Hohner String Performer

video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"The Hohner String Performer was one of the very last effort to release a string synth, in the early 80s I think. This was the only one genuinely manufactured by Hohner. The early ones like the String Melody, StringVox or String Orchestra were italian rebadged ones.
The Performer features 3 strings presets, 1 piano, 1 harpsichord, 1 bass (only on the left part of the keyboard) and a monophonic 'solo' section on the right part of the keyboard only. Just like other 'orchestral' synths like the Crumar Orchestrator/Multiman or the Elka Rhapsody 610 you have individual volume faders for each sound on each side as well as a mute switch per section.
The 'bass' preset overides everything on the left part of the keyboard when selected.
Overall this is one of the most refined string sound you can get, very polished, maybe too polished for some. I like it a lot, I find it very cinematographic.
The solo section is not very interesting in its own but when layered with the strings it adds a very nice lead touch.
The instrument features 3x seperate outputs in top of the general output, and jack input for piano/harpsichord sustain pedal and a volume pedal.
There were 2 revisions made to this instrument, and the only difference is the power supply. The most common you will find is this one and it uses an external power supply (18v DC but you can use anything between 15 and 24 since this supply gets regulated inside the synth). The second one has a built in 230v power supply and you can easily recognized it because it has a red translucent on/off switch.
The builtin power supply probably lowers the tendency to hum and magnetic interference you get with the first one, which can be quite picky on the power adapter you use. But I never had a second version at hand to compare to the first one so i can't be sure.

TECH TIPS:
This is the 5th String Performer I serviced and though they had all different issues one common issue it that they ALL had cracks on one or more PCB, leadind in cut traces.
The design of the instrument is clever but not sturdy enough. The case is very well built and solid and it's very hard to seriously damage it.
But all the 12 oscillators and filter PCBs are socketed to the motherboard which is underneath the keys, and are screwed to a hinge that tends to get bent when the instrument is subject to violent transport, so the pcbs bend too and crack.
This result usually in some mute notes on all poly section (just like if a divider has died) or on some section only, and very often the solo is also dead because of a cracked pcb.
This is one of the synth I would advice not to have shipped, the chances to receive a 100% working instrument is closed to null."

Crumar Orchestrator 2

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

via this listing

"One of the rarer string machines, the Orchestrator 2 is the updated version of the much loved Multiman-S / Orchestrator. It has the same lush strings and brass but more parameter control and the addition of a “poly” section which generates sounds that track more as “synth” than string machine. This one is in excellent condition and just got an overhaul from our in-house techs and so is working perfectly."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Crumar Multiman S/Orchestrator Full Set

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

via this listing

Additional listings from Alberto

"FULL SET:

- w its rare original Swell Pedal

- lid

- music stand

SERVICED by pro tecnician

COLLECTOR'S ITEM

100% working conditions

Amazing aestetics conditions"

You can find a video of this one previously posted here.

CLICK FOR MORE »

TMP-2-05 Vintage Synth TV Series from Benge

video upload by Memetune Studio

00:00 Opening Titles
00:32 Introduction
01:19 Little Black Boxes
04:41 Switched On Cybersynths
17:31 Synthesiser Club
20:38 Commercial Break
23:02 Patching Today
37:24 Video Lab
41:15 Outro

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Episode five of the second series of the TV program from Benge, made at his Memetune Electronic Music Studio

The series explores his passion for vintage synthesiser instruments and studio gear and how he uses it on his productions and collaborations

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

It is divided into the following sections:

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A look at some classic rack mount synths of the 80s and 90s

SWITCHED ON - This second series looks at a type of synthesis based around the ideas of Cybernetics, which Benge calls CYBERSYNTHESIS

SYNTHESISER CLUB - A short musical demonstration of a synthesiser classic or three

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some shameless Memetune shilling

PATCHING TODAY - A deep-dive into vintage modular systems and how to set up a patch on them, starting from scratch

