Steiner Parker Synthacon

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You can find a few demos of the Steiner-Parker Synthacon scattered throughout posts here and here.

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7/22/23 DEMO: EML 200 (x2) + Ton Atelier Lauter eurorack EML 101 clones (for sale)

video upload by Cfpp0

"This is a demonstration of the (great) sound of two eurorack modules by Ton Atelier Lauter. They are clones of the EML 102 VCF and the VCA/ring modulator. Feeding them actual EML oscillators seemed appropriate for the demo and sounds good.

The note cards will tell you which mode the filter is in."

via this auction

"Ton Atelier Lauter is in Germany. I imported this VCF originally to use with my EML 200, which doesn’t have voltage control over the filters. Somehow the 200 got surrounded by DOT COM filters and Metasonix TM boxes and the Ton Atelier Lauter EML 101 VCF clones got sidelined (See my other listing for the EML 101 RingMod/VCA).

So it’s up for grabs. If you don’t know EML, but like that Steiner Parker Synthacon sound or that MS20 mk1 sound then you might like messing with this. Comes in original box with power cable."

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EMEAPP SONIC TEST DRIVE: STEINER-PARKER SYNTHACON Feat. DON SLEPIAN

video upload by EMEAPP

"That filter! Need we say more. The fabled Steiner-Parker Synthacon is a three oscillator beast of a portable mono-synth capable of immensely fat tones, is highly regarded for its tuning stability and is chock full of awesome control and modulation options. However, the star of the show is the Synthacon's peerless multi-mode LP/BP/HP which has cultivated an identity of its own and has achieved legendary status. Its a fantastic bit of electronic engineering and it truly behaves in a unique manner as compared to its contemporaries. Join Don Slepian as he takes a dive into the Sytnthacon and puts the filter through its paces."

STEINER-PARKER SYNTHACON - Analog Synth Demo

video upload by synth4ever

"Steiner-Parker Synthacon vintage analog synthesizer demo. This demo of the rare Synthacon mono synth from Steiner-Parker features various sounds and tweaking. Filmed at the Vintage Synthesizer Museum in Los Angeles, CA.

The Steiner Parker Synthacon is a rare monophonic analog synthesizer produced in 1975-1979. It features 3 VCOs, white & pink noise generator, sample & hold, portamento, 2-pole resonant lowpass/bandpass/highpass filter, 2 ADSR envelopes, trigger generator, 49 keys, and a ton of signal routing via numerous switches.

Only a few hundred Synthacon synthesizers were produced, according to designer Nyle Steiner. It's capable of nice sounds of course, but it excels at chaotic and crazy modulations, squelches, ring mod tones, noises and has an extremely potent filter with resonance. The legacy of the Steiner-Parker Synthacon's filter design lives on today in some modular synth designs as well as some Arturia products.

It was a lot of fun to try the Synthacon and tweak it, as all the switches make it very interactive for quick signal routing. If you have the opportunity to try one, don't pass it up!"

Note a new SYNTHACON is in the works.

Vintage Original Steiner Parker Synthacon

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via this auction

"Steiner Parker Synthacon original, recently totally overhauled/serviced. I think this synth sounds more interesting than most vintage synths like the minimoog/2600/synthi, it has a real wild 70’s sound with raw oscillators and juicy filter, it’s unpredictable sounding in the best way possible. Local pickup in San Francisco, please contact me prior to purchasing to arrange payment and pickup."

You can find a few good demos of the original Steiner Parker Synthacon from Todd Barton in previous posts here, and additiona demos thoughout posts here.

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Steiner-Parker Synthacon (Black faceplate / 1977 / No keyboard)

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Steiner - V.C. Hi-Lo Pass Resonant Filter & V.C. Trigger Generator - Prototypes 1975

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via this auction

"FS: N.A. Steiner (Pre-Steiner Parker) - V.C. Hi-Lo Pass Resonant Filter and V.C. Trigger Generator - Prototypes

Here is another unusual listing from my collection. 2 very early synthesizer modules designed and hand built by Nyle Steiner in 1974 or 75 before the formation of Steiner Parker.. The Filter is perhaps THE ORIGINAL resonant multimode VCF designed by Steiner for his Synthasystem Modular System (also used in later used in other designs such as the Synthacon).

I have owned these pieces for almost 20 years, they are unmodified and have never have been repaired.. both still work and the filter sounds incredible.

This is a very rare chance to pick up a piece of vintage audio history, which you can also use musically!"

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Synthesizer Evolution: From Analogue to Digital (And Back) - Book Review + Flip Through

synth4ever

Synthesizer Evolution: From Analogue to Digital (And Back) is also available on Amazon here.

