Maestro USS-1 A

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"Maestro USS – 1A Synthesizer System is one of the most recognizable synth/multi-effect until of all guitarists. It made by Oberheim Electronics, Santa Monica, and Ca 90401 from early 70’s manufactured for Maestro Division of Chicago, Musical Instrument Company. It has a large analog box (22"x11"x9") with six effects: Wave Form, Filter, Sample & Hold, Phase Shift, Envelope and Sub-Harmonic which has six cools switches color coded with eight sliders on the front panel."

Maestro USS-1 guitar synthesizer system

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via the seller: "Maestro USS-1 guitar synthesizer system. I bought it in the mid-1970s from Apex Music in San Diego (wonder where they went?). Reputedly designed by Oberheim for Maestro/Gibson. A real monster of an effects unit, way before the modular flexibility of Boss, Roland, Electro-Harmonix, etc. I used it on several records in the late 1970s-early 1980s at which time it go pre-empted by rack gear (all of which now thankfully is gone). It's been sitting around in the closet basically ever since. Cosmetically it is in EXC- condition as depicted with a few light scratches top bottom front back sides. As was the fashion of the time I engraved my name, social security number and driver's license number on the back lower left side - way before the concept of "identity theft" even was developed!. So now I scraped it off. Electronically the sample & hold works great and is extremely psychedelic; and the phase works OK. The waveform, which is a primitive fuzz control, only barely adds anything to the sound. And I can't get the envelope or the subharmonic (octave lower) to work at all. No pedals. So it is sold "as is" with these caveats as to condition, your tech most likely will be able to get them going without too much problem."

V.A.I. 62 Welson Stereo Symphony / Maestro USS / Maestro Rhythmking 4 / Ekosynth

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

This appears to be the first post to feature the Meastro Rhythm King 4.

"The mighty Welson Stereo Symphony is a rare Italian string machine with modulation stereo capabilities that are quite unique.

The Maestro USS is the first multi- effect for guitars: phaser, envelope follower, octave follower, Sample and hold etc.

The Meastro Rhythm King 4 is a drum machine with a rhythmic, tremolo modulation - chopping up whatever sound source you give the input in the back."

VAI 4 : Maestro Rhythm King - Maestro USS - Crumar Multiman S/2 - Elka Solist

Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"Making good use of the Crumar Multiman S/2 string separate outputs: string section are going through the Mu-Tron phaser, brass and bass sections are going through the Maestro Rhythm Kings' modulation effect : an input in the back of the drum machine will chop up the input signal like a rhythmic tremolo.
From there is goes to the Maestro Universal Synthesizer (?) System, possibly the first multi-effect ever put on the market, triggering the envelope filter and adding some phaser there as well...
The Maestro Kings' drums are processed through the Roland RE-301 for crunch and echo.
The Elka Solist 505 monophonic synthesizer is playing the lead.


We make these videos as a showcase for our studio and for curious vintage heads - and for fun.
We don't dilly-dally too much with production and mixing but it can sound pretty good with headphones on."

Maestro USS-1A Oberheim Analog Phaser VCF S/H Envelope Filter Sub-Harmonic Wave

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via this auction

"This used vintage Maestro USS-1A is in excellent playing and cosmetic condition. Six Tom Oberheim designed analog effects! Buttons and slider knobs are present and operate smoothly, the foot switch lights all work, original foam-lined hard case in good condition. A full (15) electrolytic capacitor replacement has been performed. Unit pictured is what you will receive.

This an analog multi-effects unit comprising fuzz (labeled waveform), filter with a sample and hold button, phaser, envelope shaping (compression), and a subharmonic generator."

Not sure if this is the one in the previous video here. There's no mention of the video in the listing but the lighting and units look the same and I couldn't find any others on eBay. Decided to post this separately.

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Maestro USS-1 SN 1558

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via this auction

"Super Rare, Tom Oberheim designed Maestro USS-1 Universal Synthesizer Unit. Bought this in 1992 and it all worked then, but its been in storage all these years. Powers on and Waveform, Filter, Sample/Hold and Phase working well. Envelope and Subharmonic hard to tell. A first envelope sliders looks unconnected but is there and Sensitivity slider too is missing. Has a bypass toggle switch added by previous owner. Working sliders are really tight but probably just need some WD-40 as they used to work."

Do not spray WD-40 into your synths.

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Tom Oberheim Designed Maestro USS-1 Universal Synthesizer System SN 1873

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via this auction

"Up for sale is a (1) very rare Maestro USS-1 Universal Synthesizer System, a big box full of Tom Oberheim effects. The boxed USP speed/freq. pedal is included as well as the owner's manual from 1974. The pedal can act as a wah-wah pedal or as a speed pedal for the sample&hold / phase shifter.

The main unit is been serviced. The service report is part of the sale. Cosmetically it's in near mint condition with only some very minor scratches and little wear and tear (see photos).