VIDEO LAB - A look at old video equipment and how to create experimental visuals

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

In THIS episode:

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - The Korg Wavestation was released in 1990. This rack mount module version, called the Wavestation A/D, was released in 1991

SWITCHED ON CYBERSYNTHS - Ramdomness Tamed. A look at the EMS Random Voltage Generator and the Buchla 200 version of the Magnetic Freak Gaussian module

SYNTHESISER CLUB - Today, its Club Crumar! Featuring the DS2, the Multiman Mk2 and the Synergy digital system

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some adverts for Memetune related goodies

PATCHING TODAY - on the Buchla 100 - trying to tame the beast!

VIDEO LAB - In this episode we look at some SFX shots and the Ultimatte chromakey system


////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

LINKS:

Polyrythmic Electronica vinyl / Systems of Objects: https://systemofobjects.bandcamp.com/...

Benge's Studio Blog: http://myblogitsfullofstars.blogspot.com

Memetune Studio Instagram: @ memetunestudio

Benge & Memetune Merch on Bandcamp: https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com


////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The MemeTune Programme Credits:
Everything in this video was created by B D Edwards (Benge)
All music, design, writing, filming and production completed at Memetune Studios, UK, 2024

Crumar Multiman S / Orchestrator

video upload by ohm_studi_ohm

"The Crumar Multiman S (Orchestrator) is one of those classic multi instruments of the 70s. 4 sections: bass / brass / piano / strings
Each section (except for the bass) can be assigned left or right of the keyboard with dedicated volume faders and mute switchs.
Brass has a Moog inspired ladder filter with simple AD enveloppe and cutoff and resonance control (resonance can get wild if you want to).
Strings are composed of Viola and Violins, with timbre adjust. It uses a triple chorus based on the TCA350Y BBD chipsets, basically the same as the Eminent String Ensemble.
You have control over the release of the strings (called "sustain" on the panel). This also control the release of the Brass sound.
Piano section consists of Piano and Harpsichord sound. You can control the sustain (again it's the release actually) with a pedal only. Without a pedal plugged in the release is always at its maximum. And the release is common to the bass sound, which by the way sound huge.
And to finish you have a vibrato that affects all the section."

Crumar Multiman S3

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

via this auction

Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

"Here's another Crumar Multiman S3 at last. There's a bit of rust on the panel, but that's a common issue for all Crumars from these years. This is a Multiman S3, a model that's almost impossible to find with a nearly unique sound. CEM chips. It's not just a string machine like the S2 and S models, but it has a unique polyphonic synth section, and the sound is amazing. Phaser, onboard LFO!! Everything works perfectly, it just has cosmetic issues."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Crumar Multiman S3 1982 State of the art lush full featured string machine SN 00056

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

via this auction

"Ultrarare Crumar Multiman S3. This is a wonderful machine with a more than inimitable sound. String section, synth section, bass section, piano section, effects section, pipe section, a real pleasure. String and polysynth to be the envy of arp solina !! very good conditions, perfect functional condition. State-of-the-art synthetic stringmachine beautifully fat sound.
Just overhauled and fully functional.
Original leather semirigid bag in overall good conditions included."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Crumar Multiman S3 SN 00081

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

via this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »

1975 Crumar Multiman Synthesizer

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

via this auction

Pics of the inside below.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Crumar Multiman S/2

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

via this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »

Crumar Multiman aka Orchestrator 1977 w Rare MOD (SERVICED)

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

via this auction

"This one even more with a rare MOD installed on it which let you control the Bass/Piano/Clav Sustain for a punchier and angry sound! ( for the Original sound behavior just rotate the additional knob fully clockwise)"

Demo in the listing previously posted here.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Crumar Perfomer VS Crumar Multiman S-3

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"Two lovely string machines steps into the ring - ready to rumble.
The energy bill is here and it's steep.
We need cash badly so we're squaring these two off to see which one we can part ways with.
It's a tough choice but there can be only one.

The machines differ a bit in layout and controls:
The Performer sports a 4 octave keyboard compared to the Multimans 5 octaves.
It's also a bit more simple, it lacks a few filter controls in the brass section and the string section has constant chorus.
It still sounds great though, and it's a lot lighter than the Multiman - all of which are surprisingly heavy.

Have a look and listen - let yourself be heard in the comment section - which one would you keep?"

CRUMAR Multiman MK-1 Vintage Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"This is Beautiful and Very Rare, Collectable CRUMAR Multiman MK-1
First Generation Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer/Organ/String/Brass Machine.
61-Key Keyboard.
1977 Made in ITALY

CLICK FOR MORE »

Crumar Multiman S/2 - Rare String Synthesizer SN 01349

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

via this auction

"A perfect working Crumar Multiman S/2, the very hard to find vintage string synthesizer designed as the successor to the Multiman-S / Orchestrator. The machine is in very good cosmetic conditions and has been recently serviced by a professional technician. Professional packaging and shipping insurance included in the shipping costs.

Released in 1977 as the successor to the Multiman-S (called the Orchestrator in US), the Multiman S/2 is a fully polyphonic multitimbral string synthesizer capable of splitting and layering sounds. Using the dedicated On/Off buttons, the included sounds can be split in the middle of the keyboard allowing you to play one combination of instruments with the left hand, and another combination with the right. -- The name "Multiman" is the combination of Multi + Man, where Man comes from the italian "Mano" (hand in English).

The Crumar Multiman S/2 features 5 splittable sounds (Brass, Piano, Clavichord, Cello and Violin) and a Bass sound assigned to only the bottom 27 notes of the keyboard. Each sound has its dedicated volume controls for left and right zones and there are 3dedicated audio outputs : Pianos/Bass + Brass + Main (all sounds).

STRINGS
The Multiman S/2 strings are raw, lush and rich with a warm lowend that fits incredibly good in a mix, a powerful sound quite different from other smooth, milky analog competitors. This section includes Cello and Violin, two sound source at different octaves with dedicated volume controls and processed by the integrated 3 line BBD chorus ensemble. The string sounds can also be altered using the global Sustain and Vibrato controls and with the dedicated String Timbre, a 6 db/oct discrete LP filter that allows to generate sounds ranging from dark pads to church-organs to massive analog strings.

BRASS
The brass section of the Multiman S/2 sounds absolutely fantastic. The core of this section is the discrete transistor ladder LP filter equipped with Cutoff, Resonance (labelled Contour & Emphasis) and filter Attack and Decay. The Cutoff and Resonance are totally Moog-style and the fast Decay coupled with the smooth Attack allow to generate a variery of fat sounds ranging from puncing basses to sweeping leads and majestic analog brasses. The Multiman S/2 brass section gives his best at the mid-low frequencies and, despite its sculpted and definite character, it works great when layered with the raw strings. The global Sustain and Vibrato controls are also available for the Brass.

PIANO
The Piano section includes Piano and Clavichord sounds with dedicated volume sliders and the global Release and Vibrato controls. The Clavichord is the classic sound implemented in all the string synthesizers, a HP filtered saw waveform designed to add extra harmonics to the main sounds. But the Piano sound in the Multiman S/2 is not the classic analog piano emulation you can find in other string synthesizers, it looks kind of low-end enhancer designed to be played together with the other sound sources.

BASS
The Bass sound in the Multiman S/2 is very, very huge. It sounds like a 808-style bass drum with a smooth, pleasant saturation. This sound has been originally designed as accompaniment instrument but it can easily find its place in modern music productions. Used in conjunction with Piano and Brass, it can generate truly earthshaking analog bass sounds.

Specifications
Polyphony - 49 notes
6 Sounds: Brass, Piano, Clavichord, Cello, Violin and Bass
Brass Filter : Attack, Decay, Cutoff, Resonance.
String Filter : 6 db/oct discrete LP
LFO : Vibrato and Depth for all sounds
Envelope : Sustain length for all sounds
Outputs : Main + Bass/Piano + Brass"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Crumar Multiman-S Synthesizer Italian String Machine Orchestrator SN 388

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

"Crumar Multiman-S Synthesizer Sound Demo

Italian Synth/String Machine, also known as the Orchestrator.

No effects – audio taken directly from 'MAIN' output."

via this auction

"Fantastic sounding 1970s Italian string synthesizer, with bass, piano, clavichord, brass, cello & violin sounds. All sorts of possible combinations as well as an amazing brass filter and "string timbre" filter-like control for the strings make this a really unique sounding synth.

A few dings and scratches (pictured) on the body and top cover but the synth itself is in near fully-working condition. A couple of the keys don't work with certain sounds and the inner workings could do with a cleaning. The foot pedal is not included, which affects the functionality of the synth to an extent but it's still an incredible sounding machine (link to video demo of sounds below – I've tried to cover as many sounds as possible as well as show some of the limitations.)

All outputs are tested and working. Pedal board and swell pedal connectors are untested..."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Crumar Multiman S / Orchestrator Analog String Synth

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

via this auction

"Also known as the Orchestrator, the Multiman S is 4 sections analog polyphonic keyboard: bass, brass, piano, string, all that can be split on both side of the keyboard with dedicated volume faders. Includes a Moog ladder filter on the brass section and a BBD TCA350 triple chorus like the Arp Eminent Solina String Ensemble.

Unit was serviced: power supply capacitors were replaced, chorus calibrated, faders cleaned and lubed and of course keyboard was tuned.
Unit is perfectly working."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Crumar Orchestrator

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

via this auction, also on Reverb

"This is a vintage Crumar Orchestrator (known as the Multiman-S in Europe). The strings on this synthesizer sound remarkably similar to the ARP/Solina String Ensemble, because they use the exact same TCA350 BBD delay chips found in the Solina, and have a very similar triple delay line configuration for its ensemble effect. In addition to the Violin and Cello string sounds, there is a Brass section with a four pole ladder filter that was most definitely infringing on the Moog patent at the time. There's also two piano sounds ("Piano" and "Clavichord"), and a bass section that works on the lowest 27 notes of the 61 key keyboard.

This particular synthesizer is in excellent operating condition, and remarkably good cosmetic condition for a synth manufactured in 1977. The right-hand piano volume slider shaft is broken, but the original slider cap still can grip on to the stub (most photos show the cap in place, I included another photo with the cap removed for purposes of full disclosure). There is no lid and the original lid latching hardware has been removed.

This sucker is heavy!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

ARMON Concert | Vintage Italian Synth (1974)

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

"Improvisations on a incredible rare hidden gem from vintage italian synthesizers: the ARMONCONCERT!"

via this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »

Crumar Multiman S Analog Synth/Orchestrator

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

via this auction

"Analog italian polyphonic keyboard. More than just a string machine, it offers piano/harpsichord sounds and a brass section with Moog resonant ladder filter and simple VCF enveloppe. You further get a deep mono bass sound on the left part of the keyboard. Every other sound can be played either or both side of the keyboard, with dedicated volume faders. The instrument was serviced: capacitors were replaced in most of the parts of the instrument, some connections were resoldered, key action was fixed (with age on this model some key won't spring back due to a rubber underneath the key that deteriorate), power and chorus were calibrated, oscillator tuned and faders were cleaned and lubed. Now it is in perfect working condition. Cosmetic condition is quite good but it does bear some scars. It comes with its original lid and an jack adaptor in order ot plug any sustain pedal to use on the piano and bass section. THE STAND ON THE PICTURE IS NOT INCLUDED (and it's not the original stand)"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Crumar Multiman-S / The Orchestrator Analog Vintage Italian Synth 1977 (SERVICED)

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

via this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »