MATRIXSYNTH: Search results for CHECKMATE


Showing posts sorted by relevance for query CHECKMATE. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query CHECKMATE. Sort by date Show all posts

Sunday, October 19, 2025

Rare Vintage KORG KEIO (?) CHECKMATE Drum Machine

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



via this Reverb listing

This appears to be the first one to be featured on the site. It looks a bit like the Wexler ROCKMATE. Teisco made a CHECKMATE keyboard. You can fhand a handful of posts mentioning CHECKMATE here.

Details via the listing:

"A vintage Checkmate drum machine, a true gem from the early days of rhythm boxes. This unit is as much a visual statement as it is a piece of music history: with its golden front panel and large knobs, it’s a guaranteed eye-catcher in any studio or collection.

Fully serviced: all electrolytic capacitors have been replaced, ensuring reliable operation.

Everything works as it should – all rhythms, switches, and controls have been tested.

Runs on a single 9V battery inside the unit, making it portable and hassle-free.

About the Checkmate

The Checkmate belongs to the family of early preset rhythm machines from the late 1960s/early 1970s, often linked with Korg’s DoncaMatic line. These units were designed for accompaniment but quickly became collectible for their quirky analog character and stunning design.

Limited but charming selection of preset rhythms.

Simple analog sound circuitry with a warm, nostalgic tone.

Rarely seen today, making it highly desirable for collectors of vintage drum machines.

Why You’ll Love It

While it won’t replace a modern drum computer in terms of versatility, the Checkmate delivers something unique:

A rare piece of music history that shaped the early years of electronic rhythm.

Unmatched aesthetics – the gold panel and oversized knobs look fantastic both in use and as a display piece.

Collector’s must-have – these machines are increasingly hard to find in good working order.

If you’re a vintage synth/drum machine enthusiast, this is a rare opportunity to own a serviced and working Checkmate drum machine. Perfect as a collector’s item, studio conversation piece, or source of authentic retro rhythms."

Monday, July 11, 2022

Teisco Del Rey Teischord D Checkmate

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


via this auction

This appears to be the first post to feature the D. You can find other Teischords including different models in previous posts here.

Note the Teisco "Del Ray" logo below.

Pics of the inside below including a schematic. Curiuos if it actualy shipped that way or if the owner placed it there later.

Details from the listing:

"Teischord D Checkmate
Good condition, yellowing on white keys due to age. This thing sounds like The Munsters theme music could’ve been played on it. Super cool, super rare!

Controls:
• Tuning knob

Vibrato: Vibrato speed (knob), Vibrato On/Off, Vibrato Full

• Bass: Solo-to-Bass, Wood, Brass, String, Volume (knob)

Solo section: Bass Cla.16', Flute 8', Trumpet 8', Sax 8', Piccolo 4', Violin 4', Volume (knob)"

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Wexler ROCKMATE Vintage Analog Drum Synthesizer


via eBay

"It is a "Rockmate", distributed by David Wexler & Co. of Chicago, IL, and manufactured in Japan... There is a central knob for selecting pitch (A, B, C, D, E or F), a tempo control to the left, and a SW-VOL knob to the right. At far right, there's a START/STOP button and a "SOLO" button. Apparently the latter has three settings, it shows quarter notes, eighth notes and sixteenth notes. On top, there are two inputs (START-STOP and SOLO) and one audio output (AMP-SW), all are 1/4" standard jack. There's also a port for an AC adapter; however it appears to run on a 9-volt battery as well... Measures 7.5" x 7.5", by 1-1/4" deep (excluding the rubber feet), it is housed in a bright red enameled-steel case and is quite heavy for its size. The face is gold-toned brushed aluminum." Anyone know more about this one? BTW, click on the multi-shot for a larger image.

Update via the world of next tuesday in the comments: "Never saw a Wexler before. It's a rebadged Keio Donca Matic Rock Mate, which I think is fair to say is the first portable drum machine, 1966. Keio Guutsu Kenkyujo became Korg based on Keio Organs later. I've seen a West German(?) rebadged version called a Checkmate too. Oddly the Europeans re-oriented the unit 90 degrees from the Keio and the similar Wexler. So the knobs are on the right rather than top, but is the same hardware as far as I can tell."

Friday, September 25, 2015

Moog Sub 37 and Maschine: Face the Funk


Published on Mar 1, 2015 Mic Checkmate

"A quick 1 minute video getting into the awesome Moog Sub 37 analog synth with the Maschine Studio. Having a nice time with a funky hip hop beat.

Check me out at http://www.miccheckmate.com/"
http://www.moogmusic.com/products/phattys/sub-37

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Teisco Checkmate Teischord B

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction

Bass
Vibrato
Flute
Clarinet
Trumpet
Sax
Violin

Thursday, December 06, 2012

Final Set of A-Z of Analogue Synthesisers

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

via this auction

The listing is from the author Peter Forrest who states this is likely the last set.  These are great books and imo the most comprehensive.  Click on the pics to get an idea of what they are like.  Peter also has other items listed including The Museum of Synthesizer Technology and Synthesizer von Gestern II.

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