A beautiful vintage piece of history in amazing condition! It's a 117v version and the serial number is: 1873."

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Maestro USS-1 Synthesizer Fuzz Phaser Oberheim box

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"The USS-1 was created by Tom Oberheim, who designed several other of the early Maestro effects. The USS-1 is not truly a synthesizer as we know them today, this one is really one of the first multi-effect units with a few extras. Also note that this unit is also a bit larger than multi-effect floor units of today as well. Built in power supply, built like a tank, vintage sounds....it's all here! Features: Distortion, Filter Sample/Hold Function, Phaser, Envelope Filter, and Subharmonic Enhancer. A favorite of guitar whiz Al DiMeola."

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1970s MAESTRO USS-1 UNIVERSAL SYNTHESIZER Guitar System

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"Maestro 1716 USS-1A Universal Synthesizer System from the 1970s
DESIGNED BY OBERHEIM

Waveform (with Intensity slider) a kind of fuzz effect
Filter (with Frequency and Brilliance sliders) envelope filter
Sample/Hold strange warbly effect
Phase (with Speed slider) phaser, really awesome sounds too
Envelope (with Attack and Decay sliders) another envelope filter that operates a bit differently
Sub-Harmonic (with a Volume slider and sustained or percussive switch) self explanitory, lower octave in quick hit or sustaining
then there is also a slider for Sensitivity that works on the Envelope and Sub-Harmonic, basically increasing the volume of the effect compaired to the natural sound, great analog sounds.

Has a great sample and hold that tops the Maestro FSH-1 since on this unit it has additional controls like the filter being independent of the Sample /Hold so you can run both at the same time. The octave down subharmonic is thick and can track/trigger strangley for some interesting randomness, coupled witht the sample/hold you get some amazing textures. There are numerous options for getting some very unusual sounds. Great for experimental work or for sampling interesting sounds with a thick vintage vibe ."

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Maestro Parametric Filter Guitar Synth Pedal

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"It's a cool filter for overall voicing of any sound source.
It's a darned wicked overdrive for any sound source (and guitar in particular).
It's a Moog synth filter in a pedal format."

Anyone confirm this? I know the Maestro USS-1 was designed by Tom Oberheim. There is also the Maestro Ring Modulator, which "was part of the 'Analog synthesizer' module that Bob Moog, Tom Oberheim and the folks at ARP worked on in the 70s."

Sold For: $275.00

MAESTRO USS-1

images via this auction. There is a nice dog in the set.

"This is a large (22"x11"x9") analog box with six effects: Wave Form, Filter, Sample & Hold, Phase Shift, Envelope and Sub-Harmonic. There are six rocker switches color coded with eight sliders on the front panel. The sounds on this unit are simply excellent, very desirable for studio applications. Lush and warm sums this unit up well. The waveform creates a classic fuzz that I like to stack other effects on to. The sub-harmonic combined with the phase is very, well ..... 'Bucketheadesque?'"

Update via Brian Kehew of The Moog Cookbook in the comments:
"These were built by Oberheim, before Oberheim made their own synths..."

and 7ate9:
"not russian but tom oberheim!
as to whether they were built before oberheim made gear under the oberheim brand, I'm not sure as I've seen the maestro ringmod pedal with both maestro and oberheim labels on it. anybody has some history on this?"

Maestro Oberheim Uss-1 Synthesizer Pedal

via this auction
"The USS-1 was created by Tom Oberheim, who designed several other of the early Maestro effects. The USS-1 is not truly a synthesizer as we know them today, this one is really one of the first multi-effect units with a few extras. Also note that this unit is also a bit larger than multi-effect floor units of today as well. Built in power supply, built like a tank, vintage sounds....it's all here! Features: Distortion, Filter Sample/Hold Function, Phaser, Envelope Filter, and Subharmonic Enhancer. A favorite of guitar whiz Al DiMeola."

You can find some shots of the inside of a Maestro in this post.

MAESTRO (Oberheim) Universal Synthesizer System USS-1

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via this auction

"Ultra rare MAESTRO USS-1 Universal Synthesizer (OBERHEIM) in very clean conditions PLUS its original travel / studio box.
Recently professionally serviced and calibrated.
It can be used as Synth processor for drum machines, synthesizers, guitars etc.. put any signal through it and then just start experimenting!

The built in synth / effects are:
- Waveform
- Filter & Sample/Hold
- Phaser
- Envelope
- Sub-harmonic
- sensitivity control that affects the envelope and sub-harmonic."

