Roland TR-606 Drumatix - VEMIA

"AAT modified vintage analog drum machine very rare only 10 ever made. unique sound unit includes :- 18 tonal modifications 14 cv inputs 6 audio outputs KADI interface for midi triggering."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5853.

Drumfire DF500 5 Channel Synth/Mix - VEMIA

"Interesting Japanese analogue drum box by a company that usually made effects. Boxed and in very good condition except for three things: 1.) the remains of masking tape over the tops of the first three channels; 2.) a very slight bend in one corner of the back panel; and 3.) the polystyrene packing material in the box has stuck to the mains lead in many places. Lots of control, and although some pots and sockets are a little noisy (probably from lack of use) overall it is in very good working condition. The box, by the way, says that drum contact pads were included originally. These are not included now, having vanished long ago."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5795.

SIMMONS SDSV with Seven Modules - VEMIA

"Good to very good cosmetic condition, except that one module has all the little caps from the tops of the knos missing. Superb sounds, with each module having four selectable versions: a factory preset, two user presets set with a mini-screwdriver on the front panel, and one user sound completely tweakable in real time using the knobs on the module. Modules: 4x Tom Tom, 3x Snare (and there is a huge amount of variation possible in each of the sound types) - but **four modules aren't working** . Uses IEC lead. 110V (USA power)."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5730.

Roland CSQ100 - VEMIA

"Nice old CSQ100. Very good cosmetic condition. I haven't used it as a sequencer for years but it makes a great complex envelope generator by writing in some changing control voltages and triggering it in 'one shot ' mode and adding a little portamento. Has the usual sturdy Roland build quality. Includes a PDF of the owner manual on CD."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 6011.

SIMMONS SDS6 Mega-Sequencer - VEMIA

"In very nice cosmetic condition - just two knob caps missing on the back panel, and one obvious little scratch there too - BUT not working. Opening it up, it looks like there has been some major damage around the battery area. Some traces seem to have been wiped out. That leaves two boards out of three untouched by that, of course; and the MIDI interface is potentially very interesting. A powerful machine when working, and visually looks great too, with its matrix of lights, but you clearly need access to technical know-how to get it fixed. Please see the picture for further evidence of the damage around the battery - and also to see how nice it looks, and how much stuff the back panel contains, too. Packing will be £6."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5718.

Synton Fenix - VEMIA

"This is one of the first 25 handbuilt Fenixes - serial number 16. The synth has some scratches at the sides of the case due to mounting in an SKB pop up case which is included with the synth. The front panel is fine. Some pots were a bit scratchy when the synth was checked, but this went away by turning them back and forth (the synth was not used for quite some time). You may be liable for VAT / duty / import tax if you buy this and have it imported into the EC or your own country, not Switzerland." VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 6007.

Synthesizers.com Custom Modular - VEMIA

"Custom Synthesizers.com modular. x1 CAB Custom made Cabs 15U x 8 .com panels across - The system comes with 1 front case lid, that has room enough to allow jacks to remain patched. x2 QDH20 DC Cable Harness. x1 QPS1 Power Supply x1 Q137 DC Power Interface x1 Q105 Slew Limiter x3 Q106 Oscillator - all have calibrated range mod Q106CRS x1 Q108 Amplifier x2 Q109 Envelope Generator - have been modified with timing switches x1 CSMULT Multiples custom 4 x 6 x 6 with switches to link sections x1 Q150 Transistor Ladder Filter x1 Q161 Oscillator Mixer for Q106 x1 Q960 Sequential Controller - With Q960RF Reset Feature x1 Q962 Sequential Switch x1 Q963 Trigger Bus"
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5976.

