MATRIXSYNTH: Search results for Synth History

Thursday, January 08, 2026

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'.

Sunday, December 28, 2025

Dr. Böhm Solist 78 – Red Version

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


via this Reverb listing

"For sale is a Dr. Böhm Solist 78 in the rare red version, in excellent overall condition. This legendary vintage unit combines analog sound generation, automatic accompaniment, rhythm section, and extensive real-time performance controls.

The Solist 78 delivers a warm, characterful analog sound and offers an exceptionally deep feature set that invites experimentation. With its many switches, variations, and interactive controls, it feels almost modular and provides endless creative possibilities.

Key Features & Functions

Automatic Accompaniment & Harmonic Control

Intelligent chord recognition (major, minor, dominant 7th)
Automatic bass and accompaniment voices
Multiple accompaniment styles and variations
Rhythm & Groove Section

Built-in analog rhythm generator
Multiple rhythm patterns and variations
Fill-ins and rhythmic accents
Very playable and responsive, ideal for live performance and improvisation
Sound Shaping & Performance Controls

Extensive tone shaping via dedicated buttons and switches
Real-time control over accompaniment density and character
Dynamic interaction between rhythm, bass, and harmonic voices
Creative Potential

Ranges from classic vintage accompaniment sounds to experimental and abstract textures
Well suited for retro productions, ambient music, experimental electronics, krautrock, library music, and sound design
A unique machine that rewards exploration and creative misuse
Condition & Technical Details

Excellent cosmetic and technical condition
All buttons and functions are fully operational
The “Böhmat” button is the only exception; it is intended for use in combination with a Böhm organ and therefore not functional as a standalone feature
220V version
Sounds fantastic and is fully playable
Included in the Sale

DIN-to-jack adapter
Handcrafted wooden case, built by the previous owner
Complete original construction manual (German)
Summary

The Dr. Böhm Solist 78 is a rare and inspiring vintage instrument with a deep feature set and unmistakable analog character. Ideal for collectors, vintage synth enthusiasts, and adventurous musicians looking for a truly unique piece of electronic music history."

Monday, December 22, 2025

The most innovative keyboard in the history of analog synthesizers Coming From Moon Modular in 2026


via Moon Modular

"An eventful 2025 is coming to an end, a year with incredible results.

After approximately 1.5 years of “analyzing, researching, speculating, searching, finding, trying out...”, we have relaunched the first MOON module and laid the foundations for further modules.

The most innovative keyboard in the history of analog synthesizers will be launched in 2026 after three years of development, heralding the start of our MOOG 3.0 vision.

Our new rack instrument business segment has established itself very well and has already contributed significantly to our results this year with the BODE SW 8101 BODE Barberpole Phaser and BODE 735 Frequency Shifter devices.

All of this is presented on a new website with three product lines...

PURE R.A. MOOG

All MOOG MODULAR classics, including all MOOG systems.

MOON MODULAR

The MOON Modular product portfolio.

BODE SOUND CO.

New, partly unreleased products by Harald Bode will be added to the BARBERPOLE PHASER and FREQUENCY SHIFTER in 2026, further expanding the collaboration with the ZKM and the Karlsruhe University of Music.

Many thanks to everyone who has supplied us, sold our products, and supported us!

I wish you and your families a wonderful Christmas and a hopefully more peaceful 2026!

Your SYNTH-WERK team Gerhard, Marcus, Markus, and Thomas

'There is an extremely powerful force for which science has not yet found a formula. It is a force that encompasses all others, regulates them, and is even behind every phenomenon that is active in the universe and has not yet been identified by us. This universal force is LOVE.'

Albert Einstein"

Monday, December 15, 2025

Toto’s Steve Porcaro Shows How He Created the Synth Sounds on Africa, Human Nature, Rosanna, ...


video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"In this monumental video, I’m sitting down in Steve Porcaro’s studio for a rare, up-close demonstartions at how one of the true synth legends created some of the most iconic sounds in music history.

What makes this so special is that Steve takes us step by step through the exact synthesizer techniques he used on massive hit records — including Michael Jackson’s 'Human Nature,' Toto’s 'Africa' and 'Rosanna,' as well as classic tracks for Hall & Oates, Don Henley, Donna Summer, and more. He also recreates these sounds on the same model vintage synthesizers he used on the original recordings.

As we dig in, Steve shares his personal approach to synthesis, how he builds multi-dimensional sounds, thinks about atmosphere and texture, and shapes parts so they serve the song emotionally, not just sonically. He also reveals how he writes out synthesizer parts on score paper, treating synths like orchestral instruments and arranging them with real intention.

This isn’t a preset rundown or surface-level demo. It’s a candid, in-studio conversation about process, musical thinking, with hands-on demonstrations from someone who helped define the sound of an era. If you’ve ever wondered how these legendary synth parts were truly made, now you can get it straight from the source, this is a moment you don’t want to miss!"

Friday, December 05, 2025

Bad Gear - Snow


video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about TI Snow.

It is quite obvious why this menu-heavy, scaled-down and abandonware-reliant 2008 member of the otherwise revered Access Virus range made it onto this show but it also raises an unsettling question: has the market for electronic musical instruments become so irrelevant that this primordial Volca with a Napoleonic Complex is the final word in the history of one of the most successful synth families? Can it be that synths are over?


Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:56 Overview Virus TI Snow
01:42 The Total Integration Concept
02:21 The Problem with the Software and a possible Solution
02:42 Synth Engine (Oscillators)
04:04 Filter Section
04:24 Modulators
04:42 Arpeggiator, FX Section, Vocoder
05:09 Presets (and a very special surprise;), Thanks, Pricing, etc.
05:59 H*te Screen
06:22 Jam 1 ( Preset Techno )
07:10 Jam 2 ( Menu Diving Electro )
08:07 Finale ( Old School Trance )
08:35 VERDICT"

Thursday, December 04, 2025

Solton Programmer 24 Synth, Soft Case, Foot & Volume Pedals

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


via this Reverb listing

"Unique 'All-in-one' Vintage Synth. I purchased this locally from a hammond organ repair shop & brought it home, I was blown away by the accessible drum sounds & pattern based sequencing. Usually these type of keyboard is a "kids toy" but this was different, with the pure analog sounds piercing through my speakers, this thing busted through a mix with warm & 80's tones. The playable foot pedals are really fun connecting to the bass sounds. This is not only a collectors item with music history, but it's a playable instrument for synth wave, disco & electronic music producers & enthusiasts. The arpeggios & patterns spark inspiration & the drum sounds come in handy for even just sampling into a song manually if you are recording & only one to use one instrument for the entire song!

I've dived into this synth on many occasions & did the other night, so I know everything is in working order. I would recommend reading the manual since some of the standard workflow we are used to in 2025 wasn't normalized back then.

INCLUDEDS

- Synth, Original IEC Power, Cable, Keyboard Cover, 3 Soft Cases, Foot Pedal, Volume & Control Pedal

I have the original stand, but I have NOT INCLUDED it in the listing since it would add significant weight & size to the shipping. If you are interested, let me know!"

Friday, November 14, 2025

JLR's Modular Synthesizers - System Breakdown #15


video upload by John L Rice

"This is my fifteenth video breakdown/rundown, this time for my largest system, the mighty 5U "wall"! 🥳 This is likely the last installment of this series.

Index:
0:00 Beginning
2:23 Preface
4:30 Introduction
5:28 Section 1

Off on a roadtrip to Pick up this Amazingly Quirky Vintage DIY Analog/Wavetable synth! The Mini Digi


video upload by LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

"ANOTHER PIECE OF DIY SYNTHESIZER HISTORY By Bill!
Download the VST sample instruments of this instrument! And much more! And Support ‪@THISMUSEUMISNOTOBSOLETE‬ here :- / mini-digi-sounds-143564117"

Curtis based DIY synth. Also mentioned: Volage Controlled Analog Sequencers from February 1984 Electronics & Music Maker magazine.

the GERMAN SYNTH that took over industrial music


video upload by Tonepusher

"🔊Sounds, Presets & Templates🔊
Presets & Samples ► https://www.tonepusher.com/
Patreon(synth presets,templates,store discounts)► / tonepusher

the GERMAN SYNTH that took over industrial music

Discover how the Access Virus synthesizer revolutionized industrial, EBM, and dark electro music. From the original Virus A to the legendary Virus TI, this German synth became a staple for artists like Rammstein, Nine Inch Nails, Front Line Assembly, Skinny Puppy, and Wumpscut. Dive into its history, evolution, and influence on modern producers. If you love industrial synths, dark electronic music, and music production, this deep dive into the Access Virus is for you!

cEvin Key's Patreon ► / cevinkey

Chapters:
0:00 - intro
0:14 - Origins of Access Music
1:26 - Virus A (1997)
6:50 - Virus B (1999)
11:05 - Virus C (2002)
14:22 - Virus TI (2005)"

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

ARP Foundation's Soul of the Machine CD & Download Update



If you haven't picked up a copy of the release, now might be a good time.

via the Alan R Pearlman Foundation:

Soul of the Machine is a Roaring Success!!!