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MAESTRO VINTAGE GUITAR SYNTH EFFECT PEDAL

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"vintage Maestro Universal Synthesizer System USS-1 manufactured by Oberheim Electronics, serial # 1938. This vintage multi-effect features several of the best Oberheim Maestro effects in one amazing unit. The USS-1 features several effect sections, including: Waveform (fuzz, texture), Filter (envelope), Sample/Hold (the famous random arpeggiator), Phase, Envelope (an additional envelope filter), and Subharmonic."

inside a Maestro

MAESTRO Universal Synthesizer System USS-1 SN 1539

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via this auction

"Ultra rare MAESTRO USS-1 Universal Synthesizer (OBERHEIM) in very clean conditions PLUS its original travel / studio box.

Recently professionally serviced and calibrated.

It can be used as Synth processor for drum machines, synthesizers, guitars etc.. put any signal through it and then just start experimenting!

The built in synth / effects are:
- Waveform
- Filter & Sample/Hold
- Phaser
- Envelope
- Sub-harmonic
- sensitivity control that affects the envelope and sub-harmonic."

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Maestro USS-1

flickr by zonkout

full size

"Universal Synthesizer System: the Oberheim effects in one box."

Anyone know if any of the filter design made it into the SEM? Curious how they compare.

Maestro Rhythm N' Sound G2 + pals below
"Yamaha YC-10
Multivox FR-13"

Von Bingen Live Sept 27 2009 at the Anza Club

YouTube via magneticring
"Live Sept 27 2009 at the Anza Club
Vancouver, B.C. Canada
Record Release Show opening for Wooden Shjips.
Lp Available on Amen Absen Records.
Daniel Presnell - Guitar, Syntorchestra, Maestro USS-1
Jenny Pace Presnell - Flute, Maestro Soundsystem for Woodwinds, Tape Echo
Joshua Stevenson - EMS Synthi AKS, EMS Pitch to CV with Bass, Drumfire"

1960's MAESTRO USS-1 by Tom Oberheim SN 1539

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via this auction

"A beautiful and absolute rare gem, the multi effects unit designed by Tom Oberheim for Maestro/Gibson from the 1960's.

There's very little information on these on the internet but what we do know is that these come up very rarely and particularly in this condition.

Recently professionally serviced and calibrated.
Process any sound source like your drum machines, synthesizers and guitars and just start experimenting!

The built in synth / effects are:
- Waveform
- Filter & Sample/Hold
- Phaser
- Envelope
- Sub-harmonic
- sensitivity control that affects the envelope and sub-harmonic."

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Maestro USS-1

images via this auction

"This is what many purists consider to be the forerunner of today's modern guitar Sythesizers. What is it? It is one of the first all-in-one Multi Effects pedals circa mid 1970's and a fine example of state of the art analog effects from that era.

It is difficult to articulate precisely what these wonderful old vintage analog devices sound like and what they can impart to those of you looking for that certain signature tone. Perhaps some of you out there in the E-bay audience can remember seeing one of these in action. I believe the late great Tommy Boland used one on the Billy Cobham album of the day Spectrum. I believe another ad mentioned a certain Buckethead-esque quality to the fuzz effect and I would have to agree with that wholeheartedly. Again, those are just two of the infinitely adjustable sounds possible and there are many other countless combinations for you to discover. There are many, many more artists along the years who may have utilized one of these USS-1 systems for getting THAT tone. This device can only be described as...and I really dislike the use of the word but it certainly fits well here; AWESOME.

Back in the day, this was it. A wonderful assemblage of analog effects including (and from left to right;) Waveform (distortion), Filter, Sample & Hold with fully adjustable frequency & brilliance, Phase Shifter, Envelope Modifier with controls for attack & decay, Sub-Harmonic with control options of percussive or sustain attack and finally Sensitivity. The Sub-Harmonic was always one of my favorites for getting a great fretless bass sound with a Les Paul through an Orange stack...WHEW! Sounds great with single coils or humbuckers. Two of the black slider knobs are missing. No pedals are included and I never needed them. There is a small threaded socket under the unit so you can support it with a common tripod. Or, as I had always done, stacked it on top of my amp head where I could easily dial in the sound. Has it's own internal power supply (as it should.)

This is not some re-tooling of some vintage effects pedal hoping to get some vintage sound. No, this is the actual real deal and stands head and shoulders above other devices that try to emulate sonically what this analog device just does naturally. Today's electronics are great. So, please don't get me wrong, I am a big fan of what digital has evolved into. But, that is not what we are talking about with this piece. The palpable, rich, opulent sounds that ooze out of this thing is absolutely incredible sounding...just mind blowing. This is what today's systems evolved from but somehow lost a little magic in the translation. Ask yourself how many present day digital devices actually try to emulate an analog unit?" Orange

Maestro USS-1

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

Details:
"1970's guitar synthesizer....one of the first of it's kind for guitar...really wacky and wonderfull !! This thing does sound cool!

Waveform, filter,(sample & hold), phase, envelope and sub-harmonic( plus sensitivity for envelope and sub-harmonic).

Five sliders(knobs) are broken but do function. Every effect works well and as they should.(The sliders can easilly be fixed with replacements).

Very rare and collectable."