ETI 4600 - VEMIA

"ETI International 4600 Modular Synthesizer from 1975. Electronically it has been professionally assembled from kit form by the guys who later founded Fairlight (told to me by the previous owner). This ETI 4600 also contains a few Fairlight PCB's, so don't know if these guys were already involved in the synthesizer industry at that time. All parts are present and it does make sound and noises when you use the pin matrix board. Notice that this system does need a good service and calibration. List with what a ETI 4600 offers you: 4VCO's, Noise Generator PINK/WHITE, 5 Mixers, 2 Filters, Joystick, Keyboard Control, Keyboard, Equalizer, Reverb, Main Output, Headphone Output, 2 External Inputs, 2 Amplifiers, Controller, Envelope Control, 2 Transients, Pin Matrix 22 x 22. System comes with 220V power supply, original manual printed in 1975 with instructions on every module + schematics for each module and part list, and 11 pins. Note that this is a 33 year old modular system that needs a good service and maintaince. The wooden case has been completely rebuilt by myself and has been coloured in white oak. It looks a bit greenish/brown but it certainly gives the system a great old look as you would expect from an old system. The case has been built using the original manual and i did some modifications on the wooden case to make it more useful and give better possibilities to service/work on the system."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5946.

Update via peterwendt in the comments:
"As for the Fairlight connection ... apparently, the 4600 was co-designed by Kim Ryrie, a co-founder of Fairlight, and Trevor Marshall, who had some provisional patents on the switched-resistor VCFs and on the sawtooth waveshaping in the VCOs. (He used variable-duty-cycle HF oscillators and CMOS switches to turn the resistor paths on and off in a VCF, thus varying the effective resistances and the cutoff frequency.)

Trevor's WWW page about it is here.

I've always been puzzled by the stories of the Fairlight involvement. Interviews gave the impression that this was their first attempt at a synthesizer before they went on to the CMI, but I don't remember them mentioning Trevor. I'm not saying that there was a controversy, but I just don't know who actually did what.

If I remember correctly, the 4600 construction articles started in ETi in Oct. 1973."

Update via peterwendt in the comments:
"Not wishing to spread undocumented hearsay, I did some research.

An article about the Fairlight CMI in Sound on Sound states that Ryrie designed the 4600 and founded the magazine, ETI (Electronics Today International) that published the construction articles.

That's where I read about the supposed Fairlight connection.

The actual construction articles are on Cloned Analog Gear as a large PDF file, here.

One of the intro/title pages specifically states:

"Designed in Australia by Barry Wilkinson and Trevor Marshall". Ryrie's name doesn't appear.

But the articles are just as I remember them. Sigh."

EMS Logik Synthesizer + ext. keyboard - VEMIA

"Selling my beloved EMS Rehberg Logik Synthesizer with external EMS Rehberg keyboard controller. The Logik Synthesizer is in excellent condition, has some very very small surface scratches from normal use over the years. The Logik Synthesizer has Serial No.51. Electronics are in the best condition you can find, like new to be honest. Description of what this Logik Synthesizer contains: VCO, VCF with Phaser Output, LFO, Noise Generator, Slow Ramp Generator, Envelope Shaper, External Input, Portamento, Ring Modulator, Inverter, Output Section. Possibility to add the external keyboard controller. Or an external sequencer. This Logik Synthesizer does have an internal keyboard with black and white knobs, computer look-a-like buttons that looks like a 'normal' keyboard, and can be played like a keyboard. The Logik is a monophonic synthesizer which requires patching using cables instead of the usual EMS pin-patching. Included is the original powersupply which is 18 Volts DC, cables to make patches on the synthesizer, manual on cd-rom in PDF, and connector cable between the Logik and external keyboard controller. EMS Rehberg external keyboard controller. Serial No.96. Keyboard can be used on the Logik Synthesizer, Synthi-E or Synthi A synthesizers. In very good good condition, has some wear of normal use over the years. Keyboard is monophonic."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5943.

