1938 Hammond NOVACHORD SN 105

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Some incredible pics of the inside below.

Update via Kenny in the comments worth noting: "Beautiful instrument but no where near the first synthesizer. The Trautonium was already in use and for sale long before the Hammond came out. Even the Hohner Multimonica predates the Hammond. One could say that the Hammond design was heavily inspired by these earlier synthesizers. The Hammond is an amazing instrument so there is no need for false information."

This reminded me of the 120 Years of Electronic Music site. It's a great resource for the timeline of electronic instruments.

Listing description:

"In the late 1930's, Hammond engineers went way above and beyond to create the worlds first electronic synthesizer, and built it the Hammond way ~ the best. I could ramble on all day about this device, but you're honestly better to visit this website, they've fully documented their Novachord and it's restoration.

As for my specific instrument, it's among the very earliest built (#105) and features what I believe is a factory blonde cabinet accent, which I've never seen before. I think it's original because it's so expertly installed, and wraps around the back to the amplifier compartment. The material feels like a grained vinyl (leatherette) with a canvas backing? It's been stripped off on the left side, but you get the idea. The cabinet will need refinishing as seen, but is in remarkable shape for it's age.

When I decided to power it up for the first time, I brought up the voltage on a Variac - slowly. I heard a loud popping sound and found a bad 2A3 tube, which I replaced with a good/tested one. Once up to line voltage, I was able to actually hear this thing play! Volume, vibrato, attack, and various variations of all the controls were essentially functional on the upper half of the keyboard. I didn't get a response from the lower half of the keyboard. This tells me that the basic components (pre-amp, amplifiers, speakers and motor were all functioning) There are 160 vacuum tubes to check, and about 1000 capacitors! You'll have a good and worthy project ahead of you. I do have a short video of my experimentation, happy to email or text it to you! The wiring harnesses, speakers, amplifiers, and other components appear to be in very good cosmetic condition!

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1979 ARP Omni 2 Vintage Analog String Synthesizer

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Published on Aug 1, 2019 keyboard resource

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"Works good. Top key is a little higher than the rest. Includes Hybrid hard case."

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1978 ARP OMNI-2 Vintage Analog String Machine

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Published on Feb 15, 2019 keyboard resource

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"1978 ARP OMNI-2 Vintage Analog String Machine & Synthesizer + Hybrid Hard Case

LFO slider is intermittent. See video. Otherwise works good.

This is the more desirable second version. Metal case. Built like a tank.

Includes Hybrid hard case, original Service Manual and a color print of the Owner's Manual."

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1979 Multivox MX-880 MX-2000 Duo Super Roland SH-2000 Vintage Analog Synthesizer

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Published on Oct 19, 2017 keyboard resource

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Two flyer/ad scans below.

"Works good (including after-touch sensor). Keys are severely yellowed from age.

You can customize the presets using the "Manual Filter" switch and "Modulation", "Cutoff Frequency" and "Resonance" sliders to get huge leads, fat basses and percussive SFX out of this little beast. You can even process external sound through the filter using the 1/4" input jack on back.

It's like a super Roland SH-2000 because it has very similar sounds and layout with the addition of a second oscillator for thick double sound or variable interval (5th, 3rd or whatever you choose up to an octave above or below)."

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1980 MOOG Opus 3 Analog String Brass Organ Synthesizer + Gator Flight Hard Case

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Published on Jan 8, 2019 keyboard resource

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"Works good except "brass" section stereo panner only does either left or both channels. Cannot move "brass" sound to right channel only."

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1975 Farfisa Syntorchestra (Home Version)

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Published on Jul 9, 2018 keyboard resource

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"Includes Owners Manual, Service Manual, 'Musical Registrations' booklet, sales receipt for the two booklets and corrections to the Service Manual sheet.

It produces unique sounds unlike most synths. The closest I've heard is the ARP Pro-Soloist/DGX. But, the Syntorchestra also has additional polyphonic voices which the Pro-Soloist lacks.

Polyphonic voices: Trombone, Trumpet, Piano, Viola
Monophonic voices: Tuba, Trombone, Trumpet, Baritone Sax, Alto Sax, Bass Flute, Flute, Piccolo, Violin

Controls:
- Volume Poli
- Volume Mono
- Brilliance Poli
- Brilliance Mono
- Vibrato Speed
- Vibrato Mono on/off
- Vibrato Poli on/off
- Vibrato Delay on/off
- Soffiato (soft attack) amount
- Decay amount
- Portamento Timer (amount)
- Mono drop down none, 3rd, 5th, 6th knob
- Mono Pitch +/-
- Poli Cancel on/off
- Mono Cancel
- Portamento Constant on/off
- Portamento Temporary on while pressed down
- Mono Wha Wha on/off
- Soffiato or Decay selector

There is a separate output jack for Poli voices which is why they stated 'Stereo' on the front panel."

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Roland Alpha Juno 2 JU-2 Analog Polysynth

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"In the words of the pioneers that made the Alpha Junos famous...

