GForce Intros RE STRINGS for Reason w/ Billy Currie Interview & Freeman String Symphonizer Overview

Published on Apr 11, 2017 GForce Software

"RE-STRINGS is our Rack Extension version of the award winning VSM and contains a selection of its most popular and iconic String Ensembles including: ARP Quadra, Crumar Multiman, Elka Rhapsody, Eminent 310, Freeman String Symphonizer, Godwin String Orchestra, Hohner K4, Junost 21, Korg Lambda, Korg PE2000, Logan String Melody II, Mellotron Violins, Moog Opus III, Roland VP330, ARP Solina, Technics KN200, Yamaha CE-25 & Yamaha SS-30.

With it's dual layer capability, it's possible to load the classic string ensemble sounds from years gone by or create your own hybrid ensembles.

Legal Notice
All musical instrument manufacturer and product names are trademarks of their respective owners and in no way associated or affiliated with GForce Software Ltd. The trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of those manufacturers whose sounds and technical data were studied for this instrument. All names of instrument inventors have been included for illustrative and educational purposes only and do not suggest any affiliation or endorsement of GForce Software Ltd."

Billy Currie talks String Synths, VSM & RE-STRINGS

Published on Apr 11, 2017 GForce Software

"During the process of creating patches for RE-STRINGS Rack Extension, we talked with Billy Currie about his use of String Ensemble keyboards over the years and how the Elka Rhapsody and Yamaha SS-30 contributed to some of Ultravox's classic tracks.

Billy also talks about how valuable the VSM and RE-STRINGS libraries are to him and how they've been used in his latest album, Doppel."

Freeman String Symphonizer

Published on Apr 11, 2017 GForce Software

"A brief walkthrough of the Freeman String Symphonizer, invented by Ken Freeman, sounds from which are in both VSM and RE-STRINGS.

The Further Adventures of K.FREEMAN and his Incredible Machine of a Thousand Strings courtesy of I Monster - BRIGHT SPARKS album. www.imonstermusic.com

Ken Freeman footage courtesy of BRIGHT SPARKS Documentary
http://brightsparks.movie"

via Propellerhead

"50% OFF Release Offer! 2 weeks.

The modern, polyphonic string synthesiser was invented in 1970 by Ken Freeman, a British keyboard player and engineer who discovered that if you layered two notes then detuned and slightly modulated one a pleasant ‘chorused’ sound resulted. Over the next 10+ years Ken’s initial discovery spawned an industry that saw the manufacture of more than one hundred ‘string machines’ and multi-keyboards.

Although viewed by some as a one-trick-pony or a poor man’s polysynth, string machines had so much character they’ve graced tracks by artists as diverse as; Lonnie Liston Smith, Air, Pink Floyd, The Cure, Parliament, Herbie Hancock, Camel, Joy Division, Jean-Michel Jarre, Thomas Dolby, Tonto’s Expanding Head Band, Genesis, Toni Tone Tony and countless others.

Product details
Based on our award winning Virtual String Machine (VSM), RE-STRINGS comprises 67 individual sample sets from a plethora of classic analogue string ensembles including the ultra rare (and first) Freeman String Symphonizer, the highly coveted Solina, the eminently desirable Eminent 310, the highly-lauded Logan String Ensemble, plus several other classic (and not so classic) string machines.

Each sample set spans 49 notes (4 octaves), each individually sampled and looped, plus RE-STRINGS contains a 700+ patch library created by respected patch designers including legendary string machine user and keyboard maestro, Billy Currie.

With Dual Layer capabilities - each layer comprising of a Lowpass, Bandpass & Highpass Resonant Filter Section, Two Envelope Generators, Pitch or Filter LFO, Dynamic control including filter aftertouch - if you want to create your own hitherto unrealised hybrid combinations of classic and evocative string ensembles, it’s a cinch. Finally, global vintage style Ensemble & Phaser effects are provided, allowing you to hone your sound to evocative, retro, string ensemble perfection.

RE-STRINGS includes string tones from the following classic instruments ARP Quadra (1978) Crumar Multiman (1975) Elka Rhapsody (1975) Eminent 310 (1972) Freeman String Symphonizer (1973) Godwin Model 749 String Concert (1980) Hohner K4 (1977) Junost 21 (c 1986) Korg Lambda (1979) Korg PE2000 (1976) Logan String Melody II (1977) Mellotron (1963) Moog Opus III (1980) Roland VP330 (1979) Solina String Ensemble (1974) Technics KN200 (1982) Yamaha CE-25 (1983) Yamaha SS30 (1977)"

Synth Wizards Episode 11: String Machine Madness!

video upload by Syntaur

"The Synth Wizards chase down and compare a crazy number of string machines, including the groundbreaking Freeman String Symphonizer and an extremely rare Elkatwin 61, and take a look at the fascinating history of these instruments. But, the Freeman needs some restoration work before it can be delivered to an interesting buyer in Los Angeles.

