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."

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MFB 501 Analog Drum Machine – 64 Presets, Rare Odd-Meter Rhythms, Works Perfectly

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

via this Reverb listing

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Arp ProDGX ProDGX 2731

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

via this Vemia listing

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

"Another item from the ARP collection at affordable starting point. Gorgeous example of the legendary ARP Pro DGX synthesizer known for its dynamic control and highly expressive interface. The metal body of the DGX makes it more sturdy, with a better build than its predecesor. The cosmetic condition of the synth it's awesome for its age. Untested, but it powers up and produce sound. This gem is calling for a bit of love and attention. Standard IEC power lead not included. [ If you’re purchasing from outside the EU, please be ready to provide any details that might be needed — thanks for understanding! ] Will be packed thoughtfully."

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Reverb names Ben Stahl as new Chief Executive Officer

Press release follows:

Reverb names Ben Stahl as new Chief Executive Officer
Longtime leader in creative industries brings background in music and marketplaces

Tuesday, October 14, 2025 —Reverb, the largest online marketplace dedicated to music gear, today announced that Ben Stahl has been named as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

“Over the past 12 years, I’ve admired the vibrant platform Reverb has built for musicians across the globe, and I’m honored to be part of the community,” said Stahl. “Whether we’re launching new product features to empower buyers and sellers or unlocking new modes of sonic expression for players through Reverb content, our mission remains the same: to make the world more musical.”

Stahl’s appointment follows his leadership roles at community-driven creator platforms SoundCloud and Vimeo, where he focused on user feedback to inform product improvements and drive business growth. At SoundCloud, Stahl launched artist-focused mastering and distribution tools and piloted user-centric royalties to help independent musicians earn more for their work. At Vimeo, Stahl introduced creator-focused features including Vimeo Live Streaming, seamless video editor integrations, and the fastest uploading experience on the Internet.

At Reverb, Stahl plans to put the platform’s thriving community of buyers, sellers, creators, and brands at the forefront of every decision, leaning into the marketplace's newfound independence to create exceptional products that serve musicians of all levels and unlock growth across the global MI industry.

In the last six months, Reverb’s efforts to better connect music makers with gear through features such as Wallet and sell in-store have helped sellers discover increased demand from musicians eager to try out different guitars, synths, pedals, and more. Looking ahead, a greater focus on building symbiotic partnerships with sellers will be key to Reverb’s mission, as will introducing buyers with gear they’ll love, helping Reverb play a greater role in uplifting the entire musical instrument industry.


About Reverb
Reverb is the largest online marketplace dedicated to music gear. Since launching in 2013, Reverb has helped millions of music makers find the perfect piece of gear from its trusted community of music shops, top brands, and other music makers around the world. Built by musicians and gear lovers, Reverb combines one of the largest selections of musical instruments with tools to help music makers find music gear that inspires them and a passionate musical community to connect with. Sales on Reverb help support Reverb Gives, which provides youth music programs with musical instruments.

Oberheim TEO-5 vs Sequential OB6 (Tone and filter focus, no talking no fx)

video upload by Infested Alien

"Just a super simple comparison trying to match them a bit to each other. The matching is oriented more towards OB6 since it has least modulation possibilities compared to the TEO5. When it comes to the tone character I've to say OB6 is more in my taste but we are limited with modulation on the OB6 so if you love modulation then TEO-5 is the king :)"

2025/10 - 1010Music Lemondrop realtime CC playing

video upload by Stereoping

"A realtime session on the Lemondrop granular sampler being controlled by Midi CC with a Synth Controller. Bass, tabla and drums from MPC One. I simply love to manually travel through a sample having the playhead position directly on a knob - especially if it's a voice or the sample contains different chords.

BLACK parameters are always available. The three color layers are distributed to RED for GR1 settings, GREEN for GR2 and BLUE for FX, Envelope1 and OSC Pitch.

Filter is set to PER OSC: GR1 runs through Filter 1, GR2 though Filter 2. Both samples are set to playmode FIXED. If MOVING would support the playhead to run backwards if the modulation becomes negative this also would be fun to play with. But currently it's only stopping when receiving -100% modulation.

Important: at the time i shot the video (2025/10, Beta V1.2.26) the Lemondrop does not offer default CCs. All CCs are manually learnt by hand. Means: changing to another preset stops the remote editing from working - until you learn them all again :-) Hopefully 1010 Music offers an update supplying a default CC scheme in the future. Until then it does imho not make that much sense to offer this LEMONTREE edition for the Synth Controller officially. In the 1010music forum there is a capable guy offering a free webservice to convert all presets to supply a special CC mapping but i did not try it yet. Still learning about this funny little sampler."

