MATRIXSYNTH

EML Electrocomp 200 - VEMIA

"Excellent condition, rare interesting semi-modular with EML's usual character - both sonically and physically. Very solidly made, with chunky knobs, and a pleasure to use. Working perfectly, and in superb cosmetic condition - I nearly described it as 'near mint' which is pretty amazing for a 35-year-old instrument. Even the outside of the casework is excellent, and the case metalwork is shiny and not at all corroded. A fantastic way to get a slice of early synth history - this was designed before the Minimoog, 2600 etc; a museum-quality example; and a synth with a different character from any other range. 110V US power - but transformers are easy to find in Europe. You can guess the small scale of production when you see that the serial number was scratched on by hand (inside the power cable compartment). Thoroughly recommended. (Peter Forrest of VEMIA visited Jeff Murray, one of the EML founders, in January and saw the actual garage where these machines were made. Great location, really super guy, and excellent synthesisers!)"
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5752.

PPG 1002 Analogue Monosynth - VEMIA

"Superb early rare interesting analogue monosynth in excellent condition. I can't imagine there is a much better example of this synth in the world. The CV in is a strange non-linear design, but tuning on its own keyboard is perfect. Thoroughly tested by Lucid Sound, some screws replaced, the whole instrument serviced and calibrated where necessary. It is in excellent cosmetic condition, with the panel almost faultless, and all knobs in original condition. One of the neat (EMS-like) 'magic eye' buttons has lost its iris, so that the orange bit doesn't disappear when it is switched off. The solid wood endcheeks show signs of its age, but look fine, and somehow right. The keyboard is level and in first-class condition. There is a bit of paint scraping on the back panel, visible in the photo. Beautiful."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5743.

Oberheim OB-Mx - VEMIA

"A real bargain: a four-voice OB-Mx, the closest you can get to owning a modern Buchla without spending a lot of money (as it says on the back, 'Custom designed for Oberheim by Don Buchla'). Of course the story is more complicated than that, and there is a lot of controversy about this instrument. Many examples appear to work poorly as well. This one is an exception. It performs faultlessly, has absolutely NO known problems, and sounds great even with its (fairly boring) factory presets. It comes into its own when you use the massive modulation possibilities to create fascinating abstract sounds. Apart from having no rack ears (and one machine screw missing in the top panel), it is also in beautiful cosmetic condition. The front panel really does look like new. Multi-voltage, just uses an IEC socket for mains anywhere (you swap a little switch above the socket to change to 110V). With a good copy user manual. At VEMIA for ease of packing and shipping."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5740.

PPG 390 drum unit (rare prototype) - VEMIA

"NB: THIS MACHINE IS A PROTOTYPE AND HAS NO PROPER CASING. IT IS ELECTRICALLY UNSAFE WITHOUT PROPER SHIELDING. ONLY BID IF YOU ARE A TECHNICIAN OR WILL HAVE IT MADE SAFE BY A TECHNICIAN BEFORE USE. Incredibly rare early PPG drum unit. Search for this on the internet and you will probably find evidence of only one machine - this one! Check the photo to see exactly the same knob pieces missing. The front panel (apart from the little bits missing on one knob and the four knobs missing on the right) is in excellent condition, and doesn't look anywhere near the 25 or so years old it must be. It uses EPROMS for sound storage - one seems to be missing. The amazing thing is that despite its ramshackle internal appearance (the largest veroboard circuitboard is also wobbly, because there is nothing to support the top) it partially works. Four of the sounds trigger and are well usable in all their 8-bit retro glory, and in theory it should be possible to get everything back to working order without too much difficulty. 240V, standard UK mains plug. BUT ONCE AGAIN, PLEASE NOTE THIS MUST BE MADE SAFE BY A COMPETENT ELECTRONICS ENGINEER BEFORE USE."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5738.

EMS Synthi Hi Fli - VEMIA

"The classic sought-after EMS multi-effects module in very nice cosmetic condition and fully serviced by EMS experts Lucid Sound. As used famously by Dave Gilmour, Steve Hackett, etc..; designed by the brilliant David Cockerell. The main panel is in very good condition, now with all slider tops, thanks to Robin Wood of EMS, and some slight remains of marker pen where a previous owner marked their favourite settings - probably not difficult to remove completely. The underside has some remains of gaffer tape which could be removed; but overall the whole instrument, pedals included, would be a really nice thing to own. Unlike some versions, has the VCS3 style knobs with silver tops. It also has the rails for fitting to a stand - but no stand as usual. It works exactly as it should. Particularly effective on sounds with a good attack on them - such as guitar. See hi-fli.pdf for the two-page product leaflet."

You can find this one on VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5717.

Deer and Buffalo

One more shot via matmos.

"'Supreme Balloon' is an ALL SYNTHESIZER ALBUM. Old synths, new synths, MAX patches, one-of-a-kind modular rigs, decrepit consumer electronics of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, boutique effects pedals, tabla drum machines from India: it's all there."

Roland V-Synth pictured.

TENORI-ON Dates for the US

via the TENORI-ON Tour Site:
"A global Tenori-on tour is set for March and April 2008. New York City (April 16th) and San Francisco (April 18th) will be among seven global centers to be treated to a multi-media presentation of the Tenori-on. The night will begin with a demo by the inventor and designer, and will be followed with performances by notable electronic musicians." via peterwendt

matmos

This brilliant image via matmos, where you will find more synth. Be sure to check out the images section.

SkyMaul

YouTube via peahix. "rockin it brooklyn korg style"
Anyone know the KORG? The title reference is to Sky Mall. Every time I fly on a plane I flip through Sky Mall and tell myself I'm going to check out their online site when I get back, but never do. It took this post to finally look it up.