Roland VP-9000

images via this auction
Not the best shots, but you definitely don't see these often. I believe the VP-9000 was the synth that kicked off Roland's Variphrase technology which made its way into the VariOS and then the V-Synth.

Check out this post for a link to an excellent VP-9000 resource site. Note that this post and that are the only VP-9000 posts on MATRIXSYNTH today. I post what I come across and what people send in, so that gives you an idea of how often these come up. If I remember correctly the price was very high on these and they had a number of technical issues.

Moog 50th Anniversary Watch

via this auction

bought new in 2004

ROLAND GR-300 ANALOG GUITAR SYNTHESIZER

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KORG 770

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"It uses Korg's genius high-pass/ low-pass filter combination and throws in some unique features (scaled noise, chorus setting on oscillator 1, 2 LFOs, oscillator cross fader, auto bend, and a flexible envelope). It also allows you to run an external sound source into its ring modulator and filter! The low key action is the best I played on a vintage synth. This 770 includes the original dust cover, owner's manual, and sound settings book (with black patch sheets)."

x0xb0x

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"The x0xb0x is an open-source remake of the legendary Roland TB-303 analog synthesizer. This is a brand new synthesizer with non-pull components, yet its design has been fine-tuned by scores of analog enthusiasts to match the original device in every quiver. In fact in many ways it surpasses it, as it possesses modern ports like MIDI and USB.

What does it mean that the x0xb0x is open-source? It means people contributed their love and passion in creating the blueprints and have released them for everyone to see, to modify, and to reproduce. Open-source engineering leads to superior products that have fewer flaws. It is also an expression of freedom, with a capital F. I'll tell you, your hippie mom will be proud. Visit their site here.

This reification of those blueprints is true to them. No analog component has been been substituted. The rare, critical parts have been imported from England to create an uncompromised sound. Scores of enthusiasts have sought these same parts as a DIY kit, waited months for their turn on the waitlist, spent hours sorting through the five hundred components, learned to solder for their very first time, and carefully calibrated their creations through make-shift sound card scopes, hoping it would work, hoping to relive the groundbreaking sound of the TB-303. They experienced the passion, but you can save yourself the headache.

This x0xb0x has been assembled by an experienced builder and calibrated with a LeCroy 9310AL digital oscillloscope. Its sound was A/B compared to a working x0xb0x to make sure nothing was amiss."

Features:
* Pure analog voice circuitry
* Critical analog components including:
o 2SC1583, 2SC2291, 2SC945P transistors
o 2SK30AO and 2SK30AY JFETs
o AN6562 and BA6110 Op-Amps
o LA4140 Power Amplifier
o 1% Thin-film resistors
* Calibrated with high-end oscilloscope
* High-quality Lexan overlay
* Clear back panel
* Un-modded (original sound)
* Contact us for x0xio I/O and Overdrive kit
* Other features:
o MIDI Play
o PC hookup (software included)
o EEPROM for 128 banks of track memory/64 banks of pattern memory
o Computer download and upload of saved tracks/patterns
o Upgradeable firmware (preloaded latest v1.05. Will be upgraded to sokkos at customer's request)

Input/Output:
* DINSYNC (in/out)
* MIDI-in
* MIDI-out
* MIDI-thru
* CV (⅛")
* Gate (⅛")
* MIX-in (¼")
* Headphone (¼")
* Line-level out (¼")
* USB for computer interface & control

Ensoniq FIZMO Realtime Transwave Polyphonic Synth

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"Ensoniq FIZMO Realtime Transwave Synth (serial # 10679). As this was one of the later production units, the regulator “fix” was done at the factory and replaced with the corrected MC7805CT."

Anyone confirm later Fizmo's did not have the regulator problem? If so, anyone know the cutoff point for serial numbers?

Custom Soundlab Analog Synth

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"Listen to mp3 demos and more photos at --> www.healthclub-music.com/notes.htm
This is Soundlab Notes analog synthesizer by Health Club Music.
It is one compact unit with many features.

It has the following features:
2 VCOs (Both have Saw Waveforms, VCO2 also has Square Wave with adjustable Pulse Width)
1 LFO with switchable Square, Saw, Triangle, and Ramp Waves
1 VCF that is Resonant and is switchable between BandPass and LowPass Modes
1 VCA
2 Attack Release Envelopes (AR1 or the LFO can be switched to retrigger both Envelopes, looping them like LFOs)
1 Manual Trigger Arcade Button can trigger or gate the AR Envelopes
1 Envelope Follower that is triggered by the External Audio Input and can be sent to VCO 1, VCO2, VCF, and VCA
Many input and output jacks, look at the photos!

The VCOs can be Synced with the Sync Switch and can be Linked with the Link Switch.
When the Link Switch is on, the VCO1 Freq knob tunes both VCOs and the VCO2 freq knob offsets VCO2 from VCO1, so you can play the same chord at different notes. When the Link Switch is off, both VCOs are tuned independently of each other.
The Envelope Follower works great with drum machines and guitars. Depending on what you like to play, Notes will give funky spacey effects on your guitar riffs or an extra filter sweep and groovy beats with your drum machine.

There is a headphone amp on the main output, so you can listen to this synth on your headphones. There is a pre-amp on the audio input, so you can plug your guitar straight into the input.
The external CV1 and CV2 input jacks are linked, so that when you plug in a CV input into CV1 jack, it sends the CV to both oscillators, VCO1 and VCO2. You can also disconnect this link by plugging in your external CV input into just the CV2 input.

Notes takes two 9v batteries. The case is a hard plastic mini briefcase that opens up on both sides! The two lids can also detach completely from the case. You can store your papers and even some patch cables on your next trip.

The circuit on this synth is based on a design by Ray Wilson. Check out www.musicfromouterspace.com for more of his exciting analog projects and PC boards."

Audiotool by hobnox

YouTube via fractaljay. via the hobnox blog.
"Right out of the box nox!

Mix it up old school with this Flash/browser-based Audiotool for making beats. http://www.hobnox.com/ [audio tools when you get there]

Simulating the popular Roland TR-909 and TB-303 with additional effects using pedals and rumored upcoming MIDI support."

Messing around with the Hobnox Audio Tool

YouTube via zincyams100. via the hobnox blog.
"Playing around with the Hobnox Audio Tool:
http://www.hobnox.com/audiotool-start...

My computer screwed up a bit here and there, but i think it sounds pretty good. I made the beats and the bass line myself, the picture used throughout is the setup I had by the end. This is cut down from a 9 minute version by the way."

Dangers of Anvil Case Foam Rubber

This one pretty much speaks for itself.

Don't store your synths in Anvil foam cases for an extended period of time. The foam breaks down over the years.

via Michael:

"This kind of foam destroyed the finish of my Chroma :-( It sat in an Anvil case for a long time."