00:00 - Introduction
03:03 - Atlanta String Machine trip
06:35 - The Chamberlin
08:25 - The History of the Mellotron
13:00 - Mellotron M400 demo
13:58 - The Freeman String Symphonizer
15:28 - Differences between Synths and String Machines
19:24 - Freeman String Symphonizer demo
20:05 - The History of the Arp Solina
21:50 - Dennis DeYoung (Styx) Interview
23:38 - Crumar Orchestrator
24:30 - Crumar Performer
27:24 - Arp Omni
28:04 - Elka Rhapsody
28:42 - Elkatwin 61
29:55 - Roland RS-101 & 202
30:15 - Multivox MX-202
30:32 - Roland RS-505
33:03 - Roland RS-09
33:12 - Roland VP-330 Vocoder
33:36 - Korg Poly Ensemble S
34:28 - Korg Delta
34:56 - Yamaha SK20
35:49 - Korg EPS-1
37:01 - Refurbishing the Freeman
41:55 - Delivering String Machines to Jason Schwartzman"

Synthesizer Test Drive: Solina String Ensemble
video upload by Syntaur

"Syntaur's Sam Mims takes the iconic Solina String Ensemble out for a test drive. (This is a revised version of our original Solina video, where several sharp-eared listeners pointed out that the chorus effect wasn't quite right. They were correct! The LFO circuit in the original version was not working correctly. Now, here it is in its full glory.)"

Additional Synth Wizards Episodes

Rare 70s Freeman String Symphonizer

via this auction

"An original Freeman String Symphonizer Synthesizer from about 1973. One of the lushest most unique analog string synths ever made."

inside a Freeman String Symphonizer

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Ken Freeman and the History Of String Synthesis

"Ken Freeman couldn't afford a Mellotron to play his string parts, so he invented a new kind of electronic instrument. But though the world would eventually embrace string synthesizers with a passion, he never got the credit he deserved."

You can find the full article on Sound on Sound.

This one in via Synthwood who is currently working on a Freeman String Symphonizer Cordovox CSS like the one pictured in this post.

Left: "Ken Freeman in 2005 with Prototype #4, the last and greatest of the string synthesizers he designed."

Bottom: "Ken Freeman's ideas eventually reached the market in the Freeman String Symphonizer."

Vintage 70's Freeman String Symphonizer

via this auction

"In my opinion the sound of the Freeman Symphonizer has a richness and complexity unlike any other string synth. It is as rare as it is unique. It was the first string machine ever produced! (Mr. Freeman actually invented the concept of a "string machine.") It is also the largest string machine I have ever owned and features a full 61 key keyboard and on board spring reverb. The reason to own this Freeman is the sound. It has a very unique and BIG sound. Cosmetically this Freeman is rough from being toured in the 70's BUT no expense was spared in fully restoring every inch of this machine mechanically so it plays and sounds as good as if you went back in time to the 70's and bought your own.


Everything that needed to be done was done including a complete keyboard rebushing. This machine was professionally owned/toured and then put into storage so it did not need that much work to get it perfect. The Freeman weighs 75 pounds and measures 38x33x9 so shipping will be a little expensive, please contact me for an exact shipping quote if you live outside of the USA I may be able to get it to you cheaper than the ebay shipping calculator depending on your location. I do NOT have an original pedal for this one but I have tested it with an original Freeman pedal from my near mint Freeman and it works great. (I would be charging way more for my near mint Freeman with pedal) It would be pretty easy to build your own or modify an existing pedal to work with the Freeman. In conclusion, the Freeman is not in great cosmetic shape (but still looks cool), It works perfectly, has been fully restored, and recently serviced."

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Freeman String Symphonizer

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

via this auction

"The Freeman String Symphonizer was a 5-octave of the 1970s. (The first prototype being shown prior to 1970, but the most well known shown in 1970, the second according to the Sound on Sound article) It was finally manufactured by the and was also known as the Cordovox CSS. Its sound was related to that of the - cool glassy sounding strings. Eventually Ken Freeman tried to strike a deal with the company Ling but they abandoned their interest in it. Lowrey a division of CMI finally struck a deal after some deliberation.

