How do you feel about modifying vintage synths?

video upload by Soundgas

"How do you feel about modifying vintage synths?

Just got my EMS Synthi AKS back from a thorough overhaul and with a stack of mods added (it’d already had some historic and less than pretty ones installed).

People often ask whether modifying a synth like this affects value. While there’s no denying it can feel sacrilegious when you’re talking about an exceptionally well preserved example, I am 100% for anything that means old gear will get used more.

One of the worst things you can do with old gear is put it on a shelf and not use it. We regularly get contacted by collectors (or people who no longer use their now valuable vintage synths) expecting top prices for their precious instruments which come ‘serviced’ and ‘working perfectly - last time I used it’. A little digging usually reveals this to have been a decade or more ago and the service work is ancient history.

So if modding that classic synth means you’ll play it more and enjoy it, that to me is a no brainer.

I understand that this puts us at odds with many vintage synth collectors, but the majority of our customers - who want to use them (shock horror) for making music - seem to agree.

What do you think? Modify old gear or not?"

Oberheim OB-1 SN 0111

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

via this Reverb listing

"Oberheim OB-1 for sale in excellent condition and perfect working order, freshly serviced by James Walker at Soundgas."

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EMS Synthi AKS & Extras

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

via this listing

"Rare transition example that has been used but very well looked after - supplied serviced and ready for use. Recent extensive servicing and modifications by Europe's premier EMS tech to create what we consider to be the ultimate Synthi AKS. All features are fully working and expertly calibrated. Includes many extras and upgrades (see description for full details). This is the AKS to buy if you want the maximum possible sonic options...

EMS Synthi AKS for sale in perfect working order - highly modified to be the ultimate AKS with an even greater range of sonic possiblities over a standard Synthi.

It comes complete with the following accessories:

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Roland Jupiter-8 IMMACULATE w/ Encore Midi Pro-serviced

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

via this listing

"As close to new as I've ever seen. You have to look hard to see any blemishes , the front panel is good as new.

Encore Midi

Fully restored by James Walker / Soundgas UK

New slider felt (notorious for degrading)

New white buttons!

Brand new custom pro light case

Original Manual + Roland catalogs from 1981

Fully functional , if you want an exceptional Jupiter this is it."

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box of uncertainty

video upload by studio snippets

"A new unit from a brilliant new designer – exclusive to Soundgas – we absolutely love this wild and unpredictable box which can create stunning sounds and rhythms from pretty much anything.

The BOU is a characterful and unpredictable audio sampler, designed for experimentation and improvisation. please feed it a wide variety of sound sources including but not limited to field recordings and household objects, acoustic instruments, synthesizers and electronic equipment, songs by your favourite recording artist (or your least favourite…).

There are no menus, sub-patches, presets or save functions. The BOU is immediate and imperfect.

Please note that these are handbuilt and hand-finished units; some imperfections to the finish and knobs is to be expected.

The user manual can be found here

Record

The capture button records for the length that it’s pressed for (maximum 3 seconds), recording from the built-in microphone, unless a line input is connected on the back in which case that source is captured. the looped sample begins to play back immediately.

Mix

There is no overall volume control for the BOU. both of the playback samplers have their own level control, as does the fragment space and occult emanation parameters which are routed as pre-fade effects.

Play

There are two sample players which behave differently: particle and fragment. each has a control for length, speed and level.

There is additional control for pitch and direction of particle, whilst fragment can be sent to space.

Occult emanation should be used liberally with caution.

Power supply:

Requires a 9v centre positive supply (not included).

External measurements (including knobs):
24 x 18 x 8 cm"

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Toyo Gakki Ult Sound Analog Drum Synth DS-4 1970s w/ Billy Cobham & TAMA Sticker

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via this listing

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SynthFest UK 22

video uploads by sonicstate

Use the controls in the player above to skip around (drop down top right; skip controls bottom left).

"Videos from the SynthFest UK show in Sheffield put on by Sound on Sound Magazine"

Update: Smart MIDI Patchbay, & Ivo Beatrix Lorelei Persephone added to the playlist.

Playlist:
Synthfest UK 22: AJH Synth Patch Break Down With Dreams Of Wires
Synthfest UK 22: Adroit Synthesis - Granular Synth for Voltage Modular
Synthfest UK 22: MIDIum - SmartMIDI Foot Controller
Synthfest UK 22: Yamaha MODX+ Demo From Dom
Synthfest UK 22: Korg Drumlogue 1st UK Sighting
Synthfest UK 22: Rhodes - MK-8
Synthfest UK 22: RYK Vector Wave FM Module
Synthfest UK 22: Knobula Compact Skiff Demo Riffs
Synthfest UK 22: Studiologic - Numa-X Piano GT
Synthfest UK 22: Decksaver - Protective Covers
Synthfest UK 22: 3 New iLoud Precision Monitors
Synthfest UK 22: Dreadbox - Erebus MK2 and Hades
Synthfest UK 22: The Godfather Will Own Your Eurorack Mix
Synthfest UK 22: Soundgas - Rare Suzuki Waraku Koto Synth
Synthfest UK 22: Wang Synth Control - Wangulator
Synthfest UK 22: Sweet Discrete Can Pimp Your Vinyl Panels
Synthfest UK 22: Starsky Carr Meets Gaz Williams
Synthfest UK 22: myVOLTS Power and Audio Fixers
Synthfest UK 22: Transistor Sound Labs Stepper Sequencers
Synthfest UK 22: Studio-Electronics - MIDImini and SE-3
Synthfest UK 22: Bjooks - Patch and Tweak and Inspire the Music
Synthfest UK 22: Tileyard North
Synthfest UK 22: Kenton - Smart MIDI Patchbay
Synthfest UK 22: Expert Sleepers - Ivo Beatrix Lorelei Persephone
Synthfest UK 22: Synth Cables of all kinds
Synthfest UK 22: Roland SP-404 MK2 With 2.0 OS
Synthfest UK 22: More On The Eventide Misha