We have officially sold half of our limited edition CD; we are also going to end our introductory 'Name Your Price' for downloads on BandCamp soon, so don't hesitate to purchase today!

Praise from BandCamp (Alan R Pearlman Foundation and Projekt Records )

"A tribute to the creator of my favorite music instruments. I Like the sound of the ARPs in classical electronic albums. Great record with many great contributions!"

"No favourite track, just indulging in the sonic wash of this amazing album. Just wonderful."

"...what an AMAZING collection!! ..."

"A ritual offering—ARP as oracle, muse, and monument. The machine has a soul. And here, it sings."

"It's hard to pick a favorite track off of this compilation... Lots of groovy music by a lot of artists.I had never heard of, but there are a few artists.I am familiar with. this is pretty groovy stuff... " "Awesome tribute and collection. Mr. Roach has somehow found time to be an archivist. would love a second volume. get this as both sampler and tribute..." Purchase from BandCamp

Monday, November 10, 2025

Reminder: Minimoog Prototype Exhibit, Erik Norlander Keyboard Sale Price Drop, Mini Minimoogs & More



via The Bob Moog Foundation

Minimoog Prototype Exhibit At the Moogseum This Weekend Only!

The anticipation is almost over! We are thrilled to be hosting the Minimoog Prototype Exhibit at the Moogseum, this weekend only, in partnership with the Museum of Music Technology (MMT). The exhibit will feature four ultra rare Minimoog prototypes from 1969, 1970, and 1971, as well as a host of related artifacts from the Bob Moog Foundation Archives.

We are honored to have JoE Silva, author of The Minimoog Book: The Synthesizer That Changed Music Forever: Sounds, Stories, and Technology join us throughout the weekend of the exhibit. He'll be on hand to delve into the history of the Minimoog with exhibit attendees and sign books in the Moogseum store.

We're excited to share a new addition to the exhibit. MMT will be bringing Minimoog serial number 1016 (the sixteenth Minimoog ever produced out of 12,269 units), which was purchased in 1971 by none other than David VanKoevering, the marketing genius behind the early Minimoog sales. David's Minimoog will be available for exhibit attendees to play and explore. Come get you hands on this incredible piece of synthesizer history!

Finally, be sure to take advantage of the morning tours with our executive director, Michelle Moog-Koussa. Michelle will be delving into Minimoog history as it is conveyed through the main gallery of the Moogseum. She doesn't give tours often, so take advantage of this opportunity. The tours are available for a small fee for any exhibit attendee.

Friday, November 07, 2025

Roland System 700

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.

"This is a unique opportunity to buy a monster synth, that is also a piece of synth pop history. Two cabinets plus the original keyboard, all lids, interconnection cables and original manual included. The first cabinet is a Roland System-700 Lab is one of the rarest and most sought-after modular synthesizers ever built. Introduced in 1976 as part of Roland’s legendary System-700 series, the Lab version was designed as a compact, self-contained modular laboratory for advanced sound design, research, and education — but with the same discrete analog circuitry, massive sound, and build quality as the full studio system.

This one was owned by Bill Vorn, keyboardist of the synth-pop band Rational Youth, used in the following albums dated 1981 to 1983 : Rational Youth, Saturdays in Silesia, City of Night and I want to see the light, as reported in the certification signed by Bill Vorn himself, provided in the item. The second one is another original SYS 700 one, connected and internally cabled to the main one by means of the original cable, with the super rare modules that you see in the picture: an additional, multimode filter, the great output module and… a professionally custom module with a perfect ARP 2600 VCF clone… plus other stuff.

