images via this auction
"SYNTHA SOUND analog mono synth from the 1970s. I know BALDWIN made these but someone has put a VOX badge on the front. Hmmm? I don't know about a VOX version, but maybe? This one (last I heard) was not functioning. I don't know how much or how little - but not right. So understand and bid accordingly. This is fairly heavy but will be packed well. It has a nice sturdy wood outside, so it is strong. Some slider tips missing - see photos for details. These are great COOL synths very few people have ever seen!"
If anyone knows more about these, feel free to comment.
Update via an anonymous reader:
"The Baldwin Syntha Sound:
Yes, although limited in function, these are cool, and generally pretty good/unique sounding monosynths. Most definately Baldwin - the Vox badge on this particular unit was probably stuck on later on. I really don't think Vox had anything to do with these.
Baldwin's schematics for these units are dated April 1973. This is the model they called the portable syntha sound, and this version does seem to be quite rare. I have seen only two of these in person - one of which I own and another which was in my shop for repairs. They were purchased in two different parts of the country, yet had sequential serial numbers (very low). However, the same basic unit was included in some of their mid-70's home organ models and these are slightly more common.
The portable model SS has a built in 12 watt amp (common to many other Baldwin products), speakers, and a great sounding reverb. It has preset sections (Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Cello)- labled "pre-set" and "Flutes" of various footages, and then also the synth section: which they labled: "spectrum shaper" - with 8', 16', and 32' octaves- producing square, pulse or sawtooth (either alone or in combo). Other functions include a noise generator, high, mid, and low pass filters (used either,alone, in pairs, or "all-pass") - the filter can feedback and squeal. There is portamento too.... Modulation, however, is a bit limited: vibrato "standard" or adjustable with "rate" and "extent" sliders (sine or repeat).
The two big chunks of wood on the control panel are unusual - they are temporary switches. One shuts off the tremelo (which feels counter-intuitive) and the other triggers the "spectrum shaper" CV (which is only slightly more useful). The thing that the owner of this unit should know, is that the slider pots are of pretty poor quality and are easily broken - and also, that they used two different versions of these - which mount differently, of course - and the earlier versions are hard to find - a partial 3rd unit was used to restore the two I have had here. -Hope that clears up some of your questions.
I forgot to mention that it has an external input jack which goes though the filter.
You might want to ad a link to this older post"
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Baldwin Syntha Sound. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Baldwin Syntha Sound. Sort by date Show all posts
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Tuesday, August 07, 2018
1970s Baldwin Syntha-Sound early synthesizer
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"This is an original Baldwin Syntha-Sound synthesizer from the 1970s. Rare early US made synth from a well-known maker. It DOES NOT WORK Properly! Powers on, the switch lights up, and I can hear a slight hum through the built in speakers but absolutely no sounds from the keyboard. When I plug in a cord into the external output and into an external amplifier, I can sometimes hear a faint sound of the synth overshadowed by noise, BUT after it was on for awhile suddenly the keys seemed to be working and it got pretty loud with some changes in sound when pressing various buttons, and then the volume dropped down to almost nothing. The next time I turned it on, I got no sound either with the internal or external output. Who knows what will work or not work next?
via this auction
"This is an original Baldwin Syntha-Sound synthesizer from the 1970s. Rare early US made synth from a well-known maker. It DOES NOT WORK Properly! Powers on, the switch lights up, and I can hear a slight hum through the built in speakers but absolutely no sounds from the keyboard. When I plug in a cord into the external output and into an external amplifier, I can sometimes hear a faint sound of the synth overshadowed by noise, BUT after it was on for awhile suddenly the keys seemed to be working and it got pretty loud with some changes in sound when pressing various buttons, and then the volume dropped down to almost nothing. The next time I turned it on, I got no sound either with the internal or external output. Who knows what will work or not work next?
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Baldwin Syntha-Sound and Tempo-Matic
Ran into these on a post on Vintage Synth Explorer. I never knew these existed. Title link takes you to Audio Playgrounds Synthesizer Museum page on Baldwin. Click through to get a bigger shot of each. Oddly you have to click on the Syntha-Sound picture on the first page to get to the Tempo-Matic picture.
I found the following in the AH archives regarding the Syntha-Sound:
"Interesting box, but not what I recall as a terribly remarkable sound.
