TOM-1501 Soviet Analog Synthesizer - Restored Beauty

video upload by LFOstore

"Russian synths are awful and making terrible harsh and strange sounds?

If you think so, then this will surprise everyone who is familiar with those synths. This is really fat, warm, beautiful sounding real analog, preset string machine.

It's a string machine with 5 preset sounds: Piano, clavesin/Harpsichord, Alto, Violin and Brass.

Alto and Violin are exactly same sound but violin is one octave higher than alto, so you can make "string orchestra" sound.

Mainly I discovered this to be like Crumar Orchestrator/Multiman-s clone. Piano and clavesin/harpsichords are pretty identical sounding, but... Strings aren't typical "Italic" sounding which can be found on all crumar and some others string machines, Neither european (solina) or american (Moog opus) sounding.

They are Unique! They are Fat! They are Warm! They are very beautiful sounding strings. Well... comparing to others, solina is the closest sound to it.

Brass is also pretty identical to Crumar Orchestrator, but it have identical filter from Crumar Performer (very weak resonance). Too bad because in orchestrator it could make such a great sweeps, but this cannot do same. But the cutoff is powerful.

Also, this string machine isn't commonly available. I don't know how many was produced, but the original retail price was $1500!!! So maybe this is indeed very rare, uncommon at least. These were made about in middle or end of 80's.

See these virtual soundsheet of Crumar Orchestrator and peformer. The sounds of Orchestrator's piano and clavesin/harpsichord and brass is identical to this TOM-1501. And the filter from Crumar performer is also identical."

Univox (Crumar) Multiman analog string synthesizer SN 362

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via this eBay listing

You can find a demo of this actual unit previously posted here.

"Quite uncommon analog string synth/piano here. It’s the Univox branded version of the original Crumar Multiman (pre-S model).

Great brass sound with adjustable ADSR/filter, piano, clav, violin, cello. All sounds can be individually volume adjusted and split on one or both sides of the keyboard.

DISCLOSURE: I sold this once, and purchaser decided they didn’t like it, said they thought volume levels of some settings were uneven. They shipped it back loose in a box with no packing and it had a hard ride. High F key was broken off, several slider knobs were crushed and switches dislodged. Switches and keys have since been fixed (bottom of key has a chip out of it, and slider knobs are unobtainable). It sounds good, exactly like the attached video. It’s an unrestored vintage string synth that will arrive exactly like you hear and see in pictures, no more or less."

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Crumar Multiman-S

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via this VEMIA listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

VEMIA is Peter Forrest's auction house. He is the author of The A-Z of Analogue Synthesizer Books.

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Crumar Multiman (1975) + Crumar Pedal (SERVICED)

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via this listing

See the seller's other listing for more.

"This is the rarest first version of the amazing sounding Crumar Multiman.

The main difference beetween this first version and the second version Multiman S is the possibility to use SUSTAIN on Piano/Clavi sounds (which is not possibile on the second version... Strangely)

For that reason, being a keyboard player, i consider this first version more appealing to play then the Multiman S.

Sonically are identical.

It comes with its original Crumar Pedal

FULLY SERVICED by pro tecnician

100% Perfectly working conditions

Very good aestetics conditions for its age (tiny little marks and scretches around and on some keys)"

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Univox (Crumar) Multiman MM2000 Analog String Synthesizer - the sound of the 70s!

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video upload by Micah McDowell

SN 362 via this listing

"View the attached video to hear this exact synth in use!

Quite uncommon analog string synth/piano here. It’s the Univox branded version of the original Crumar Multiman (pre-S model).

Great brass sound with adjustable ADSR/filter, piano, clav, violin, cello. All sounds can be individually volume adjusted and split on one or both sides of the keyboard, pretty rad!"

