Multivox Firstman SQ-01 Sequence Synthesizer

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via this auction

You can find demos of a Firstman SQ-01 in previous posts here.

"Step into the realm of vintage synthesis with the Multivox Firstman SQ-01, a unique and quirky bass synthesizer reminiscent of the iconic Roland TB-303. Released in 1980 by Hillwood under the Firstman brand and later by Multivox in 1981, this microprocessor-controlled sequencer and synthesizer combo will transport you back to the golden era of analog synth magic.

Key Features:
Retro Synth Magic: The SQ-01 offers a nostalgic appeal, blending a monophonic synthesizer with a built-in sequencer. Relive the essence of classic bass synth tones reminiscent of the legendary Roland TB-303.

Sequencer: Equipped with the digital keyboard sequencer, you can create up to 4 patterns, unleashing your creativity in crafting mesmerizing sequences.

Intuitive Interface: The SQ-01 boasts a single-octave, 13-note capacitance (touch) keyboard painted onto its main panel, allowing for tactile and expressive control over your sound.

Sound Sculpting: The synthesizer section features intuitive knobs for tuning, fine-tuning the single VCO, and controlling the cutoff frequency and resonance for the filter. Customize your sound with ease.

Versatile Envelope Generation: Choose between ASR or AR envelope modes, and precisely set the release time and sustain level using dedicated knobs. A master volume knob puts you in full control.

Vintage Synthesis Revived:
The Multivox Firstman SQ-01 encapsulates the spirit of vintage analog synthesis, delivering characterful bass sounds and captivating sequenced melodies reminiscent of yesteryears.

Rare Collectible:
This quirky and sought-after bass synthesizer is a rare find among collectors and synth enthusiasts. Act swiftly to claim your piece of synth history and add a unique charm to your music production.

Unleash Sonic Exploration:
With the Multivox Firstman SQ-01, you have the power to dive into sonic exploration. Create captivating basslines, intricate sequences, and immerse yourself in the versatility of this charming synthesizer.

Condition and Authenticity:
The SQ-01 is in excellent condition, preserving its vintage allure and functionality. Meticulously tested to ensure top-notch performance, it is ready to embark on new musical journeys with you."

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7/21/23 Sleep’s “Dragonaut” on Firstman SQ-01 Sequence Synthesizer into RCA BN-16B + B RD-6 + D-TWO

video upload by Cfpp0

"Proceed the Weedian Nazareth"

Shin-Ei “Four-in-the-floor” drum synthesizer foot pedal

video upload by Cfpp0

"Shin-Ei drum machine. Runs on two 9v batteries. Works perfectly, just some occasional scratch on the volume sliders. Distort it and it becomes another thing altogether. Compress it and you can get some 808-ish. Sticker on bottom says from 1974."

Playlist:
7/14/23 Shin-Ei “Four-in-the-floor” drum synthesizer foot pedal + Deltalab Effectron II + CXM 1978
7/14/23 DEMO: Shin-Ei “Four-in-the-Floor” drum synthesizer pedal [bone dry]
7/14/23 Pam’s + Synare 3 and a Shin-Ei Four-in-the-Floor into Effectron II (x2) + PCM 70 + CXM 1978
7/14/23 Shin-Ei “Four-in-the-Floor” drum synthesizer pedal and Metasonix TM-5
7/14/23 Chuck Johnson’s “Caldera Wires” poorly programmed into Firstman SQ-01 + Metasonix TM-5

Some pics with the original box via this auction

"This is a vintage Shin-Ei 4 IN THE FLOOR PERCUSSION COMBO foot operated drum machine. Yes, the same Shin-Ei that brought you the Univibe pedal!

Powered by 9v batteries, and operated via four pedals to trigger four drum sounds, with four sliders to control the volume of each drum sound.

The snare rooooolllllllllllllllllls. And you can set the rate of the roll, which they call REPEAT, with a flathead screw driver! Mono 1/4” out.

Great skeuomorphic wood grain laminate with chrome and aluminum. Rainbow on the back, and a cool wedge shape all around. The drum sounds are beefy, robust, healthy, and sound very analog.

I played the pedals by hand, though they are meant to be played by foot, probably while playing guitar, keys, woodwinds, brass, drums, turntables, or possibly the harp if you wanna get all Zeena Parkins and Ikue Mori with it.

Rare as a leprechaun, ride this rainbow into the night."

You can find additional info and pics of another one here.

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7/13/23 DEMO: Firstman International Sequence Synthesizer Model SQ-01 + Alesis Midiverb II (45)

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video upload by Cfpp0

"Video shows programming, filter sweeps, envelope adjustments. Can be externally clocked or clock others. Gate and CV in and out. No CV on filter :("

via this auction

"Added a video demonstrating the unit Stranger Things style and drenched it in an absurd amount of reverb like the kids do.