"Charly says always tell your mummy before you go off somewhere (to play with your alpha juno)" - Prodigy 1991

"Bigger and bolder and rougher tougher, in other words, sucker, there is no other... I wanna kiss myself (because I bought this alpha juno)!" - Human Resource 1992

This poly classic is ready for another go-round. From the original "What The" Dominator hoover to the addictive chord memory feature, this unit delivers meaty, sweet, sweeping, chiming, timeless tones with a matured MIDI implementation and updated components making them a bit less of a maintenance beast than the legendary 106 predecessor.

I've replaced the solder-in battery with a CR-2032 clip for ease of replacement in the future (new battery as well of course)
The keyboard had keys not working, but after cleaning and a couple trace repairs, every strike is solid now
A couple of the bottom panel screw mounts had been broken by a previous over-zealous tech. These have been properly re-mounted
Inside and out has been vacuumed and cleaned
Factory patches restored
Comes with power cord"

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1974 Conn Electric Band Analog Synthesizer, Drum Machine & Chord Organ

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Published on Aug 2, 2017 keyboard resource

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"1974 Conn Electric Band Monophonic Analog Synthesizer & Drum Machine Extremely RARE!

This loud and unique instrument is one part preset monophonic analog synthesizer with aftertouch (like the ARP Pro-Soloist, Roland SH-2000 or Moog Satellite), one part simple drum machine (only six rhythms) and one part chord organ. The strum pattern is different if you select the "Bag Pipes" preset. Most voices have vibrato as aftertouch effect. But, "Musical Saw"'s aftertouch effect speeds up the vibrato effect (similar to growl on ARP Pro-Soloist).

There are some interesting sounds like: "Mod" (where the LFO starts and then speeds up after you release the key), "Space Junk" (where the LFO speeds up and the pitch drops) and "Blast Off" (where the pitch goes higher and higher and fades after releasing the key). My favorite is "Hill Band" which has a built-in wah-wah effect and is effected by the chords in the left hand section.

The "Adjustables On" section gives you some basic controls: two tones (A,B) mix, "Wa-Wa" amount, vibrato speed and depth, sustain and portamento amount. It also has a built-in reverb with three levels for deep space craziness.

This one is quirky in that the left-hand chords sometimes don't work and the bass note sometimes gets stuck on a certain pitch."

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1985 Moog Song Producer Ad

via Retro Synth Ads, where you'll find the full write-up. Be sure to see the rest of the site for vintage synth ads. It's a great resource!

"Moog Song Producer sequencer 'MIDI In, Out & Thru Just Won't Do' 1/4-page black and white advertisement from the top right corner of page 101 in the December 1985 issue of Keyboard Magazine."

Cool shot of the Moog Song Producer bundle.

Pink Floyd On The Run on Korg Poly 800ii

Published on Mar 20, 2018 keyboard resource

"The Korg Poly 800 and 800ii have a 256-note, built-in step sequencer. Here's a simple use of it on Pink Floyd's 'On The Run'."

1983 Korg Poly-61 Vintage Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer

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Published on Jan 22, 2018 keyboard resource

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"Unit was a victim of battery leakage. Professionally repaired. New battery replacement. Damaged key contacts repaired. Contacts cleaned. All keys and functions work. 2nd from top A# and number 2 buttons can be a little finicky and bottom C# retriggers upon key release.

The Arpeggiator and Chord Memory are two of the coolest features. You can sync an analog drum machine that has a trigger out (like the Korg Rhythm 55 KR-55) to the arpeggiator for more fun.
Condition notes:
- Missing one screw (and its cam screw on the back side) of the top panel
- Missing one rubber foot on bottom
- Back, bottom-right corner is broken off (see pictures)
- Joystick is a little bent
- Dings and scrapes
- Some non-original bolts on bottom"

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1987 Oberheim Matrix-1000 Polyphonic Analog Rack Synthesizer Demo

Published on Nov 16, 2017 keyboard resource

KIMBALL Challenger P5 Vintage Digital Synthesizer SFX Drum Machine

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Published on Jun 27, 2017 keyboard resource

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"In excellent condition. Only missing one white plastic, screw cap.
Looks like a part of the NASA Space Shuttle Challenger. It is built very solidly and is fairly heavy for a keyboard of this type.

Features:
- Built-in speaker.
- All note polyphony.
- 6 polyphonic sounds: Program, Piano, Banjo, Violin, Brass, Organ.
- 6 monophonic voices (top note priority): Program, Brazz, Bells, Trombone, Trumpet, Jazz Flutes. Some have built-in portamento effect.
- 5 sound effects: Program, Crash, Birds, Arcade (sounds like Pac-Man dying), Whistle.
- 6 rhythms: Program (march), Waltz, Country, Swing, Rock, Latin. There is a different Drum Break fill for each pattern.
- Separate volume controls for accompaniment chords, bass and rhythm.
- Auto-accompaniment with several variations: Chord Rhythm (chops up the chord depending on the pattern selected), Swinger Bass (adds a bass note), Magic Chord (plays left hand chords with one finger), Solo Chord (plays right hand chords with one finger based on what chord is chosen with left hand), Magic Memory (sustains the chords until another key is pressed).
- Vibrato (on/off) with delay (on/off).
- Sustain: long, medium, off.
- Default "Program" sounds are overwritten with use of MusicPro Reader cards (not included).
- Jacks/controls on the back: 1/4" headphone out, 1/4" line out, pitch (tuning), 1/4" expression (volume) pedal, 1/4" sustain pedal, 1/8" test (?)."