Curetronic Rare Small Modular - VEMIA

"This is as near mint as you could want, but if you look in the right light you can see the odd finger-mark, so according to VEMIA rules it needs to be called near-mint. Unusual and very well-made small modular, which presumably proved too expensive for Curetronic to continue with - they changed their format after this to make modules 5U instead of 6U and therefore a little less spacious. They also seem to have had to stop using the superb knurled metal knobs that are on this one - again presumably to try to cut costs. Two very powerful VCOs, capable of huge and complex sounds; one pretty straightforward VCA; and the interesting 'Tool' module, which has all sorts of timing, inverting and slew-varying possibilities for pitch or control or both. There is a pair of XLRs on the back for connection to another Curetronic (I believe the built-in power supply is capable of running two cases like this); and a standard IEC mains connector, which is fine until you try to remove the mains lead, when it is wobbly and needs holding in while you pull the lead out. (Strange, since everything else is so incredibly solid!) The original owner says this is a design fault from new. I bought the modular from him because I thought it looked very interesting and wanted to check out Curetronic stuff first-hand for the A-Z book. I can't afford to keep it, so here it is in the auction. The six patchleads as shown will be included, and an IEC mains lead for your (220-240V) country if I have one and you want it. Very handsome, and if you have something else to connect it to (since you'll need envelopes and filters from something else), very very powerful too."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5870.

Digisound Mod 80 - VEMIA

"This is my original Digisound 80 synth. I bought all the kits from Charles Blakey's company in the early 80's. It comprises 2 VCOs, VCLFO, 2 x EGs, Dual VCA, Dual Ring Mod, LP VCF, VCM, Lag Processor, S&H/Noise module and a DAC unit. All the modules except the DAC are calibrated and trimmed and in excellent condition. I modified the DAC by adding a simple MIDI/CV circuit (Penfold's design). It works but it is not up to the standard of a Kenton unit! I also have the parts for the Octave/Shift XY controller which is mounted in an ABS case at present. The PSU is the original Digisound unit. The modules are mounted in a wooden case with a black wood grain finish. I have a complete set of documentation including construction notes, user manual, introduction to synthesis and foil patterns if you want to make your own boards. To look at more pictures and listen to audio clips go to www.vcf.talktalk.net and click on Digisound."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5822.

Roland 184 System 100M Superior Keyboard - VEMIA

"The best of the System 100M keyboards, polyphonic / monophonic, with arpeggiator."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5818.

Unknown Keyboard - VEMIA

"37 key Synthesiser keyboard. Not midi. Steel case. Full size keys."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5883.

If anyone knows what this is, feel free to comment.

Update via Strellis in the comments: "It looks like an Echosoft Organ Master keyboard for the ZX Spectrum. I have the keyboard and ZX Spectrum but not the software or interface. link"

ARP Pro Soloist - VEMIA

"If you need any convincing that the Pro-Soloist is one of the great-sounding monosynths of all time, buy this example! Stunning, brilliant presets, which are just mind-boggling - how on earth did they get such quality and realism in such a lightweight synth with the technology of the early-mid 70s? And although the presets are only presets, there are 30 of them, with wide variety, and most of them sound good throughout the five possible octaves. More important, pressure sensitivity gives wonderful expression possibilities. This is simply one of the great solo-ing synths. Manufacture is a bit tacky - the switches are flimsy, the keys are by now a little clacky - but you have to forgive it everything when it produces sounds like this. All presets seem in perfect calibration; all keys function perfectly; sliders are good; switches (for a Pro-Soloist) are nothing short of a miracle. Pressure needs a bit of a push, but not so much as to make an un-natural or difficult playing style. This instrument works beautifully, and looks very good too. Forget any prejudice, this instrument (and especially this example) is absolutely FANTASTIC!"
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5863.

Yamaha CS5 - VEMIA

"Not sure you'd ever find a better example of this classic little analogue monosynth. Condition is genuinely near mint. Absolutely standard, no modifications, all original even down to the screws! Working condition is perfect. Tuning calibrated. One of the great things about this synth is the External Trigger function, which allows you to trigger it from any external audio source. Great for unusual guitar effects. 240V. pdf of user manual available on request."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5844.

ARP Quadra - VEMIA

"Despite some initial appearances, this is a very nice example of a rare and characterful ARP. How can it be called 'good' cosmetically when it has two keys snapped off? Because apart from that, and a little paint damage around the 'polyphonic waveform generators' graphic, it is in practically near-mint condition. It comes with a new-looking case, not heavy-duty enough in our opinion to be a flightcase but excellent for storage without dust, or for taking in a car. When the Quadra arrived at VEMIA it seemed to have major working issues, but once we opened up the lid and re-seated some inter-board connectors, it sprung to life in a very un-Quadra-like way (they're not usually well-looked-after or very reliable in my experience). There are a couple of issues we found: the resonance control on the monosynth section doesn't seem to work (and the LED doesn't come on); the monosynth tuning has to be quite high on its range to be in tune with the rest; and the aftertouch is almost un-noticeable - quite subtle and musical on the detune setting, though. But compared with most Quadras, it is a gem. It is also pretty unique in its concept, and in the sounds that can come out of it once you get your head around the four sections, and how to play them, and decide which ones should go through the superb phaser. The arpeggiator is nice too. Lots of individual outs for further effecting; and loads of inputs and outputs for CV, gate, pedals etc etc. Looking at how bright the socket metalwork is tells you how well this has been looked after. All slider tops have a white colour-coding - not sure if that is original - but are all good. Some sliders are fairly resistant, but very smooth, not jerky or in bad condition. We didn't notice anywhere where any of the legend is worn. This is a very very nice synth, but you may need to do what we did and reseat connectors after transit. (We would also not recommend shipping it in its smart but lightweight case, because it would be safer in well-planned cardboard packaging. Extra packing here would be £10.) We discovered that there is a switch for 115 or 230V, and swapped it to 230V - but it also worked on 115V using our transformer. Uses a standard IEC mains lead. Best to provide your own (I bet that the paint damage mentioned above was caused by a carelessly place mains plug.)"
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5835.

Studio Electronics Rare MIDImoog - VEMIA

"studio electronics midimoog (rare approx 500 made). this one is a 1973 minimoog dated on the filter board. condition 9/10 - has chinagraph marks on it in the picture, will clean off before sending. scaled and ready to play. this also has the high tune mod by studio electronics on the oscillator board,which makes it very stable."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5987.

Spectral Audio ProTone 2 - VEMIA

"Very nice condition, pretty rare, and with a distinctive sound. Seems to work very well, although not tested completely exhaustively. In our test set-up there was slight mains hum, which could probably be eliminated by lifting the ground. One knob is incorrect, but otherwise it is in very pleasing cosmetic condition indeed. Uses IEC socket, so supplying your own mains lead is easy."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5755.

Spectral Audio ProTone - VEMIA

"Synthesiser module Listed in Peter Forrest's Analogue Synthesiser book. Good for metallic percussion sounds, monophonic leads and sound effects. Dual VCO. Snappy envelope. Noise PWM, noise and ring mod. Filter Accent switchable over midi."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5693.

I just like this shot for some reason.

MOOG Minitmoog - VEMIA

"The rarest of all the later Moog synths (limited to 2500 and many have not survived well). Cosmetically very good – only issues are: slight hairline cracks on reverse of sliders; small piece missing from underside on E3; minor scratches to panel. In good working order, too, with the exception of a slightly erratic touch response sensor (should have better touch system fitted to all higher serial numbers, though): sync sweep appears to sometimes be the wah-sound intended and sometime affects pitch instead; filter response is (in my opinion) a little quiet and tremolo is almost inaudible via touch controls. Tremolo and vibrato modulation otherwise work fine when applied with touch sensor disengaged! Pitch and vibrato modulation respond well to touch sensor. Attack / Decay work on some of the presets but not others – not sure if this is intended or not? More positively, all presets respond as they should; glide and sustain are working well, so too are brilliance, modulation depth / rate, and glide amount. Despite requiring some minor attention to get this back to 100%, it is a little beauty: bring in the 2 VCOs via the A/B mix knob, slight detune, add a little vibrato and, hey presto, the MinitMoog can produce some instantaneously gorgeous sounds: lunar and Taurus are interesting. Buyer pays postage costs. Fitted with standard US plug (110V) but will supply suitable Maplin voltage converter free of charge for UK and EU buyers."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5692.

