CRUMAR PERFORMER COMPARISON - BOTH FILTER VERSIONS

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"This is a dry - very dry - comparison video of the two iterations of the first model of the Crumar Performer - a string and brass machine.

There was also a second model Performer, the Performer 2, with a slightly different look, but I've never played that one - it's quite rare.

What makes the biggest difference between the early and late production run of the first model Crumar Performer is the architecture and components of the Brass filter section.

So we'll focus on that in this video, after a quick String Section comparison.

Crumar initially used the Moog Ladder filter for the Performer, and later modified the brass circuitry and switched to a SSM2040 filter.

Not only the components changed - the sound and behaviour of the Brass section itself changed.

There are quite a few opinions out there regarding the two filter sections so let's do some myth busting right away. There's no fool proof indicator of what filter version Crumar Performer you have in your hands just looking at it.

We initially thought the octave switch on the front panel was added together with the SSM filter - incorrect- we've had a Performer without octave switch that still mounted the SSM filter.

Some people say B in the serial number on the back indicates later production run units with SSM filters - also incorrect - these are both marked B but one is equipped with the Moog ladder filter.

Very low serial numbers should generally have the Moog Ladder filter but there's no rule of thumb - you just have to plug in your Performer and listen - or open it up and see which components are on board.

These were just serviced and calibrated according to specs - there's an official procedure for this - the SSM filter model had the SSM2040 switched to a new SSM2140 - without it making any difference on the behaviour or sound of the filter - we tried both."

THE SOLTON DISCO 64

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"On a sunny afternoon a few years ago we hooked up the Solton Disco 64 to make a co-hesive demonstration of its capabilities just to see the machine literally start smoking due to burned transistors.

The attempt was aborted and it's not until now that we've managed to get the machine fixed so we can give it a second try.

Boy this thing is as rare as it is cool - complete with SSM filters it's the predecessor to the more famous and common Solton Programmer 24.

This is not really a disco machine per se - it has 4 Disco rhythm patterns on board indeed but Waltz, Bossa Nova and all the standard rhythm patterns of most drum machines of the era.

Quite a few machines featured Disco in their names for no other reason than the hype and coolness of the genre at the time of production.

The Disco 64 has more features than most auto-accompaniment units: there's the chords section, a string machine, a monophonic bass synth with individual volumes for each section, mute options, 4 bass line variations, cut-off and resonance filter, different chord sounds and of course an analog drum machine with individual sound mute options. You can play the string machine and bass synth like a keyboard, independently from the auto comp section so it's a monophonic and polyphonic synth as well as an auto accompaniment unit.

Apart from separate outputs for the drums and auto comp section, this one came modded with a separate output for the string machine, very useful for running it through effects."

Additonal SOLTON DISCO 64 posts

Solton Disco 64 - SR 161/82

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"A quick demo with the wonderful Solton Disco 64
Strings separate out through a phaser, some light compression on drums and main mix."

Addtional Solton Disco 64 posts

INTRODUCING THE CRUMAR COMPOSER - COMPILATION VIDEO

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"Here we go - this is the first of a series of videos I started a few year ago - and I thought I'd add some songs to it throughout - damn this thing sounds nice - the elusive Crumar Composer.

4 section poly/ mono / organ / string machine beast - consider it an Italian Korg Trident of sorts.

Laughably behind the times upon its short production run of 400 back in 1982-83 - instead all the sounds generated by this guy are straight from the 1970’s.

Despite each section being quite limited in modulation possibilities it's still quite versatile instrument with some unique features such as the breath control, the mono and poly section sharing the filter, and the organ section with percussion tabs and sustain.

There's more info in the video - enjoy!"

FIVE SONGS ON THE SOLTON PROGRAMMER 24

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"We compiled all our Solton Programmer 24 and Solton Project 100 songs in one convenient video. Italo Disco Machines?
Not false - but these two hotties offer a bit more than that.
Launched around the same time in the mid-80s, none of them caused much stir but at least the Programmer 24 was exported widely and they pop up on the market even in the US.
Overrun by sleeker Japanese machines, most Solton units probably seemed a bit dated at the moment of their release but re-adjusting the rearview mirror a bit we think they sound pretty great.
The Solton Programmer 24 is the obvious song writing tool:
It's a drum machine, bass line generator, chord generator and arpeggiator with an added string and organ section and a filter for the arpeggiator.
A very simple thing, almost a toy, but it's fun as hell and adding some effects to the sounds it gets interesting. For effects we're using the Schulte Compact Phasing, the low-budget, digital delay unit Vermona DEG-50 and the oddball, even lower-budget, mini-rack, multi-effect LEM FX22.