All the best Sys 700 modules, featuring the iconic vintage Roland tone — warm and incredibly dynamic — and offers an extraordinary range of sonic possibilities thanks to its flexible patch architecture. Perfect for collectors, professional studios, or synth enthusiasts looking for a centerpiece instrument with historical and musical significance. The system sports a comprehensive modular architecture with 3 oscillators, 2 filters, 2 VCAs, 6 envelopes (!), mixer, phaser, spring reverb (HUGE) and …utilities.

Legendary System-700 sound — powerful basses, evolving textures, experimental tones. What to say more? Fully functional and in very good cosmetic condition with minor signs of use. You will never find another in such condition. Last call…"

Thursday, November 06, 2025

Moog Modular: eleven original cables



via this Vemia listing

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

Little bit of synth history.

"7 grey, 4 red shorter ORIGINAL vintage Moog Modular cables ¼ inch, from a Moog System 55. I don't have the synth anymore, can't test them but they used to work until 5 months ago."

Friday, October 31, 2025

Polymoog 203A – ex-Bijelo Dugme – For Restoration

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


via this Reverb listing

Monday, October 27, 2025

KORG Collection 6 - TRINITY: The 1995 Icon Reborn


video upload by Korg

Korg PS-3200 (1978) - Professionally Restored Full System

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


via this Reverb listing

"Korg PS-3200 - A fully configured system that's been fully cosmetically and operationally restored.

One of the finest fully configured surviving examples of Korg’s iconic PS-3200 — a true masterpiece of 1970s analogue engineering, fully restored for the modern collector.

Servicing Status

KSR has undertaken an extensive cosmetic and operational restoration of this PS-3200, a project spanning several years but largely completed by the end of 2024 — thanks to the exceptional work of Kent Spong of KSR. The Korg has been held in our secure facility throughout 2025, so post-sale, we will have the instrument and all accessories fully checked before shipping or delivering to the new owner. This process will add approximately 10 to 14 days to the post-sale completion time.

Remarks

We have decided to offer for sale our complete Korg PS-3200 System, which forms part of the RL Music Vintage Synthesizer Collection. Over the last 22 years, we’ve retained a small number of the finest vintage synthesizers to pass through our hands — instruments we found particularly inspiring or significant. This PS-3200 is one such example and has been the subject of a full and detailed cosmetic and operational restoration by our trusted vintage synth technician, Kent Spong of KSR.

It is generally accepted that Korg produced only around 200 units of the PS-3200, although the exact number is difficult to verify. Whether 100 or 500 were made, production was certainly very limited, making this an exceptionally rare, hand-built instrument by any measure.

Due to the rarity and individual nature of instruments like this, we’ve taken great care to provide a comprehensive and honest description of this PS-3200. We encourage any prospective buyer to ensure they have all the information needed to make an informed purchase decision — and of course, we are happy to answer any questions directly.

Provenance

We purchased this PS-3200 from a UK seller (an experienced user) in 2015 and collected it personally from their studio in the South of England. At the time, the instrument was fully working but had not been professionally serviced, so we decided to retain it within our PS-series collection — completing the full lineup — and plan its restoration later.

The overall condition was original and very good but showing signs of cosmetic age typical for a 35+-year-old synthesizer. We therefore elected to undertake a full operational and cosmetic restoration. While the market for highly restored vintage synths has cooled in recent years — as values for unrestored examples have climbed — our motivation for this restoration was personal rather than commercial, as the PS-3200 has always been part of our private collection.

System Configuration

PS-3200 Main Frame
PS-3010 Keyboard Controller
PS-3001 Interconnect Cable
PS-3030 Remote
PS-3001 Interconnect Cable (second)
PS-3040 Dual Pedal
Kenton MIDI Retrofit Kit fitted
This particular PS-3200 includes the extremely rare PS-3030 Remote, a unique device allowing live performers access to the patch memories — a groundbreaking feature for 1978.

Friday, October 24, 2025

Erik Norlander's Korg Mono/Poly Analog Synthesizer, serviced, with case SN 378257

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by moogfoundation



via this Reverb listing

"Very good condition, serviced by Rosen Sound, and includes a light-duty Tuff Case for easy transport!

Cosmetic notes: small chip in wood veneer edge under keybed, and the mod wheel shows a bit of wear. Both of these issues are shown in the images.

Released in 1981, the Korg Mono/Poly is known for its four VCOs, flexible modulation options, and unique mono/polyphonic switching, making it a versatile beast for both fat unison leads and unique, syncopated arpeggios. Its cross-modulation, oscillator sync, and deep routing options open the door to wild textures and sound design experimentation.