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Hohner String Performer

video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"The Hohner String Performer was one of the very last effort to release a string synth, in the early 80s I think. This was the only one genuinely manufactured by Hohner. The early ones like the String Melody, StringVox or String Orchestra were italian rebadged ones.
The Performer features 3 strings presets, 1 piano, 1 harpsichord, 1 bass (only on the left part of the keyboard) and a monophonic 'solo' section on the right part of the keyboard only. Just like other 'orchestral' synths like the Crumar Orchestrator/Multiman or the Elka Rhapsody 610 you have individual volume faders for each sound on each side as well as a mute switch per section.
The 'bass' preset overides everything on the left part of the keyboard when selected.
Overall this is one of the most refined string sound you can get, very polished, maybe too polished for some. I like it a lot, I find it very cinematographic.
The solo section is not very interesting in its own but when layered with the strings it adds a very nice lead touch.
The instrument features 3x seperate outputs in top of the general output, and jack input for piano/harpsichord sustain pedal and a volume pedal.
There were 2 revisions made to this instrument, and the only difference is the power supply. The most common you will find is this one and it uses an external power supply (18v DC but you can use anything between 15 and 24 since this supply gets regulated inside the synth). The second one has a built in 230v power supply and you can easily recognized it because it has a red translucent on/off switch.
The builtin power supply probably lowers the tendency to hum and magnetic interference you get with the first one, which can be quite picky on the power adapter you use. But I never had a second version at hand to compare to the first one so i can't be sure.

TECH TIPS:
This is the 5th String Performer I serviced and though they had all different issues one common issue it that they ALL had cracks on one or more PCB, leadind in cut traces.
The design of the instrument is clever but not sturdy enough. The case is very well built and solid and it's very hard to seriously damage it.
But all the 12 oscillators and filter PCBs are socketed to the motherboard which is underneath the keys, and are screwed to a hinge that tends to get bent when the instrument is subject to violent transport, so the pcbs bend too and crack.
This result usually in some mute notes on all poly section (just like if a divider has died) or on some section only, and very often the solo is also dead because of a cracked pcb.
This is one of the synth I would advice not to have shipped, the chances to receive a 100% working instrument is closed to null."

Crumar Orchestrator 2

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via this listing

"One of the rarer string machines, the Orchestrator 2 is the updated version of the much loved Multiman-S / Orchestrator. It has the same lush strings and brass but more parameter control and the addition of a “poly” section which generates sounds that track more as “synth” than string machine. This one is in excellent condition and just got an overhaul from our in-house techs and so is working perfectly."

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Crumar Multiman S/Orchestrator Full Set

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via this listing

Additional listings from Alberto

"FULL SET:

- w its rare original Swell Pedal

- lid

- music stand

SERVICED by pro tecnician

COLLECTOR'S ITEM

100% working conditions

Amazing aestetics conditions"

You can find a video of this one previously posted here.

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TMP-2-05 Vintage Synth TV Series from Benge

video upload by Memetune Studio

00:00 Opening Titles
00:32 Introduction
01:19 Little Black Boxes
04:41 Switched On Cybersynths
17:31 Synthesiser Club
20:38 Commercial Break
23:02 Patching Today
37:24 Video Lab
41:15 Outro

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Episode five of the second series of the TV program from Benge, made at his Memetune Electronic Music Studio

The series explores his passion for vintage synthesiser instruments and studio gear and how he uses it on his productions and collaborations

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

It is divided into the following sections:

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A look at some classic rack mount synths of the 80s and 90s

SWITCHED ON - This second series looks at a type of synthesis based around the ideas of Cybernetics, which Benge calls CYBERSYNTHESIS

SYNTHESISER CLUB - A short musical demonstration of a synthesiser classic or three

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some shameless Memetune shilling

PATCHING TODAY - A deep-dive into vintage modular systems and how to set up a patch on them, starting from scratch

VIDEO LAB - A look at old video equipment and how to create experimental visuals

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

In THIS episode:

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - The Korg Wavestation was released in 1990. This rack mount module version, called the Wavestation A/D, was released in 1991

SWITCHED ON CYBERSYNTHS - Ramdomness Tamed. A look at the EMS Random Voltage Generator and the Buchla 200 version of the Magnetic Freak Gaussian module

SYNTHESISER CLUB - Today, its Club Crumar! Featuring the DS2, the Multiman Mk2 and the Synergy digital system

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some adverts for Memetune related goodies

PATCHING TODAY - on the Buchla 100 - trying to tame the beast!

