Solton Programmer 24 - Sound exploration and composition of 80' Italo-disco tracks after repair

video upload by Davide Micheli

"In the video, I'm playing the newly repaired electronic instrument.

The Solton Programmer 24 was built by Solton-Ketron Lab around 1985 and it was the first completley and easy programmable music arranger in the history. Due to its structure, for someone is considered the father of Italo-Disco.

This Italian company built at that time this inspiring music electronic machine before any other big company in the word with electronic components available in the market, no dedicated or custom chip as later. In particular, in only 10 minutes I easily composed 3 music tracks in the '80 dance style living the machine inspires me.

The 3 tracks are titled:

1) DRAP; (it could be the base for a rap)
2) Happy track;
3) Past is past;

Hope you enjoy it
Davide"

DELTA DP-900 (1985) - the synth no one knew existed - HD

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

This appears to be the first post to feature the DELTA DP-900.

00:00 Pre - Introduction
00:38 Introduction
01:14 Flutes and Strings
02:05 Auto Accompaniment
04:42 MUSICAL INTERLUDE 1
06:00 Poly Voices
08:36 The Mystery
09:02 Synth Voices (Monophonic Synth)
12:02 Drum Machine
14:12 Outro

"DELTA DP-900 - 1985?

It happens that an instrument surfaces that no one's heard about or even seen before.
But it rarely happens that no one hasn't even heard of the manufacturer of that instrument.

Delta - what kind of brand was this?
Where were they?
Is this the only thing they developed?

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Two KETRON SOLTON PROGRAMMER 24 synthesizers synchronized with each other and to a MINIMOOG

video upload by Davide Micheli

Click CC at the bottom of the player for subtitles, followed by the gear icon and and your language of choice if needed.

"ITALIAN
In questo video mostro come suonare contemporaneamente due sintetizzatori KETRON-SOLTON PROGRAMMER 24 sincronizzati tra loro e poi come far suonare la linea di basso di un PROGRAMMER 24 da un sintetizzatore MINIMOOG DODEL D

Il Solton Programmer 24, lanciato nel 1985, è riconosciuto come uno dei primissimi strumenti a introdurre il concetto di arranger automatico nel mercato delle tastiere, tanto da essere spesso definito 'l'apripista' dell'intero settore.
Questo strumento, prodotto dall'azienda italiana Ketron (con il marchio Solton), è considerato una pietra miliare nell'evoluzione delle tastiere arranger.

Impatto Culturale: è stato soprannominato 'Italian Disco Machine' per il suo ruolo nel plasmare il suono della musica Italo Disco.
Il Programmer 24 non è solo un pezzo di storia per gli appassionati, ma è anche al centro di iniziative come 'Arranger Legacy', un progetto web che mira a preservare la memoria di questi strumenti iconici e dei loro creatori.

Il Solton Programmer 24 è una workstation analogica italiana del 1985, famosa per il suo suono Italo Disco, che combina una sezione ritmica PCM a 8 bit (con uscite separate), bassi analogici, arrangiamenti automatici e sequencer, offrendo un suono vintage caldo e funzionale per produzione musicale. Include funzionalità avanzate per l'arrangiamento, sequencer polifonici e monofonici, MIDI, e interfaccia a nastro, rendendolo un pezzo da collezione apprezzato per il suo 'carattere anni '80'.

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BlueARP DM + Ketron SD1000 Performance "Japanese Dream"

video upload by graywolf2004ru

"Live performance, created and sequenced entirely on BlueARP DM, all sounds come from Ketron SD1000 using only its internal FX. Kurzweil is used just as a midi keyboard here.
What is BlueARP DM - you can check it here:
https://omg-instruments.com/wp/?page_...
The coolest thing is that BlueARP DM stores all the program selects, volume levels and effect parameters as various CC/sysEx messages on the AUTOMATION page, which it sends to the synth on project load.
I need just to turn on SD1000, connect it to BlueARP DM, load the project - and it is ready. This is a perfect compact setup I wanted to test for a long time.
While making this performance, I found some bugs in BlueARP DM midi implementation, it sometimes swallows notes in a dense note flow, especially those coming as THRU. Here it showed up because all 8 instances generate notes on the same MIDI channel. I'm fixing it in the next firmware 2.8.3b (it will be BlueARP DM only update), hopefully Dec 2025.

