ESK - Sequencer + Seiko DS-250 + DS-310

video upload by Metunar

Follow-up to this post.

"Testing the Seiko DS-250 + DS-310 digital additiv synthesizer with a sequencer.
The Elektron Digitone is only for sequencing and effects.
I didn’t change the spectrum or envelope parameters live, because it makes digital noises.
By the way, the Midi of the Seiko DS-250 is super strange. Midi input is the connector labeled „Midi Thru“. Why did they do that?
Soft Mastering.

http://www.metunar.ch"

ESK - Sound Demo Seiko DS-250 + DS-310

video upload by Metunar

"A sound demo of the Seiko DS-250 digital additiv synthesizer and the programmer Seiko DS-310.
The Elektron Digitakt is used 2 times for some extra reverb or delay.
Soft Mastering."

http://www.metunar.ch

Seiko DS-320/DS-202/DS-310 Electronic Synthesizer Sequencer

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

via this auction

You can find a demo of one here.

"This is a vintage, Seiko DS 202 additive synthesizer with both the DS 310 and DS 320 attachments! Some friends had this in storage in the attic since the 80’s and gave it to us.

SEIKO's system was built around a 16 harmonic additive synthesis engine. The user can set any of 16 levels for creating the waveforms / sounds that could be played on the keyboard. The synth also features two envelopes and and LFO for shaping and modulation of the sounds.

Basic sounds (namely PIANO ORGAN HARPSICHORD FLUTE STRINGS ELECTRIC PIANO JAZZ ORGAN VIBRAPHONE CLARINET BRASS) are crystal-clear. They can be edited using the LPF filter, Envelope Selectors 1-4, 4 sounds that can be saved and two chorus effects. The delay (off, short or long) and sustain attack and release can be set using the ‘Time” sliders which happen to be very precise (values include 0, 0.01, 0.02 , 1, 2, 3, 5 or 10 seconds). Every parameter can be set using the LCD screen, the 4 envelopes available can be visualized as well as the spectrum settings (over 16 harmonics)."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Strange Synthesizers of Japan by Hiromichi Oohashi - Synth Book w/ CD

Hiromichi Oohashi wrote in to let us know about his new synth book featuring rare and somewhat strange synthesizers from Japan. The book features synths from his collection along with a CD of audio/music. You can find the book via the publisher Rittor Music (Japan) (published Nov.2021), and on Amazon JP here.

You can find a list of the synths featured by chapter further below.

Details on the book from Hiromichi Oohashi follow.

"This art book introduces many of Japanese most rare and strange electronic musical instruments (1960s~1980s) from author's private collection for long years.

Contains over 130 synthesizers, rhythm machines, organs, toy instruments, speech synths, etc most of these rare instruments will be the first public release. All color pages, lot of beautiful photo of these unique instruments with simple and detailed text, all photos and book design by author himself.

Contribution from Mark Mothersbaugh (DEVO)

Foreword by Eric Schneider (author of TOY INSTRUMENTS/MBP)

Attached CD has original music using these strange instruments so you can hear what these synth sounds like.

CD's music made by author's band KINO-MODERNO (world-renowned electronic music duo)



Hiromichi Oohashi is an artist born in Tokyo 1961
after studied art & design at Kuwazawa Design School in Tokyo
works as an artist and producer for Art, Design and Music
also known as collector of rare electronic musical instruments
in 1990 released groundbreaking [ VIDEO DRUG2/Phuture ] and get noticed
member of electronic music duo KINO-MODERNO since 1984
president of DAT PLANET PRODUKT"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Seiko DS-320 Digital Sequencer (expansion for DS-202/250 polyphonic synthesizer) SN 32003431

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
SEIKO キーボード カタログ 昭和58年10月 video upload by Happy Lucky Soul チャンネル

via this auction

Note the listing is for the sequencer only, not the complete system in the video above. See this post for a demo of another system.

"The Seiko 202/250 (maybe more?) are quite rare on their own merit, so the expansions (the DS-320 and DS-310) are even rarer. Since these units didn't do very well commercially, they weren't produced for very long - hardly any were collected/kept. If you find some demo's of what these are capable of, you'll definitley be itching for one - and this sequencer adds to the madness. The whole setup was supposed to rival the Synclavier (with varying results) but really amounts to some very interesting 80's additive synthesis. JM Jarre used this on a couple of his notable compositions (but, as is the case for just about every synthesizer)..."

CLICK FOR MORE »

SEIKO DS-250 + DS-310 w/ Original Silver Gig Bags & SEIKO DS-202, DS-310, DS-320

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

via this auction

"SEIKO DS-250 + DS-310 MEGA RARE Vintage Modular Synthesizer system + BAGS!