X1L3 - ARMALYTE is ALLEYKAT - SID 8580 - DEV - 3 voice test - love action - scope render

video upload by X1L3

"More work on the SID module. Another 3 channel test.
Those chorus sections 🔥👌❤️

The meow song (love action) by the Human league....

The floor is lava..
Baba is you...
And Armalyte is Alleykat 🐱🐾🐾🐾

Project Armalyte is now called Alleykat. My long time feline companion, Maddie, passed away two weeks ago. She would sit and chill with me for hours while i coded and toiled away on this and other projects. She'd see me off when i went to work and be waiting for me when i got home. She'd ride around on my shoulder, sleep on my bed and follow me everywhere. From the scared and timid cat who had a massive alopecia bald patch on her back and who i think had had a bit of a bad life as the frightened girl who crept into my shed all those years ago, she became a gentle, funny and loving companion. She was 18, she was my friend for many years, and i miss her 😔

The module is now a tribute to kitty cat. And she'll be appearing on the back of it.

Nine lives - no regrets ❤️

Nice cover of the meow song for her. When the module is complete i'll come back and tweak it for a proper demo, where it will be paired up with the song 'tell me when', which also has a meow in towards the end 😂

Sounds somewhat like a Hubbard outing for the verses, but then you hit the chorus and it goes full sublime Galway - Ocean loader. It sounds wonderful. in a kept in the loft for 30 years way 😊

Tuning is still as crap as my Korg Monopoly on a good day. But a bit of pitch bend wheel keeps it sweet enough. The day i move it off the breadboard and get a precision reference in there for 1voct tracking can't come soon enough.

Currently waiting for some parts to make the next big leap. This is where the last few registers will become active and all the ringmod/sync/wave mixing kinds of things will come to life.

Than chorus though..
I fucking love this thing.....
The nostalgia feels are something else ❤️❤️❤️"

Zen and Echo star in the feedback romance 'Sounds of Love'

video upload by Richard DeHove

"The final evolution of various experiments using the Zen delay and Echolocator delay. This time it's just self-generated Echolocator feedback run through the Zen delay.

Movie sequences are from the 1932 movie 'The Red Haired Woman' starring Jean Harlow. This was one of the steamy, amoral, boundary-pushing Hollywood productions that led to the puritanical Hays Code. It was also notable for its famous slap scene.

The movie audio was process in the DAW using automation on delay plugin parameters - and what a colossal no-fun pain that was compared with twiddling knobs in real time. I made it to three lanes of automation then gave up. The Zen-Echo combo is not processed from what you see.

Many thanks to my kind patrons who keep this channel ad-free
My website: https://richarddehove.com/"

Journey Track // Yamaha RS7000

video upload by Isobutane

"RS7000 going straight to the audio interface. All sounds created using the internal synth engine.
Thank you for watching!

Love.
iso"

Arturia MicroFreak Jam – "The Absurd Ninety Percent"

video upload by alloutofsync

"While designing a patch on the MicroFreak, I stumbled upon a strange sound — absurd in a good way — so I turned it into a jam. Now and then, it gives off a Steve Vai–like vibe (3:13-), which I love.

Starting from the init patch, pitch and timbre shift with LFO and pressure. The sequence was entered on a whim, following instinct more than logic.

The rhythm track comes from Ableton Live."

Synthesizing with Moog | Lesson 1: Listening

video upload by Moog Music

Synthesizing with Moog

"'Synthesizing with Moog' invites you on an enlightening journey that answers a complex question: how exactly do synthesizers work? https://inmusic.to/bdhnff3m

In this first episode we go back into twentieth century history to understand the origins of electronic music, discussing concepts like modular design and voltage control to learn how they combined to make the synthesizer instrument we know and love today. We then pose some questions to try and understand how listening works. How is sound created in the air? What does a speaker do and how does a synthesizer control it? How does the ear work? And finally, how do our brains perceive the sound around us? Listening, after all, is the foundation of any musical practice.

Written, hosted, filmed, and produced by our team of electronic musical instrument experts, this new seven-part educational video series makes learning the fundamentals of synthesis accessible, engaging, and inspiring for anyone curious about science, music, and how the two worlds converge. We set out to create a series that brings you as much technical knowledge as it does entertainment and joy as you watch each episode!

We invite you to follow along with us at home with a printable worksheet corresponding to the contents of each weekly episode. https://inmusic.to/bdhnff3m

Creator, writer, and host: Chris Miller
Director and editor: Paul Shaver
Producers: Max Ravitz and Chris Miller
Director of Photography: Paul Shaver
Music: Max Ravitz and Gunnar Haslam
Graphics and Animations: Ryan Ford
Special thanks to Ana Rome
Filmed on location at Schneidersladen Apotheke, Berlin"

Roland Juno-106 Synthesizer - That Juno Sound (no talking)

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2025

Today I'm auditioning some of my original patches the Roland Juno-106. I just love the 106 for those plucky arps, sweepy portamento pads, classic chorus circuit, weird resonance chops, and not forgetting those basses. The range of sounds inside the simple architecture is littered with sweet spots. I've lovingly crafted a bank of patches to harness these attributes, now these patches are available at https://gstormelectro.gumroad.com

Audio recorded direct to iPhone via Roland GO:Mixer Pro-X via Soundcraft EPM6 Mixer. No additional effects or processing were used."

October Melody, Improvisation on the Haken Continuum – Deep Forest / Eric Mouquet

video upload by Deep Forest

"This is an improvisation on the wonderful Haken Continuum.
I’m curious — what does this melody evoke for you?
Where does it take you when you listen to it?
I’d love to know how you receive it, and what images or emotions it awakens in you.
Eric Mouquet, Deep Forest, Haken Continuum, Continuum Fingerboard, Expressive E, MPE, Ambient music, Electronic music, Live improvisation, Cinematic music, Sound design, Ethereal sounds, Meditative music, Dreamscape, Experimental music, World electronic, Ambient performance, Sound exploration, Modern ambient, Deep Forest improvisation"

Roland Jupiter 6 Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer: Serviced

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

via this Reverb listing

"The legendary and highly coveted dark-horse of the big boi Roland polys—the Jupiter 6.

Mine is in amazing shape inside and out. Serviced by Foleytronics a few years ago. Everything works and sounds as it sold.

This one in particular has a unique provenance; it was sold at PI Music in Cleveland which is where treznor use to work. It's the place he mentions selling DX7s in the documentary "I Dream Of Wires". If you watch the video you will see the original PI music sticker on the back of the unit in good shape.

I love the Jupiter 6 more than the Jupiter 8 and have personally owned both. It's my favorite Roland poly and one of the only vintage polys to feature a multi-mode filter. The synth sounds raw, dark, and melancholic."

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The Crow Hill Company Adds Roland CR-78 Based RHYTHM MACHINE to VAULTS

video upload by CROW HILL

"Step back to 1978 and discover the iconic Roland CR-78, the first programmable drum machine that changed the way artists approached rhythm. Before the 808 and modern drum machines, the CR-78 gave musicians the power to create and store their own drum patterns. In the hands of artists like Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, and Blondie, it became iconic. For this Vault, we’ve preserved the much-loved character of the CR-78 and expanded its sonic potential with some tasteful effects."

https://thecrowhillcompany.com/free/

Press release follows:

The Crow Hill Company creates …RHYTHM MACHINE as latest free VAULTS… VI, preserving vintage classic’s character while expanding its sonic potential

EDINBURGH, UK: The Crow Hill Company is proud to announce availability of VAULTS - RHYTHM MACHINE as its latest VI (Virtual Instrument) release ready for all to download and make music with for free for the rest of their lives — literally preserving Roland’s 1978-vintage CR-78 CompuRhythm’s classic character as the Japanese giant of electronic musical instrument manufacturing’s first programmable drum machine (that changed the way artists approached rhythm and, in doing so, stamped its musical mark on a number of notable hit records that subsequently secured its iconic status in the annals of music technology history for all eternity), effectively expanding its sonic potential with some tasteful effects as a result — as of October 1…

Far from stretching the boundaries of truth, it is fair to say that the introduction of Roland’s CR-78 CompuRhythm changed the course of history as the first computer-controlled programmable drum machine. Most rhythm machines before its late-1978 introduction were preset-only affairs, forcing their users to pick from the likes of ‘Bossa Nova’, ‘Rock’, and ‘Waltz’ — more in keeping with the home organ-orientated terminology of the time. The CR-78, however, offered something new — namely, an ability to program rhythm patterns and store them in memory using the external WS-1 programmer optionally offered by Roland. Indeed, its 14 onboard instruments include bass drum, cymbals, hi-hats, rimshot, snare drum, and tambourine alongside several Latin-type sounds, such as bongos, claves, and cowbell — all generated using analogue circuits, giving it a distinctly warm, punchy character. Thanks to the CR-78’s analogue nature, though, the tempo control is not exactly surgical, but this foible only adds to its charm. And, as history has borne out, when placed in the creative musical hands of Blondie, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, and others, it became an iconic instrument in its own right.