The delay in getting the Freeman to market limited its sales. Some users were fairly famous, but its release was overshadowed by both the Eminent Solina and Crumar Stringman, both of which had only one oscillator and were cheaper to make.

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70s Synth Strings from Italy - The Crumar Multiman-S

Alex Ball synth vids

0:00 - Opening demo
0:35 - The String Synthesizer
2:44 - Paraphony
4:11 - The Crumar Multiman-S
4:32 - Basic Strings Demo
5:42 - Low Strings Ensemble Demo
6:07 - Phased Strings Demo
6:34 - Brass
7:46 - Piano
8:17 - Clavichord
8:31 - Bass
9:01 - The Multiman
10:11 - Outro Disco Bonanza

"Today we take a look at the Crumar Multiman-S, an Italian string synthesizer from 1977.

We also look at the concept of a string synthesizer in general; an instrument that served as a stop gap, but that forged its own identity due the distinctive sound and the records they were used in.

Originally conceived by Ken Freeman, others saw the impending gold rush and got their instruments out. When I say there was a 'string synth heyday', I'm not exaggerating. Here's a list of just some of them:

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Freeman String Symphonizer SN 40615R

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

via this auction

"The stringer that started it all! A set of master oscillators slightly detuned from each other gives a lush ensemble effect. Coupled with full polyphony and a spring reverb tank, it's no wonder the Freeman String Symphonizer spawned a string machine revolution.

This unit shows some slight wear typical for an instrument of its age. It has been gone over and had electrolytic capacitors replaced where necessary. Due to the unit's size, it is for local pickup only. Power cord not included, but it uses a regular extension cord."

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Freeman String Symphonizer Analog Synthesizer SN 40632R

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

via this auction

"recently serviced Freeman String Symphonizer. as for string synthesizers, this is the one to get! all functions, keys and oscillators work. Very rare, only a few hundred were produced."

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Freeman String Symphonizer walkthrough

video upload by Eric Frampton

"This is a brief demonstration of a recently serviced Freeman String Symphonizer, one of the first "string machine" keyboards from the 1970's.

I probably could've explained the "animation" better. Basically it's six non-sync'ed low frequency oscillators, mapped chromatically on one rank and non-harmonically on the other, such that you're not likely to hit two notes next to each other with the same LFO, and making each note wobble ever-so-slightly differently.

Folks will gripe about the microphone audio; if you've got a solution for how to make Pro Tools-created WAV files sync to iPhone video within iMovie (it always drifts on me right out of the gate), please let me know."

GForce String Machine

GForce's String Machine previously announced here is now available.

"Instrument Overview
The modern, polyphonic string synthesizer was invented in 1970 by Ken Freeman, a British keyboard player and engineer who discovered that if you layered a note with another detuned and slightly modulated version of itself, a pleasant ‘chorused’ sound resulted.

Even though Ken's invention wasn't the first instrument of this genre to be commercially released (That honor fell to the Eminent organ company with their 310 Unique organ) there's little doubt that Ken's vision contributed immeasurably to electronic music over the next few decades in the guise of over 100+ different models that followed from a huge variety of manufacturers.

The VSM is an intuitive but highly powerful Virtual String Machine which captures many of the sounds from this genre of instrument, containing a wealth of sounds from a small mountain of classic and rare string machines. These range from the first commercial string ensembles (Eminent 310 & Freeman String Symphonizer) through to the highly lauded Solina, Elka Rhapsody, Logan String Melody, Korg PE2000 and many more.

With the sheer amount of instruments captured within the VSM, it's simplicity itself to recreate all those golden string machine tones from yesteryear. However, with the VSM's comprehensive, yet intuitive feature-set, plus a two-layer option it's now possible to create your own hybrid instruments taking these sublime vintage tones into hitherto unchartered territory."

GForce Software

Update: Looks like the Yamaha GX1 will be added as well. Macaixa in the comments noticed this image and the following blurb after clicking through.

"?
A teaser of something that should appear in a VSM add-on pack. This instrument is a true rarity and something that we were truly privileged to play, let alone record."

If you look at this post you will see it's the programmer for the GX1.

1970's Freeman String Symphonizer

via this auction

"This is a genuine and rare "Ken" Freeman String Symphonizer. There is an abundance of information on this interesting unit and its design. It was used by many famous acts including The Who, Jan Hammer, Elton John and Chick Corea."

SN 40294

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Cordovox Freeman Symphonizer SN 40203

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.