Three sections: a variable synth department, some preset synth tones
(trumpet, trombone, sax, cello) and a monophonic organ section comprising
flutes at 16', 8', 4', 2-2/3' and 1-1/3'. I think they can all be used at
once, but they were all monophonic.
Some controls on sliders, a lot of mode selection controls on pushbuttons,
like the VCO octaves, waveforms and 'mode' controls, which essentially set
you up with preset envelopes. The filter, as I recall was a multimode and
had at least low-pass and bandpass modes.
hmmm, what else? Built-in spring reverb, built in amplifier, *and* a speaker
on the side of the unit. There are a couple of push bars right above the
keys- one of them shut off the LFO momentarily, if I recall. Three octave
square-front keyboard, more wood than most synths (in fact, essentially all
wood except for the keys and front panel, don't remember what the bottom is
made of). I think there's an external input, but I don't know whether it can
be routed through the filter/VCA or not.
Different architecture, and an interesting concept. I don't remember being
blown away by any particular characteristic of the sound though...
Frank"
There is also a little piece on the Syntha-Sound in this article.
I haven't found anything on the Tempo-Matic.
I found the following in the AH archives regarding the Syntha-Sound:
"Interesting box, but not what I recall as a terribly remarkable sound.
Three sections: a variable synth department, some preset synth tones
(trumpet, trombone, sax, cello) and a monophonic organ section comprising
flutes at 16', 8', 4', 2-2/3' and 1-1/3'. I think they can all be used at
once, but they were all monophonic.
Some controls on sliders, a lot of mode selection controls on pushbuttons,
like the VCO octaves, waveforms and 'mode' controls, which essentially set
you up with preset envelopes. The filter, as I recall was a multimode and
had at least low-pass and bandpass modes.
hmmm, what else? Built-in spring reverb, built in amplifier, *and* a speaker
on the side of the unit. There are a couple of push bars right above the
keys- one of them shut off the LFO momentarily, if I recall. Three octave
square-front keyboard, more wood than most synths (in fact, essentially all
wood except for the keys and front panel, don't remember what the bottom is
made of). I think there's an external input, but I don't know whether it can
be routed through the filter/VCA or not.
Different architecture, and an interesting concept. I don't remember being
blown away by any particular characteristic of the sound though...
Frank"
There is also a little piece on the Syntha-Sound in this article.
I haven't found anything on the Tempo-Matic.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
1973 BALDWIN SYNTHA SOUND SN 254
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"For your consideration is this vintage 1973 Baldwin Syntha-Sound analog synthesizer by Gretsch & Baldwin. This particular example, serial number 254, is in excellent 100% all original condition and includes the original leatherette cover! Not much has been documented about this very low production synth, other than the fact that it is exceedingly rare, and finding one in perfect working condition seems to be near impossible. Sold along side its more famous electric harpsichord counterpart, this would make an unbelievable accessory, and would perfectly complement it in every way. Fantastic for analog synth fanatics, and studios low on real estate but high on tone, this is a great piece for most anyone who enjoys interesting musical instruments and hard-to-find synths.
This walnut-encased monosynth features a built-in amplifier with speakers. Simple in design and particularly elementary in respect to its sound options, Baldwin felt that this synth somehow competed with Moog, as suggested by their sales pitch "move over Moog." And while it certainly isn't in the same category, as it is not quite a serious synth, it is what the synth doesn't do that makes it charming and accessible. The simple sound palette is organic and usable, and perhaps more relevant today than it was at the time of its release. Think 8-bit, but better. This is definitely a fantastic choice for an introductory analog synth, or for those who prefer to literally plug-in-and-play. Several audio clips are available online."
via this auction
"For your consideration is this vintage 1973 Baldwin Syntha-Sound analog synthesizer by Gretsch & Baldwin. This particular example, serial number 254, is in excellent 100% all original condition and includes the original leatherette cover! Not much has been documented about this very low production synth, other than the fact that it is exceedingly rare, and finding one in perfect working condition seems to be near impossible. Sold along side its more famous electric harpsichord counterpart, this would make an unbelievable accessory, and would perfectly complement it in every way. Fantastic for analog synth fanatics, and studios low on real estate but high on tone, this is a great piece for most anyone who enjoys interesting musical instruments and hard-to-find synths.