"Ciat-Lonbarde

Synthesizer Evolution: From Analogue to Digital (And Back) book review & book flip through. Synthesizer Evolution is a recently published book covering every major synth, drum machine and sampler from 1963-1995. Each instrument is hand drawn and includes vital statistics and quirky facts.

Synth Evolution is published by Velocity Press (https://velocitypress.uk) and written & illustrated by Oli Freke (https://www.synthevolution.net), a London-based musician, artist and author with a life-long passion for analogue synthesizers and electronic music.

Synthesizer Evolution: From Analogue to Digital (And Back) provides us with an in-depth look at synthesizer history over the decades and covers a variety of vintage synthesizers including analog synths, digital synths, modular synths, wavetable synths, FM synths, additive synths and more.

Join me for a narrated book flip through highlighting various synths and concluding with a brief book review at the end. Hope you enjoy and feel free to grab a copy of Synth Evolution if you like it.

--------------------
TIMECODES
--------------------
00:00 - Intro

► SYNTHESIZERS
01:01 - 360 Systems, Access Music (Virus), Ace Tone
01:46 - Akai (AX80, AX60)
02:43 - Arp Instruments (2500, 2600)
03:44 - Behringer
04:07 - Buchla modulars
04:22 - Casio (Casiotone, CZ series, HT series)

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Switched On Austin - Synth studio & store tour | Austin, TX

synth4ever

https://www.switchedonaustin.com

A synth studio and store tour of Switched-On in Austin, Texas -- including the Switched On synthesizer showroom, walk-through of the Switched On synth store and brief highlight of the synthesizer repair area.

During a trip to Austin in early 2020 I had a chance to revisit the Switched On synth shop I first toured in 2018 [video bellow]. Switched On have since moved from their original location to a new spot and are under new ownership, so it was a great opportunity to see the new synth store.

This synth studio and store walkthrough showcases Switched On's extensive record collection, tape machines, various synthesizers, modular gear, classic vintage synths, rack units and more. To learn more about Switched On, visit https://www.switchedonaustin.com

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Synthesizer von Gestern (Synths of the Past) Vol 2, Matthias Becker.

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"Beautifully-produced second volume of Matthias Becker's authoritative 'Synthesizers of the Past' book - in German, but with so many superb illustrations that it's hardly necessary to read the text. New, unused, still sealed. The photos were taken of another copy of the book.

Too many highlights to mention all, but the book covers such absolute classic synths as the Trautonium, ARP 2500, EMS Synthi 100, E-mu Modular, Steiner-Parker Synthacon, RMI Harmonic Synthesizer, Birotron, PPG 1002, Moog Taurus and Liberation, Roland System 700, Synlab Modular, Roland SH-7, Crumar DS-2, Korg Sigma, ARP Quadra, Roland RS-505 and VP-330, Fairlight CMI, Realton Variophon, Oberhaim OB-Xa, Xpander and OB-SX, Gleeman Pentaphonic, RSF Kobol, Emulator 1, Synergy, Roland SH-101, TB-303, TR-606, MC-202, Jupiter 6, Syntec Banana, SCI Prophet T8, OSCar......... an incredible roster which would (in the beautiful condition they are in the photos) probably now be worth over half a million US dollars.

All with superb photos by Dieter Stork. Hardback, beautifully printed on very high quality paper, bound to the highest standards. A coffee-table book which is also a superb source of information. The Rolls-Royce (OK, Mercedes) of synth literature. (I should know - I produced the Ford Fiestas of the genre.) ISBN 3927954012, printed in 1995."

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Lance Hill of the Vintage Synthesizer Museum

Published on Mar 30, 2020 Vintage Synthesizer Museum

Rare clear Gleeman Pentaphonic in the background. Steiner Parker Synthacon top right.

"An amazing interview with the curator of the Vintage Synthesizer Museum, Lance Hill.
A film by Shayne Keator.
To book an appointment at the Vintage Synthesizer Museum contact:
510-859-3558
or
vintagesynthesizermuseum@gmail.com

Website:
https://vintagesynthmuseum.squarespac..."

Update: I asked Lance if he knew how many clear Gleeman Pentaphonics were produced. Here's what he had to say: "Not sure how many Gleeman Pentaphonic Clear's there are. Rumored to be around 25. Funny enough, the guy I bought this one from lived in San Jose, which is just a few miles from where the Gleeman brothers were producing their synths. He told me that the one we have was originally a black one, but when they came out with the clear one, he had them retrofit it into a clear one, so he could wear it as a keytar and walk around with it on stage."

The Vintage Synthesizer Museum

Published on Feb 7, 2020 CatSynth TV

"We drop in at the Vintage Synthesizer Museum in Oakland, California, and try out a few of the synths!
For more information and reservations, please visit https://vintagesynthmuseum.squarespac...

