‘My Brother The Wind’ (1970)

video upload by George Greene

"The first recording with Minimoog synthesizer (Model B prototype) - Sun Ra And His Astro Infinity Arkestra – ‘My Brother The Wind’ (1970)

In 1969, Sun Ra had recorded on Moog Modular synthesizer at the New York midtown studio of Gershon Kingsley. Those recordings were issued on My Brother the Wind, Vol. 1 (although it was not titled 'Vol. 1'— it only achieved that reference after 'Vol. 2' appeared). The following year, drummer Tommy Hunter arranged a meeting between Sun Ra and synth pioneer Robert Moog in upstate Trumansburg, New York. Bob and his crew were testing prototypes of the Minimoog at that time, inviting Sun Ra to explore its sounds. A recording of this test session was made and, although not originally intended for commercial release, partly released many years later in 1992 (My Brother the Wind, Vol. 2, CD tracks 7-11: The Wind Speaks, Sun Thoughts, Journey to the Stars, World of the Myth 'I', The Design - Cosmos II). But more significantly, it was during this visit that Moog loaned Sun Ra a prototype Minimoog (Model B), several months before the commercial instrument (Model D) was introduced in March 1970. Ra immediately added the instrument to his repertoire of keyboards, later acquired a second, and featured the Minimoog prominently on many of his recordings of the early 1970s. Sun Ra sometimes played two Minimoogs at the same time to achieve a duophonic synthesizer sound.

#ElectronicMusic #SunRa #Minimoog #MyBrotherTheWind #BobMoog #Synthesizer

All rights belong to their respective owners."

You can find dditional posts mentioning Sun Ra and the Minimoog here.

You can find Sun Ra – ‘My Brother The Wind’ on Amazon here.

Found this one updating this old post, after posting AutomaticGainsay's The History of the Minimoog Prototypes. Down the rabbit hole I went...

Keith Richards Play a Synthesizer - 1969

video upload by TheMaximumVolumeable

Super Rare 1973 Caravan Synth | Vintage Analog Synthesiser | Made in Italy | Similar to Vox Jaguar

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

"(Video) Serviced Super Rare 1973 Caravan Synth | Vintage Analog Synthesiser | Made in Italy | Similar to Vox Jaguar | 49 Keys, 4 Voices, Vibrato, Chorus Bass | Built-in Speakers | Legs included"

via this auction

"'You know that new sound you been looking’ for?… Well listen to this!'

- Chuck’s cousin, Marvin Berry

Check out the video we've done running through some of the sounds produced by the 4 voices, vibrato and bass chorus. We also do a volume pot test, vibrato pot test, chromatic test follwed by a brief demo. We mic'd up the built-in speaker with a Shure SM-57 for the video but there is an external output for use with amplifiers etc.

Condition:

Excellent cosmetic condition and fully functioning. Recently serviced (19/07/23). Legs are included."

CLICK FOR MORE »

7/16/23 The sound of a Viscount PCM 64S dying :(please send schematics :)

video upload by Cfpp0

This appears to be the first post to feature the Viscount PCM 64S.

"This rare and feature-packed (trigger in, out, individual snare out, footswitch jacks for break, clap, and start, volume knobs for six categories, 2 clap variation buttons, three percussion cancel buttons) preset pattern drum machine worked fine every time. Yet it wasn’t getting used enough and was put in a storage box and listed on Reverb. It sold, so it got pulled out for a final test (as one does) before shipping. What evil invisible specter lived in that box? Not sure, but it flew this Viscount over the cookoo’s nest and now this once glorious machine just ratchets and glitches. I opened it up and saw no bulging or leaking capacitors or obvious issues. We have a tech who is willing to fix it, and the previous buyer is still willing to buy it once it’s fixed, but we have no schematic. Viscount was an Italian company and restoration of antiquity is one of the many things at which Italians excel. So, if you have a schematic, posso avere? Ti prego!"

Update:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Museum Of Synthesizer Technology , Analog Heaven Featuring Bob Moog

video uploads by wutierson

Also see Museum Of Synthesizer Technology DVD B-Roll footage

Mr. Martin Newcomb's Museum of Synthesizer Technology mid-1990's.

Note the plaque in the opening reads: "This Museum Was Opened By DR R.A. Moog On 29th July 1994" [4th video in the playlist above]

There was also a book dedicated to the museum you can find in previous posts here.