ARP Solina String Synthesizer - VEMIA

"Extremely rare expanded version of the famous ARP / Solina String Ensemble, the String Synthesizer. In very good working and cosmetic condition; this has been brought to VEMIA by its Belgian owner to ensure good packing to its eventual destination. Probably 100 or less were made; this seems to be the 35th to leave the factory. Some small scratches on the top; one or two of the light-coloured knob tops are more faded than the others; and there is a small piece of damage to the underside rear edge - but compared with most examples of this notoriously easily damaged synth, it is very good. Classic string ensemble sounds plus a little extra from the ARP Explorer-type monosynth; various methods of interacting between them; and altogether a great chance to buy one of the rarest production musical instruments of all time. With very rare original user manual (scribbled on on pages 1 and 3, but the rest almost unused); extra sound sheet (one side scribbled on); original invoice and guarantee certificate; and copy service documentation for the Solina String Ensemble and the ARP Explorer."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5815.

PPG Wave 360 Wavecomputer - VEMIA

"An enigma, in more ways than one: it clearly isn't working 100% - more like about 50 to 60%. There's quite a loud hum (more a background noise than just a mains hum, not so bad as to be unusable, but still probably needing a noise-gate when you're not playing a note), most of the editing facilities are not working exactly right, as far as I can tell; and several keys for a start need their contacts servicing - but there are some great sounds in it. And although it looks a bit tatty cosmetically (because of the scrapes to the metal sides and edges I decided it was just 6/10 and not 7/10), I think a competent restorer could very easily re-spray those parts of the metalwork, replace some of the missing screws, and turn it into a very good 8/10 machine. And the serial number is very cool, if I'm reading the hand-written felt-tip correctly: 007. Plus CV and gate in and out are an interesting bonus. The keyboard moves downwards when you press a key fairly hard (ah, just been informed by a 360 expert that it's supposed to move, for aftertouch - but I didn't notice differences in the sound when I pushed down) ; and there seem to be a couple of extra knobs at the left of the keyboard (one for simle volume?, a bit noisy). All slider tops and buttons seem present and correct. And those sounds are really interesting....(at least as good as a Wave 2.2, it seems to me). For something this rare, if you are at all competent at fixing early digital keyboards, or even if you just want a source of very usable sounds, warts and all, this would be a real bargain."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5811.

Elka Synthex - VEMIA

"this is an elka synthex the panel is in great condition the wood on the bottom side has scratches. this one is a late one with MIDI. the portamento on it is working but not properly. nothing a tech cant fix, otherwise fully working."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5800.

Oberheim Matrix 12 with Xpander Front Panel - VEMIA

"Matrix 12s seem so difficult to come by that I've heard of this happening before: an original Matrix 12 keyboard with a new front panel from an Xpander. Actually this is a one-owner machine, put together from new parts when Oberheim sold off their remaining stock. All the computing boards are labelled Matrix 12, and all the voice boards are labelled 'Xpander' as on standard Matrix 12s. User and service manuals will be included on a CD in .pdf format. A Frankenstein, but an extremely nice and powerful one, in excellent working order. IEC socket, so a mains lead is easy to provide yourself - or the owner may be able to supply one depending on your country."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5808.

PPG 350 Computer - Sequencer - VEMIA

"Rare and interesting early sequencer from PPG. Has some quirks, but works fine and has some excellent features. Here's Lucid Sound's informal report after servicing it:- 'There were a few 'anomolies' with this, and very little info available on the web, but I've got it to a good useable state. It really is quite an innovative device. There are some great features here, like the ability to invert the notes in a sequence just by pressing a button, or 'immediate playback' where the sequence repeats what you've just played as soon as you lift fingers off keyboard (takes some explaining but it's good, trust me). Two transpose modes, immediate (waits until the end of the current note) or delayed (waits until the end of the loop) - brilliant. There is a sync in/out, which is a high frequency audio clock, so you can sync to tape, or as I did, use a VCO to control the speed of the sequence (great with an EMS). It's 1V/Octave out, positive trigger. A few strange things though: The 'manual' (translated and brief) says pressing middle C starts a sequence or any other key to transpose - not on this one, bottom C is no transpose, all other keys transposing up. There is a Gate output. This works from the keyboard but not from the recorded sequence even though the trigger output does - however even the guy who wrote the simplified manual that's avaailable online says, and I quote: 'there is no word HOW and what these trigger modes are (sorry!)' It'll also do real time recording, and there's a whole load of editing stuff (timing and pitch changes etc). In really nice cosmetic condition too."

VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5760.

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.

Elevation Theodore Dubois

YouTube via jopachelbel. "from Dix Pieces de Orgue"

Atari Punk Robot

YouTube via larsby
"Atari Punk Console with a few modifications. The LEDs are connected to the sound, and the switches controls a replacement components for the original one's.

Hello Matrix"

Hello! Yeah, that pretty much guaranteed a post. :)

KORG 770

via this auction

"The Korg 770 has a place in synthesizer history. Released in 1976 this vintage analogue synth looks like a baby Minimoog, sports the famous Korg traveler filter sliders, twin oscillators, two flavours of ring modulation, and produces the classic analogue sounds beloved by Simple Minds and The Human League. The sound is warm, rounded, and very controllable.

The thing about this particular specimen is its condition - take a look at the photos - I doubt you'd find a finer original anywhere! The only thing that gives away her age is the surface rust on the nameplate screws - but then as a collector of vintage gear you wouldn't want it any other way!

Others testify to the 770's rarity and value: Before describing the Korg 770, Richard's 'not-so-usual synth page' states: "But then there are a number of machines that are just a bit more uncommon..." (link)

Aliens-Project 2005/12 Toy of the Month describes the unique character of the 770 and provides sample sounds in MP3. (link)

Dance Tech states the 770 is an "old and quite rare unit" and 10 years ago put the second-hand price at £500 (link)

Gordon Reid regretted selling his original and bemoans the fact that it took him "eighteen years to find another 770" (link). Hey, you don't have to wait that long :)

Some Background:
Two weeks ago I was enjoying a glass of wine with some friends when a familar sound drifted from an adjoining room - echoes of synthpop from 30 years ago. On investigation I discovered the source - an immaculate Korg 770 being pumped through a poor guitar amp that never deserved such treatment. At the controls was my mate James who'd managed to regulate the oscillators to produce some classic tones. He'd been gifted the synth by his uncle after rediscovering it in his loft, apparently ununsed for decades. On learning what he'd got - and visualizing the new gear he could buy in its place - James asked me to sell it for him on ebay. I told him it might be a tad short sighted, but that was like trying to convince Pooh Bear to save a pot of honey for winter. Anyway, that's why the 770 is for sale. I'd buy it myself if I had somewhere to show it off!"

YAMAHA CS-15 w/ SOLARIS MODS

images via this auction

Not the best shots, but there you have it.

Mod 1 - Extended LFO precision
Mod 2 - Filters in series
Mod 3 - White Noise routed into VCF2

You can find full details on the Don Solaris Mods for the Yamaha CS15 here.

Roland MC-202

images via this auction

- MC-202
- original box and foam
- original data cassette w/case and artwork
- original Synthesizer manual only
- original vintage Boss PSA-120 (MINT, NOS)

ARP Avatar

via this auction

inside an ARP Avatar

MOOG Rogue

images via this auction

Drumfire DF-2000

images via this auction
"DrumFire Oscillator DF-2000 Adjustable pre set/ Dual Channel? Percussions Synthesizer The Ultimate in Analogue drum synths as well as a serious low end bass machine!
This thing smokes the Synares, Syndrums and just about all others as far as sound, functionality, adjust ability and can create many many more variations via its adjustments Basically a MOOG for drummers! Each Channel has 2 adjustments which include
Manual trigger button
Sensitivity control
Oscillate decay1
Oscillator decay 2
Noise decay
Sweep
Pitch
Wave form shape
click on/off control
Noise filter
osc/noise balance
master volume
Audio On Off
Pre-set or manual switch
Each channel also has adjustable presets for these same controls
there are 4 inputs for various footswitch functions allowing for on off
control and shift between preset and manual settings for quick sound
changes and 2 1/4" ins for triggers
Includes 2 standard 1/4" Acoustic triggers or use with any drum
triggering device, Outputs are standard 1/4" (2)
Each channel also has fully programable presets for these same controls "
Click the Drumfire label below for previous posts and be sure to check out the comments for what people think of it. Of course if you have experience with one, feel free to comment here.

