Oakley Sound Modified Roland RS-101

Published on Nov 17, 2012 by TaklaMakanMusic

"So this is my attempt to turn a rather battered old Roland RS-101 into a new and very useful machine.

The unit arrived in several pieces when I first got it. Over the period of a few months, when I could grab the time, I fixed it up and then modified it.

I upgraded the power supply, added the human voice circuitry from the VP-330, created a balanced stereo output, put a proper mixer for each tone, added an ensemble bypass switch for each tone and added the ensemble modulation section from the RS-505.

What you see in this video is me just mucking about with the various switches and pots on the unit. The first sound is the VP-330's human voice circuitry, then the brass, then the strings. Note that this RS-101 now has three ensemble modes - controlled by the furthest switch on the left. Mode 1 is the RS-505's ensemble I, mode 2 is the RS-505's ensemble II and mode 3 is the RS-101 default chorus although is has been made stereo.

It should be noted that the RS-101's oscillators and note gating circuitry are different to the RS-505 and the VP-330 so it won't sound exactly like either. But I think it has its own sound which is rather pleasing.

Photographs and more details about the mod can be seen at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/87190215@N07/sets/72157631738730018/

I should say sorry for the rather tatty video quality. The room was dark and my camera is somewhat limited. This, however, is the raw sound from the RS-101. There are no effects added.

http://www.oakleysound.com"

Roland Museum Germany Massive Synthesizer Selloff - Most Gear for Sale in a Single Auction

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

This one in via Marko of Retrosound.de.

26.000,00 Euro gets it all.

via eBay

Someone needs to contact the Guiness Book of World Records. Longest list of gear for sale ever:

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1975 ROLAND RS-101 - Vintage Polyphonic Analog String Machine

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via this auction

"Stunning 1975 Roland RS-101 String Machine in fully serviced and restored condition.

Fully polyphonic string synth with individual VCAs and envelopes for each note.

The first of the Roland synths to feature the lush Ensemble effect (the RS-101 has 4 modulated delay lines vs the rs202's 3 delays and the difference shows) and this stringer has the mojo in spades. It's as lush as they come.
The excellent feeling 5-octave Keyboard is split, bi-timbral, with Strings I, Strings II, and Brass either side of the split, and with variable tone control, fully independent Slow Attack, Variable Sustain, and Volume Soft options.

Very expressive synth, with a beautiful haunting tone, and being fully polyphonic (unlike the earlier Solina) the expressivity is fantastic. Sits perfectly in a mix. Again, the ensemble

This synth has undergone meticulous restoration, including recapping of almost 100 caps, full restoration of all pots, switches, etc. Keybed fully restored. It's bulletproof and should provide use for many more decades to come.

230v model."

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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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Roland SH-101 and RS-09 videos by Dovinia

Analog Impressions #006


"This sound sketch comprises an unusually somber Roland SH-101 and a roll of tape with a little stream and early morning bird song. The delay effect is provided by a Revox A77 tape machine."

Analog Impressions #004


"An abysmal , monotonous piece largely dominated by a wide array of Electro Harmonix effects. The synths used are a Roland RS-09 Organ/Strings and an SH-101 running through EHX Deluxe Memory Man, Polychorus, Frequency Analyzer, Deluxe Electric Mistress and Small Stone."

Roland SH 101 and RS 09 with Korg minipops SR 120


"Here's a little improvisation on my SH-101 and a newly arrived RS-09 and Korg minipops SR-120.
It's just a little piece to show you a complete, 100% analog setup which is relatively cheap and very compact. The SH-101 is running through a Deluxe Memory Man analog delay and the RS-09 is running through a Small Stone phaser."

Roland RS-101 String Synthesizer

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via this auction

"Roland RS-101 String Synthesizer 70's Vintage - This unit has some scratches and cosmetic wear, but fully operational and functional in pretty good condition. We have maintained all keys (rs-101 or 202 usually have same key problem), tested all keys, knobs, switches, faders, outputs works fine. The latches for the case missing, not affects playability. Check the test movie on youtube the link below." [previously posted here]

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Autumus - Fake Truth

YouTube via AtlantisLion | July 15, 2010

"Made with Roland SH-101 and Roland RS-09 synthesizers, and Roland CR-78 drum machine."

Autumus presents Furricide - Falling Through

AtlantisLion | July 15, 2010

Collaboration with a friend which was called Furricide.
Made with Roland SH-101 and Roland RS-09 synthesizers, and Boss DR-55 drum machine.
Guitar by Mark Steward

Autumus - Extasy, Devotion

AtlantisLion | July 15, 2010

Made with Roland SH-101 and Roland RS-09, and Roland CR-78 drum machine

more

Roland RS-101 Strings string/brass synthesizer

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

via this auction

The RS-101 is a very nice 70's string ensemble from Roland. The Keyboard is split into upper and lower sections with switches for Brass, String 1, String 2, Slow Attack, and Soft Volume for each section. It also incudes control for Sustain, Vibrato and Tone.

This RS-101 is in perfect working condition and in very good condition!!
This unit was overhauled by Roland."

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Synamiitti 2015

Published on Sep 6, 2015 Petri Kauppi

"Turun syntetisaattoriseuran Synamiitti 2015"

Video from this year's Synamiitti synth event in Finland.