The Secret Of The Overtone Synthesizer

video upload by HAINBACH

"A unit with no markings and a hearsay history found its way into my studio. It is unique and wonderful, but shrouded in mystery. I show what it can do, but can you help me uncover it's history? Featuring @HANGINGOUTWITHAUDIOPHILES aka Jamie Lidell

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

Cyclon Ltd. ME Analog Synthesizer

video upload by Chris Chrome

"80er Jahre DIY Synthesizer, Projekt"

Note there are two videos in the playlist above that appear to be the same. Including both in case one is removed. Use the player controls to skip to the next video if the first disappears. I also captured a few screenshots below. Click on them to zoom in. That out of the way, if anyone has any additional info feel free to leave a comment. This is the first post to feature Cyclon Ltd on the site. It appears to be a prototype and/or DIY, but who knows... If you know, leave a comment. Note the center Cyclon appears to be CYCCON, but you can see elsewhere on the synth it is Cyclon.

Check out the New Old label for other rare and older synths making their first featured on the site.
Check out the Exclusive label for posts featuring the rare of the rare. There is of course some overlap.

CLICK FOR MORE »

WAVE KIT SA13 1980 DIY Analog Synthesizer

video upload by Time Tripper

"This is an analog synthesizer that I made when I was in high school.
At that time, it was a transition period from analog to digital, and soon the era of personal computers began. I think this was the last time I touched analog circuits.

WAVE KIT SA13
・2 VCO
・BPF VCF
・ADSR/AR
・NOISE(W/P)
・LFO
・VCA

#AnalogSynth #Electronics #Synthesizer #Synth #DIY

高校生の時に自作したアナログ・シンセサイザーです。
当時はアナログからデジタルの過渡期で、程なくしてパソコンの時代になりました。
アナログ回路に接したのはこれが最後だったと思います。

#アナログシンセ #電子工作 #シンセサイザー #シンセ #DIY"

Quasimidi Caruso 4-part Sound Module

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

Never seen one of these before - this is the first post to feature the Caruso, spotted in the listing below. I did a quick search for one on Youtube and found the video above from 7 years ago.

via this auction

"Very rare Quasimidi Caruso rack module. This is a 4-part sound module layering exceptional organs, accordions, brass, strings, and keyboard sounds. Very intuitive interface and easy to program.

Specs

20 Voice polyphony with 4-part Multitimbral

M.A.S.S. (Multi Algorithm Sound Synthesis) Quasimidi Sound Engine

512 sounds and 612 performances (512 ROM and 100 RAM), where the 100 sounds in RAM are fully editable.

2 independent integrated multi-effects: 1) reverb, echo 2) chorus, flanger, phaser, rotary, echo, distortion

Digital Rotary Effect

Ensemble Effect (Intelligent Melody Harmonizer)

MIDI IN / OUT / THRU"

CLICK FOR MORE »

German Rackmount Yamaha TG77, TG33, CPX, Synthax RACKWare RG 124 & Kawai MAV-8

via this auction

This one was spotted and sent in via M Me.

Interesting rig. You'll find a picture of the back below with the TG33. This is the first post to feature the Hybrid Arts CPX computer module. Hybrid Arts also made the ADAP SOUNDTRACK SAMPLER ADAP-1. If anyone has any info on the CPX, feel to leave a comment. Curious if it's simply a computer with an editor for the TG77 and TG33, or it's own synth/sample playback module. Take a look at the back below. The Synthax RACKWare RG 124 appears to be the monitor for the system, and the Kawai MAV-8 is a midi patchbay.

It's interesting to see the TG77 and TG33 in a different enclosure.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Williams Synthesiser?

video upload by matrixsynth via Andrew

Update: video above added along with new pics below, via Andrew.

"Explored the internals and it doesn't appear to be a Maplin kit, but looks like a DIY/Handmade."

Andrew went on to mention "It looks like a Dewtron DIY system. The controls are similar to that of the Apollo." [see this post]

This one is in via Andrew.

Note the WilliamSynthsizer on the top right, the 7 x 10 patchpay on the lower right, the massive 12 x 19 patchbay on the left, and the keyboard controller. I thought it might be a Maplin. If so, some massive custom work went into it. It could also be ralated to this synth from 1973's Wireless World magazine. There was also a custom white 5600s which has a larger patchbay compared to the standard square found on most Maplins. Note the one on this Williams Synthesiser is much larger. I could not find a matching keyboard controller.

Andrew plans to open it up and take a look at the inside. He also plans to take more pics. I'll put up a new post when they come in. Until then, if you know what this is, or have any guesses, let us know!

CLICK FOR MORE »

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.

CLICK FOR MORE »

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?"

CLICK FOR MORE »

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.

CLICK FOR MORE »

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.

CLICK FOR MORE »