VEMIA Update

Via Peter Forrest:

"Interesting analogue items in the VEMIA auction at www.spheremusic.com ending on this coming Saturday, (April 12) include ARP 2500, Quadra, Solina String Synthesizer, Cavagnolo Exagone XM64, CRB Computer Band 2000, Crumar Spirit s/n 15, Digisound, Doepfer, Elka Synthex, EML 200, EMS Logik, Dequencer, Hi Fli, Vocoder 2000, ETI 4600, Fender Rhodes Mk I, Freeman String Symphonizer, unopened Hohner Clavinet, Drumfire DF500, Kenton Mono/Poly kit, Korg MS02, 03, 50, SQ-10, Trident II, VC-10; two Mellotrons (one in Canada), MasterRoom reverbs, R A Moog CEMS (the biggest custom design he ever did?), Minimoogs, Minitmoog, Sonic Six, three touchplates; Matrix 12 with Xpander front panel, OB8, OBMx, OSCar, Syntars, PPG 1002, 350, 360, 390; Rhodes Chroma, Prophet T8, Simmons SDSVs, Spectral Audio ProTones, Steiner Masters Touch, SE MIDIMini and MIDIMoog, Stramp Synchanger II, dotcom stuff, early Curetronic, Adrian Utley's theremin, Estradin 230, GTC Telefonfilter, Rozzbox, Persephone Deluxe, Springer 1950s time-stretcher, Vox Jaguar (Canada), Yamaha SS30, and plenty more besides. Some prices are high, some very high; some are surprisingly low. You can always just look at any pictures that interest you."

Pictured here is the MOOG Touchplate prototype #1.
"A fantastic and rare example of Bob Moog's own handiwork, serial number TP010. When he started back into music manufacture in the early eighties, the model 300 touch-plate was one of his first products. This is the prototype Synton received from Bob for demonstration purposes. It is extremely Moog-like in its characteristics. It has its own inbuilt power transformer, and the outputs are available on six 1/4in jack sockets, with good ol' Moog knobs for controlling sensitivity. It has a Synton sticker on the back, saying 'TOUCH PLATE USA'. Synton and Moog had a close relationship in the 80s, with reciprocal import/export. It is untested. This is from the collection amassed by Felix Visser, former head of Synton. All items were destined for a national technology museum project, many years in the planning, but finally cancelled by politicians and planners. They have mostly been stored unused for a number of years. Any items marked untested are untested, are sold as is, and could be fine or could need work. Wherever we have more information (good or bad news) it is mentioned in the item description."

Tenori-on World Launch Tour - Berlin

You can find more images of the event and a report on wire to the ear.


"Last night I went to the infamous and quite beautiful nightclub Berghain in Berlin to see the Tenori-on launch event. I’ve been highly interested in the Tenori-on since I first read about it almost a year ago. The device is right up my alley: a sequencer, white leds, and it’s made for live performance. So what did I think when I finally got to see it in person?"

Straightliner

"Straightliner is a straight-lined subtractive synthesizer in a modern guise. You will find the well known building blocks of classic analog synthesizers (4 oscillators, a filter, 2 envelope generators) patched together in the traditional way. Now you are probably tempted to say ’boring!’ - however, the building blocks themselves offer much more flexibility than commonly seen in subtractive (aka ’virtual analog’) synthesizers: Instead of relying on a set of fixed waveforms, Straightliner’s oscillators support loading of arbitrary (single cycle) audio files which may be even stereo. In turn, the whole signal path is laid out in stereo. The standard ADSR model for envelopes is replaced by a flexible modulation generator which allows to define an arbitrary number of breakpoints. The heart of subtractive synthesizers is the filter, of course. In this department, Straightliner offers a multimode filter with various modes, among them the usual suspects like lowpass, highpass, bandpass, but also bell- and shelving types and some ’morphable’ types and (remark: at this early beta-stage, only the ’Moogish Lowpass’ type is implemented)."

You can find it as a free download in the Products section of Robin Schmidt's Music Engineering Tools. Be sure to check out the rest as well. via Sonic State.