Rare CRUMAR DS-1 // Less than 200 made in 1978 SN 28

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There was also a Crumar DS-2.

"One of the very few remaining Crumar DS-1 on the planet, serial number 28. Recently serviced and recapped, this impressive monosynth works like a charm and looks great - far better than any other DS-1 / DS-2 available nowaday.

Released in 1978 to compete against the Minimoog, the Crumar DS-1 implemented one of the earliest digitally controlled oscillators (DCO) - if not THE first. In those days this was enough to mark a synth as "Digital Synthesizer" but actually the DS-1 is a fully analog monosynth with analog controlled digital oscillators. A rocksolid synth that can easily genetare fat basses, expressive lead sounds and an unexpected range of percussive/FX sounds.

So Crumar released the DS-1 (their first full-fledged synthesizer) in 1978, more than four years after Korg and Roland began their domination of the low-cost arena. Consequently, and despite its cool sound and features, everybody overlooked the DS-1 and less than 200 units were sold.

The Crumar DS-1 is a dual-oscillator monosynth with a 24dB/octave resonant low-pass filter (inspired by the Minimoog Ladder), one LFO (assignable to oscillators, VCA, VCF and PW), Glide FX, two selectable noise generators and a useful Gate/IN. The front panel has a lot of well organized (and sturdy) knobs and sliders that make the DS-1 a very intuitive machine.

Specifications :

OSC Waveforms : Saw, Tri, Squ, PW (only OSC1)
OSC Parameters : Volume, Pitch, Octave, Manual PW Modulation
Noise : White / Pink + Volume control
LFO Assign : OSC1, OSC2, VCF, VCA, PW (OSC1)
LFO Waveforms : Saw Down, Tri, Squ, Saw Up, S&H, Scaled
LFO Parameters : LFO Delay
VCF : Cutoff, Resonance, ADSR, ADSR Amount
VCA : ADSR, ADSR Amount
Other : Pitch Bend, Glide with Speed Glide / Speed Range
Connections : Out Hi, Out Low, Gate/IN & Gate/OUT (+/-5 Volts)"

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Rare (Working) Crumar DS-2 Analog Synth (Italian 70s Synth) SN 551

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"The Crumar DS-2 (as in “digital synthesizer # 2”) is an Italian analog/digital hybrid synth built in the late 1970s. A few sources and synth blogs give 1977/78 as the starting year of production. Only a few hundred (some sources say around 700) were made; this one has a serial number of 551.

The takeaway = this is a rare, fat-sounding, heavy-ass 1970s synth that features two LFOs with really unique shapes, two digitally controlled oscillators (hence the “D” in DS-2), a poly section, pink and white noise…all of this, packed in a road case. The DS-2 is a classic-sounding beast, and one of the few synths that has a poly section you can play alongside a 2 oscillator mono section. The architecture of this synth draws comparisons to Moogs and Arps, but it's honestly more quirky (and therefore perhaps more limited in its scope, but also more unique)."

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Crumar DS-2 Analog Synthesizer with MIDI Added

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Published on Jan 2, 2015 Farsetto Nero

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"The Crumar DS-2 is a really big sounding analog synth. Made my Crumar in the late 70's, it was apparently once of the first DCO synths that was still fully analog - the LFOs on this synth are really crazy and you can get some very spacey sounds, as well as aggressive and bass-heavy low end.

Cosmetically, it is in decent shape, the front panel has some slight rusting from age, but it is in very good working order! I had the synth serviced recently, and had MIDI added, which really takes it to a whole new level. Everything functions as it should, including the poly section. It comes with a case enclosure as well (not in picture).