Additional Tone Tweakers Listings, also on Reverb

"Cordovox Freeman String Symphonizer For Sale. Professionally serviced. This magical string synth sounds like heaven. Built in spring reverb. A rare gorgeous alternative to the popular and overused ARP String Ensemble / Solina. If you're into string synths, this one's a must have. We aren’t normally into string synths here but this one sounds so good that, if it doesn’t sell soon, we’ll probably keep it and use it in our studio."

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GForce Virtual String Machine (VSM) - Version 3.0 Update

via GForce Software

"As technological developments advanced through the late 1970s & early 1980s, the polysynth enveloped the capabilities of the string machine family of instruments, seemingly consigning them to the 'where are they now' dustbin.

But in much the same way that we played a big part in the rediscovery of the mellotron sound, in 2007 we had a similar role in resurrecting the tones of a range of iconic string machines, including the Freeman String Symphonizer, Eminent 310 and Solina String Ensemble, and bringing them back into vogue with release of VSM. In 2014 the addition of the VSM Expansion Pack (now updated) further expanded the range of available instruments and tones helping establish VSM as the go-to instrument for this wonderful family of instruments.

While the likes of Sound On Sound magazine were singing the praises of VSM ("It sounds absolutely gorgeous.") we always felt it lacked one crucial component found on some of our favourite string machines - stereo playback.

Instruments such as the Solina String Ensemble and Roland's wonderful 505 offered stereo outputs allowing their sublime, moving ensemble textures to sit perfectly within a wide stereo field. This one feature set such instruments apart highlighting just how stunning these, now ancient, analogue machines could sound.

VSM Version 3.0 rectifies this by providing stereo playback of a range of previously unreleased, carefully crafted stereo sounds-sets, plus two new interfaces sizes in two designs, and an additional LFO destination.

And it is FREE to registered users of VSM.

Now in stereo!
Along with the existing library of 17 instruments and 66 sound-sets, VSM Version 3.0 comes with a huge (3.5GB ) supplementary library of predominately stereo sound-sets from the following instruments; the aforementioned Solina String Ensemble and Roland 505, Roland's Juno 106, Yamaha's CS-60 and CS-80 providing 34 new sound-sets.

Several of the new sound-sets have been processed through a range of vintage effects such as the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble pedal, Roland's Dimension D and the sublime Ventris Dual Reverb.

In addition to the sound-sets, over 150 new Patches are included, many providing the ideal starting point for your own tweaking, while others show off VSM in all its stereophonic glory.

2 new interface designs, each in 2 sizes


VSM Version 3 features a completely redesigned user interface with Small and Medium sizes in both Tolex and Wood guises.

The Small version is 1230 x 610 pixels in size with the Medium being 1640 x 813."

NUSofting Strings Dream

You might remember NUSofting from the Broken Drum Machine, daHornet, Groove Analogizer, Harp Time, Peti and more.

"Strings Dream is able to reproduce the infinite array of rich, analogue pads from the most famous strings machines in synthesizer history. Emulate the classic Eminent Solina as well as its sister keyboards from Elka, Crumar and even their Japanese cousins.

"Strings Dream Synthesizer" will be released in May 2009 first as VST plugin and later as AU. Extimated price 89 USD

Nice intro to strings machines features and history Check it out! [excerpt below]
SDS GUI screenshot Check it out!
First beta recording Check it out!"

"'Strings Dream Synthesizer' writings for docs,
2009 Luigi Felici nusofting.com
Edited by Scot Solida and Cj

About Strings Machines.
A remarkable number of musicians recognize the desirable sonic character of “string machines”. String machines were unique to the Seventies and nearly every major manufacturer offered some variation on the theme. ARP’s biggest selling instrument was in fact their Omni, an instrument that combined a string machine with a simple synthesizer. Even Moog got in on the act with their Opus 3.

Just as the Rhodes piano and Hammond organs were intended as portable solutions to musicians who desired the sound of more cumbersome (and expensive) instruments, string machines were seen as the gigging musician’s alternative to the orchestra. Or, at the very least, it was easier to carry around than a Mellotron! Of course, the string machines didn’t sound like an orchestra, but had a character that today’s musicians find quite appealing on its own merits.

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FREEMAN STRING SYMPHONIZER DEMO

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on May 23, 2019 prosoloist

via this auction

"These are rare. Only a few hundred made I believe. Disputes in how much the engineer Ken Freeman would be paid I believe drove back production to where other competition hit the market first (the Solina and Crumar Stringman). But the Freeman has a unique place in that it uses 25 oscillators to produce a more vibrant sound than the other string machines
Freeman used low frequency oscillators (6 of them) patched to note groups not usually hit together. (diminished 5ths) The Freeman is big to house all the circuitry and they didn't exactly use the lightest materials.