This walnut-encased monosynth features a built-in amplifier with speakers. Simple in design and particularly elementary in respect to its sound options, Baldwin felt that this synth somehow competed with Moog, as suggested by their sales pitch "move over Moog." And while it certainly isn't in the same category, as it is not quite a serious synth, it is what the synth doesn't do that makes it charming and accessible. The simple sound palette is organic and usable, and perhaps more relevant today than it was at the time of its release. Think 8-bit, but better. This is definitely a fantastic choice for an introductory analog synth, or for those who prefer to literally plug-in-and-play. Several audio clips are available online."
Friday, December 27, 2019
Baldwin Syntha Sound Improv
Published on Dec 27, 2019 Joseph McGinty
A short improv "In C" on the Baldwin Syntha Sound, stepping through some of the presets. It's an unusual synth that actually sounds pretty cool! And fun to play!
Rhythm loop by the "Rollin' Easy" Optigan disk played by the Panoptigan disk player.
Baldwin synth looping by the incredibly versatile Enso looping software by Audio Damage.
Video effects by Signal Culture's "Frame Buffer".
Panoptigon: https://www.quilterlabs.com/index.php...
Enso by Audio Damage: https://www.audiodamage.com/products/...
Frame Buffer by Signal Culture: http://signalculture.org/frame-buffer...
You can find additional posts featuring the Bladwin Syntha Sound here. I believe this is only one of two video demos.
Friday, October 19, 2018
Baldwin Syntha-Sound 37-Key Monophonic Analog Synthesizer
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"Baldwin Syntha Sound for parts or repair. The sliders need to be replaced on this synth, some of them are completely broken, others are just very stiff or frozen. Currently it does make sound, only the "flutes" presets and they can be intermittent. The spring reverb appears to be working when played through the internal speakers with the flutes preset.
This synth likely needs alot of work, but it is incredibly rare."
via this auction
"Baldwin Syntha Sound for parts or repair. The sliders need to be replaced on this synth, some of them are completely broken, others are just very stiff or frozen. Currently it does make sound, only the "flutes" presets and they can be intermittent. The spring reverb appears to be working when played through the internal speakers with the flutes preset.
This synth likely needs alot of work, but it is incredibly rare."
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Baldwin Syntha Sound 1970's
via this auction
"1970's Baldwin Syntha Sound with stand and cover. Works great, excellent condition, one slider tip is missing."
Not the best pics, but you don't see these often. See the Baldwin label at the bottom of this post for video of one.
"1970's Baldwin Syntha Sound with stand and cover. Works great, excellent condition, one slider tip is missing."
Not the best pics, but you don't see these often. See the Baldwin label at the bottom of this post for video of one.
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Baldwin Syntha-Sound Synthesizer
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"Vintage Baldwin Syntha-Sound Synthesizer from the early 1970s. These are incredible synths that I’ve found to be quite unique. They have built in spring reverb, speakers, and an interesting percussion effect. This one has been serviced and is fully functional."
via this auction
"Vintage Baldwin Syntha-Sound Synthesizer from the early 1970s. These are incredible synths that I’ve found to be quite unique. They have built in spring reverb, speakers, and an interesting percussion effect. This one has been serviced and is fully functional."
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Mystery Vintage Mini Synthesizer BB
Here's an interesting find in via Justin.
If anyone knows what it is and/or has anymore info on it, let us know.
If you zoom in on the bottom pic, you'll see the controls, left to right, are as follows:
WA-WA with Mechanic and Range knobs, and switches below, one Automatic and one Rate.
INFRA-MODULATOR with a Power label below, and knobs for Rate and Range. On/Off and Rate switches below.
COLOR-OPERATING with eight sliders and eight On/Off switches. I'm guessing these are harmonic amount sliders with the ability to switch them off on the fly. So this is likely an additive synth. Curious if it sounds more like an organ or a synth. Also curious if it's monophonic or poly/paraphonic.
GLISSANDO / PORTAMENTO with two sliders and two switches. One switch is On/Off and the other appears to be direction. BTW, this section makes me think this is more synth than organ and likely monophonic.
NOISE GENERATOR knob with On/Off switch.
VOLUME knob
POWER On/Off switch.
Note the absence of envelopes.
Update: it kind of reminds me of the Baldwin Syntha Sound. That one had a SPECTRUM SHAPER. Note the lack of a Baldwin label on the front of the Syntha Sound. The BB on the front could be for Baldwin, considering it's actually a mirrored B.
