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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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 SQ-01 demo 1

YouTube via LyndonTCorbett

"This is a simple demo of the Firstman SQ-01 manufactured by Multivox in 1981. It requires that 2 bars be programmed, so if you were wondering why I repeated the first four notes 8 times you now know why.

As for control, it has 2 filter controls for Cutoff Frequency and Resonance, 2 knobs for Oscillator - Fine and Frequency, and 3 knobs for Sequence Control - Tempo/ Release/Bar (2/4/8/12/16). There is a knob for Sustain and one for Volume. 2 envelopes - Saw and Square and the option for 6/8."

Firstman SQ-01 demo 2


"This is a simple demo, using the square wave of the Firstman SQ-01 manufactured by Multivox in 1981. It requires that 2 bars be programmed, so if you were wondering why I repeated the first four notes 8 times you now know why."

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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Multivox Firstman SQ-01 Mini Music Lab SYNTHESIZER

via this auction

Some interesting shots of the unit showing it's perspective size. Note the warped surface, the jacks on the curved front of the unit. The bottom two knob shots remind of a mix between the KORG ER-1, MOOG The Source and an orange on black ARPs. Also note Multivox made them and it's not just Firstman, but Firstman International. I sometimes forget this.

Details from the auction:

"MULTIVOX SQ-01 Mini Music Lab analog synthesizer circa 1981. It works on 8AA batteries and sounds great.

Here's info from the manual
"The MULTIVOX SQ-01 Mini Music Lab SEQUENCE SYNTHESIZER is a monophonic multi-sound producing source (a synthesizer) and a digital recording device ( a computer memory storage sequencer) in one compact control box. The SQ-01 Mini Music Lab is to music what the calculator is to math. A.C. or 12 Volt D.C. power and memory storage backup help make the SQ-01 mini Music Lab a complete self contained unit, allowing the composer/performer to create sounds and compositions anywhere and record them for immediate musical background to compose and playback compositions flawlessly."

"The SQ-01 Mini Music Lab allows standard musical notation to be transferred to simple graphic notation that instructs the programmer/performer to enter a pitch and the length of time that pitch will be held. The music is recorded and stored into any one or all of sixteen possible channels for a possible 1024 note capacity. The seven octave range oscillator, pulse and sawtooth waveform generator, 24 dB low pass filter and envelope controls interact for the infinite sound creation we have come to expect from the finest and most sophisticated synthesizers. Optional BS-01 Bass Pedal controllers provide a unique automatic controllable bass pedal synthesizer that can transpose complete bass patterns of your creation."

'The SQ-01 Mini Music Lab can be interfaced and synchronized with other labs and synthesizers for full Mini Lab ensembles and infinite creative potential.'"

Firstman BS-999 Bass Synth pedals

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. So just what is a Firstman BS-999? I would call it a poor mans Moog Taurus I. 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! There is not much information out there on the internet about the Company Firstman International. How many were actually produced is anybody’s guess! I’ve read on one museum page for analog synthesizers that it was possible that the company was loosely associated with Univox."

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 Multivox SQ-01 Analog Sequencer Synthesizer 1980

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Uploaded on Feb 2, 2010 David Morley·20 videos

"This is my Firstman SQ01 sequencer and synth. Pretty rare unit and a VERY big sounding synth. MUCH more low end than a TB303 but not quite as squidgy! Was released before the 303 I believe (1980)
On speakers you will hear how deep the low end is when the resonance is not cranked. VERY dubby sounding. It also has CV-Gate in and out as well as clock in and out so can be used in a larger CV-gate setup or as a sequencer for any cv-gate synth. Two envelope settings and gate length plus a sustain (release) control."

Pics below via this auction

"The Firstman SQ01, manufactured by Multivox, is said to pre-date the Roland TB-303 and has a deep analogue bass sound somewhere between the 303 and a Moog bass. The controls (left to right) are: Tempo, Release, Bar, Filter Cutoff Frequency, Filter Resonance, Oscillator Fine (tune) and Oscillator Frequency, Sustain and Power/Volume. Connections at the top rear are: DC12V in, CV in, Gate in, Clock in, Footswitch, Synchro out, CV out, Gate out, Clock out and Audio out. These connections really add to the fun-factor when hooking up with other analogue gear, or use a midi-cv converter to control it via midi.ONLY 200 OF THE SQ01 WERE MADE"

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Firstman SQ-01

Title link takes you to shots pulled from this auction.

Details:

"Model SQ-01, Make = Firstman, which is a Multivox company.

This rare mono synth does some really deep, very analog bass. Somewhere between a Moog bass and an SH 101. You can enter notes into sequences with the one octave of membrane keys, ala EDP Wasp. There are 4 banks or 4 sequences of memory that can be written and recalled.

ALSO, you have CV in and out and clock in and out for control. With using the same CV converter I use for my Roland Sh 101 it plays just fine. Also I have stepped the sequencer in sync with my TR 606. So both sync of sequencer and CV playability are possible. This is a very rare item, let the audio demo speak for its self at http://www.myspace.com/omosc just scroll down to Firstman demo and have a listen, the first part is dry, the second half is with delay and verb...awesome filter, cool sequencing, vintage analog and no one else in town will have one."

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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Firstman International Pedal Controller BS-01

via this auction

"RARE Firstman cv/gate (v/oct) bass pedals, these were made in Japan in the early 80s and are meant to control cv/gate synths with 1v/oct tracking, such as Rolands. It's usefull if you want to free up a hand and still play bass notes, or transpose a sequence or whatever else you fan-cv."

Multivox SQ-1 Firstman

YouTube Uploaded by synthmaven on Mar 16, 2011
Firstmans on eBay - not seeing it listed at the time of this post.
"I am posting this video of a nicely preserved Multivox SQ-1 Firstman that worked very well when I bought it years ago but now all it makes are weird pitched sounds best described by recording them and making them available in this video.

Some of the lights still come on but there is no sound.

I was going to try and have it fixed but I am running out of money so it's on eBay now.

Maybe someone else can get it fixed and restore it back to its former self.

This video is not for entertainment value but to demonstrate the condition of this piece to potential buyers.

When it works this synth have a truly bad-ass Acid sound, like a TB-303. There are videos form other users on Youtube to back this up.

Those who have already owned or heard one of these know that what I am saying is true."

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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Vintage MultiVox SQ-01 Firstman

images via this auction
"Vintage MultiVox SQ-01 Firstman

Mini Music Lab Sequence Synthesizer - Made in JAPAN

Taken from Manual:
* Monophonic multi-sound producing source
* Performers are able to perform on a synthesizer and program their own accompaniest
* Composers are able to compose,edit and store melodies for playback and comparison
* Students will have an electronic instructor for sight reading imitation,composition and theory
* Teachers will have an aid in music theory instruction,composition and reading
* Everyone will now be able to create music and enjoy the immediate reward of hearing flawless results"

Firstman BS-999 analoger Bass-Synthesizer Demo Video

Published on Jul 8, 2014 lovesvintagesynth

"Firstman BS-999 analoger Bass-Synthesizer, Japan ca. 1975, solides Stahlgehäuse, klanglich Vorläufer der TB 303, poor man's Moog Taurus"

El Tigre

Firstman BS-01 - CV bass Foot Pedal Controller SN 145529

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via this auction

"This is a rare CV foot controller made by Japanese company Firstman in the 1980s. It generates a pitch control voltage and gate, with internal adjustments for scaling. Obviously inspired by the Moog Taurus, but compatible with any synth (Roland, Moog, ARP, etc) that uses the "volt per octave" pitch tracking standard. Works perfectly, includes 12V power supply."

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Firstman SQ-01 Sequencer by Multivox

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via this auction

"Firstman SQ01 sequencer and synth made by Multivox around 1980. VERY rare unit, only a few hundred made. On speakers you will hear how deep the low end is when the resonance is not cranked. It also has CV-Gate in and out as well as clock in and out so can be used in a larger CV-gate setup or as a sequencer for any cv-gate synth. Two envelope settings and gate length plus a sustain (release) control..."

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Firstman SQ-01 Sequence Synthesizer

via this auction
"The Firstman SQ01, manufactured by Multivox, is said to pre-date the Roland TB-303 and has a deep analogue bass sound somewhere between the 303 and a Moog bass. The controls (left to right) are: Tempo, Release, Bar, Filter Cutoff Frequency, Filter Resonance, Oscillator Fine (tune) and Oscillator Frequency, Sustain and Power/Volume. Connections at the top rear are: DC12V in, CV in, Gate in, Clock in, Footswitch, Synchro out, CV out, Gate out, Clock out and Audio out. These connections really add to the fun-factor when hooking up with other analogue gear, or use a midi-cv converter to control it via midi."

Firstman SQ01 Analog Synthesizer

via this auction. via Inteliko.

"Firstman SQ01 Analog Synthesizer which is a Multivox company.

This rare mono synth does some really deep, very analog bass. Somewhere between a Moog bass and an TB 303. You can enter notes into sequences with the one octave of membrane keys, ala EDP Wasp. There are 4 banks or 4 sequences of memory that can be written and recalled.

ALSO, you have CV in and out and clock in and out for control. With using the same CV converter I use for my Roland TB 303 and modular synth it plays just fine. Also I have stepped the sequencer in sync with my TR 606. So both sync of sequencer and CV playability are possible. This is a very rare item."

Vintage Synthesizer Firstman Keyboard FP-888

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

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. It 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 ."

PIANO-1, PIANO-2 & CLAVICHORD

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