More info:

'This is not a synthesizer for boring italo basslines, funky leadlines and commonplace pop music melodies. This thing is instant cosmic space travel... Its big, unstable, adventerous, bleepy, moist, crackling, cloudy, hoarse, droney' - Legowelt"

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Late '70s Crucianelli / Crumar DS-2 Analogue Synthesizer

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"Dive into the 1970s with the Crumar DS-2 Synthesiser, an instrument that’s more stable than your average Italian sports car but with a sound that can get just as wild. A synth that marries digital precision with analogue warmth, creating a sound as rich and inviting as a Tuscan sunset. The DS-2 is kept in tune thanks to its pioneering digitally controlled oscillators (DCOs); and its unique, simple 'poly' voice, supports the equally unique mono voice you sculpt above it (highest note prioritised). This beautifully weird marriage offers a lushness of sound that could make even a seasoned maestro swoon.

Its dual LFOs, Moog-flavoured filter, and agile ADSRs are your ingredients for culinary sonic excellence, whether you're concocting the bass line of the next disco hit or simmering up some ambient soundscapes. In an era where synths often come with more presets than personality, the DS-2 stands out as a testament to hands-on creativity and the enduring appeal of Italian craftsmanship. The renaissance is now, so put down your chisel, and carve some soundwaves instead!

This is a typically Italian synthesiser, a very playful user experience with all the expected quirks and idiosyncrasies. Lift-off lid not included."

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Vintage 1978 Crumar DS 2 SN 47

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"1978 Crumar DS 2 synthesizer - Number 47 of under 700 made in Italy. Rare. Seems to work fine but I am not familiar with this instrument. Missing one slider knob. As is.
The DS-2 is basically a monosynth with an added 44-voice polyphonic strings section. The DS-2 was one of the first synthesizers to use DCOs (digitally controlled osc.) making it stable in tune but maybe not as fat as VCO synthesizers. That isn't to say it can't sound fat...it can. Especially if you use the polyphonic string section and apply some slow LFO modulation to the pitch. This is a very big and good looking synth with a lot of knobs for instant hands-on control. And you don't need a hardcase, it's built into one. Just lift the cover and there it is (smart!)."

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Crumar DS2 Analog Synthesizer

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"Crumar DS 2 analog synthesizer. This synth was manufactured from 1978 through the early 1980s and has a rich analog sound. The Crumar DS 2 is rare and very unique. The synth has two monophonic oscillators and a separate polyphonic section. All oscillators are routed to a 4-pole lowpass filter and then through the VCA. The VCOs, VCF, and VCA can all be modulated by two LFOs. The LFO routing capabilities of the Crumar DS 2 are very unique. The synthesizer is fully functional with the exception of a non-functioning LFO delay and pitch drift in the polyphonic section."

via PixelData in the comments of this post.

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Crumar DS 2 - Prueba 01

Crumar DS 2 - Prueba 01 from pablo picco on Vimeo.

"Pruebas con un sintetizador italiano Crumar DS 2.
Monofónico.

Se pueden escuchar el oscilador 1 y algunas variaciones de sus dos grandiosos LFOs.

Se me ocurrió hacer analogía con el nacimiento, mi madre y la naturaleza.

myspace.com/​copadeunarbol"

Crumar DS-2 by syntezatory.prv.pl

Crumar DS-2 - demo by syntezatory.net.pl YouTube via Jexus

"1978 Crumar DS2. All sounds programmed by WC Olo Garb. Video editing by WC Olo Garb. ||| Syntezatory.prv.pl Videos: showing you not what a synthesizer can do, but what a man can do with a synthesizer.

DS-2 has this brutal and invasive quality to its sound and my ears were bleeding at the end of editing. Hope yours will not."

CRUMAR DS-2 Digital Analog Synth

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Note the label on the DS-2 states "Digital Synthesizer".  The oscillators are digitally controlled (DCOs).  