Vintage Audio Institute is a gear vendor and recording facility in Florence Italy."

Three Songs with the SOLTON DISCO 64

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"Auto accompaniment unicorn galore!
Boy this thing is as rare as it is cool - the predecessor of the Solton Programmer 24.

Not really a disco machine per se - quite a few machines featured Disco in their names for no other reason than the hype and coolness of the genre at the time (late 70s / early 80s).
But this is a unique auto-accompaniment beast with a string machine, a monophonic bass synth with individual volumes for each section, mute options, 4 bass line variations, cut-off and resonance filter, different chord sounds and of course an analog drum machine with individual sound mute options.
You can play the string machine and bass synth like a keyboard, independently from the auto comp section so it's a monophonic and polyphonic synth as well as an auto accompaniment unit.
Apart from separate outputs for the drums and auto comp section, this one came modded with a separate output for the string machine, quite useful for running it through effects.

Vintage Audio Institute Italia is a music studio and gear vendor in Florence, Italy."

Additional SOLTON DISCO 64 posts.

UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF THE FARFISA SOUNDMAKER

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"There seems to be some mystery surrounding the Farfisa Soundmaker - how does it sound, is it actually cool, and what does Poly & Strings in Mono actually do?

In this video I go through the presets of all three sections and then move on to the marvellous Poly & Strings in Mono - unlocking your Poly & Strings in Mono is crucial to really getting the best out of your Soundmaker though.

I added some text to further explain its unique architecture - but here's a short info sheet:

Then Soundmaker has three independent sections - each with its own with volume and cut-off filter.

1. Polyphonic section with 3 Piano presets, 1 brass preset with its own fixed vibrato setting.

2. The additional Polyphonic section is the strings section : 2 footages of strings with attack, decay controls on top of volume and cut-off sliders. The strings sound surprisingly good - top tier 1970s string machine.

3. Monophonic preset section with additional Free mode which let you modulate the preset sounds with filter and ADSR and lastly - the Oscillator bank (LFO) with LFO controls, wave forms and vibrato controls.

Engaging the Poly & Strings in Mono internally routes both Polyphonic sections into the filter and oscillator bank of the monophonic section - letting you modulate them freely and really unlocking the uniqueness of this instrument.

The best way to experience the Poly & Strings in Mono is to create a dedicated Monophonic audio output - which the Soundmaker unfortunately doesn't have.

We carved out a Mono only output by cutting the Polyphonic signal to the Phones output in the back.
This is quite easy, you flip open the machine and simply cut the wire from the Poly section inside (it's easily reversible) - please have an experience technician do this for you if you're hesitant.

The second trick to enhance the performance of Poly & Strings in Mono is easier : turn off the mono section preset with its dedicated on/off button (it will still pass audio but no preset will be engaged). Since the mono preset sound is much louder in volume than the signal arriving via Poly & Strings in Mono, turning it off will make you hear the effect better."

A QUICK TEST : SOLTON DISCO 64

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"Before the Solton Programmer 24 - the by now fairly well-known Italo Disco machine - there was the Solton Disco 64.

After picking up this beautiful and mega rare species in Perugia not too long ago I filmed the first 10 minutes of trying it out and reacquainting myself with its perks.

I needed to touch up on how these work - which maybe isn’t as straight forward as it should be.

I already have another unit here but haven’t used it in a long time since it started emitting smoke a few years back. The machine has some minor scratchy pots but is otherwise working fairly well - every time something we buy isn't completely dead is kind of a miracle.

The Wah chord sound doesn’t sound right so that will be taken care of - it's in the shop for a check-up and a re-cap of the power supply and a few other minor interventions as we speak.

This is a nice, heavy chunk of a machine (main unit Is 16 kilos) in a brown faux leather suitcase with saloon style wood details, this is not really a disco machine per se - quite a few machines featured Disco in their names for no other reason than the hype and coolness of the genre at the time.

But this is a unique auto-accompaniment beast none the less - with a great sounding analog string machine, an analog, monophonic bass synth with filters, different chord sounds and of course a drum machine with individual sound mute options.

You can play the string machine and bass synth alone and independently from the auto comp section."

UNBOXING THE ELGAM CRAZY BAND 48

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"We were super excited to receive this unicorn, vintage groove box - the machine that was the very last breath of the Elgam in 1982 - it was shipped out as the company folded.
The Elgam Crazy Band 48 was the follow up to the now sought-after Elgam Carousel and it shares some of its functions but not any of it's components, schematics or architecture.
The unit was well packed in a sturdy box but only emit a loud hiss and one single note on arrival.
Yep - this is often the reality of unboxing vintage gear.
This machine is now in the shop for repairs but it's a long journey to get it back up and running - if it ever will. The music in the background is from a similar device we demo:ed in an earlier video : the Godwin Drummaker 45."

GODWIN DRUMMAKER 45 SOUND DEMO - LAST AVAILABLE UNIT

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"A little demo of a the last available Godwin Drummaker 45 for sale - just back from extensive repairs it sounds marvelous!
Some spring reverb and echo from the Solton Cathedral E-2000 unit.
Condition is very good with some oxidation on front panel which tend to happen with these - we put down some anti-oxidation to halt it in its tracks so should not deteriorate further down the line.
The keys of the keyboard have some minor scratches and miss-coloration up close.
We demo the one finger mode towards the end of the video - along with the Orchestral arpeggiator mode - good fun."

via this auction

"Godwin Drummaker 45 for sale - this is our last available unit - just back from extensive repairs it sounds marvelous!

All wooden details have a fresh new veneer.

The keyboard has a new all-black paint job and a new cable.

I cannot stress enough how damn cool these machines are - check the video demo of this very unit for sale here.

Condition is very good with some oxidation on front panel which tend to happen with these - we put down some anti-oxidation to halt it in its tracks so should not deteriorate further down the line.

The keys of the keyboard have some minor scratches and miss-coloration up close.

220 volt version Power cable (standard) is not included.

Item ships from Italy."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Elka Drummer One - Serviced

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

via this auction

"Just back from service - sounding just like it should - please have a look at the video of this very device. Gold metal front frame version.

We’ve had 5 of these now and we’re starting to get a hang of how to get them sounding right.

This one’s has had little use - front panel looks amazing - some smaller, hairpin scratches on metal piece and plastic corners and a few smaller spots on the tolex that might go away with some patience. The feet have been removed - not a bad idea.

These machines are old - 1968-1970 - they don't like other machines or metal surfaces - they start humming immediately - so don't stack them on top of other instruments, amps or any metal / electric current loaded surface."

CLICK FOR MORE »

WERSIMATIC CX1

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"Here’s some more Wersimatic CX1 for you - a hella stylish auto accompaniment unit made in Germany when the going was good - the early 80s.

The machine looks like a obsolete computer terminal and sports 4 sections :

Analog Drum machine
Bass section
Chord section
Arpeggiator section

We modded this one quite a bit - with separate volumes and outputs for the bass, chords, strings and of course the drum section.
We're routing the separate outs to a ton of different effects:
The Compact Phaser effect is an odd one - it could be a Vermona prototype - it sounds like the Vermona Phaser and looks very nice and stylish for a one off.
It's sitting next to the Compact Schulte Phaser and you can see the resemblance in design."

THE WERSIMATIC CX1

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"Introducing the Wersimatic CX1 - a stylish auto accompaniment unit made in Germany in the early 80s.

It sports 4 sections :

Analog Drum machine
Bass section
Chord section
Arpeggiator section (it’s maybe more like a second chord generator)

Each section can be muted, individual drum sounds can be muted.
This specific unit was modified with independent volume control for each section - those are the extra knobs on the front panel - as well as separate outputs for each section in the back.
The drum patterns, the chord and arpeggiator sections are all programmable.

The CX1 was followed by the CX2 - which is basically the same machine but with 12bit sample drums instead of the CX1’s analog drums - it seems the bass, chords and arpeggiator sounds and patterns are all the same on the CX1 and CX2. The CX2 sports an additional row of buttons for programming purposes but those are available on the CX1 as well - the row of buttons on the left has a third submenu."

Additional WERSIMATIC CX1 posts

WERSI WERSIMATIC II / CRB OBERON

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"This is an analog auto-accompaniment machine produced by the German organ manufacturer Wersi sometime in the mid-70s. Originally part of a big, dual manual organ called Helios, this auto-comp section was probably removed from the organ and squeezed into a faux Teak cabinet - literally crammed with circuit boards - all beautifully snug inside - a very good job by whoever built it.
We used a ton of effects of this track - most noticeably the Davoli 2K disc echo - insanely rare unit with a Schaller disc unit mounted inside - the very mounted inside the Lombardi mixing desks.
The Digitech Synth Wah is also going strong - an envelope follower pedal on the cheap side.

