MATRIXSYNTH

Metasonix TS-21 Hellfire

Title link takes you to shots via this auction. One out of only 38 ever produced.

Mimi and Polivoks

Remember Mimi? Here's a shot of her with a Polivoks. Via catsynth.com where you will find one more shot.
Originally via polynominal.

Sequential Circuits Studio 440 with Vacuum Fluorescent Display

via Mark:

"This is one of my two Sequential Studio 440s, one of my favorite instruments in my studio. Like a lot of older instruments, the backlit LCDs in both of my 440s went dark long ago, and there's nothing sadder than trying to navigate a menu in a dark room with no backlight. Recently I found that a company called Noritake that sells VFDs that are almost drop-in replacements for some LCDs. I say almost drop-in because the mounting depth is a little deeper. In the case of the 440, I had to trim down the existing studs and install longer standoffs for mounting. Mounting these into an instrument with more depth restriction might not be possible. These vacuum fluorescent displays are just beautiful. There's something about having a bright, crisp display that makes the instrument seem much easier to use, it's like the brain assimilates the information effortlessly when the text is so clear and bright. I decided to retrofit both of my 440s and they worked out great."

Matrix6 - my first synth. : ) Title link takes you to a couple more shots. Thanks Mark!

Sequential Circuits Model 800 Sequencer

Click here for shots via this auction.

Details: "SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS MODEL 800 ANALOG SEQUENCER . Compatable with all analog CV and Gate synthesizers. I've discovered Dave Smith (founder of S/C) started making these units in his garage before eventually mass producing the incredible Sequential Circuits synths, drum machines (ect.) as we know them today. This is without a doubt VERY RARE ! Only 500 were made and maybe. It is in Good condition with few minor scuffs / scratches on the top and side. It has a sticker on one side from the place where it was originally sold - Rogue Music Store NY.NY. It has one broken push button (the start / record switch as shown in pic below) which can easily be replaced. The part here cost just over a dollar. You can still push it with the tip of your finger though. It Powers up and the lights come on. It counts through all 16 steps on the LED as it should. You can also walk the steps from 1 to 16. All this is done without it being hooked up to anything."

via Johan

Update via Micke in the comments:
"A little bit of trivia: the original version of this sequencer:
http://www.synthmuseum.com/sequ/seqseq800ad01.jpg
was used on Earth, Wind & Fire's hit "Getaway" which was recorded back in the summer of 1976.

I was told this by LA synthesist/programmer Dan Wyman.
Mr. Wyman is perhaps best known for his synth work on multiple Giorgio Moroder productions. HeÂ´s also responsible for the Moog modular programming on John Carpenter's classic synth-scores "Assault On Precinct 13" (1976), "Halloween" (1978) and "The Fog" (1979).

Micke "

EMS Synthi A - Mark I

Shots via this auction.

Details:
"This is a Mk I EMS Synthi A from 1971, the first version of the EMS popular briefcase model. About a year later came the Mk II, also known as Synthi AKS. Mk I is rarer due to its short production run. According to Robin Wood at EMS about 300 were made. Electronically it's identical to the first version of the VCS3 which was produced between 1968 and 1972. Mk II intruduced a number of modifications:
* The PSU was redesigned, Mk I PSU is too weak to power a KS (the blue/black touch keyboard of the AKS) DK1 and DK2 can be used though.
* The output amplification, reverb driver and ring modulator circuits was redesigned.
* The patch matrix was reconfigured, Mk I has two individual outputs per oscillator Mk II has only for each of osc 1 and osc 2 only osc 3 has two outputs. In my opinion the Mk I configuration is much more useful.
* Some switches were added for AKS compatability.
* Prestopatch socket was added. With some work it can be added to a Mk I as well.
I think all Mk I Synthis and VCS3 came with the beautiful "Morning Mist" coloured front panel. Later on, most of them had uncoloured metal finish.

I have owned this synth for three years. When I bought it from a guy in Berlin I was told that this particular unit was originally owned by Manuel Goettsching of Ash Ra Temple and used by him as well as by Klaus Schulze, but i have not been able to confirm this so i can't be sure.

Together with Magnus Danielsson I have restored it internally. All electrolytic capacitors and all but two potentiometers have been replaced. Some failing transistors has been replaced with "new old stock" transistors of the same kind that was used by EMS during the 70's. Many trim potentiometers has been replaced for greater precision. The PSU has been re-organized. One of the transistors there produces a lot of heat. This one has been moved from the circuit board and mounted to a larger metal area inside. Many Mk I Synthis and VCS3 has been ruined due to this transistor being mounted on the board, it has the potential of burning off the traces of the circuit board. The synth is fully working and electronically in great shape. Though, due to its age I cannot give any guarantees and it is sold as is. But I would not expect it to fail anytime soon.

One thing is missing, there is only one speaker inside. However these can be bought from Robin Wood at EMS.

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Moog Little Phatty

fickr by holotone.

DIY Modular by fonik

flickr by fonik2000.

Title link takes you to this shot with mouse-over descriptions for each module and more shots. Also check out fonik's Modular Synth DIY site for more.

LinnDrum

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

"Unit has the JL Cooper midi mod installed, which allows for midi clocking the internal sequencer and for triggering drum sounds."

via Johan.

Update via kb in the comments:
"LinnDrum is definitely digital, but actually has quite a bit of analog control for it's digital voices:

- uses VCO's to drive EPROM voice readout; a few of these VCO's have CV inputs (TOM/CGA, SNARE/SIDESTICK)
- uses analog filters (CEM3320's) on bass, tom, and conga voices
- uses analog VCA (CEM3360) for highhat decay.

One pb with the LinnDrum is that all voices weren't pitch tunable (like they were on the LM-1), but I just modded my LM-2 this weekend, and now they all are."