MATRIXSYNTH

Restored Fairlight CMI Series III for Sale

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. Fairlight CMI Series III - Demonstration Video

Published on Nov 21, 2016 DeftAudio

"Demo video to support the eBay listing
Unique restoration project explained in every detail, what's included with the system, condition, function tests and so on... read more inside the item description."

via this auction

Details captured for the archives:

"Here is the exact list what is included into the listing:
Fairlight CMI-III Rev 9.34 mainframe, fully populated with 16 channels (8 * CMI-31) and max 32MB of memory (3 * 8MB + 4* 2MB cards), CMI-337 input card, CMI-32, CMI-41, CMI-28, Q356, Q133, Q209, QFC9, Q777, ESP-CG3 VGA card, SCSI2SD scsi adapter with 16GB SD Card.
Weighted musical keyboard with a sustain pedal and a soft case.
Alphanumeric Preh keyboard with touchpad and stylus
NEC LCD VGA monitor
MiniPC with preinstalled CMI-Control SW, custom serial cable and PSU, touchpad and new keyboard
Musical keyboard uplift adjustable motor-driven stand with LCD mount
Mainframe stand on wheels
Power distribution unit
Documentation: user manuals, tutorials, CMI-III Service Guide, some prints
Connection cables: 3x power cables, serial to musical keyboard (10 feet), power to musical keyboard (10 feet), VGA cable (6 feet), DVI cable (6 feet), VGA cable (10 feet).

Condition and Restoration Details

Saying that the condition is awesome, actually, is saying nothing. Let me get you introduced to the whole restoration process, what has been done in order to make it so amazing. Every system component was restored, returned back to a factory specs or replaced. Having just about 200s Series III ever produced that’s a bit tricky.

Music keyboard belonged to Stewart Copeland (famous The Police drummer). That’s very rare weighted version which Fairlight put on a special order.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Custom OBERHEIM FOUR VOICE RACK MOUNT WITH MIDI

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

via this auction

"So this is a really unique piece of equipment. I got it from a friend who passed away several years ago and it has been sitting (like many other synths in my studio) for several years without use. I took it out and set it up, and it needs the following: SEM#2 needs to be calibrated. It is out of tune with the three other SEM's. All of the knobs and switches work on SEM#2, it just doesn't track with the others, so I turned it down in the mixer section to test the other three SEM's. The other three work great. The other thing missing is the bulb behind switch number two in the programmer section. The switch works, but it doesn't light up. I usually recommend taking any old analog synthesizer to a qualified tech who can give it a tune up because often the oscillators can come out of calibration during shipping. The bulb is not necessary to operate the machine, but getting the 2nd SEM calibrated is not negotiable in my opinion, because it sounds so amazing when they are all in tune. I almost sent it off to the famous JL Leimseider for tweaking, but decided that anybody who knows what this is, and wants to own it, has access to a tech who can do the work, and why risk shipping it more than I have to? Most large cities have shops that can work on these things.

If you are not familiar with this synthesizer, this is one of the very first analog polyphonic synthesizers ever produced by Tom Oberheim back in the 1970's. It was used by Josef Zawinul to get the "Birdland" horn sound on Weather Report's "Heavy Weather" album, and Lyle Mays on the first couple of Pat Metheny albums amongst many others. It is unique mainly because unlike the Prophet-5, or JP8, or even the OBXa, it was more like playing four Minimoogs from one keyboard. Each SEM is an independent synthesizer and can have it's own settings. And speaking of the keyboard this one obviously doesn't have one. This might be a problem for some collectors, but frankly the keyboard that came with this unit was only four octaves, had no velocity or aftertouch, and the overall unit was HUGE and HEAVY. My friend had his rack mounted by one of the great synth shops in Los Angeles decades ago and they added MIDI. It also has CV gate ins/outs, which I have not tested, but I would be surprised if they do not work because they are very simple connections. The owner's manual has all the original patch sheets in the back as well as CV/GATE diagrams and what appears to be a service manual. I told myself I would never sell this for several reasons, but I need the cash.

THIS THING SOUNDS GREAT. And it sounds different from any other synth. This is a VINTAGE Oberheim four voice, not the re-issue. The re-issue sounds good too, but a little different."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Vintage Korg Delta Synthesizer SN 287572

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

via this auction

"The Korg Delta is an analog semi poly synth. You can get fat bass sounds and retro string synths from this easy to use affordable unit.

The synth itself is divided into 2 sections, string and synth. These sections also have individual outputs. There is a noise section included too with a very nice sounding 24db LP filter, which can be switched to HP and BP mode).

This unit works very well for doing classic layering of the synth and string resulting in full sounds. A great piece for your studio or on the road..."

CLICK FOR MORE »

ROLAND SH-3A vintage analog synthesizer SN 362216

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

via this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland Jupiter 6 Keyboard Synthesizer SN 353846

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

via this auction

"Beautiful example of a Roland Jupiter 6. Immaculate working order with a recent service, during which the power supply was rebuilt and a thorough calibration was performed.

In virtually immaculate cosmetic condition with virtually no scratches to the front panel (one tiny mark as far as I can see).
The white keys have yellowed but this is an easy fix (peroxide and a black light) and will return them to their former glory.

Lovely rich sound and nothing else quite fits in the mix like a JP-6."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Mode Machines SID 8 Bit Groovebox

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

via this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland SH-101 w/ Keytar Mod Grip

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

via this auction

"This vintage Roland SH-101 was acquired from a former member of the band Disown who used it in performances and recording. Sounds excellent using batteries or the AC adapter. Controls are smooth and precise. The pitch bend, mod wheels and key action is responsive. It plays like a synth less than half its age!

It's been used and stored in a climate controlled non smoking pet free environment since I acquired it in 2009.

You'll receive:
Roland SH-101 (Grey) monophonic synthesizer
Keytar Mod Grip shoulder strap mounts (installed)
Soft gig bag (it was originally for a Korg but fits the SH-101 perfectly)
Generic AC adapter
Shoulder strap

There's some wear on the bottom plate from performance usage and some overall normal minor wear for a synth of this vintage - see the photos. The previous owner had it repaired & serviced after a battery leak. The battery leak caused cosmetic discoloration in the battery compartment but didn't affect functionality."

CLICK FOR MORE »