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Saturday, September 06, 2025

Rare Gear Demo: The Johnson Intonation Trainer (1966)

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Instrument Attic

via this eBay listing

"The 1966 Johnson Intonation Trainer is a rare and intriguing instrument developed by the E.F. Johnson Company of Waseca, Minnesota. Originally designed to assess pitch-matching and pitch-discrimination abilities, this device has garnered attention for its unique features and potential applications in modern music production.  

One of the standout characteristics of the Johnson Intonation Trainer is its full polyphony, allowing all 37 keys to be played simultaneously. Each key is associated with its own oscillator, enabling microtonal adjustments and the exploration of unconventional scales and tunings. The instrument offers four distinct voicing options, ranging from basic sine waves to more complex, reedy tones. Additionally, the “Scale Selector” switch provides a choice between standard tempered tuning and a tunable mode, with individual “Tunable Scale Controls” corresponding to each note on the keyboard for precise pitch calibration.    

Housed in a robust fiberglass case, the Intonation Trainer features a built-in speaker, though it can also be connected to external amplifiers or mixers via standard 1/4” outputs. Some units include a vibrato effect, though functionality may vary between models. 

In contemporary settings, the Johnson Intonation Trainer has found a niche among experimental musicians and sound designers. Its ability to produce rich drones and facilitate microtonal exploration makes it a valuable tool for creating unique sonic textures. The instrument’s vintage analog circuitry imparts a distinctive warmth and character that is highly sought after in modern music production.

Due to limited production and the passage of time, functional units of the Johnson Intonation Trainer are exceedingly rare. Finding one in full working condition, complete with original documentation, is a remarkable discovery for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The scarcity of this instrument, combined with its unique capabilities, underscores its status as a treasured piece of audio history."


via this eBay listing

"Made in 1966 in Waseca, Minnesota by the E. F. Johnson Company. Originally designed as an ear training and intonation device, but in practice it is a unique fully polyphonic analog synthesizer with extensive tuning control. Very few were made, and surviving examples in this condition are vanishingly rare.

Michigan Synth Works Xena Hybrid Desktop Synthesizer (SVF)

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


via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

You can find demos of the Xena in previous posts here.

Roland CR-8000 CompuRhythm Drum Machine SN 329214

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


via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

Realistic Moog MG-1 Analog Keyboard Synthesizer SN 8643

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


via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

Oberheim MATRIX 12 SN M51427 w/ Original Manual

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


via this Reverb listing

"USA Version : This Oberheim Matrix 12 has been serviced and tested by Synthesizer Expert Adrian Dolent, propriertor of Synth repair in Bedford. Adrian wrote :

"So, basically the synth is all working electronically, and does what it's meant to.

I can confirm that the editor program DOES WORK, and you can edit the synth from a PC with the program installed. I will provide a copy of the program and sound files on a USB stick or SD card "

He found the synth to be in full working order, there were 2 criticisms, there is a mark on the top next to the Oberheim name which can be seen in the pics, also 1 of the displays is a little dimmer than the other 2 as can be seen in the pictures, this seems to be common on the other Matrix 12 synths being offered for sale.

What this synth has which most of the others don't are 12 output sockets on the side of the synth for direct outputs for the 12 sounds. These were fitted by Oberheim.

It has MIDI In, MIDI Out and MIDI Thru

It comes with the original manual and an SD card containing the Matrix 12 Editor

The synth is currently in Bedford in the UK where it can be tested. Highly Recommended

The price is £13,000 including vat and free delivery in the UK.

Export price is £10,800 plus shipping

Eoe."

E-MU Systems Morpheus 32-Voice Z-Plane Synthesizer SN 099704203 w/ Original Box & Manual

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


via this Reverb listing

Korg PSS-50 Super Section Portable Synthesizer w/ Original Documents SN 014461

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


via this eBay listing

"Korg PSS-50 vintage synthesizer in like-new condition. This rare, collectible unit is fully functional. Comes with all original documents, including the user manual, quick-start guide, and warranty cards, and original serial number affixed to original box, all in excellent condition. Known for its chiptune-style sounds, built-in rhythms, and intuitive design, the PSS-50 is perfect for both beginners and collectors. A fantastic addition to any vintage synth collection!"

Solar42f Demos & Tutorials


video uploads by Saß

Playlist

1. Making of King's Respite - Patch Design (Elta Music Solar42f)
2. Get Some! - 128bpm DAWless Techno
3. Solar42f Tutorial - Papa Srapa Drone Oscillators
4. King's Respite - Medieval Elta Solar42f Synth Performance
5. Clang Island - Industrial Gamelan Solar42f & DFAM Jam
6. Making of Electric Gamelan - Patch Design (Elta Music Solar42f)
7. Electric Gamelan - Cinematic Elta Music Solar42f Performance
8. Stardance - DAWless Jam (Solar42 & MPCKey 37)
9. Making of Universal Equilibrium - Patch Design (Solar42f)
10. Universal Equilibrium - Cinematic Binaural Experimental Ambiance (Solar42f)
11. Junglebop - Funky DAWless Jam (MPCKey37 & Solar42)
12. Solar42f Tutorial - Dual Effector/FX Card Section
13. Ambient Sandstorm - Experimental Solar42f Drone Improv in Arabian
14. Aquarius - Experimental Ambient DnB Solar42f Improv
15. How to make Ambient Synth Music (No Talking - Solar42f Ambient Drone Machine) #synth #music #howto
16. Machina Meditation - Ambient Solar42 Improv
17. Between Sumatra and Bali - Experimental Ambient Improv in Gamelan
18. DnB Improv with the Solar42f

Buy me a coffee! 🫶 Thanks for your support
https://coff.ee/sass42

🎛️ Welcome to the sonic playground of Saß – where DAWless jams, boombap beats, and experimental ambient soundscapes collide. This channel is all about raw, hands-on music creation, driven by hardware and a deep love for texture, rhythm, and exploration.
Whether you're into electronic, techno, lo-fi hip hop, synthwave, IDM, EDM, Sound design, synth wizardry, and everything in between...
…you’re in the right place."

“The Wall” (OP-XY Version) #opxy #synth #musicproducer #producerlife


video upload by Koji Kobura

Gligli's Overcycler first custom patches


video upload by coyotesynth

"Here the Gligli's Overcycler, a new 6 voice hybrid synthesizer.

The oscillator section is the strong point of this synth, very flexible with 6 ways to deeply modulate the 2 oscillators. Then the SSM filters comes and the envelopes with several curves to choose ends up this simple but very efficient synth.

No FX, EQ or Comp has been added to the raw sound of the synth. Only normalizing (the output level is not very high).

Check out the Gligli's online shop, the synth is available sometimes, but every batch is sold out very fast: https://gligli.store/fr/

Also check out the very good review of the SolidTrax website, with many other audio demos: https://solidtrax.nl/gliglis-overcycler-review/"

You can find additional Overcycler posts here.
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