MTI Auto Orchestra

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via this auction

"This amazing machine is complete and fully serviced. It had been sold to a famous french musician by Soundgas, a couple month ago and is now on consignment. They converted it to 220V and did everything needed to be done. It's a crazy machine you must own to fulfill your one man band dream. Will be packed in a bunker."

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ROLAND SYSTEM-100 MODEL 101 & 102 SN 490848 & 520988

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

via this auction

"With these two units you get possibly the best synth Roland ever made, without paying silly money for extras you might not need, or have space for. Or it’s the beginning of you building your own complete system. Either way, this is the synth we all seem to be loving the most at Soundgas (and Soulwax say it’s their favourite, and they have ALL the synths). There’s that wondrous filter, and the flexibility of the semi-modular design. And it’s darn handsome into the bargain, which always helps."

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Synthfest UK 2019

Published on Oct 11, 2019 Jyoti Mishra

"At the Octagon Centre, Sheffield, 5/10/19"

Featured: Cosmotronic, Soundgas, Unniversity of Derby, TA Programming, Dreadbox, Waldorf, Transistor Sounds Labs, Valley & VCV Rack, Dove Audio, Delia Derbyshire Day, Mike Gorman, Spitfire Audio, Presonus, Soundtronics, Dubreq, and Analogue Solutions Colossus.

See the Synthfest UK label below for more coverage of this year's event.

MOOG PRODIGY 336BX *Soundgas Serviced* Analogue Mono Synth with Kenton CV/Gate SN 3418x

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

via this auction

"Sought-after export Model 336BX – with Kenton CV/Gate sockets on the rear. Excellent condition, supplied serviced and sounding fantastic."

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Roland System 100 Model 101 SN 653053 w/ Original Box & Manuals

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

via this auction, also on Reverb

Roland System 100 Model 101 - Boxed *Soundgas Serviced*

"Roland System-100 Model-101 Analogue Synthesizer in timewarp condition. Supplied fully serviced and working perfectly. Complete with original box and manuals.

NOTE: This item is awaiting service and will ship within 15 working days of purchase. Price includes the fitting of a new 120 or 240v transformer (synth is currently 100v).

Stunning example of one of the best Roland monosynths from the classic Roland era. Uncommon in any condition but super-rare to find one with all packing/manuals."

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PEARL SYNCUSSION SY-1 *Soundgas Serviced* Vintage Drum Synth SN 508582

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

via this auction

"Serviced and modified with:
• Separate outputs for channels one and two on a TRS (stereo) jack
• CV Mod – allows you to “play” the Syncussion via a CV in.

These are stunning and powerful drum synths: trigger via a drum pad, drum machine or output from your DAW. We love these and have two in the studio which we trigger from our 808. The low end on a Syncussion leaves the 808 seeming a tad weedy…

This one will ship once our techs have finished with it – we modify the output to TRS jack for separate outputs for each channel and also with CV ins for each channel for more musical interactivity…

It uses a 12v DC 300mA, centre negative unit power supply (not supplied).

There are currently no known operational faults with this unit – some crackle may be possible when the unit has not been used for some time – this should clear with use.

In superb cosmetic condition with only minor signs of age or wear across the unit. The wooden case is very clean with some dings and scuffs around the edges. See photos for more information on cosmetic condition."

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EMS Synthi AKS 1972 *Soundgas Serviced*

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

via this auction

"Nice early Synthi AKS dating from 1972 – one owner from new. Supplied totally overhauled and in excellent working order.

The synth is currently undergoing a full overhaul; the buyer has the option to specify any modifications they may require while this is in progress. The price quoted here is for a fully-overhauled EMS Synthi AKS; there will be an additional charge for any modifications or upgrades beyond factory spec.

We expect it will be ready by mid-late August (this is an estimation based on our usual servicing time and is dependant on the buyers choice of modifications and engineer availability).

This 1972 Synthi AKS will ship in excellent working order following a thorough overhaul and servicing by an EMS specialist.

While everything will be been done to ensure this synth is in excellent order functionally, this is a vintage Synthi and some occasional foibles may be expected. We take the view that servicing on these units should be sympathetic – recapping where necessary, but also keeping as many original parts in the audio path to retain character, even if it results in occasional minor flaws. A little noise may be possible from some pots when it’s not been used for a while, but this will clear with use.