0:00 Intro
0:17 Sequential Circuits Prophet 5
0:29 Elka Synthex
1:11 Steiner Parker Synthacon
1:32 Roland RS-505
1:52 Octave CAT
2:04 Serge Modular
2:18 EML Electro-Comp 101
2:34 Rhodes Chroma
3:01 EMS Vocoder 2000
3:08 Wurlitzer Model 203 Electric Piano
3:27 Korg PS-3100
3:37 Moog Micromoog & 3100 Drum Controller
3:47 DK Synergy
4:04 Sequential Circuits T8
4:12 Korg Mono/Poly and Rhythm 55b
4:31 Rhodes 73 mk1
4:51 Korg Trident MkII
5:16 Yamaha CS70M
5:37 Yamaha CS80
5:41 Roland TR-808 / Jupiter 4 / Jupiter 6 / Jupiter 8"

Shruthi-1 synthesizer with Synthacon analog filter

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via this auction

"New Shruthi-1 with Synthacon filter, Steiner-Parker core adaptation to Shruthi.
Modes available: LP, BP, HP, AP and Overdrive on top of that.
Character: ACID.
All, inside nice looking black high gloss acrylic case. White background/black characters LCD.
you will need PSU to power up this little but powerful synth (9-12v DC , at least 500mA, ended with barrel plug 5,5mm {negative} and 2,1mm pin {positive})."

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synthacon farewell

Published on Aug 17, 2019 Todd Barton

"Sadly, I need to let go of my beloved, rare and beautiful Steiner-Parker Synthacon. Here's a recent look at it. I hope it finds a good home.
More details: bartonmusic@mac.com"

Todd Barton's synthacon was first featured back on November 11, 2006. You can find additional posts featuring Todd's synthacon here.

Rare Vintage Modular Version Steiner Parker Synthacon Synthesizer

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via this auction

"The fine item you are considering is a Rare Vintage Modular Version Steiner Parker Synthacon Synthesizer. Yes, it’s the rare modular version of the Steiner Parker Synthacon, but there is no “Parker” listed on the unit, only the “Steiner” name. The unit looks to be in excellent, well cared for condition, with the only issue I see being that one knob is missing (the knob from the VC Filter section) but the pot and pot post is still there and in good shape- only the knob has fallen off. I opened the back of the unit, and everything inside looks to be visually in good shape as well. Unfortunately, I do not have a keyboard for the unit, and I have no way to actually test the unit, so I’m selling it “as is”, although I will guarantee it to be as I have described, in excellent cosmetic condition, and looking like it was extremely well cared for. Please see my photos to have a look at this nice item."

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Steiner Parker Synthacon

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via this auction

"For your consideration is a beautiful Steiner Parker Synthacon. The Synthacon has been recently serviced, and also has brand new keyboard bushings. If you're looking at this then you probably know that the Synthacon has an extremely flexible modulation architecture and amazing sound due to it's three oscillators and unique filter which does not cut out the low end on high resonance settings. You probably also know that these rarely come up for sale."

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Steiner-Parker Synthacon Minus Keys

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via this auction

"Extremely rare "Keyboardless" module edition of the Steiner Synthacon. It has numerous entry points for external control (+TR and VC 2 would be your standard gate/cv jacks but there is also voltage control over the VCA and VCF, VC 1 for S&H, etc). The synth has been recapped, power supply regulators have been replaced and the switches have been cleaned to get this synth into fine, functioning state. All three VCOs have an insane range (about 17 octaves) so they can go from super-slow LFO territory all the way beyond the range of human hearing. This very well could be the only Synthacon in this form in existence; an undeniable jewel and overall ridiculously rich-sounding synthesizer."

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VINTAGE SYNTHESIZER MUSEUM - Synth Studio Tour & Synthesizer Music Studio

Published on Sep 18, 2018 synth4ever

"An in-depth synth studio tour of the Vintage Synthesizer Museum -- a classic synth, music & recording studio in Oakland, California.

The Vintage Synthesizer Museum is a legendary synthesizer music studio where you can play, record, and learn about vintage analog synths including Roland Jupiter 8, Yamaha CS-60, Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, Arp 2600 and more.

The Vintage Synth Museum features over 40+ analog synthesizers and various drum machines, effects, amplifiers, keyboards, music and audio recording tools.

To learn more or book your appointment at the Vintage Synth Museum, visit http://www.vintagesynthmuseum.com"

Update:

Video retitled: VINTAGE SYNTHESIZER MUSEUM - Synth Studio Tour & Synthesizer Reviews

With following description & timeline:

"An in-depth synth studio tour of the Vintage Synthesizer Museum -- a classic synth, music & recording studio in Oakland, California.