Here is the rare Firstman SQ-01 synthesizer, sequencer, and touch keyboard. You can program different patterns, and then choose between them. The filter can get into some 303-territory. Highly portable, solid and well made. Free shipping in CONUS."

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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"

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Firstman/Multivox SQ-01

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via this auction

You can find demos of the SQ-01 in previous posts here.

"Operation is very straight forward, but there is one incredibly unique feature: you can alter the waveform (and associated envelope shape) per step. Yes, it's essentially a "p-lock" 20 years before Elektron got there!

This unit has been completely serviced and calibrated (waveform volumes now match), and a diode put in across PSU input to prevent frying (PSU not included). PLUS it now had a custom non-volatile memory RAM board installed (no more batteries for pattern retention!)

It works a treat and sounds huge. Also has CV/GATE/CLOCK inputs, and CV/GATE/CLOCK/Sychro outputs, so easily able to be integrated into a modern modular setup."

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Synthesizer Test Drive: Firstman FS-4V Polyphonic

video upload by Syntaur

"Syntaur's Sam Mims takes the super-rare Firstman FS-4V for a test drive! The FS-4V is an analog 4-voice synthesizer with SSM filters, and was manufactured in 1981 and 1982.

Syntaur Firstman FS-4V Picture Gallery: https://syntaur.com/usedkeyboard.php?..."

Firstman FS-4V posts

Firstman FS-4V 4 Voice polyphonic Synthesizer w/ SSM Filter

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This one was spotted and sent in via M Me.



via this auction

"Der FS-4V ist eine Kombination aus einem 4 Voice poly Synthesizer mit SSM Filter und einem Stringsynthesizer."

Googlish:

"The FS-4V is a combination of a 4 voice poly synthesizer with SSM filter and a string synthesizer."

Only one other has been featured on the site here. Oddly enough, G-Force's VSM Expansion pack featured samples of one.

Firstman SQ-01 SN 600221

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via this auction

"rare sequencer synthesizer from 1980."

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Vintage 1978 Multivox MX-75 / Pulser Dual Voice Synthesizer

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via this auction

"This is the Multivox MX-75 Dual Voice Synthesizer, also known as the Hillwood Pulser M75 Dual Voice Synthesizer.

Unlike other Multivox/Hillwood synths you never seem to see the rare MX-75 for sale.

The Hillwood Pulser was developed and built by Hillwood (aka Firstman) in Japan. These synths were then rebadged as Multivox and sold in America. This is a very early example: the Multivox name was on stickers placed over the Pulser name on the front and back; later examples had Multivox painted directly onto the case.

This synth has some scratches on the case but other than that is all-original and in 100% working condition. It sounds amazing."

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FIRSTMAN Model FP-888

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via this auction

"This is a super rare Firstman FP-888 Synthesizer Keyboard. Everything is working, lights ,switches and sound. All of the keys move freely I have very good action. This keyboard,can be hooked into a system or you can use it free standing , has its own built in speaker and works great in all positions"

Brand: Firstman

Model: FP-888

Type: Synthesizer/Keyboard

Number of Keys: 61

Modes:
Piano 1
Piano 2
Clavichord

Controls:
Tune
Sustain
Volume

Input/Output:
1/4” Output

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Firstman BS-999 SN 155139

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via this auction

"It’s a great sounding analog bass pedal system manufactured in Japan around the same time period that the Taurus 1 and II models were being marketed. It’s a great sounding instrument, giving you the type of sound that brings to mind that crazy fat but expensive Moog Taurus pedal sound. It’s made well, and is a completely 100% pre-midi analogue bass synthsesizer with real time performance controls. The mono bass sounds can range anywhere from being short and muted all the way to being real fat, with that VCA type mono synth sound so familiar with early analog synthesizers. A variety of sounds can be realized with this unit. There are three sections labeled Octave, Effect and Attack. There are 5 control pots above that section which fine tune the sound to the desired rate.There is a master tune knob that changes the pitch to a full half step up or down in either direction. There are also two pots that control overall tone and overall volume. There are two small red colored LEDs that are located above the Octave switches. The “hold” switch also has a corresponding red LED when activated. Both of the 'Attack' switches labeled “percussion” and “Mute” also have red LEDs above them that light when active. In the Effect section, there is a hold button, a sustain button, and an “expand” button. The hold button holds a note until another is depressed. The sustain of the note can be turned on or off, and the sustain length is determined by the sustain rotary pot located on the top row of 5 pots. The 'Expand' button, when selected, really has a dramatic effect on the sound. You immediately get that familiar single oscillator synth type sound so familiar with the mini Moogs and the Taurus pedals of the same time period. if you turn the rotary control knob back and forth while in the expanded mode, the sound is a classic VCF mono sweep! Very 70s!"

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Hillwood, Multivox, Firstman - Pulser - M51 (1978) Eletronic Piano

Published on Published on Dec 10, 2018 Gargula Tron

"Hillwood, Multivox, Firstman - Pulser - M51 (1978) Eletronic Piano"

I believe this is the first post to feature the M51.

MULTIVOX Firstman SQ-01 SN 600515

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via this auction

"Nice quirky Bass Synthesizer - like somehow the Roland 303...

A combination of synthesizer and sequencer. Performs bass synth functions similar to the later Roland TB-303.[20] Originally released in 1980 by Hillwood under Firstman brand, before Multivox released it in 1981.
MX-8100 Sequencer - Digital keyboard sequencer with up to 4 patterns

The SQ-01 is a microprocessor-controlled sequencer with an onboard monophonic synthesizer and a single-octave, 13-note (C-C) capacitance (touch) keyboard painted onto its main panel. It was marketed mainly by Multivox, who frequently distributed other companies' instruments.

The synthesizer section has knobs for tune, fine tune for the single VCO, and for cutoff frequency and resonance for the filter. The envelope generator can be set ASR or AR with knobs controlling the release time and sustain level. There is also a master volume knob for the synthesizer."

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Firstman FP1300 Vintage Electronic Organ Analog Synth w/ Speakers SN 098021

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via this auction

I believe this is the first one featured on the site.

Controls:

Volume
Tuning
Piano 1
Piano 2
Guitar Clavi-Chord 1
Guitar Clavi-Chord 2
Organ Flute Reed Cello Violin
Sustain
Vibrato

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Firstman Multivox SQ-01 analog sequencer synthesizer

Published on Oct 11, 2018 Polynominaldotcom

"A short demo of the Firstman Sq01, father of the Tb303. Along with modular Tip top drums 808 and Fm synthesizer Yamaha DX200 ...and a cat of course!"

FIRSTMAN SQ-1 SEQUENCE SYNTHESIZER SN 60 0085

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via this auction

"Quick to program and tweak. Features CV, Gate and Clock in and out. A great piece of gear and arguably more versatile than a 303."

But it doesn't sound the same! :) See this post for a couple of demos.

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Firstman FP-1300 Vintage Electronic Organ Analog Synth w/ Speakers SN 089078

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via this auction

Note this is the first post to feature the Firstman FP-1300.

"Up for sale is extremely rare Firstman FP-1300 vintage analog electronic organ synth made in Japan.

The unit appears to be working fine, all the keys and knobs and preset sounds working fine to the best of my knowledge. There is quiet a bit of scratch noise when controlling the volume know, which could probably do with some servicing/adjustment if required. The built-in speakers on the rear are sounding fine.

Cosmetically the unit is in nice and reasonable condition for its age as you can see. There are some wear and minor marks here and there with some discoloration on the keys as pictured, but nothing too major. I'm including plenty of pictures so you can see exactly how it looks.

Comes in Original Hard Case Lid as shown.
Does not come with Attachable Legs."

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1981 Firstman SQ-1 Synthesizer/Step Sequencer SN 600515

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via this auction

Glossy surface. You can find an advert scan below.

"cool rare little futuristic sequencer/synth. predecessor of the mighty tb 303.

the sequencer is actually really nice, capable of sequences from 2 measures in 6/8 to 16(!) meas. 4/4. sequence programming is done via foil-keyboard. you can program legato and choose from two attack settings (like an accent feature but more nice).

the synthesizer part is parameter wise somewhat limited but also very musical. the sound is quite bass heavy and can be a bit distorted in a good way if you wish. I think it sounds really special and very good.

can be played in realtime via foil keyboard. also has cv/gate and clock in and out."

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Firstman SQ-01 Analogue Mono Synth CV Sequencer SN 600986

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via this auction

"Firstman SQ-01 Analogue Mono synth with CV sequencer 1980

Pre dates the Roland TB-303 .

Really Great sounding and easy to program. There are a few videos on you tube but they don't really do it justice.

The unit is working as it should pots are smooth and tight and the membrane keyboard and all buttons work perfectly. It has not been tested with batteries the battery terminal wires are loose.

Comes with a brand new replacement PSU

Cosmetically its very good take a look at the pictures. Its a very solid bit of kit all metal construction."

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