We're pairing the Wersimatic II with the glorious CRB Oberon - a unicorn of a dual oscillator monophonic synth made in Italy in the late 70s - one of very few still existing.
Lots of fun features it can really sound huge - there's still lots more to explore here

The grey string machine in the video is also marked CRB - a simple, two sounds (violin and cello) string machine, unusually light weight for the oldie it is - the CRB 709.
It's sound is bright and lush - really not at all bad.

Vintage Audio Institute Italia is a gear vendor and recording studio in the hills of Florence."

Additional CRB Oberon posts

Additional WERSIMATIC II posts

YAMAHA CS60 - COMPILATION VIDEO

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"The Italian term to describe this synth would be blasonato:
Someone so noble they have a their own coat of arms.

we give you the Yamaha CS60 :
45 kilos of heavy duty Japanese build quality.
We just couldn't pass this one on although it's not typically the machine of our choice it sounds incredible.
Put on your headphones and you'll get it.
The range of sounds you get out of this synth seems frankly endless and the general interaction with an important instrument always makes us want to sell all our other machines and just keep this one instead.
We have to think about this - meanwhile it's going to a Yamaha CS-series specialised repair man for a new ribbon control and a general calibration since it's never been tuned or serviced in its 45 year old life - also kind of incredible - the build-quality is insane.
We got two drummers in this video: first songs are backed up by the elusive CRB Computer Drums (the drum section from the Computer Band 2000) and the second half of the video the rhythm unit is the EKO Ritmo 20.
Both machines have individual sound options - mute switches on the Computer Drums and volumes on the EKO Ritmo 20.

More videos with these two will go up soon so subscribe if this is your thing and follow us on Instagram for first dibs vintage gear sales and much more."

WELSON SYNTEX

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"It doesn’t beg for your attention - it demands it.
Welson Syntex is a great Italian monophonic synth - it’s kind of our favorite Italian monophonic machine.
It’s got dual oscillators with 4 footages each, a Moog ladder filter and white and pink noise - it can really sound huge. You’d think it has a third oscillator since it says oscillator 3 on the panel but it’s actually the LFO section.
This thing growls and howls - it distorts internally - but can also generate gentle and sweet flute and whistle sounds - summing it up its a versatile synthesizer.
On drums we got a German "Ostie" - East German - machine - the Vermona ER-9.
It's thin but harsh sounding - very electronic - and quite a looker as well.
Just the way we prefer them - it's got separate volume controls for each sound."

YAMAHA CS60 / EKO RITMO 20

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"This time we're pairing the Yamaha CS60 with a pretty hard-to-find drum machine : the Eko Ritmo 20 from 1982.

It's a hybrid digital and analog machine with individual volume controls for each sound as well as some pretty great fill-ins.

Less ring mod and funny stuff on the Yamaha CS60 this time - cinematic and orchestral was the task and it does it well although it could use a calibration. It's going to get that plus a new ribbon controller and a general look-over before we put it on the market - holler if you're looking for a very good condition CS60 with legs and lid that's just been serviced ;)

We used the Mooger Fooger phaser on the bass, some Roland Space Echo as well as some Ableton reverb on melodies and chords."

YAMAHA CS60 / EKO RITMO 20

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"Switching up the drum machines on this one : from the CRB Computer Drums to the more compact Eko Ritmo 20 from around 1982.

Hybrid digital / analog sounds with individual volume controls for every sound as well as some pretty groovy fill-ins - love it ❤️.
Lots of ring modulation on the CS60 this time - the aim is to get harsher textures out the synth."

YAMAHA CS60 / CRB COMPUTER DRUMS

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"In this video we’re show casing our effects a bit further.
Starting off with room effects:
The Binson Echorec 2 is going strong and feedbacking all over the place.
The Roland Space Eco RE-301 as well.
The red box is an odd one, the Davoli 2K Echo : it’s a mega rare, Italian echo housing a German Schaller Magnetic disc Echo - the same used in Lombardi mixers.
It’s similar to the Binson Echorec 2 in structure, fixed speed 4 punch-in, playback heads but it’s a bit more reliable in sound.

On phasers we’re using the Mooger Fooger MF-103 12 stage phaser on the drums, for a bit of crunch as well.
The Mu-tron phasor II on the clavinet style chords.
And lastly another oddball, the Rotor Monster Compact Phasing - most likely a Vermona prototype of their Vermona phaser, with a few added controls - quite obviously an attempt to esthetically copy the Gerd Schulte Compact Phasing - they’re almost the same size (huge) but sound completely different."

YAMAHA CS60 / CRB COMPUTER DRUMS

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"Enjoy another ditty made with these two darlings : THE YAMAHA CS60 and the CRB COMPUTER DRUMS."