VIDEO LAB - In this episode we look at some SFX shots and the Ultimatte chromakey system


////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

LINKS:

Polyrythmic Electronica vinyl / Systems of Objects: https://systemofobjects.bandcamp.com/...

Benge's Studio Blog: http://myblogitsfullofstars.blogspot.com

Memetune Studio Instagram: @ memetunestudio

Benge & Memetune Merch on Bandcamp: https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com


////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The MemeTune Programme Credits:
Everything in this video was created by B D Edwards (Benge)
All music, design, writing, filming and production completed at Memetune Studios, UK, 2024

Crumar Multiman S / Orchestrator

video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"The Crumar Multiman S (Orchestrator) is one of those classic multi instruments of the 70s. 4 sections: bass / brass / piano / strings
Each section (except for the bass) can be assigned left or right of the keyboard with dedicated volume faders and mute switchs.
Brass has a Moog inspired ladder filter with simple AD enveloppe and cutoff and resonance control (resonance can get wild if you want to).
Strings are composed of Viola and Violins, with timbre adjust. It uses a triple chorus based on the TCA350Y BBD chipsets, basically the same as the Eminent String Ensemble.
You have control over the release of the strings (called "sustain" on the panel). This also control the release of the Brass sound.
Piano section consists of Piano and Harpsichord sound. You can control the sustain (again it's the release actually) with a pedal only. Without a pedal plugged in the release is always at its maximum. And the release is common to the bass sound, which by the way sound huge.
And to finish you have a vibrato that affects all the section."

Crumar Multiman S3

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

via this auction

Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

"Here's another Crumar Multiman S3 at last. There's a bit of rust on the panel, but that's a common issue for all Crumars from these years. This is a Multiman S3, a model that's almost impossible to find with a nearly unique sound. CEM chips. It's not just a string machine like the S2 and S models, but it has a unique polyphonic synth section, and the sound is amazing. Phaser, onboard LFO!! Everything works perfectly, it just has cosmetic issues."

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Crumar Multiman S3 1982 State of the art lush full featured string machine SN 00056

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via this auction

"Ultrarare Crumar Multiman S3. This is a wonderful machine with a more than inimitable sound. String section, synth section, bass section, piano section, effects section, pipe section, a real pleasure. String and polysynth to be the envy of arp solina !! very good conditions, perfect functional condition. State-of-the-art synthetic stringmachine beautifully fat sound.
Just overhauled and fully functional.
Original leather semirigid bag in overall good conditions included."

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Crumar Multiman S3 SN 00081

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via this auction

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1975 Crumar Multiman Synthesizer

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via this auction

Pics of the inside below.

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Crumar Multiman S/2

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via this auction

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Crumar Multiman aka Orchestrator 1977 w Rare MOD (SERVICED)

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via this auction

"This one even more with a rare MOD installed on it which let you control the Bass/Piano/Clav Sustain for a punchier and angry sound! ( for the Original sound behavior just rotate the additional knob fully clockwise)"

Demo in the listing previously posted here.

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Crumar Perfomer VS Crumar Multiman S-3

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"Two lovely string machines steps into the ring - ready to rumble.
The energy bill is here and it's steep.
We need cash badly so we're squaring these two off to see which one we can part ways with.
It's a tough choice but there can be only one.

The machines differ a bit in layout and controls:
The Performer sports a 4 octave keyboard compared to the Multimans 5 octaves.
It's also a bit more simple, it lacks a few filter controls in the brass section and the string section has constant chorus.
It still sounds great though, and it's a lot lighter than the Multiman - all of which are surprisingly heavy.

Have a look and listen - let yourself be heard in the comment section - which one would you keep?"

CRUMAR Multiman MK-1 Vintage Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer

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via this auction

"This is Beautiful and Very Rare, Collectable CRUMAR Multiman MK-1
First Generation Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer/Organ/String/Brass Machine.
61-Key Keyboard.
1977 Made in ITALY

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Crumar Multiman S/2 - Rare String Synthesizer SN 01349

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via this auction

"A perfect working Crumar Multiman S/2, the very hard to find vintage string synthesizer designed as the successor to the Multiman-S / Orchestrator. The machine is in very good cosmetic conditions and has been recently serviced by a professional technician. Professional packaging and shipping insurance included in the shipping costs.