Specs & Highlights:

4 analog VCOs with independent tuning
Mono, Poly, and Unison modes
Crossmod, oscillator sync, and flexible LFO routing
Built-in arpeggiator and chord memory
Classic Korg 24dB/octave low-pass filter
Full MIDI retrofit kits available (not included, but easily added)
Used by artists like MGMT, Chromeo, and Jimmy Edgar, the Mono/Poly is a staple of vintage synth setups and prized for its unique voice architecture and beefy tone.

This unit was serviced by Rosen Sound, a trusted name in analog synth repair, so it’s running great and ready for action. Includes a Tuff Case (light-duty) to keep it safe during travel or storage.

30% of proceeds will benefit the Bob Moog Foundation, helping inspire future synth pioneers and preserve electronic music history."

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Erik Norlander's Farfisa Combo Compact I 61-Key Organ

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by moogfoundation



via this Reverb listing

"Vintage Italian combo organ with classic '60s tone in a sharp-looking chassis. It sounds awesome, especially through FX pedals. 60s Brit pop sounds, naturally, but also early Pink Floyd psychedelic vibes. This unit needs repair, but it’s a great low-cost restoration project for someone handy!

The unit powers up and makes sounds, but the voltage to the keyboard needs adjusting. In the embedded YouTube demo video, a successful demo can be heard in the C scale, but all of the following keyboard voltage issues exist (potentially among others): C in the bass octave plays an F below; B in the bass octave plays a D# below and is too soft; G# in the bass octave is too soft.

Other issues:

Vibrato doesn't work. All Vibrato switches have some effect on the tone, but there is no actual vibrato
Reverb doesn't work. Reverb has a tube preamp (cool!)
Bass 16 / Strings 16 - same issues as bass octave but an octave higher
Bass 16 / Strings 16 - C2 and B2 do not sound
Flute 8 / All 8' stops - same issues as #6 and 7 but an octave higher again
Top C note sticks mechanically
This lot does NOT include the bass or volume pedals.

This organ is built in combination with its own carrying case. The top lid is removed to reveal the organ, and the bottom opens up to storage for wires and the fold-out, built-in legs (shown in some of the images). This lid is missing the suitcase-style carrying handle, which is likely easily replaceable. The case itself also has a crack on the right side.

The Farfisa Compact is known for its bright, buzzy organ tones and reedy bite, perfect for psych rock, garage, and early synth-pop textures. Whether you’re restoring it for stage use or just want that iconic combo organ flavor in your studio, this is a great piece to start with.

Details:

Multiple tone tabs for organ voices and percussion
Built-in vibrato (needs repair, as mentioned) and tone booster
49 keys with bass section on lower range
There is nothing like the sound of a Farfisa organ. Heard on classic tracks by Pink Floyd, The Doors, and The B-52s, these organs helped define the sound of '60s and '70s rock, and still holds its own in modern music.

30% of the sale goes to the Bob Moog Foundation, supporting electronic music history, innovation, and education."

Erik Norlander's Casio CT-6000 Vintage Keyboard Synth, single owner SN 309982

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by moogfoundation



via this Reverb listing

"A rare find from Casio’s early pro line, the CT-6000 combines vintage charm with impressive flexibility. It’s got a warm, retro tone, full-size keys, and loads of hands-on control, including tone editing, auto-accompaniment, and analog-style sliders for shaping your sound. Great for beginners and collectors alike.

Highlights:

12-tone polyphony
20 editable preset tones (with manual mode for custom sounds)
Analog sliders for filter, envelope, and vibrato
Built-in rhythm and accompaniment
Built-in speakers; it’s a party in a box!
Full-size keys with a solid feel

30% of the sale will go to support the Bob Moog Foundation, helping preserve electronic music history and inspire future creators."

Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer SN 392871

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


via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"A true classic that's earned its stripes—this original TR-909 shows some light cosmetic wear, including faint handwritten notes from the original owner. We’ve cleaned it up carefully; some markings remain subtly visible, adding a bit of vintage charm and history.

Fully tested and working flawlessly, it delivers all the iconic TR-909 punch, groove, and analog-digital magic you expect. The power plug has been upgraded to a modern 3-prong AC connector for improved safety and convenience.

If you're after that authentic 909 mojo, this one’s ready to go. Includes original manual as shown."

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