These synths should be used regularly for best performance – just like a classic car or bike needs a run out to stay in good shape.

It is a joy to play.

This 1972 AKS came to us from the original owner: it has seen some action and currently has a switchable trimmer modification to Oscillator 3 – we would suggest possibly replacing this with an Osc Sync mod. There is some wear to the original panels and lettering commensurate with a well-loved early Synthi, but overall it presents very well. The case lid has cracked and is currently missing the hinges: we will effect a sturdy repair and replace the hinges so it can be used as intended. Full photos to follow after restoration.

Switchable voltage for use anywhere in the world - it will be set up ready for you to use before we ship."

Matt Morton on Moog IIIc Modular Synth and the Apollo 11 Soundtrack

Published on Jun 3, 2018 Matt Morton Music

Playlist:

1. Moog IIIc techno sketch

Stumbled on this little sketch while I was taking a break from scoring (finishing up 'Apollo 11' which will premiere on opening night of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival on January 24, and then hit theaters and TV in the spring/summer of 2019) and I was playing around with my Q963 trigger busses. Seems like the really fun ideas usually come when you're not looking for them too hard.

Gear used: Moog Synthesizer IIIc reissue, Soundgas modified Binson Echorec 2 (with varispeed and wet-only out), Synthesizers.com Q960 sequencers, trigger bus, signal selector, and foot control for filter cutoff, BAE 1073MPF mic preamps, Radial JDI direct boxes and ReAmp feeding the Binson (via RME Fireface 800)

2. Moog IIIc and valve varispeed Binson Echorec 2 T7E

This is me improvising on my 2017 Moog Synthesizer IIIc reissue, fed into a Soundgas Ltd. valve Binson Echorec 2 T7E (with varispeed and wet-only mods). The kick is a mixture of two sources: a kick I synthesized on the Moog using sine and triangle waves, and a kick I recorded from my 1967 Ace Tone Rhythm Ace. The eighth note bass line is coming from my Minimoog Model D reissue. For the main part (that you see me doing live), the dry signal is panned hard right, and the Binson's wet-only output (thanks Soundgas!) is panned hard left. I captured them with BAE 1073 MPF preamps and Radial JDI Jensen-equipped DIs. Also, the Moog-style sequencers (along with most of the other non-Moog modules I'm using) are by Synthesizers.com.

3. Matt Morton on Moog IIIc Modular Synth

This is a quick sketch on my 2017 Moog IIIc Modular Synthesizer Reissue (serial number 19 of 25 made). I'm also using modules by Synthesizers.com (including two Q960 sequencers) and STG Soundlabs (Post-Lawsuit Filter on the non-sequenced bass voice).

And from the Apollo 11 soundtrack:

The soundtrack is currently available on Amazon.

via Synthtopia

"The highly-acclaimed film (currently rated 100% on Rotten Tomatoes) features a score by composer Matt Morton, who chose to score it using an expanded palette of orchestra + electronics – but only using instruments that would have been available in 1969.

Morton says that every instrument and effect used in the score existed at the time of the mission in 1969 including the Moog modular Synthesizer IIIc, the Binson Echorec 2 tube echo, the Mellotron sample playback keyboard and the instruments of the orchestra."

Roland Jupiter-8 14 bit with Groove Midi SN 403221

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via this auction

"Roland Jupiter-8 14 bit with Groove Midi retrofit for sale in perfect working order and very good condition. This synth has been with its current owner for ten years and is a much-loved instrument. It will undergo a full Soundgas service/overhaul with James Walker before shipping"

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Drawmer DMT 1080 and Sequential Circuits Pro One Demo

Published on Oct 11, 2018 Soundgas

"Putting the Drawmer DMT through its paces with the Sequential Circuits Pro One. This BBD multi-delay can create flanging and phasing using the two delays in various combinations.

Apologies for the clipping at times, the Drawmer is quite volatile and it seems a better trained handler is required."

Moog Minimoog and Roland Juno-106 Synthesizer Jam

Published on Sep 7, 2018 Soundgas

"Another hallway demo. This one features Dec getting to grips with the Minimoog and Joel utilising an old friend, the Juno-106. The mini is being passed through a Korg SDD-3000 and generating some fantastic bass sounds while the Roland provides some excellent top-end."

Musicaid Clap Trap - Simple MONO Demo of Range of Sounds

Published on Aug 23, 2018 Soundgas

"Original Musicaid Clap Trap. Freshly serviced by James Walker. A simple run through the settings. Two minutes showing the two separate sounds and then combining them. Then one minute at a slower tempo so you can hear the sustain on the hisssssssss."

Making a £20 Keyboard Sound Like £5020!

Published on Jul 6, 2018 Soundgas

"We wondered if we could make a £20 sound like a monster, we definitely succeeded in our endeavour. This video features:

WOC 100 Keyboard
EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter
Roland RE-501 Chous Echo
Electro-Harmonix / Sovtek Small Stone
Moog 907 Fixed Filter Bank"