"1 OWNER / SUPER RARE SYNTH
EXCELLENT WORKING ORDER
FULLY FUNCTIONAL - recently restored
TWO OSC - monophonic
TWO LFO's
POLYPHONIC with two filter sections
Pink and White Noise
Original Manuals Included


This was owned by 1 person and has been stored away for many years. Recently has been brought back to life from a professional tech. This CRUMAR DS-2 is both monophonic and polyphonic.
It has MASSIVE sound. I've owned many analog synths, MS-20, Octave Cat, Prophet 5 and I have to say nothing compares to this Crumar sound.
It has a very unique sound and it can get very dirty and big. It's awesome at creating phsycodelic errie type sounds. Has many routings and interestingly two flo's. Polyphonic section has Lo-pass and Hi-pass filter. Both Monophonic and Polyphonic section can play at the same time..."

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Crumar DS 2 digital Synthesizer

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"Crumar DS 2 Digital synthesizer project made in Italy, Ser# A125, Model DS 2"

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Vintage Crumar DS-2 Digital Synthesizer

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"The Crumar DS-2 is basically a monosynth with an added 44-voice polyphonic strings section. The DS-2 was one of the first synthesizers to use DCOs (Digitally Controlled Oscillator.). "

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This Analog Synth Arrived Broken...

video upload by HAINBACH

"When I first heard the Crumar DS-2 I was enchanted: it sounds absolutely wonderful and is, like most Italian synths, a true player's instrument. I get why Sun Ra dug it so much. But it is a risky synthesizer to buy: according to vintagesynth.com it is one of "the most unreliable on the used market". And mine was no exception. The seller claimed that "you can make music with it" and he was not wrong, even though he did not say it was this messed up. I was very close to sending it back, but then I started really playing it. This is what happened.

Get the tape and book of my DS-2 album 'Tagwerk':
https://industrialcomplexx.bandcamp.c..."

Hainbach is the paradigm of the revaluation of outdated material and the reconditioning of machines destined for other purposes that have nothing to do with sound, although his work as a researcher is currently much broader, his technological mastery is possibly one of the most advanced of our era.

Tagwerk is an album that honours Hainbach's way of working. It is recorded on a Crumar DS-2, an early Italian synthesiser he acquired and which began to malfunction shortly after he started it up, hence the title. This album is about embracing the broken and letting it inspire you. Much of it was recorded in two days, not even daring to open the window or turn off the synthesizer for fear that inspiration would escape or that it would break completely. He recorded 22 tracks in this marathon state, and the ones on this release are the ones that survived. There is a sonic magic in that era that is unsurpassed.

Tagwerk is accompanied by a book that tells the story of this German producer and also discusses many of his machines and working techniques.

Crumar DS-2 Rare Analog Synth in Excellent Condition

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"Crumar DS-2 Rare Analog Synth. Super rare 2 voice analog synth (yes it's full analog) with polyphonic digital synth that can be turned on or off. This synth sounds huge and the poly synth sounds great under the mono or by itself. LFO 2 has a very rare ladder mode not found on any synth plus S&H. This is like a cross between A Pro-1 and and Oberhiem. Has all knobs but the Speed Glind. Powers on and works perfectly but sold as is. Amazing condition for how rare and old this synth is.

Here's a classic video showing what it can do." [Jexus video posted here]

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Crumar DS-2 Digital Synthesizer

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"Vintage Crumar DS-2 Synthesizer. It powers on and works. The ds2 is a very rare (500 made) Crumar synth which has digital with analogue filters , 2 x lfo , weird lfo shapes and to top it off a 44 key string synth section. The machines string section makes super cheesy and cool 60's and 70's pad sounds and just plain psychedelic wavering timbres."