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Optigan 35011

Published on Mar 5, 2017 keyboard resource

Rhodes Chroma Polaris

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Super nice pics via this auction

"If you are looking at this, wise viewer, you already know what awaits; one of the most incredible polyphonic analog synthesizers ever created since the dawn of man and music. It would, in fact, not be too bold to state that this Rhodes Chroma Polaris completely embodies the timeless, incredibly sought-after sound of the 80s and beyond. From lush pads to stabbing leads, ringing pulse-modulated keys and shimmering textures, the Chroma Polaris was the absolute cutting edge of analog synthesizer technology at the time of its release in 1984. Any musician, with the means at their disposal, would be considered naught but addlebrained fools, to neglect bringing every resource to bear in acquiring this incredible machine with all due haste.

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1975 ARP OMNI 1 Vintage Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer String Machine

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Published on Dec 17, 2016 keyboard resource

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Update: Re-listed here. Almost thought this was this one, but realized the rug is different.

"Looks good and works correctly. The slider caps have fallen apart on the inside. So, I wedged some electrical tape inside to keeps them from falling off. Some bolts are missing on the bottom.

With this original model, there is only one synth envelope which is shared for all keys. So, if you are holding down notes and hit another key, all held notes will retrigger. This was corrected with the OMNI 2 (1977)."

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CONN min-o-matic rhythm Drum Machine

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Published on Aug 2, 2012 keyboard resource

"This little drum box has suction cup feet and was supposed to sit on top of a home organ. Not very complicated or useful but has some charm, I guess. Probably from the late 1960's based on 'Teen Beat' selection."

Update: found a video of one above. Note this is not the actual one for sale below.

via this auction

"Cool little rhythm unit. Could be made to fit into a 5u module. Perfect xmas gift!"

Only one other has been featured on the site. There was a video of a third, but it appears to have been pulled.

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1977 SLM Concert Spectrum Vintage Analog String Synthesizer SN 1551

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Published on Apr 26, 2015 keyboard resource

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"Condition: Works good. Bottom-left corner is cracked. Includes metal legs and crossbar. The legs may be missing parts to keep it from tilting. I'm not sure as I've never seen a picture of the complete package. See pictures.

The SLM (St. Louis Music) Concert Spectrum is an extremely rare, stereo analog string/brass/piano synthesizer from the mid-1970's.

Famously used by Richard Tandy of The Electric Light Orchestra. It is mention in this excerpt from a December 1978 Keyboard magazine article: 'Richard's collection of onstage instruments consists of a Hohner Clavinet, a Polymoog, a Yamaha CS-80 synthesizer, a Mellotron (called "Old Faithful" by Tandy), a seven-foot Yamaha grand piano, and the Wutlitzer. In addition to these, the band carries several back-up keyboards - an extra Mellotron, two spare Wurtlizer electric pianos, a Minimoog, and an SLM Concert Spectrum string synthesizer - in case any of the front-line instruments malfunction.'"

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1979 KORG ES-50 Lambda Vintage Polyphonic Stereo Analog Synthesizer

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Published on Nov 13, 2016 keyboard resource

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"Has some scratches and chips in wood but works great. See pictures.

The Korg Lambda polyphonic, stereo ensemble synthesizer is most like the Moog Opus 3 except that it has more voices and is more versitile. There are 9 different sounds to choose from and layer as you like to create truely unique and interesting sounds."

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1978 JEN Synthetone SX-2000 Portable Monophonic Analog Synthesizer

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Published on Nov 13, 2016 keyboard resource

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"Looks beat up. One slider is broken and needs to me moved with a narrow object (like a screwdriver). The triggers for several notes need to be cleaned or demagnetized as they get stuck off and need to be hit repeadly to get the kinks worked out.

Features:
- Portable analog synthesizer
- 44 keys
- Six presets: synthi, harpsi, flute, clarinet, violin, trumpet, piano
- One user patch
- Four wave shapes (saw + 3 square)
- 4 octave selector
- VCF and VCA envelope repeat, hold or ADSR selection
- Tuning slider is easy to access and can be used as pitch bender
- Portamento/glide
- VCA (tremolo) and/or VCF (vibrato) oscillator with intensity and speed controls
- Envelope frequency, emphasis and envelope amount controls
- VCF and VCA attack & decay controls
- Volume slider
- Real wood sides
- Made in Italy"

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