The volume pedal DOES come with this one. The volume pedal is rather specific to this instrument. It has a feature that allows a 1/2 step bend to the pitch. It works fine. I never had the music stand.

Works great. No power cord, but you can use a regular electrical extension cord as long as it has an outlet on the top, not the side."

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Rare String Synthesizers: Eko, Godwin, Freeman.

Published on Apr 17, 2016 chris962x

"Rare String Synthesizers: Eko Stradivarius, Godwin String Concert 249, and Cordova Freeman String Symphonizer."

M-AUDIO GForce Virtual String Machine

"The Virtual String Machine from GForce brings the evocative tones of over a dozen of the finest vintage string synthesizers to your personal studio—Freeman String Symphonizer, Eminent 310, ARP Omni II, ARP Quartet, Crumar Multiman, Polymoog, Elka Rhapsody, Korg PE2000, Logan String Melody, Eminent Solina, Roland RS202, Yamaha SS30 and more. Far more than a preset device, the Virtual String Machine lets you layer any two of the 60 Sample Sets and apply an intuitive synthesis engine to each—as well as add master vintage phaser/ensemble effects. The result is a truly authentic and highly versatile range of textures, perfect for just about every musical genre. Mac/PC stand-alone or host operation (RTAS, VST, AU)."

Note this is from GForce/Gmedia, the group behind the Oddity, Minimonsta, M-Tron and impOSCar. If it's from then, it's sure to sound good.

Title link takes you to more info including samples.

Virtual String Machine Review and Samples on Cafe 80

See the full review with samples on khoral's Cafe 80.
snip:
"The VSM is a sample-based software synthesizer from Gforce Software, recreating those beloved old-fashioned string machines from the 70’s and early 80’s (pictured below, the Eminent 310, which famously provided the atmospheric strings of Oxygène and Equinoxe).

It is sample-based, in that the VSM don’t emulate these instruments from scratch, but starts with recordings, which you can then retune, pan and modify with filters (lowpass, highpass and bandpass) and LFO."

Also be sure to check out the demos section on the official Gforce site.


List of users from the Gforce site for the archives:
"Essential String Machine
* Jean Michel Jarre: Oxygene (Eminent 310 [pictured]), Equinoxe (Elka Rhapsody)
* Duran Duran: Rio (Crumar Multiman)
* John Foxx: Metamatic (Elka Rhapsody)
* Beck: Midnight Vultures (Opus 3)
* Morrisey: You are the Quarry (Opus 3)
* Jeff Wayne: War Of The Worlds (Freeman String Symphonizer)
* David Bowie: Sound & Vision (ARP Omni)
* Roy Ayres: My Life in the Sunshine (Solina)
* Herbie Hancock: Chameleon (Solina)
* Steve Hackett: Spectral Mornings (Logan String Melody), Voyage of the Acolyte (Elka Rhapsody)
* Genesis: Lamb Lies Down on Broadway album (Elka Rhapsody layered with Mellotron®)
* Air: Moon Safari album (Solina)
* Ultravox: Vienna (Elka Rhapsody & Yamaha SS-30), Artificial Life - (Elka Rhapsody)
* Lonnie Liston Smith: Expansions (Solina)
* Gary Wright: Dreamweaver (Solina)
* Goldfrapp: Number One (Roland RS505)
* Vangelis: Heaven & Hell (Elka Rhapsody)
* Joy Division: Love Will Tear Us Apart (ARP Omni)
* New Order: Blue Monday (ARP Omni)
* The Cure: In Between Days (Solina)
* Pink Floyd: Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Solina)
* Kraftwerk: Trans Europe Express (ARP Omni)"

Freeman String Symphonizer

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

via this auction

"The OG string machine. Very rare. This machine was the progenitor of the whole 1970s string synth sound. If you want something as lush as an ARP Solina or equivalent but totally unique this is it. 25 oscillators (!), absolutely huge sounding with a very useful 5 octave keyboard. Fully polyphonic.
Onboard spring reverb, animation (which introduces 6 LFOs) and onboard EQ can do a lot for shaping. Even has a cable out for a leslie.

Selection buttons for Octaves are a bit finicky but do function (one light is out), keybed is clacky and uneven but functions.
Comes with unique Cordovox volume pedal with built in pitch bend switch.
Functions completely but has not been serviced in the entire time I've owned it. It may need a recap and general once-over for adequate future-proofing."

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