Released in 1977 as the successor to the Multiman-S (called the Orchestrator in US), the Multiman S/2 is a fully polyphonic multitimbral string synthesizer capable of splitting and layering sounds. Using the dedicated On/Off buttons, the included sounds can be split in the middle of the keyboard allowing you to play one combination of instruments with the left hand, and another combination with the right. -- The name "Multiman" is the combination of Multi + Man, where Man comes from the italian "Mano" (hand in English).

The Crumar Multiman S/2 features 5 splittable sounds (Brass, Piano, Clavichord, Cello and Violin) and a Bass sound assigned to only the bottom 27 notes of the keyboard. Each sound has its dedicated volume controls for left and right zones and there are 3dedicated audio outputs : Pianos/Bass + Brass + Main (all sounds).

STRINGS
The Multiman S/2 strings are raw, lush and rich with a warm lowend that fits incredibly good in a mix, a powerful sound quite different from other smooth, milky analog competitors. This section includes Cello and Violin, two sound source at different octaves with dedicated volume controls and processed by the integrated 3 line BBD chorus ensemble. The string sounds can also be altered using the global Sustain and Vibrato controls and with the dedicated String Timbre, a 6 db/oct discrete LP filter that allows to generate sounds ranging from dark pads to church-organs to massive analog strings.

BRASS
The brass section of the Multiman S/2 sounds absolutely fantastic. The core of this section is the discrete transistor ladder LP filter equipped with Cutoff, Resonance (labelled Contour & Emphasis) and filter Attack and Decay. The Cutoff and Resonance are totally Moog-style and the fast Decay coupled with the smooth Attack allow to generate a variery of fat sounds ranging from puncing basses to sweeping leads and majestic analog brasses. The Multiman S/2 brass section gives his best at the mid-low frequencies and, despite its sculpted and definite character, it works great when layered with the raw strings. The global Sustain and Vibrato controls are also available for the Brass.

PIANO
The Piano section includes Piano and Clavichord sounds with dedicated volume sliders and the global Release and Vibrato controls. The Clavichord is the classic sound implemented in all the string synthesizers, a HP filtered saw waveform designed to add extra harmonics to the main sounds. But the Piano sound in the Multiman S/2 is not the classic analog piano emulation you can find in other string synthesizers, it looks kind of low-end enhancer designed to be played together with the other sound sources.

BASS
The Bass sound in the Multiman S/2 is very, very huge. It sounds like a 808-style bass drum with a smooth, pleasant saturation. This sound has been originally designed as accompaniment instrument but it can easily find its place in modern music productions. Used in conjunction with Piano and Brass, it can generate truly earthshaking analog bass sounds.

Specifications
Polyphony - 49 notes
6 Sounds: Brass, Piano, Clavichord, Cello, Violin and Bass
Brass Filter : Attack, Decay, Cutoff, Resonance.
String Filter : 6 db/oct discrete LP
LFO : Vibrato and Depth for all sounds
Envelope : Sustain length for all sounds
Outputs : Main + Bass/Piano + Brass"

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Crumar Multiman-S Synthesizer Italian String Machine Orchestrator SN 388

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video upload by ybonheddwr

"Crumar Multiman-S Synthesizer Sound Demo

Italian Synth/String Machine, also known as the Orchestrator.

No effects – audio taken directly from 'MAIN' output."

via this auction

"Fantastic sounding 1970s Italian string synthesizer, with bass, piano, clavichord, brass, cello & violin sounds. All sorts of possible combinations as well as an amazing brass filter and "string timbre" filter-like control for the strings make this a really unique sounding synth.

A few dings and scratches (pictured) on the body and top cover but the synth itself is in near fully-working condition. A couple of the keys don't work with certain sounds and the inner workings could do with a cleaning. The foot pedal is not included, which affects the functionality of the synth to an extent but it's still an incredible sounding machine (link to video demo of sounds below – I've tried to cover as many sounds as possible as well as show some of the limitations.)

All outputs are tested and working. Pedal board and swell pedal connectors are untested..."

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