Maestro USS-1 guitar synthesizer system

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via the seller: "Maestro USS-1 guitar synthesizer system. I bought it in the mid-1970s from Apex Music in San Diego (wonder where they went?). Reputedly designed by Oberheim for Maestro/Gibson. A real monster of an effects unit, way before the modular flexibility of Boss, Roland, Electro-Harmonix, etc. I used it on several records in the late 1970s-early 1980s at which time it go pre-empted by rack gear (all of which now thankfully is gone). It's been sitting around in the closet basically ever since. Cosmetically it is in EXC- condition as depicted with a few light scratches top bottom front back sides. As was the fashion of the time I engraved my name, social security number and driver's license number on the back lower left side - way before the concept of "identity theft" even was developed!. So now I scraped it off. Electronically the sample & hold works great and is extremely psychedelic; and the phase works OK. The waveform, which is a primitive fuzz control, only barely adds anything to the sound. And I can't get the envelope or the subharmonic (octave lower) to work at all. No pedals. So it is sold "as is" with these caveats as to condition, your tech most likely will be able to get them going without too much problem."

Maestro USS-1 Universal Synthesizer System

via this auction

"As some of you may know, this was a Tom Oberheim designed unit."

Maestro USS-1 Synthesizer Fuzz Phaser Oberheim box

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"The USS-1 was created by Tom Oberheim, who designed several other of the early Maestro effects. The USS-1 is not truly a synthesizer as we know them today, this one is really one of the first multi-effect units with a few extras. Also note that this unit is also a bit larger than multi-effect floor units of today as well. Built in power supply, built like a tank, vintage sounds....it's all here! Features: Distortion, Filter Sample/Hold Function, Phaser, Envelope Filter, and Subharmonic Enhancer. A favorite of guitar whiz Al DiMeola."

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Maestro Universal Synthesizer USS-1

via this auction
"This is a vintage analog multi-effect that has the following controls:
Waveform (with Intensity slider) a kind of fuzz effect
Filter (with Frequency and Brilliance sliders) envelope filter
Sample/Hold strange step Q filter effect
Phase (with Speed slider) Great sounding too
Envelope (with Attack and Decay sliders) another yet different envelope filter.
Sub-Harmonic (with a Volume slider and sustained or percussive switch) lower octave in quick hit or swell.
then there is also a slider for Sensitivity that works on the Envelope and Sub-Harmonic, basically increasing the volume of the effect compared to the natural sound.

Instrument plugs into the 1/4" furthest from the plug/transformer, closest to goes to the amp. No clue what the middle 2 do, and have never found any info on them."

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Maestro Oberheim Uss-1 Synthesizer Pedal

via this auction

Are those 1/4 inch jacks in the back?

Maestro Oberheim Uss-1 Synthesizer Pedal

via this auction
"The USS-1 was created by Tom Oberheim, who designed several other of the early Maestro effects. The USS-1 is not truly a synthesizer as we know them today, this one is really one of the first multi-effect units with a few extras. Also note that this unit is also a bit larger than multi-effect floor units of today as well. Built in power supply, built like a tank, vintage sounds....it's all here! Features: Distortion, Filter Sample/Hold Function, Phaser, Envelope Filter, and Subharmonic Enhancer. A favorite of guitar whiz Al DiMeola."

You can find some shots of the inside of a Maestro in this post.

MAESTRO VINTAGE GUITAR SYNTH EFFECT PEDAL

via this auction
"vintage Maestro Universal Synthesizer System USS-1 manufactured by Oberheim Electronics, serial # 1938. This vintage multi-effect features several of the best Oberheim Maestro effects in one amazing unit. The USS-1 features several effect sections, including: Waveform (fuzz, texture), Filter (envelope), Sample/Hold (the famous random arpeggiator), Phase, Envelope (an additional envelope filter), and Subharmonic."

inside a Maestro

Maestro Parametric Filter Guitar Synth Pedal

via this auction

"It's a cool filter for overall voicing of any sound source.
It's a darned wicked overdrive for any sound source (and guitar in particular).
It's a Moog synth filter in a pedal format."

Anyone confirm this? I know the Maestro USS-1 was designed by Tom Oberheim. There is also the Maestro Ring Modulator, which "was part of the 'Analog synthesizer' module that Bob Moog, Tom Oberheim and the folks at ARP worked on in the 70s."

Sold For: $275.00

Von Bingen Live Sept 27 2009 at the Anza Club

YouTube via magneticring
"Live Sept 27 2009 at the Anza Club
Vancouver, B.C. Canada
Record Release Show opening for Wooden Shjips.
Lp Available on Amen Absen Records.
Daniel Presnell - Guitar, Syntorchestra, Maestro USS-1
Jenny Pace Presnell - Flute, Maestro Soundsystem for Woodwinds, Tape Echo
Joshua Stevenson - EMS Synthi AKS, EMS Pitch to CV with Bass, Drumfire"

1970s MAESTRO USS-1 UNIVERSAL SYNTHESIZER Guitar System

via this auction

"Maestro 1716 USS-1A Universal Synthesizer System from the 1970s
DESIGNED BY OBERHEIM

Waveform (with Intensity slider) a kind of fuzz effect
Filter (with Frequency and Brilliance sliders) envelope filter
Sample/Hold strange warbly effect
Phase (with Speed slider) phaser, really awesome sounds too
Envelope (with Attack and Decay sliders) another envelope filter that operates a bit differently
Sub-Harmonic (with a Volume slider and sustained or percussive switch) self explanitory, lower octave in quick hit or sustaining
then there is also a slider for Sensitivity that works on the Envelope and Sub-Harmonic, basically increasing the volume of the effect compaired to the natural sound, great analog sounds.

Has a great sample and hold that tops the Maestro FSH-1 since on this unit it has additional controls like the filter being independent of the Sample /Hold so you can run both at the same time. The octave down subharmonic is thick and can track/trigger strangley for some interesting randomness, coupled witht the sample/hold you get some amazing textures. There are numerous options for getting some very unusual sounds. Great for experimental work or for sampling interesting sounds with a thick vintage vibe ."

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Maestro USS-1

flickr by zonkout

full size

"Universal Synthesizer System: the Oberheim effects in one box."

Anyone know if any of the filter design made it into the SEM? Curious how they compare.

Maestro Rhythm N' Sound G2 + pals below
"Yamaha YC-10
Multivox FR-13"

MAESTRO UNIVERSAL SYNTHESIZER SYSTEM USS-1

YouTube via mygoditsfullofstars1
"I'M ON THE MAESTRO...FLIPPING THROUGH THE SETTINGS.. ONLY SCRATCHING THE SURFACE..."

Maestro USS-1 Universal Synthesizer System

images at this auction