The Vintage Synthesizer Museum is a legendary synthesizer music studio where you can play, record, and learn about vintage analog synths including Roland Jupiter 8, Yamaha CS-60, Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, Arp 2600 and more.

The Vintage Synth Museum features over 40+ analog synthesizers and various drum machines, effects, amplifiers, keyboards, music and audio recording tools.

To learn more or book your appointment at the Vintage Synth Museum, visit http://www.vintagesynthmuseum.com


=======

Vintage Synthesizer Museum - Synth studio tour timecodes:

00:00 - Intro

* POLYPHONIC SYNTHS - QUICK WALTHROUGH:
00:28 - Yamaha CS-70M
00:31 - Yamaha CS-60
00:33 - Oberheim OB-Xa
00:36 - Sequential Circuits Prophet 5
00:37 - Sequential Circuits Prophet T8
00:37 - EMS Vocoder
00:40 - Roland RS-505
00:40 - Roland Jupiter 6
00:40 - Roland TR-808
00:41 - Roland Jupiter 4
00:41 - Roland Jupiter 8
00:48 - Yamaha CS-40M
00:48 - Rhodes Piano
00:52 - Rhodes Chroma
00:52 - DK Syngery
00:52 - Korg Mono/Poly
00:56 - Buchla Music Box

* MONOSYNTHS & DRUM MACHINES:
01:15 - ElectroComp 200
01:17 - Korg Vocoder
01:20 - Korg MS-50
01:20 - Korg MS-20 & MS-10
01:32 - Roland SH-101
01:35 - Roland TR-606
01:36 - Sequential Circuits Pro-One
01:38 - Roland TR-909
01:42 - CMI Fairlight

* MOSTLY MONOSYNTHS:
01:55 - Monosynth wall

02:08 - Aelita synth
02:10 - Arp 2600
02:33 - Korg PS-3100
02:40 - Gleeman Pentaphonic
02:52 - Crumar SPirit
02:58 - ElectroComp 101
03:03 - Korg Maxi-Korg
03:07 - Moog Minimoog Model D
03:11 - Oxford OSCar
03:17 - Steiner Parker Synthacon
03:18 - Octave The Cat

* POLYPHONIC SYNTH NOODLING:
03:50 - Rhodes Chroma
03:55 - DK Syngery
04:10 - Korg Mono/Poly
04:37 - Roland Jupiter 6
05:07 - Sequential Circuits Prophet T8

05:42 - Conclusion"

New Tiptop Audio Forbidden Planet Eurorack Analog Filter

Tiptop Audio - Forbidden Planet Analog Filter from Tiptop Audio on Vimeo.

Two user videos from once upon a synth & Sound Provider (note the filter design is influenced by the Steiner-Parker but it is not a copy):

Details via Tiptop Audio:

Tiptop Audio has a new multimode analog filter Forbidden Planet. The Forbidden Planet filter adds 3 new filter options to the Tiptop Audio family of Eurorack modules: High Pass, Bandpass and Low Pass, all inspired by The 1975 Steiner-Parker Synthacon model.

Features:
• Multimode Analog Filter with a great sound
• High Pass, Bandpass, Low Pass: can be used individually or at the same time
• Two VC inputs, one with attenuator
• Self Oscillating up to saturation
• High Pass section is this module’s signature sound
• Bandpass is clear and useful in isolating and sound design
• 12db two-pole Low Pass analog slope
• Smooth-to-whistle-to-aggressive resonance control
• Output volume control
• Size: 8HP – Depth: 30.5mm
• Low Power Consumption: +12V 10ma / -12V 10ma
MSRP: $120"

STEINER-PARKER SYNTHACON MK1

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via this auction

"We are delighted to offer this rare and powerful Mk 1 Steiner-Parker Synthacon for sale in full working order.

FULLY OVERHAULED BY JAMES WALKER.

Commission sale. Offers invited.

It's become ever-harder to track down these elusive beasts, especially in Europe. Not only were very few made, those who have them tend not to want to part with them. Going on first appearances, you might ask what is so special about this handbuilt American three oscillator monosynth? On closer inspection, one's eye is drawn to the rows of colourful switches that control the clever modulation routing that is one of the features that makes this synth so appealing.

Nyle Steiner's original Mk1 Synthacon is monophonic, as opposed to the later duophonic Mk2 units: the earlier ones are said to have the edge sonically over. Certainly the reaction to the first demos we put on instagram has been one of considerable excitement at the noises coming out of this machine.

CONDITION: In good cosmetic condition for its age. There are some signs of age to the face, including small spots of oxidation and minor staining in places. Woodwork has some wear. See photos for more information on cosmetic condition.'

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