Used by Jean Michel Jarre in some his amazing compositions!!!
EXCELLENT cosmetic conditions. Complete Setup plus original silver bags, very nice!!! Sequencer manual and 3x Memory cards! Very nice polyphonic system, COOL DRONES! Sounds unique with a built in Chorus!
Perfect working conditions!"

You can find demos here, and here.

SEIKO DS-202, DS-310, DS-320 pictured further below via via this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »

Seiko DS-250/DS-310 Vintage Digital Synthesizer SN 25000189 & 31004072

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

via this auction

"Rare Seiko DS-250 keyboard with the DS-310 digital synthesizer add-on. This addition makes the DS-250 a programmable additive synth. The keyboard and the DS-310 are in good condition. Everything functions as designed.
Here is a list of everything that comes with the Seiko:

-The DS-250 itself
-DS-310 Digital Synthesizer (programmer for DS-250)
-Power Supply
-Soft padded carrying case for the DS-250

This is the bigger, MIDI capable brother of the sekio DS-202. The DS-320 addon, a sequencer, does NOT work with the DS-250. It is not needed because the DS-250 has MIDI, and the DS-202 does not. There was desktop sequencer made to work with the DS-250 called the DS-1000, but it is useless in this day and age! Please see the photos also."

CLICK FOR MORE »

San Diego School District SEIKO DS-310 Digital Synthesizer w/ Original Box

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

via this auction

San Diego Unified School District SN 62055 sticker on the front. Interesting to think this was used to educate kids on synths back in the day.

Note the proprietary cable on the back. This was meant to go with the Seiko DS-250 as an expander. You can't play it without one unless you can somehow create the necessary connection.

See the Seiko label for more.  A DS-250 with DS-310 sequencer went up for sale last week.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Seiko DS-250 Digital / Additive Synth Keyboard + Seiko DS-310 Sequencer

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

via this auction

"Mid 1980s Seiko DS-250 Synthesizer and DS-320 expander unit, includes power supply, and miscellaneous cables. The DS-250 is about 38" x 13"."

CLICK FOR MORE »

ULTRA RARE Seiko DS-202 / DS-310 / DS-320 Vintage Synth Synthesizer Sequencer Set

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

via this auction

"ULTRA RARE Seiko keyboard synthesizer! Its almost impossible to find these, let alone find one with all 3 components with the power supply. They only come along once every few years.... and then in pieces and/or not working!

When plugged in the keyboard springs to life and plays fine. There are a ton of switches, knobs, etc. some of which respond, others seem to do nothing.... but that could well be the operator just needs to know how to set up and work this sophisticated instrument... and I admit I dont!

The DS-310 lights up initially then goes dark, but when you push a button lights up again. Again this could be how its supposed to work?

The DS-320 lights up upon power and seems to respond as it should. Note: the battery holder inside the case has cracked but could be replaced. The exterior case is fine with no issues."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Seiko DS-202 / DS-310 / DS-320 Vintage Synth Sequencer Set with Original Soft Cases

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

via this auction

DS-202 Digital Keyboard SN 20206289

DS-320 Digital Sequencer SN 32002515

DS-310 Digital Synthesizer SN 31001368

CLICK FOR MORE »

Seiko DS-250 with DS-310 Programmer SN 31002832 Demo Video

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Jan 4, 2015 jonzaremba

via this auction

"With regret, selling my Seiko DS-250 and DS-310. It took me a long while to track this one down, and even longer to acquire the programmer that really opens it up and makes it incredibly unique. You may see the keyboards come up from time to time, but in most cases, they are really beaten up or missing the proprietary power supply. Finding the synth with the programmer all in great working order like this pretty much never happens.
This listing is for the DS-250 keyboard (the best of their product line) the DS-310 programmer, and the original power supply.

All of the keys and buttons work fine, although the LED light on the detune/transpose control flickers a bit. You'll also see that the F1 key is tilted. It still works fine, just looks out of alignment. The rear of the DS-310 programmer has a large crack in the plastic, but it does not impact the functionality at all. You can still program sounds perfectly fine. Overall, this synth is in excellent functional condition. I used it on my last two albums without any issues at all. I will be very sad to see it go....

I recorded a video demonstrating the synth so you can see that everything works. In the video i point out some of the cosmetic flaws above. Click here to check it out:

http://youtu.be/AeqLgbqb0cg

What makes this synth unique:
- The sound character. It really doesn't sound like anything else i've heard.
- The ease of programming the additive harmonics.
- It's bi-timbral...so you can split or layer two sounds...each with their own MIDI channel.
- It has perfectly functioning MIDI in/out/thru.
- Different output options (RCA and 1/4" plus headphones)."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Hammond Auto-Vari 64 with Seiko DS-250 and function generators

Published on Dec 2, 2013 acreil·71 videos

"The drum track uses a Hammond Auto-Vari 64, Boss DS-2 and Garrard GEQ-330 equalizer. Synth overdubs are Seiko DS-250 with DS-310 programmer, Ibanez SDR-1000 reverb and Roland VP-70 (VP-70 only used on the chord part). Noise overdubs are Wavetek 145 and 188-S-1257 function generators with Marantz PMD221 tape echo. 8 tracks total. Recorded 2013."

The Maskinrum Synth Collection Presents - The SEIKO DS-310 Additive Digital Synthesizer.

Published on Nov 19, 2013 Maskinrum·2 videos

"This is part I of the SEIKO DS series of instruments.

Originally invented by Gray Laboratories as the Basyn Minstrel (3995 USD) as a direct competitor to the NED Synclavier (five figures USD) and eventually sold to SEIKO this specific additive engine never reached a huge audience.

Released in 1983 by SEIKO this series or arranger keyboards (DS-101, DS-202 and DS-250) was no success.
Mainly - I guess - caused by the fact that no one really knew what it was; was is a synthesizer or an arranger keyboard ? And with no MIDI this was dead already before it was released (remember 1983 was the year of MIDI).

I think it sounds amazing and this video will take you through the additive synth wonders of the DS-310 unit.
This is a video showing more features than sounds - so if you want a video of the unit only playing the sounds of this unit look elsewhere.

Make sure to visit www.maskinrum.com for more info on my collection."

SEIKO DS-250 Digital Synthesizer Keyboard w/ DS-310 & Original Box

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

via this auction

SNs 25001720 & 31004412.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Seiko DS-202 Keyboard & DS-310 Additive Synthesizer Module

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

via this auction - learn how to sell on eBay here

"Ultra rare synthesizer! I don't believe very many of these were produced, let alone sold in America. The DS-202 is an early digital keyboard (somewhere in the early 80s) that has some pretty standard keyboard, organ, and electric piano sounds. The DS-310 module (which also works with other Seiko keyboards, such as the 101 and 250) is a really interesting additive synth add-on that has a LCD display to edit different parameters. Really great for pads and glassy leads!.."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Seiko DS-310 Digital Synthesizer with Original Box

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

via this auction - learn how to sell on eBay here.

Note you must have the Seiko DS-101/202 or a Seiko DS-250 synthesizer keyboard to run this. There is not MIDI. If you look at the pics you'll see the ribbon connector it uses to connect. You can run a search for Seiko DS-310 on the top left of the site for more posts.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Seiko DS-250 Additive Synth - "Falling Hours"

YouTube Uploaded by synthspotter on Feb 18, 2012

"I created this song entirely with the Seiko DS-250 synthesizer. After noticing how few videos of the synth are available, I decided to compose a short piece demonstrating some of its sounds. I used about eight total. The only external effects are reverb and delay.

The DS-250 is one of two or three additive synthesis keyboards manufactured in the early to mid 1980s by Seiko, an electronics company better known for watch making. As synthesizers go, the DS-250 is extremely limited. It has just 16 basic preset sounds, with no edit function to speak of. It has two sound banks (Sound 1 and Sound 2), but each shares the same 16 presets. You can select different sounds for each bank, then stack or split them across the keyboard. Each bank has its own individual audio output, selectable MIDI channel, and controls for volume, decay (three settings) and vibrato (with selectable delay). Sound 1 can be tuned +14 cents, and Sound 2 can be tuned a 3rd, 5th, 7th or octave above Sound 1. There is also a pitch wheel, a chorus switch with three settings (including off), and a transpose button that can shift the pitch up to any key as well as up or down an entire octave.

While the pair of built-in speakers suggests that Seiko was aiming for the home-keyboard market, the DS-250 could also be paired up with the DS-310 module, which gave the user a fairly deep level of editing capability. On its own, however, the DS-250 wasn't much. Some nice sounds, though.

For more information about Seiko DS synths, search matrixsynth's excellent blog, matrixsynth.blogspot.com, or watch his video here: youtu.be/wr1gFuRNjMk [posted here]. Also check out onephatcat's video here: youtu.be/GCd3fmjcyAI [posted here]

'Falling Hours' and this video are © 2012 by Christopher Scapelliti"

Rare SEIKO DS-202 Keyboard + DS-310 Synth & DS-320 Sequencer

via this auction

SN 20200194

"Included in the auction is the SEIKO DS-202 keyboard, SEIKO DS-310 synthesizer module, SEIKO DS-320 sequencer module, SEIKO S1B-1 Midi module, original SEIKO power supply, SEIKO data recording cartridge, and original silver colored vinyl SEIKO gig bags for the keyboard, synth module & sequencer module. The gig bags have handles and detachable shoulder straps. All three gig bags have the SEIKO logo and are in very good condition."

CLICK FOR MORE »

seiko ds-310 and ds-202 synthesizer

via this auction

Not the best shots but you don't see these too often. You can make out the ribbon connector in the bottom pic.