GODWIN MPS88 - The Final Boss That Does Whatever You Ask

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

Another first to be featured on the site, the GODWIN MPS88

00:00 Setting up and Plugging in
01:24 Specifications and Introduction
02:22 Auto Accompaniment Section
04:26 The Mystery Explained / Musical Interlude
05:27 Drum Machine
08:09 Upper Manual Sounds
10:40 Musical Interlude
11:29 Monophonic Synth
12:55 A Brief History of Godwin Auto Comp Machines
13:24 Lower Manual
16:25 Last Musical Interlude

After our videos on the predecessors Godwin CD1 and CD2 we felt we had to continue all the way to the finish line of Godwins output of amazing and rare, combination instruments.
The GODWIN MPS 88 was most likely the last instrument to come out of the factory and BOY is it something special!
It doesn't look like any other Italian instrument that we've laid eyes on, and the majority of the sounds are unique to this machine.

You'll find all the information we've managed to unearth in the video but a quick roundup would look like this.

The instrument consists of mainly 6 instrument sections with individual volumes divided between two manuals - all playable simultaneously.

1. DRUM MACHINE - sample based sounds
2. AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT section (bass, chords and arpeggiator)
3. 2 x PARAPHONIC PRESETS (upper / lower orchestra)
4. SOLO PRESETS (monophonic synth)
5. 2 X ORGAN FLUTES (organ footages)
6. 2 X STRINGS / CHOIR

There are only minor modulation possibilities available but the spring reverb is nice and deep and the Chorus and Leslie effects are great too, although they might deserve a closer look by our tech since we're not sure they function properly.

If you're into rare Italian synths and drum machines you can subscribe to our channel and please check out our other videos of rare gems, but you might also enjoy the V.A.I. website, an encyclopedia of Italian Vintage Synths and Drum Machines:

https://www.vintageaudioinstitute.com/"

matrix note: the design reminds me of the ems polysynthi.

Polysynthi Loops

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Here's a happy/sad tune on the ultra rare and quite exquisite EMS Polysynthi. Maybe only about 30 of these synthesisers were ever made, and probably just a handful are left in the wild. It came out in 1978 to rave reviews (https://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/em...) but then disappeared in spectacular fashion when other polysynths came to market around the same time (Prophet 5, Korg PS3100, Yamaha CS80, Polymoog, Roland Jupiter 4), most of which had huge corporate advertising budgets behind them. But the EMS had a number of unique things going for it, such as 49 note polyphony (albeit sharing one filter / VCA -- it is essentially paraphonic, like the Polymoog), 2 LFOs with a clever routing system, pressure sensitive keyboard, and a voltage controlled analogue delay section. But above all, it has a totally "of-its-time" sound like no other synth I know - it creates instant late-70s happy/sad tones like nothing else in my studio. And the other thing - JUST LOOK AT IT

This is a live performance using the Polysynthi and the Concrete Box (stereo loopers) to layer up multiple passes of melodies

As always, thanks for watching, and enjoy the tones"

EMS Polysynthi Analog Synthesizer

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via this listing

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EMS Polysynthi

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

via this listing

"THE EMS POLYSYNTHI,

ITS A SUPER RARE ANALOG SYNTH WITH ONLY MAYBE 30 IN THE WORLD AND THIS IS SERIAL NUMBER 21.

ITS IN GREAT CONDITION AND FULLY WORKING AND WAS SERVICED BY KENT SPONG AROUND 7 YEARS AGO AND BEEN SITTING IN MY MUMS HOUSE SINCE.

IT NEEDS TO BE USED AND IT SOUNDS AWESOME,

ITS VERY BIG AND WEIGHS A TON ."

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Mega Rare EMS Polysynthi no AKS analog Synthesizer

video upload by Alexander Jovanovic

"Running a Korg Volca Beats through My EMS Polysynthi
Vintage Heaven !!!"

New Distortions - an EMS Sound Study

video upload by zack dagoba

BENGE
FORMS 14
"New Distortions"

Available NOW on Benge's Bandcamp page: https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com/album...