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Synthesiser von Gestern Volumes 1 - 3

Synthesiser von Gestern Volume 1
Published on Feb 22, 2015 baward

"From the 1990 CD, ‘Synthesiser von Gestern' ('Synthesisers of Yesterday’) or 'Vintage Synths Volume 1’"

Playlist:
SVG1 1/22 Arp Odyssey
SVG1 2/22 Yamaha CS-60 part 1
SVG1 3/22 Oberheim SEM
SVG1 4/22 Korg Mono/Poly
SVG1 5/22 Minimoog
SVG1 6/22 Memorymoog
SVG1 7/22 Roland Jupiter 8
SVG1 8/22 Yamaha CS-60 part 2
SVG1 09/22 Sequential Circuits Pro One
SVG1 10/22 Korg PS-3100
SVG1 11/22 Roland SH-5
SVG1 12/22 Rhodes Chroma part 1
SVG1 13/22 Korg Poly 800
SVG1 14/22 Roland System 100
SVG1 15/22 Roland Juno 60
SVG1 16/22 Mellotron
SVG1 17/22 EMS Synthi A
SVG1 18/22 Rhodes Chroma part 2
SVG1 19/22 PPG Wave 2 2
SVG1 20/22 Yamaha CS 15
SVG1 21/22 Korg MS-20
SVG1 22/22 Moog System 55

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$220,736.00 / 160,000.00 Euro Synth Auction

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This one spotted by Adrien.

The list:
"1. ARP AXXE
2. ARP PRO DGX
3. ARP QUADRA
4. MOOG Realistic MG 1
5. MOOG Polymoog Keyboard
6. MOOG Polypedal Controller
7. MOOG Taurus II mit Pedal
8. MOOG Keyboard Controller 950
9. MOOG Memorymoog
10. MOOG Satellite
11. MOOG Sonic Six
12. Korg Trident MK II

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Crumar DS-2

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via the seller: "CRUMAR DS-2 synthesizer in super cool army style footlocker style road case with CRUMAR logos on it. (Let me start by saying that I am a guitar player and don't know a ton about synths so feel free to correct my terminology if I get some things wrong.) This is a vintage synthesizer from Italy. It powers up and all the keys produce notes, it seemed in tune with itself when chords were played. There is a pitch control near the pitch slider thingy that change the pitch when moved, I would guess that the pitch wheel could dial it in to a modern tuner, or wherever else you wanted to go. There is a multi position octave selector switch near the bender bar that changes the overall octave of the synth up and down.

I messed around with this thing for about half an hour, and the knobs & sliders seemed to work, with one notable exception* - rates and octaves change, timbres change, the sounds can be modified.* The one thing I couldn't get to work was the little pitch bender bar. It may work, and I didn't have it engaged? This thing has so many controls that I wasn't sure what I was doing. There may have been other things that don't work, but it seemed like most of the controls were functional. The only thing I noticed that was definitely missing was the top slider for OSC. 1 on the left hand side of the keyboard. You can see this section in one of the pictures. The controls seemed pretty clean, not super scratchy.

Cosmetically this thing is in pretty good shape. The case seems to have kept it pretty nice over the years. Some old tape here and there, normal wear from use you'd see on a vintage instrument, but nothing serious. The case has some nicks and scrapes but it is solid as well. Will need a new handle. Pictures should tell the story, condition wise. "

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Crumar DS-2 synthesizer monophonic / polyphonic + manuals (serviced)

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"Completely overhauled Crumar DS-2 synthesizer with its original owner's (in German) and service manual available! All potentiometers are been replaced by new ones, the volumes of the monophonic and polyphonic part are matched, it's recapped and serviced...

The DS2 is a fantastic synth to work with. It can be played polyphonic and/or monophonic, it has two LFOs which can be used at the same time, I like the modulation options where you can choose which LFO you use, it has two glide modes, a great filter, two ENVs and so on."

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Crumar DS 2

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 "Crumar DS 2 Synthesizer Very Rare Vintage Released 1978"

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Crumar DS-2 glide mod, tech overview and WAVEFORMS.

Published on Feb 17, 2015 sounddoctorin

"Bob Weigel of http://www.sounddoctorin.com does a more recent review of the Crumar DS-2 synthesizer and shows the waveforms being generated by the DCO's and poly section before the VCF. If there is call I'll try to do the rigorous circuit run through video. I've just been too busy...look for upcoming products for modular users :-). Give me a month or so."