PS. Opening sequence is the patch called 'Shamisen', it is a Japanese stringed instrument, which gave the name to the performance )"

SM100 Sound Editor for Solton Project100 - Live Sequencing Editing

video upload by VSMI - Vintage Synths Made in Italy

"The Solton Project 100 is a 6 voice polyphonic analog-digital synthesizer produced in the 1985 by Solton, an Italian brand known for its keyboards and sound modules, later get Ketron.
It has an analog chorus based on a BBD (Bucket Brigade Device) circuit, very similar to those used in Roland synthesizers of the time, such as the Juno-6/60.
Here is controlled by SM100 Sound Editor for Win XP (Copyright (c) 2002, 2005 Mark R. Strijbos)
run on Mac OS by Wine Stable, pattern play by Full Bucked Air Sequencer.
Add Echo effect in final mastering audio."

KETRON FUSION(Prototype) @ NAMM ‘25 in 4K #nammshow

video upload by Peouguard Systems

"The DEBUT of the KETRON FUSION @ NAMM ‘25. Per KETRON REPS, will be out in APRIL 2025."

Tony Esposito Kalimba de Luna ~ Vintage Synthesizer Recreation ~ RetroSound

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-24 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

❤️ Support #RetroSound​ channel: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com

One of my favorite tracks from the 80s.
Kalimba de Luna by Tony Esposito from the album Il grande esploratore (1982)
Written by T. Esposito and Remo Licastro

Featured the Solton/Ketron Programmer 24 and the E-MU Emulator II sampler

This cover song series contains my own recreations of my favourite songs from the last 50 years. The original music from which I take inspiration belong to their respective owners. I recreate tracks only for personal passion and to pay homage to these tracks."

SOLTON KETRON PROGRAMMER 24S

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

via this listing, also on Reverb

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Best of Solton Programmer 24 Synthesizer ~ RetroSound Demo

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-23 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

❤️ Support #RetroSound​ channel: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com

Best of Solton/ Ketron Programmer 24
all sounds: Solton Programmer 24 (1985)

Setlist
0:06 Nightshift
0:38 Mondaymood
1:09 Daydream
2:10 Sunday Afternoon
2:33 On The Way
3:04 Organ Strings Bass
4:10 Drums
4:22 Kalimba
4:36 Outro

Classic Analog Stringmachines from the 70s.
The full playlist:"

Solton SM100 (project 100) Demo

video upload by prankas

"Solton By Ketron Lab SM100 Demo. Sequenced via Ableton and controlled via SM100 software, no audio processing, outputs straight to my RME UCX.

Its the same synthesizer as more famous Project100, but in much smaller, more compact version.

6 voice polyphony, Same era as Korg's poly synths Poly61, Polysix, MonoPoly and u.ses same, legendary SSM 2045 and 2056 chips.

SM100 has very nice analog chorus based on BBD TDA 1022P chip, you can hear it from 3:07."

Solton Arranger Plus (1987) Italo Disco Synth w/ Extras

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

via this auction

"SOLTON ARRANGER PLUS, fabolous Italo Disco Arranger from 1987 with all the 4 eproms bank!

It’s the little brother of the Solton Programmer 24: fully analog with the same PCM of the Programmer 24. We have also a rare copy of instruction manual and schematic diagram in PDF!

The Solton Arranger Plus is very similar to the Solton Programmer 24. Analog sound generation and digital PCM samples for drums! It was produced in Italy by SOLTON Ketron in 1987.

It has single outputs for bass and drums. You could also play all sounds via MIDI, MIDI-sync to other drum machines possible as well."

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1985 Solton Ketron Programmer 24 Key Synthesizer w/ Original Gig Bags & Docs

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

via this auction

, also on Reverb

"Excellent condition and all works perfect. Only 1 owner. Comes with original gig bags, bass pedals, keyboard, stand and manuals. This is a clean disco machine that can do it all!"

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Solton Arranger Plus

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

via this auction

You can find demos in previous posts here.

"The Solton Arranger Plus was produced in Italy by Ketron in 1987. It has single outputs for bass and drums. Small brother of the cult SOLTON PROGRAMMER 24 / 24S arranger. They share the same audio engine but this one lacks the more advanced editing possibilities. To those who are into Italo Disco music they know these machine rule ! Consisting of a rhythm unit (digital 8bit PCM samples very like the LinnDrum, Oberheim DMX, Sequential Circuits Drumtraks etc) and a analog synth engine made of: 1 bass sound, 2 "chords" tracks, 1 "solo" track and 1 organ track."

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Solton Arranger Plus

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

via this auction

"SOLTON ARRANGER PLUS, fabolous Italo Disco Arranger from 1987 with all the 4 eproms bank!

It’s the little brother of the Solton Programmer 24: fully analog with the same PCM of the Programmer 24.

The Solton Arranger Plus is very similar to the Solton Programmer 24. Analog sound generation and digital PCM samples for drums! It was produced in Italy by SOLTON Ketron in 1987.

It has single outputs for bass and drums. You could also play all sounds via MIDI, MIDI-sync to other drum machines possible as well."

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SOLTON PROGRAMMER 24 + Pedal + LINNDRUM Eproms!

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

via this auction

"This lot includes two additional LINN DRUM eproms in order to play the cool Linndrum Kick, cabasa and Claps, famous in the '80 Electro dance music. Actually It has the original Rom installed and what I will supply are two Eproms to add when you desire as upgrade. Here is a simple guide for install them:"
Solton Ketron Programmer 24 - Custom Eprom Replacement
RemasterMix

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Borsini Nostalgic Accordion 'Lars Ek' w/ MIDI & Ketron XD3

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

"Lars Ek Nostalgic games are mostly hand built. Lars Ek Nostalgics staircase keyboard prevents the depressed button from reaching the level of the external button row. A very important detail. The cut carvings on the back of the lid open the game and give Lars Ek Nostalgic its big powerful tone. The secret behind Ranar Sundqvists fantastic bellows technology is the straight edges and the deep bellows. The Synthesizer is an Ketron XD9/XD3. A manual is attached.

- 4-körig
- Tremolo-straight mood
- 1 treble register
- 1 base register
- 5 heavy bass
- Extremely fine handmade tuners
- Weight: 9.5 kilos
- Bellow dimensions: 45x18.5 cm
- The games are numbered
- Bag, straps, certificates are included with every accordion.
- All the decor throughout the game is handmade."

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Ketron SD4 Tabletop Synthesizer Midi Sound Module w/ Original Box

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

via this auction

"Ketron manufacturer description:
The Ketron SD4 is a pocket sized sound module designed for all PC and MIDI applications. The module is equipped with a new, powerful sound engine including a Professional Grand Piano sample (across 88 notes), huge orchestral and beautiful voices such as Saxophones, Brass, Woodwinds, Guitars, accordions, organ digital drawbars and many others. The quality of sound is what we have come to expect of Ketron (Best Natural Sound) making it ideal for use in Studio and Professional applications.
Ketron SD4 was released in 2008. It is a music module that will provide an easy workflow, and will welcome the user into a new sound space. The front part of the device is divided into several sections: at the top there are panel presets, just below there’s the 3-digit led display and 2 groups of buttons for monitoring.

The first section is a digital panel for selecting patches, and the second section with buttons is intended for configuring presets and menus navigation.

In a multi-timbral mode, SD4 works with GM-banks (128 patches) which sound quite realistic. There are 4 bank instruments and 32 drums. The first 3 GM-banks offer different voices. A separate 4th bank is derived from GM. Several buttons on the control panel are used to program the presets.

Panel voices can contain up to 3 layers, where each layer represents one sound from the GM bank. In some samples the performance is composed in a similar manner. In addition, two effect processors can be used to make the sound complete: reverb, chorus, distortion, delay and Leslie effect."

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GEM wk2 module EXPANDER realtime midi arranger w/ Video Karaoke Out?

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

via this auction

Never seen one of these before. Note the video out mentioned below and the optional sampling.

"The Professional Musician's Best Friend! GEM WK2 Midi ArrangerThis is a very high-quality item, used by professional musicians the world over.In excellent condition, the GEM WK2 performs as if it was brand new and has had home use only (connected to a Hammond organ). Its ideal for Organs, Keybpards, Midi Accordions or just as stand alone accompaniment unit. It came in Part Exchange for a Ketron Audya. These versatile machines cost around £1000 when new, so if you are not familiar with them, please read more about its capabilities below and GRAB A BARGAIN!

The WK2 MIDI Arranger is the arranger module from GEM designed for musicians who want a modern, technologically advanced, easy-to-use instrument capable of satisfying any musical need. A glance at the control panel is enough to tell you that the WK2 MIDI Arranger is an instrument alone in it's class: the clear and simple panel layout consisting of direct access buttons and controls, the large backlit coloured display which keeps you in control, the modern, captivating look are just a few of the ingredients that make the WK2 MIDI Arranger a singularly unique instrument.GenerationThe WK2 MIDI Arranger offers 444 high quality sounds to suit just about any style of music.16-part multitimbral, with 32 note polyphony, programmable split and the ability to layer 2 sounds together, the WK2 MIDI Arranger lets you to create rich, modern sound textures quickly and easily.Effects processorsThe WK2 MIDI Arranger contains 2 independent digital effects processors with 22 reverbs and 22 effects, with controls for the main level and separate send levels for each track.StylesThe arranger section of the WK2 MIDI Arranger contains 96 styles with 4 variations each, made up of 5 tracks (Drums, Bass, Acc.1/2/3); the important 'Single Touch Play' function lets you assign 10 different performances to each style, allowing you to instantly reconfigure the setting of the styles by pushing a single button.

You can also memorize any configuration of sounds, styles, effects, controls, MIDI channels, track status, etc. in 63 dedicated Performances which can be instantly recalled whenever you need them in the future Normally complex editing procedures are made easy thanks to a series of function keys which give you direct access to every function. In addition, the WK2 MIDI Arranger lets you immediately select your favourite sounds and styles with the 'Direct Sound Memory' and 'Direct Style Memory' controls. These 32 buttons allow you to memorize your most frequently used sounds and styles and then recall them with a single command.SequencerThe WK2 MIDI Arranger is equipped with a practical sequencer that lets you, quickly and easily, record up to 7 Song Styles using any of the on-board styles. Your compositions can then be saved to disk. The WK2 MIDI Arranger is compatible with the vast existing GEM disk libraries in WK3, PK7, GMX and CD formats, with the industry standard Standard Midi File formats 0, 1 and 1+ lyrics, and also with GEM's new 'RASS' (Real Audio Syncro Style) format. RASS allows you to use specially processed real audio samples which are synchronized with the MIDI styles, creating highly effective rhythm tracks. As you change tempo, the sample actually follows your changes exactly as though it was another MIDI track. The 'Direct from Disk function speeds up the playback of songs stored on floppy disks, while the 'Play all Songs' button allows you to listen a song disk's entire contents with a single command.Disk DriveThe built-in disk drive lets you manage an enormous variety of files ready to use. All your configurations can also be saved on floppy disk, using the built-in 3.5" disk drive.

Built-In Video Out / Vocal Processor Interface with Digital Sampling (optional). Video Out Using the built-in Video Out, you can connect most types of TV or video display to the WK2 MIDI Arranger to view the karaoke style lyrics sychronised to your songs. The optional Vocal Processor interface, easily installed in it's own b..."

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Ketron Solton 24 Programmer

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

via this auction

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Solton Ketron Arranger Plus - Amazing Italo Disco Machine | 1987 |

Published on Jan 6, 2020 RemasterMix

"Arranger Plus is like the younger brother of Programmer 24."

Solton Ketron Arranger Plus