Update2: New pics in via Justin along with some info.
"I spoke to the girl who owns the synth. She said its a Czech synth and it belongs to her family and was packed away in storage for a long time until she placed it in her store as a display object. She said its not for sale."
The synth is located in a shop in Prague.
Saturday, May 07, 2011
Syntha-Sound (Stupeflix test)
YouTube Uploaded by btpro on May 7, 2011
"Very rare Synthesizer, Baldwin "Syntha-Sound".
from my synthesizer photo library...
Created using the Stupeflix Youtube App"
Tuesday, September 09, 2014
Baldwin Syntha-Sound with Extras
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"One of the rarest keyboards out there, the Syntha-Sound is full of cool, unique sounds. This synthesizer is extremely rare to start with, but included here is a complete collection of its even rarer accessories: volume pedal; case; user manual (with additional instructional inserts); four die-cut plastic setting templates (themselves works of art); service manual; schematics."
via this auction
"One of the rarest keyboards out there, the Syntha-Sound is full of cool, unique sounds. This synthesizer is extremely rare to start with, but included here is a complete collection of its even rarer accessories: volume pedal; case; user manual (with additional instructional inserts); four die-cut plastic setting templates (themselves works of art); service manual; schematics."
Tuesday, December 07, 2021
Baldwin Syntha-Sound
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
Pics of the inside below.
"The power supply, spring reverb, external input and multimode VCF have all been tested to work, however currently the keyboard doesn't produce any sound when pressed for the flute and spectrum sections and the pitch is off for the preset section/sometimes no sound. I have not determined if this is due to the oscillators not working or the envelopes not working. Could be either or something else. As you can see also some sliders are damaged and are missing caps, aside from this the unit is in fairly good cosmetic condition for its age. The internal speakers have also been removed for shipping as they're terrible and weigh a lot."
via this auction
Pics of the inside below.
"The power supply, spring reverb, external input and multimode VCF have all been tested to work, however currently the keyboard doesn't produce any sound when pressed for the flute and spectrum sections and the pitch is off for the preset section/sometimes no sound. I have not determined if this is due to the oscillators not working or the envelopes not working. Could be either or something else. As you can see also some sliders are damaged and are missing caps, aside from this the unit is in fairly good cosmetic condition for its age. The internal speakers have also been removed for shipping as they're terrible and weigh a lot."
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Baldwin Syntha Sound Vintage Analog Synthesizer
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"Here's a rare Baldwin synthesizer from the 70's. Main issue is that the keyboard is not responding, but I was able to plug a guitar into the external input and do some limited testing.
It's missing various push button caps, some broken push button and slider stems/posts (but all sliders and buttons work), . External input/output works. Oscillator makes sound with trigger bar, responds to tuning slider, octave, and tremolo adjustment. Most things seem to work except for the keyboard which offers no response. Flute section responded to trigger bar, but no I didn't get any response from the preset section. Missing faceplate/keyboard hold down screws."
via this auction
"Here's a rare Baldwin synthesizer from the 70's. Main issue is that the keyboard is not responding, but I was able to plug a guitar into the external input and do some limited testing.
It's missing various push button caps, some broken push button and slider stems/posts (but all sliders and buttons work), . External input/output works. Oscillator makes sound with trigger bar, responds to tuning slider, octave, and tremolo adjustment. Most things seem to work except for the keyboard which offers no response. Flute section responded to trigger bar, but no I didn't get any response from the preset section. Missing faceplate/keyboard hold down screws."
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Baldwin Syntha Sound w/ Original Leather Dust Cover
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"Here is a very rare and unusual 1970s analog synth made by Baldwin. It has a very strange layout and feature set not found on any other synth, including multiple octaves and waveforms available simultaneously, spring reverb, built in speakers, external input. The sound is very strange and fun and perfectly suited for retro and indie productions. This example is in excellent condition and working very well, which is more unusual than the synth itself! The controls are a bit scratchy from not being used in a while but they seem to clean up the more they are used, and certainly with contact spray; there is some background hum to the spring reverb but seems appropriate for this type of vintage unit."
via this auction
"Here is a very rare and unusual 1970s analog synth made by Baldwin. It has a very strange layout and feature set not found on any other synth, including multiple octaves and waveforms available simultaneously, spring reverb, built in speakers, external input. The sound is very strange and fun and perfectly suited for retro and indie productions. This example is in excellent condition and working very well, which is more unusual than the synth itself! The controls are a bit scratchy from not being used in a while but they seem to clean up the more they are used, and certainly with contact spray; there is some background hum to the spring reverb but seems appropriate for this type of vintage unit."