This sound study was created on electronic instruments made by British synthesiser manufacturer EMS. The specific items used were as follows:

Polysynthi
VCS3 Mk1
Dual Synthi AKS (known as The Crystal Machine)
TKS Sequencer
8-Octave Filter Bank
Pitch To Voltage Converter
Random Signal Generator
Dual High Pass Filter

Note that the Polysynthi has an analogue delay unit which can be accessed via an external input

No other instruments or sound processors were used in this composition

The video was created by Benge at the Memetune VideoLab. The following equipment was used:

Panasonic WJ-MX50 (x 2)
Grass Valley Indigo Video Switcher
Sony DSR DR1000 DVCAM HD Recorder
Sony DSR500 Video Camera
Davinci Resolve

Written and recorded by Benge (BD Edwards) at Memetune Studios, UK


(c)+(p) 2023 MemeSongs

Testing the EMS rig

video upload by zack dagoba

"I hereby try putting a little sequence made upon the VCS3 and TKS through the Polysynthi filter and delay. An added bonus is that I can add some notes from that particular instrument along the way"

TMP-03 Vintage Synth TV Series from Benge

video upload by zack dagoba

Additional Vintage Synth TV episodes by Benge

"The Memetune Programme Episode 03

00:00 Opening Titles
00:35 Introduction
01:31 Switched On - Polysynths Part Two
19:38 Synthesiser Club - Roland SH101, VCS3, 100M and Moog Modular
22:03 Commercial Break
23:42 Patching Today - ARP2500
38:43 Video Lab - Video Feedback
41:45 Outro/Coming Up Next Time


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

Third episode in the new six part series of programmes 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:

SWITCHED ON - Featuring in-depth discussions about the history and development of the synthesiser over the years, including demonstrations and feature guides of many classic and iconic instruments

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

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:

SWITCHED ON POLYSYNTHS (PART TWO) - Continuing the history of Polysynths, from paraphonic instruments (EMS Polysynthi) through hybrid Polys (Polymoog, Korg PS3100) to polyphonic classics of the 70s and into the 80s (Yamaha CS80, ARP/Rhodes Chroma, Sequential T8, Roland Jupiter 6)

SYNTHESISER CLUB - Roland Sh101 sequencing the EMS VCS3, Roland 100M and Moog Modular 3C

PATCHING TODAY - on a vintage ARP 2500

VIDEO LAB - Self-generating abstract images using simple video feedback

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

Referenced in this episode:

Twenty Systems album by Benge
https://open.spotify.com/album/28u6Te...

Fader album: https://townsendmusic.store/products/...

The Dreamer by BENGE"

TMP-02 Vintage Synth TV Series from Benge

video upload by zack dagoba

Additional Vintage Synth TV episodes by Benge

"The Memetune Programme Episode 02

00:00 Opening Titles
00:35 Introduction
01:48 Switched On - Polysynths Part One
11:51 Synthesiser Club - EMS Polysynthi & AKS
13:59 Commercial Break
16:10 Patching Today - Buchla 200
29:18 Video Lab - Chromakey
34:53 Outro/Coming Up Next Time

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

Second episode in the new six part series of programmes 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:

SWITCHED ON - Featuring in-depth discussions about the history and development of the synthesiser over the years, including demonstrations and feature guides of many classic and iconic instruments

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

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:

SWITCHED ON POLYSYNTHS (PART ONE) - A brief history of Polysynths, with the Oberheim Four Voice

SYNTHESISER CLUB - EMS Polysynthi and Double AKS (AKA 'The Crystal Machine')

PATCHING TODAY - Buchla 200 Modular synthesiser (cloned)

VIDEO LAB - Video Switchers and Chromakeying

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

Video referenced in this episode:

The Dreamer by BENGE [posted here]

LINKS:
Benge's Studio Blog: http://myblogitsfullofstars.blogspot.com
Memetune Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memetunestudio
Benge on Bandcamp: https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com

Oblong album: https://townsendmusic.store/product/5...

Fader album: https://townsendmusic.store/products/...

Stephen Mallinder Um Dada album: https://www.daisrecords.com/products/...

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

The MemeTune Programme Credits:
Everything in this video was created by B D Edwards (Benge)
All music, design, writing, filming, editing and production completed at Memetune Studios, UK, 2022"

zack dagoba Vintage Synth TV

EMS POLYSYNTHI SYNTHESIZER AD & Review Clippings

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

Advert via this auction

Review via this auction

THIRTEEN SYSTEMS by Benge

zack dagoba

"New album here: zackdagoba.bandcamp.com/album/thirteen-systems

Thirteen years after the release of his original synthesiser concept album, Twenty Systems, Benge brings you a follow-up of sorts, the similarly themed Thirteen Systems, an album of modular explorations, showcasing his evolving fascination with these modular machines

The pieces were originally commissioned by the newly formed Modulisme radio broadcast, Philippe Petit’s project to bring the music of underground modular artists together and provide a platform for the burgeoning electronic modular music scene that has been building momentum in recent years

There is one significant difference in the approach Benge took in the creation of this new Systems album compared to his first incarnation. The previous album used overdubbing techniques to layer the sound of each synthesiser upon itself to build up the tracks, but on this album Benge took the decision to play each piece in real time, without overdubs or edits, creating each piece as a live performance. This meant setting up each instrument in advance and either letting it play along by itself, or interacting with it as the pieces develop in various ways. Each performance was filmed and there is an accompanying 60 minute video that goes with the album

Track listing:

01 - 1967 Buchla 100
02 - 1968 Moog 3C
03 - 1969 EMS VCS3
04 - 1970 ARP 250005 - 1971 Buchla 200
06 - 1972 Serge Modular
07 - 1973 Emu Modular
08 - 1974 Paia 4700
09 - 1975 Polyfusion 2000
10 - 1976 Formant Modular
11 - 1977 Korg PS3100
12 - 1978 EMS Polysynthi
13 - 1979 Roland 100M

Written and Performed by Benge at Memetune Studios, England

Designed, filmed and edited by Benge

(c)Expanding Recordings 2020, All rights reserved

Originally created for the MODULISME radio show, first broadcast in February 2020

Special thanks to:
Philippe Petit / Modulisme

Steve Malins (@randommanagement)

MEMETUNE STUDIO BLOG: http://myblogitsfullofstars.blogspot.com"

Rare EMS Polysynthi For Sale

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

via this auction

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Sequential Circuits Prophet T8

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

via this auction

Rare EMS Polysynthi in the background.

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EMS - POLYSYNTHI - Synth AD

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

via this auction

See the seller's other items for more.

"This is a magazine cut out from a U.S Music Magazine in that era from my personal collection.

Size - A4

This has been well looked after with minimal signs of wear.

I had the idea to create a montage for a picture frame in my studio for all this RETRO gear, will look great as part of a feature framed on a wall in a studio or creative space."

EMS - THIS IS THE EMS POLYSYNTHI for £990 Ad / Brochure

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

via this auction

See the seller's other items for more.

The Pac-Man Synthesizer

Published on Mar 8, 2019 Doctor Mix

"Here's how I played Pac-Man on the EMS Polysynthi synthesizer!"

The EMS Polysynthi In Action

Published on Mar 4, 2019 Doctor Mix

Benge Polysynthi Sketch

Published on Aug 15, 2018 zack dagoba

"Playing around on the EMS Polysynthi. No other effects were used in this video. It really is a clever little polysynth. The aftertouch is surprisingly expressive. And the voltage controllable analogue delay is shattering. See http://myblogitsfullofstars.blogspot.com for more"

SUPER RARE EMS POLYSYNTHI UNIQUE VCS-3 POLYPHONIC VINTAGE ANALOG SYNTHESIZER

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

via this auction

"FOR SALE SUPER RARE SYNTHESIZER KEYBOARD BY ELECTRONIC MUSIC STUDIOS - EMS POLYSYNTHI !!! SYNTH IN WORKING CONDITION. THIS UNIQUE SYNTHESIZER. UNIQUE SOUND STRUKTURES, - FX PSYHODELIC SOUND SYNTH... THIS IS THE BEST SYNTH WHICH I HAVE. INCREDIBLE SOUNDING POLYPHONIC VCS-3 SYNTHI VERSION SYNTH. FOR THE SOUND TRACK IN THE CINEMA AND SOUND PRODUCED PRO-STUDIOS. . MOST MUSICAL IMAGES HE CAN BORN. A LOT OF COMPLEX AND INCREDIBLE MONUMENTAL SOUNDS AND POWERFUL BEAUTIFUL SOUNDS. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO TRANSFER ALL EMOTIONS THAT WILL SUPPORT THIS SYNTH. = ONLY YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF USE WITH IT WILL GIVE YOU UNDERSTANDING AND DISCLOSE THE MAGIC OF SOUND THESE SYNTH!"

Remember to go through eBay for their buyer protection when purchasing anything through them. If you take the purchase offline to save a buck, you risk losing it all.

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Analogue #03: Benge

Published on Aug 4, 2016 The Vinyl Factory

Oberheim Four Voice System & EMS POLYSYNTHI featured.

"The third episode in our short film series Analogue, a profile of the musicians whose love affair with analogue sound has come to define the way they work.

Click here for more info: http://www.thevinylfactory.com/vinyl-...

Find out more about Benge's Meme Tune studio here: https://memetune.net/"

More Benge on MATRIXSYNTH here and as Zack Dagoba here. You can find Benge's blog at http://myblogitsfullofstars.blogspot.com.