Some details on the event via http://synamiitti.com for the archives:

"12:00-18:00 Synamiitti, Loads of synths on display
The Daytime event is free of charge and the bar is open.
Päivätapahtuma on ilmainen ja Dynamossa on A-oikeudet.
AFTERPARTY
21:00-02:00 Live performances by:
RONSKIBIITTI (21:30)
MR VELCRO FASTENER (22:30)
visuals by:
VJ TURU SANOMA
Ovet/doors 21.00, liput/tickets 6e, ennakot/advance 8raita & Ticted
The Afterparty is presented by: TELMU & Turun Syntetisaattoriseura

ON DISPLAY / PETTING ZOO

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RS-101 modifications

flickr set by Oakley Sound
(click for more)

"Have you seen the prices of the Roland RS-505 and the VP-330? Getting high aren't they? So this is my attempt to turn a rather battered old Roland RS-101 into a new and very useful machine.

The unit arrived in several pieces when I first got it. Over the period of a few months, when I could grab the time, I fixed it up and then modified it.

I upgraded the power supply, added the human voice circuitry from the VP-330, created a balanced stereo output, put a proper mixer for each tone, added an ensemble bypass switch for each tone and added the ensemble modulation section from the RS-505.

She's still not a pretty thing but a very useful addition to my little studio.

There are some more details about the modifications with each picture."

Roland RS-101 + Roland RE-150 + Fostex 3180 test

Published on Nov 19, 2015 SubTokyoShop

"Roland RS-101 String Synthesizer
+ Roland RE-150 Space Echo
+ Fostex 3180 Spring Reverb

All units serviced and fixed."

subtokyoshop on eBay | subtokyoshop on Reverb

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Roland RS-101 String Synthesizer

via this auction

"Roland RS-101s are rather basic string ensemble synths, but they deliver a lush analogue string sound! They are fully polyphonic, using divide-down circuitry...

RS-101s are nice vintage analog string machines. They are budget string synths… certainly compared to Arp Solinas and others, but they are lightweight and well-constructed… being perfect for gigs. They have split controls for the lower and upper halves of the keyboard. In addition to the two string sounds per half, they also have a brass sound. In my opinion, the brass sound is less impressive by itself and really is most useful to add richness and/or punch to the strings, although it has almost a solo-worthy quality when used with lots of vibrato. Brass’s tone control slider has a “filtery” effect, too, which is cool when using just that sound. There are tone controls for both strings and brass, and each half of the keyboard has both an attack and a soft volume control switch. The RS-101 also features a vibrato control slider, and it also has sustain control sliders for both the upper and lower halves of the keyboard separately."

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Roland RS-101 Analog String Synth 1975

via this auction
"This 1975 RS-101 model is exactly the same as the later 1976-77 model RS-202, except the RS202 added a switch to turn the ensemble off. As the ensemble effect is the main key to the string synth sound, you never want to turn it off, as that is what makes the classic and lush 70's/80's synth string sound, so the RS-101 delivers that dreamy sound you can get lost in."

1973 Roland RS 101 String Synth

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

via this auction

"Instant 70s and disco action. 1973 Roland RS 101 String Synth. Same as RS 202 but with slightly different chorus. This one has a 3 way switch chorus. Very Rolandy Chorus and also a cool vibrato that is fun to tweak in real time. All working. No cover on this one. Slight body damage on left side but covered by tape. Add a delay pedal and things will get crazy... Classic 70s string sound that is different than the other 2 more famous string synths from that era. Reminds me of David Bowie and Joy Division."

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Roland RS-101 Analog String Synth SN 401673

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

via this auction

"This listing is for a vintage Roland RS-101 string synthesizer from the 1970s. From what I've read these are fairly uncommon because they were quickly replaced with the RS-202. This one has some minor wear around case and a few small flakes off the paint in corner, but otherwise it's in excellent condition and has been very well taken care of. All electronics are fully working. It was recently serviced, which included recapping the power supply, cleaning switches, key contacts etc so this synth should be reliable for quite some time. It has an beautiful, lush chorus and adjustable vibrato intensity that thickens up the tone perfectly. There isn't a huge selection of control options, but if you want a classic 70s string sound this is the keyboard for you..."

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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

Roland RS-101 Analog Strings

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

via this auction

"Vintage Roland RS-101 61-Key Analog Synthesizer With Case"

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Roland RS-101 Vintage Analog Synthesizer Strings Brass w/ Case

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

via this auction

"The Roland RS-101 is a 61 key string synth, which also includes a brass section. Being a string synth, it is fully polyphonic, but programability is limited. This is in pretty decent condition, and comes with a flightcase."

Nice Bengal cat!

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Roland RS-101 String Synthesizer + RE-201 Space Echo test

Published on Jan 13, 2017 SubTokyoShop

"Roland RS-101 String Synthesizer + RE-201 Space Echo test

both units serviced and maintained in perfect conditions

subtokyoshop on eBay | subtokyoshop on Reverb

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Roland RS-101 String Ensemble

YouTube Published on Jun 3, 2012 by zibbybone

"Crappy out of focus video of Roland RS-101 String Ensemble keyboard. Will make new video soon." You can still hear and get a feel for it though.