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Sequential Fourm - I love this synth!

video upload by Scott McAuley Sounds

"Patches will be available at https://www.orano.co.uk/shop or http://www.synthsounds.co.uk

From my forthcoming custom bank 'Quatrain Vol.1' for the ‪@SequentialLLC‬ Fourm, this one is called SM Insidious, making great use of the Fourms modulation options. This synth is excellent for film and game scoring.

Enjoy
Scott.

© Scott McAuley. All rights reserved.
#custom #sounds #fourm"

Cameron Jones: Synclavier and beyond, a life in music

video upload by CatSynth TV

"Cameron Jones: Synclavier, singing, and a life in music (Interview)

We sit down for an in-depth conversation with Cameron Jones, co-inventor and principal software architect of the legendary Synclavier synthesizers. We talk about his early interests, his time with New England Digital and the Synclavier, and his life in and love of music.

The interview was recorded at Knobcon 2025, where Jones was a featured speaker.

To find out more about Cameron Jones and the past, present, and future of Synclavier, please visit the official website: https://synclavier.com

00:00 Introduction
00:29 Cameron Jones introduces himself
01:11 Being in the right place at the right time
05:25 Additive synthesis, FM synthesis, and sampling
11:45 Synclavier
15:05 The symbiosis of musicians and music technology
19:09 Composing in this era of music technology
22:59 The individuality of musicians and their instruments
27:00 Cameron Jones journey in music (orchestras, singing, theater)
41:20 Conclusion

Please consider supporting this channel to help us bring you more synthesizer tutorials and other content.

Merch: https://shop.catsynth.com
Patreon: / catsynth
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth"

"How to Orchid" by Telepathic Instruments

video upload by Telepathic Instruments

Featuring Matt Berry and Jemaine Clement.

"Ever wondered how to Orchid? Neither had Matt.

Orchid ships worldwide October 10, 2025.

https://telepathicinstruments.com
@telepathic.instruments

STARRING
MATT BERRY 
JEMAINE CLEMENT

WITH
Porcelain Dog
Gloved Hand
Multiple Synths

DIRECTED BY
Thomas Dunphy

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Sophie Lawrence Parker

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GS Music e7 - Septenary Vol.1 OUT NOW!

video upload by Scott McAuley Sounds

GS Music e7 - Septenary Vol.1 (Demo 2 of 2) OUT NOW!
video upload by Scott McAuley Sounds

"Patches will be available at https://www.orano.co.uk/shop or http://www.synthsounds.co.uk

Reverb used on this demo is same settings Specular Tempus 70s plate.

This wasn't a planned custom pack, I originally ordered the @GSMusicArg e7 just to try it out. However, it is quite safe to say that this synth really has blown me away!!

The synth has so much character, it honestly sounds like "the good old days"! Very Memorymoog, but with some hints of OB Sizzle , it's Lovely!

Needless to say, the e7 is now firmly remaining in my collection, it has warmth, depth, low end, fizz, and just sings! I absolutely love it.

I thoroughly enjoyed programming this lovely synth, and I look forward to getting back on with Volume 2 in the future!

I hope you enjoy!
Cheers
Scott.

© Scott McAuley. All rights reserved.
#custom #sounds #gsmusic"

Unexpected item: Tilde Elektriske Kretser Fjaerlett

video upload by Uncertain Music Corps

Also see: Tilde Elektriske Kretser - Fjærlett

"With my love of spring reverb feedback, the Fjaerlett was a complete no brainer for me and as soon as I heard about it I put my name on the wait list.

That was 4 years ago.

I completely forgot about it until last month when the invoice for instrument number 162 dropped.

It was delivered today.

This is the first run out for it recorded direct to camera. Reverb (offscreen) is provided via an instance of Galactic 3 running on the 4ms Metamodule. There is no eq or compression on the output.

First impressions? This is an elegant, delicate instrument that will take time to learn. The interrelationships between the three springs, the equaliser bands and the feedback level are complex and varied. They are not necessarily repeatable during a session - what looks like the same slider settings will not always provide the same outcomes. At least not at first.

As ever with spring reverb feedback, it's not hard to drive it into standing, sine wave like oscillation. But the more interesting stuff happens on the edges when you can find them. My sense is that there are many edges to be discovered.

I was monitoring this at a fairly low level. High on my to do list is monitor a session at much higher levels to encourage feedback on my feedback.

Let the games begin...."