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Vintage Baldwin Syntha-Sound Synthesizer Manual plus overlays
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"This is a copyright 1972 manual or guide to the Baldwin Synth-Sound, a very early US-produced synthesizer. It includes four overlays and two supplementary information sheets. The book has wear, some of the plastic binding is broken, and some pages have become discolored from age. Still, this is a pretty rare little artifact of early US synth history. Book is large, about 15" by 10", but not very thick."
via this auction
"This is a copyright 1972 manual or guide to the Baldwin Synth-Sound, a very early US-produced synthesizer. It includes four overlays and two supplementary information sheets. The book has wear, some of the plastic binding is broken, and some pages have become discolored from age. Still, this is a pretty rare little artifact of early US synth history. Book is large, about 15" by 10", but not very thick."
Thursday, August 06, 2020
Baldwin Syntha-Sound 37-Key Monophonic Analog Synthesizer
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"Extremely rare monosynth.
Made by Moog for Baldwin in 73. Numbers only in the hundreds. This one is complete aside from a vouple of slider caps. The sliders are all free and the three way push buttons all work perfectly. Has been on a shelf in the shed for over 30 years. Doesn't power on. I am no tech, in fact totally low tech so couldn't say what the isdue might be but I can find nothing obvious and visually the internals look good. Suspect it to be fairly simple fix for those inclined. Was working perfectly when put away in about 1984."
via this auction
"Extremely rare monosynth.
Made by Moog for Baldwin in 73. Numbers only in the hundreds. This one is complete aside from a vouple of slider caps. The sliders are all free and the three way push buttons all work perfectly. Has been on a shelf in the shed for over 30 years. Doesn't power on. I am no tech, in fact totally low tech so couldn't say what the isdue might be but I can find nothing obvious and visually the internals look good. Suspect it to be fairly simple fix for those inclined. Was working perfectly when put away in about 1984."
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Baldwin Syntha Sound Model SS Synthesizer SN 451
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"This very unique 1970's synthesizer features a 37-key keyboard and with various sounds and options. Some of the sound included are Trumpet, Trombone, Sax, Cello, Flutes (16, 8, 2 2/3, 1 1/3), along with a slider for Expression Control, a Trigger bar, and sliders for Tuning, Rate-Trem-Extent, Slide, Volume, Frequency, Resonance and Sustain. Also included is a Trem Off bar, and push buttons for MODE (Reit, Perc, Normal, Sustain, Slow Attack, Fast Attack), OCTAVE (8, 16, 32), INPUT (Noise, Strike), OUTPUT, FREQ (Keyboard, Exp. Pedal, Auto), External Input, Standard Vibrato, External Output, Mode/Trigger Bar, Headset, Reverb, Pre-Set, Flute, Spectrum..."
via this auction
"This very unique 1970's synthesizer features a 37-key keyboard and with various sounds and options. Some of the sound included are Trumpet, Trombone, Sax, Cello, Flutes (16, 8, 2 2/3, 1 1/3), along with a slider for Expression Control, a Trigger bar, and sliders for Tuning, Rate-Trem-Extent, Slide, Volume, Frequency, Resonance and Sustain. Also included is a Trem Off bar, and push buttons for MODE (Reit, Perc, Normal, Sustain, Slow Attack, Fast Attack), OCTAVE (8, 16, 32), INPUT (Noise, Strike), OUTPUT, FREQ (Keyboard, Exp. Pedal, Auto), External Input, Standard Vibrato, External Output, Mode/Trigger Bar, Headset, Reverb, Pre-Set, Flute, Spectrum..."
Monday, May 29, 2017
Baldwin Syntha Sound
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
BALDWIN SYNTHA SOUND with Pedal, Soft Case & Patch Sheets
Friday, May 20, 2022
Baldwin Syntha-Sound w/ Original Stand & Patch Sheets
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"Very good condition Synthasound + Stand + 4 programming layers
Just serviced (new slider + new speakers)"
via this auction
"Very good condition Synthasound + Stand + 4 programming layers
Just serviced (new slider + new speakers)"
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© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH