https://www.vintageaudioinstitute.com/synthesizers-drummachines-tape-echo-effects daily 1.0 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/1befee4c-869e-4bbe-85d6-5ba05e233773/Steelphon+synthesizer+synth+s900+analog+monophonic+oscillator+vintage+torino+yellow+preset+lo-res.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/202e5edb-27bc-4183-99e0-d3e74e78c561/Binson+EC10+echo+synth+echorec+2+milano+effect+delay+tape+machine+echoes+halo+swell+lo-res.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/1665ffc9-1f27-45f9-9efb-4eaf99ccbc2d/Solton+polyvox+k+disco+64+programmer+24+auto+accompaniment+drum+machine+analog+vintage+lo-res.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/43f1827e-d48d-4c98-8e91-fbc83107e26f/VAI_PRINT+Smaller+logo.jpg https://www.vintageaudioinstitute.com/echoes-and-fx-binson-echorec daily 0.75 2024-10-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/1a87bb16-c470-4d75-a33d-98496c9c42dd/FBT+R-21+WM2.jpg Echoes and FX FBT ELETTRONICA R-21 - 1980s - An electro-magnetic Leslie simulator for Chorus and wobble effects, based on the latest development in electro-magnetic technology. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/f13f50ce-41df-4ca9-8337-40ea7661826c/SOlton+Cathedral+2000+WM1.jpg Echoes and FX SOLTON CATHEDRAL ECHO 2000 - 1980s. Borrowing freely from the Roland Tape Echoes this unit share many of the same functions. And sounds fantastic. A great tape echo and spring reverb machine that's almost a clone of the Roland RE-201 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/03e85ac3-f120-4571-aff8-eecaef31ce3c/P1050248.jpg Echoes and FX BINSON ECHOREC 2 - 1965 - Back in the day, Pink Floyd never had less than three Binson Echoes on stage - another, golden, brick in the wall of sound. This was the very cutting edge of technology when they were manufactured in 1960s Milan but you find them in many modern studios still today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/b3ed60a0-14f0-47a2-b4f9-ea8c104b9549/P1050188.jpg Echoes and FX DAVOLI ECHO 2K - 1970s - A unicorn, fixed-speed, magnetic disc echo machine much like the Binson Echorec units, with separate halo volume mounting the same technology as Lombardi mixers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e56d56ea-79e1-46c9-872e-fcffb49dccec/P1050138.jpg Echoes and FX BINSON EC10 - mid 1970s - Only for the real heads, this echo unit features the most magnetic heads of any Binson model - 10 repeat heads plus the erase head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e73cb831-4343-4b20-a758-05e0cfafbb49/P1050141.jpg Echoes and FX BINSON ME-8 - 1982 - The last disc echo model Binson made is truly a great machine, generating the cleanest magnetic disc repeats we've ever heard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/33bf22da-98de-4ffa-b9d2-85d62a69ca80/P1050216.jpg Echoes and FX DAVOLI ECHO K4 - 1978 - As stunningly designed as it is rare, this is a very robust, fixed-speed tape echo unit with separate halo effect on each repeat head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/4397b702-ebf6-4833-9cce-9ae91ce56780/P1050389.jpg Echoes and FX COMPACT PHASER ROTOR MONSTER - 1970S - What is this Rotor Monster from Germany? Obviously inspired by the Schulte Compact Phasing A both by name and design, they most likely originated from different sides of the wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/72df2975-1103-4ac2-a7f0-d7f9db52e973/P1050339.jpg Echoes and FX Emthree PFV3 - 1980s - Amazingly rare, battery powered, formant filter effect unit. Or you could also call it an equalizer with three fixed variables. PFV stands for Parameter Filter Vowels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/42faaf27-1205-481e-b409-8aacc1280005/P1050502.jpg Echoes and FX EMTHREE PULSATRON MIXER - 1980S - A mysterious, vintage guitar multi-effect that looks like its from the future in the 80s but sounds like it's from the 60s - Emthree does it again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/32253dfe-3f4c-4a1d-be08-90acff4d1113/P1050483.jpg Echoes and FX EMTHREE QUASAR MIXER - 1980s - Another stunning device from Emthree, this is a multi-effect and tape echo combo closely related to the equally awesomely named Pulsatron Mixer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/eb26551b-3f83-4dda-8d95-73f89bdb778b/P1050421.jpg Echoes and FX MAESTRO SOUND SYSTEM FOR WOOD WINDS W-3 - 1960s - Did American Maestro / Gibson give us the first multi effect pedal ever? Heavenly odd timbres comes out of this thing - unlike anything else - really. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/6d42416a-c1a9-4064-8f3f-41b5f6d23c09/P1050443.jpg Echoes and FX MAESTRO UNIVERSAL SYNTHESIZER SYSTEM - 1970 - Gigantic, multi-effect machine originally conceived for guitar butcan with some careful volume tweaking sound great on pretty much anything. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/2acb0f8e-6d53-4853-b3ee-375898c3c965/P1050529.jpg Echoes and FX MU-TRON PHASOR II - 1977 - In the words of the Mu-Tron makers themselves : “Mu-tron Phasor II is a new, advanced phase-shifting device designed to give the musician true state-of-the-art performance in a rugged, compact package at a very affordable price". https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/f7489f16-ae74-47d5-af9d-22eb6b274d30/P1050517.jpg Echoes and FX SCHALLER YOY-YOY BOW-WOW - 1970s - A west German, well-built phaser and wah pedal that actually sounds like it's name. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a0e00ae7-4b3c-435f-9896-e6ff23666cda/P1050302.jpg Echoes and FX SCHULTE COMPACT PHASING A - 1970s - "A piece of recording history that shaped the sound of Krautrock" to quote Hainy. And it has both "number one" and "1" written on it. And A. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ac39cbb8-7650-413c-b622-982edcbaa2fb/P1050416.jpg Echoes and FX SMALL STONE EH4800 PHASE SHIFTER - 1975 - A New York-made icon, Electro Harmonixs' Small Stone Phase Shifter is just legendary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/2d5fd0a1-9469-4ca2-98fd-b9f3314505a4/FBT+R-21+WM1.jpg Echoes and FX The resulting effect is more of a chorus effect than a rotating speaker Leslie cabinet one. It's sounds great on guitar, synths and vocals as well as organs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ca92de3c-ba47-4424-a56d-ef4fbc7bb33e/Roland+RE-301+WM1.jpg Echoes and FX ROLAND CHORUS ECHO RE-301 - 1977 - The Space Echo series are classic go-to tape echoes, and this top of the line model adds both spring reverb and chorus effect. For the duration of long career in music there's always been at least one model of these around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a93496bb-de6e-4081-bc94-346d23dc918b/SOlton+Cathedral+2000+WM6.jpg Echoes and FX The four repeat heads are engaged with double sets of switches for echo (one repeat) or repeat (many repeats) mode. On board is also the famous Sound on sound effect, disengaging the eraser head and turning the unit in to a loop device. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/68607b21-e2d7-44b7-8880-11ae73f04474/P1050252.jpg Echoes and FX Used mainly by guitar players back in the day, although the original manual states it "adds swell, echo or reverberation to any signal from a guitar, disc or radio", they really do sound incredible on pretty much anything - if you don't expect clean echo repeats that is. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e993a41c-17fa-44c7-897a-7b91b6bd3908/P1050192.jpg Echoes and FX There are general controls for Halo volume (a less distinct repeat) and Repeat volume (classic echo bounce). There is a double function volume knob to control echo volume and clean signal volume separately. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/793351b5-8f9f-48c0-8611-5f533471b5e1/P1050127.jpg Echoes and FX Made in very limited production run there are apparently two versions of this very model, with the engage head push buttons placed differently. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/d39e119e-bcb1-4424-ba5e-060b39157876/P1050147.jpg Echoes and FX The unit is laid out like a compact, portable 8 channel mixer with the disc echo hard-wired to each channel. Inputs have a 50/200 gain switch on each channel for low or high impedance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/cfffec18-3885-4001-bea6-72811308fe1a/P1050229.jpg Echoes and FX The unit is fixed speed and has a motor off switch as well as a record only function only - using it as a tape loop basically. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/11f2d919-b3fd-43fc-8345-fd466c953174/P1050395.jpg Echoes and FX After a quick peak inside and we think this might a prototype of the Vermona phaser, manufactured by the East German company Vermona. The knobs and tolex is the same as used in their 1970s gear, like the drum machine ER-9 for example. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/2223bdd3-b49b-4914-9296-3228cb5b9051/P1050345.jpg Echoes and FX The 3 settings are in the vocal range, emulating vowels of the human voice. It kind of does the job depending on the frequency range of the instrument or sound you send in to it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/aa0dddeb-f2ea-46d0-a96b-d12e1cd9c948/P1050503.jpg Echoes and FX Contrary to its 1980s stereo look, the sounds this machine generate are firmly anchored in the 1960s. With such effects on board as Fuzz, Phaser, Tremolo and Chorus (actually a vibrato), this belongs on a Garage Rock guitarists pedal board. Or it could replace the pedal board entirely. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/938e5fb0-b11e-4422-abed-2a77a4d1504e/P1050487.jpg Echoes and FX While the Pulsatron was conceived specifically for guitar players, the Quasar caters to a small band by adding 4 input channels with individual volumes completely separate from the dedicated guitar effects channel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/b2ed91d0-2248-4090-a6c1-f06cee26e6cf/P1050423.jpg Echoes and FX Originally conceived either for wood wind instrument players (clarinet, flute, oboe etc) or to imitate them, the Maestro was championed by Jazz sax player Eddie Harris and originally came with a pick up microphone to attach to your horn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/b492997b-23b9-4bd8-8756-99fd5ea49aa2/P1050441.jpg Echoes and FX The USS-1 as it also referred to, is actually a compilation or best-of effect of a bunch of standalone pedals priorly released by Maestro. The brain behind some of the effects was no one less than a young Tom Oberheim - of later synth fame. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5197c7bc-204d-424c-a561-ddb00dfacc47/P1050531.jpg Echoes and FX Rugged indeed, this pedal is very nicely made and heavy to boot. American company Mu-tron also gave us the bigger phaser with the Mu-Tron Bi-phase, which apparently is equivalent of two of these. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/26437fa5-36f9-4203-8e2d-aa70e3321cda/P1050524.jpg Echoes and FX Great no frills design with a rather chunky body painted hammered silver. There are a few different versions of this pedal, this is the second version. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e83c9492-0880-4422-8f36-fdf5ac33fa1c/P1050310.jpg Echoes and FX It really is a standaout phaser : organic and complex enough to modulate whatever you heart desires in multiple ways. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5cc29d4a-a2cb-4c30-b86d-bae42161bec1/P1050414.jpg Echoes and FX After having introduced the Bad Stone phaser in the early seventies, Electro Harmonix perfected the pedal and released a number of versions that became the go-to phasers for guitarist in both Europe and the US. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/fedfc2fe-8852-4cbd-9206-85b5fc6a3c53/FBT+R-21+WM3.jpg Echoes and FX The design is simple and flat, made to sit on an amplifier or speaker and the build quality is heady duty. Each unit comes with its designated foot pedal without which it will simply not function. This can be remedied by shorting a pin internally if/when the pedal goes missing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/6287a890-c153-4ecd-a44f-f802aa14478a/SOlton+Cathedral+2000+WM5.jpg Echoes and FX Very sturdy build quality - this was manufactured by the German Solton, not to be mixed up with Italys Ketron, although they did collaborate on many devices. This particular unit produces repeats with a nice wobbly vintage feel to them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/dfcf3351-b1e5-4ef4-b163-3ed5a2a84ef1/P1050254.jpg Echoes and FX There are many opinions regarding input line levels and balanced or unbalanced signals - our experience is most Binson units handle them all brilliantly - with some attention to input level and output level of your signal it's not hard to find the sweet spot. Dialling down the input volume and turning up the echo volume you come close to a totally wet signal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/d3805d1f-7ec9-4d09-8458-840d6dfc33a5/P1050211.jpg Echoes and FX The repeats are generated by a magnetic disc instead of the more common magnetic tape but the principle is the same. It mounts 6 heads in total; 1 recording, 4 repeating and lastly the eraser head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/47e0060e-8e3d-4125-a0d2-cec8f6f46d15/P1050126.jpg Echoes and FX The disc is the same as on the later 1960s valve units but the heads and guts are quite different, the old tubes giving way to solid state transistors. The 10 dedicated push buttons engage playback on each head and the second set of 10 the heads feedback to the recording bus/head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/348d6c64-a65d-4a06-9735-bf6155c5124e/P1050151.jpg Echoes and FX This model offers separate Swell and Repeats options - and turning down the channel volume and raising the echo volume gives you wet echo audio signal only. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/938f2ef9-aaba-4e72-81ae-326edc3806e6/P1050399.jpg Echoes and FX It's a quit a chunky effect unit, even bigger than the Schulte phaser. The sound is thin and front of mouth, similar to the Vermona phaser. The Vermona phaser was used by Kraut rockers such as Conny Plank, you hear it on the NEU! records for instance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/78cd25e2-7978-4a58-b299-56a38b2d14b5/P1050351.jpg Echoes and FX It was produced in Italy by Emthree, formerly known as Meazzi, probably in the early 1980s. Emthree had a unique military style design on a lot of their gear at the time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/121e584d-238c-47c9-a564-49098a977424/P1050505.jpg Echoes and FX It comes with a large foot switch and has the classic, Hammond spring reverb as well as a compressor inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ed7159c8-e4e1-485a-ac0d-1128eb791041/P1050489.jpg Echoes and FX The 4 channels can be routed to the echo while the guitar has the effects center all for itself : Fuzz, Presence (compressor), Phasing, Chorus and Tremolo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/d13ab03b-2827-4ea5-a65e-e500ffded4ea/P1050426.jpg Echoes and FX The W-3 works well with guitar, organ, drum machines or pretty much anything with a fairly straight, unmodulated tone. The rocker switches are comb and formant EQ filters as well as tone generators for the bass and contra sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/efee6e79-2afc-4445-8d4f-dd59070db745/P1050445.jpg Echoes and FX The effects are as follows : Waveform, Filter & Sample/Hold, Phaser, Envelope, Sub-harmonic. The Sensitivity control slider affects the envelope and sub-harmonic, while the speed affects the phaser and filter LFO. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/2854d45e-16e0-4f48-ad25-2ace9ddff131/P1050533.jpg Echoes and FX The Phasor II is a fantastic vintage 70s phaser and once you start listening for it you'll hear it on many recordings from its era of production. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/0e5aa6c7-0a38-42eb-a18f-e0e28f5a1c91/P1050522.jpg Echoes and FX The Yoy-Yoy is a phaser-like frequency sweep while the Bow-wow is a classic wah. Great vintage tones here, especially the Yoy-yoy is fantastic on pretty much whatever you plug in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5428ef10-9770-4ade-bf78-502ff034156f/P1050316.jpg Echoes and FX Inside we find a unique optical engineering approach: two LFO controlled lightbulbs that affect light-sensitive resistors. If LFO is disengaged by the foot switch the unit works as an EQ or filter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/0176af1e-bb65-40e8-bd80-aa9709ba2c2c/P1050420.jpg Echoes and FX The Small Stone can be powered by either a 9 volt battery or a power adapter with a Centre Positive Polarity and mini-jack sized connector. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ae024fc0-4528-47ba-be38-dff1fe22f780/FBT+R-21+WM6.jpg Echoes and FX The variable speed of the chorus modulation is regulated by an internal plexi-glass disc, making the unit look like a tape echo device https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/d55e540f-3e06-4812-8175-ddf2b8fca981/Roland+RE-301+WM3.jpg Echoes and FX Peak Japanese build quality and engineering skills has resulted in an iconic effect device - you'll find a model of a Roland tape echo in estimetely 100% of recording studios world wide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/eb636eb0-dee8-4bf6-aa2c-cea37ed8b833/SOlton+Cathedral+2000+WM2.jpg Echoes and FX The front panel feature almost the same controls as the Roland RE-201 - down to the Sound on Sound feature. The spring reverb is called Cathedral effect instead of Reverb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/50d0f0e6-8e00-4f2c-a7af-00211812f740/P1050265.jpg Echoes and FX Due to how they age and were originally conceived Binson units produce amazingly vintage reverb and vibes rather than clean repeats. This unit was serviced by the same guy who originally assembled it at the Binson production plant back in the 1960s, when I brought it to him we found a note with his signature inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/0bb6d2e6-033e-408e-853e-7fb40a6b1d9a/P1050203.jpg Echoes and FX The whole echo mechanism, disc, heads and electronics were lifted from Germanys Schaller echoes. You find them in a few other Italian devices as well, such as the Lombardi mixers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/739e51b7-a545-4fef-a91c-1f1e4416a661/P1050129.jpg Echoes and FX A closer look reveals a typical later era black Binson disc literally swarmed by play back heads resulting in unique control over the repeats, wether rapid fire smatter or odd rhythmic figures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/297d455d-0a8b-4727-b018-644079765229/P1050157.jpg Echoes and FX The disc is the black version featured in most of Binsons solid state models with Play Out and Play Back functions for each playback head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e5f5f7ff-31c1-4dab-a1e7-af8c1d60853b/P1050232.jpg Echoes and FX Separate treble and bass controls as well as Echo and Halo volumes makes it great for sound sculpting. There's a direct signal volume too, meaning you can dial down the clean output signal completely to obtain effect only audio output https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a39c3e76-efdb-40f9-97d9-622d1611bc5a/P1050404.jpg Echoes and FX The print is professionally made - or at least semi-professionally, but quite faded. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/222fc49e-8754-4949-a7fb-c413c57e9c37/P1050347.jpg Echoes and FX It has two modes: 1. On / off buttons for each of the 3 preset vowel filters. 2. Gradual engage by using the three potentiometers. The two modes cannot be engaged simultaneously. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/179f92a2-442b-4116-8fa5-ba942ab29b54/P1050506.jpg Echoes and FX The Chrous, Tremolo and Phaser has variable speed and depth, the speed indicated by the lights under the plexiglass panel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/be9b0e4b-a6a1-4a23-80f7-d345c970a980/P1050486.jpg Echoes and FX The tape echo is Emthrees' Computer Echo - a device that was also sold independently - a simple but effective, two repeat-head affair. But it makes up for its lack of extra heads by having variable motor speed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a93041fe-d207-4eac-bfb3-5b2eda8fe2b4/P1050428.jpg Echoes and FX These preset sounds can be engaged individually or combined. Some of them actually come fairly close to imitating instruments, the oboe is spot on for example. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/dd32e1cf-3ecb-4564-8246-3e1486b28de9/P1050451.jpg Echoes and FX The individual effects are quite limited on their own, it's when you start combining them that the USS really shines. It's important to stress that these boxes need to be well calibrated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5bfb4879-b64c-41ee-8a42-6a4a2d65387a/P1050534.jpg Echoes and FX The 3 knobs control the rate, depth and feedback of the modulation. Rate controls the speed of the sweep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/cf0d72e3-3232-4a7e-af22-ce6b37680dff/P1050523.jpg Echoes and FX The Schaller also triples as a volume pedal by pushing down hard, quite useful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/55351c11-12bf-4ad3-b97c-06c5deeb025d/P1050319.jpg Echoes and FX The Schulte Compact emulation is quite varied, it can add a slight frequency vibrato to the processed signal. It's featured on a slew of Krautrock recordings, the quintessential track that's almost a demonstration to the Schulte phaser being Wolfgang Riechmans "Traumzeit". https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/de1cd513-2b06-43c6-8b5e-dbb358d25bf7/P1050418.jpg Echoes and FX The phasing action is best described as creamy, front to back of mouth if you understand what we're talking about. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/01d20501-ae8e-4b73-b76a-d2f5b1386c6e/FBT+R-21+WM5.jpg Echoes and FX The technology is quite one for the books, the variable speed range is expansive : it can go so slow you barely see it moving for that swooping effect you can't hear but you feel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a24db576-31f8-4078-ab7d-da133a7e715f/Roland+RE-301+WM4.jpg Echoes and FX The Re-301 was produced by Roland during the company's very peak. It has variable motor speed, 4 repeat heads with a spring reverb as well as a Chorus effect section, which is basically the incorporation of the Roland DC-50 stand-alone chorus machine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ca15f2c7-c53a-4a04-b706-4cade73ac861/SOlton+Cathedral+2000+WM3.jpg Echoes and FX Under the hood we find the standard first recorder head, then four repeat heads and finally one eraser head. The tape loop is short on these models but the next version, the Solton Cathedral 3000, shared the same length tape as the Roland echo machines, utilising the same tape tray design. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/193fc3d8-bcad-4baa-b86c-71902d1053ec/P1050267.jpg Echoes and FX The typical Binson echo always use the same technology - a thick disc with a tightly wound wire that works as a magnetic memory - much like a short tape. These machines usually needs some minor tinkering to run properly and needs oil applied to the shaft powering the disc regularly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/02ecc04c-e287-40ad-b8f5-949bc64de1f4/P1050199.jpg Echoes and FX The repeats are muddy and just as the Binson or other disc-based echo-units the result is vintage vibe and nostalgia rather than actual echo repeats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/13043c13-1fcb-4fb1-a7f2-bf6201d954db/P1050130.jpg Echoes and FX Binson stuck to their guns and except for a handful models the echo generation is always disc based. Our buddy Franco Avona who worked at the Binson plant back in the 1960s calibrated this one for us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/cee42a29-f97c-419e-8914-e468323085de/P1050159.jpg Echoes and FX You'll find a few spelling mistakes on various Binson unit control panels - this one says PLAY BACH instead of play back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5e5e7e97-4399-48e0-a9f9-cedb196b98e3/P1050247.jpg Echoes and FX The K4 has two separate inputs - depending on if you want to to use it as a send / return effect hence only need the wet, echo signal, or include the direct, dry signal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/81582af0-03c9-4742-9630-3bbb32397312/P1050403.jpg Echoes and FX Rotor Monster - now trademarked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8fea8ceb-798f-461f-b5ed-f2184db4acb9/P1050357.jpg Echoes and FX The unit is angled upwards towards the front by a detachable metal piece attached by two big knobs underneath. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/13b64c20-ac04-49c1-baad-7ce1dcdc6c9f/P1050510.jpg Echoes and FX The transparent plexiglass allows you to marvel at the insides of this mystifying device. Mostly 80s micro components on view. The spring reverb is hidden farther inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/d9863a20-1943-4d32-a769-cd797576155f/P1050437.jpg Echoes and FX The W-3 adds a Contra tab switch that generates a note two octaves lower than the signal, great for beefing up pretty much anything. Other than that, it's identical to the W-1 and W-2. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/d33910e3-b1d2-40d5-8fd3-a9212901461b/P1050448.jpg Echoes and FX While operating the Maestro USS, dialling in the right sensitivity and keeping the input volume at the right level is key. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/aceb8513-a2a7-4114-85d0-962ac2bfc31b/P1050535.jpg Echoes and FX Depth controls the depth/amplitude of the sweep (the size of the range in which the effect modulates). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5991c54d-b8ab-4002-ae05-e62e58d5d860/P1050520.jpg Echoes and FX These are classic pedals used commonly by Garage and Rock bands in 1970s West Germany. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/3e54365c-461d-4071-8ed5-be3d37cd04ce/P1050322.jpg Echoes and FX It only accepts mono audio input but can actually create a stereo audio signal if you attach either a Stereo jack or DIN output connector in the back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8d6b74df-732e-421d-878d-e3ecb7932bad/P1050417.jpg Echoes and FX The small Stone is best suited for low volume signals, from an electric guitar or a Hohner Clavinet for example, due to the specific input impedance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/b5185720-b086-497d-b76e-5bf8436422bd/FBT+R-21+WM4.jpg Echoes and FX In the back we find a jack audio input and output connector as well as the foot pedal connector. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/37a02d5a-7f3d-4e78-a959-03894deeef04/Roland+RE-301+WM5.jpg Echoes and FX The unit also features the Sound on Sound effect, effectively dis-engaging the eraser head resulting in the analog equivalent of the modern loop pedal, allowing you to overdub endlessly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/1afb81bb-6aa0-49ef-b5f0-6820ad4ae234/SOlton+Cathedral+2000+WM7.jpg Echoes and FX In the back we find the same foot switch controls as the Roland echoes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/1f52977c-3c04-4906-8a57-f47abf876a05/P1050258.jpg Echoes and FX The disc amplifier stage is tube based so great for distorted echoes while the irregular speed of the motor generate perfect vintage nostalgia often emulated by modern guitar pedals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/9c10d55f-55d7-46dc-8e29-2f2c5c1dd97a/P1050200.jpg Echoes and FX The input and output connectors in the back are original while the added echo signal output only, for an easy Send / Return, might not be original. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/b2adaec2-18e6-4616-8ed6-911ada93d844/P1010028.jpg Echoes and FX This is a fixed speed motor echo, meaning you regulate the tempo of the repeats by choosing which of the four echo-heads to engage. The motor is quite loud and the tape wear is considerable so turning off the motor when not in use is recommended. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/b0c8151a-a5c8-49c4-8927-052bb2f79889/P1050406.jpg Echoes and FX The unit originally had DIN in and outputs connectors that were switched to quarter inch jacks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ab3beb78-2d10-4c97-bb12-04848493b4d2/P1050352.jpg Echoes and FX The back sport a mono jack input and two separate outputs for high and low impedance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/743a13df-345c-425a-a668-86a0778da51d/P1050513.jpg Echoes and FX The back sports the quarter inch, mono, jack output as well as the pedal input (remote) and the mysterious power DIN connector most likely attachable to a second Emthree amplifier. This unit was modded with a regular power supply connector. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/68d8d528-7302-4233-9fbd-716ce1dffff9/P1050434.jpg Echoes and FX The W-3 was the third of 3 models manufactured by Gibson and engineered by certain well known synth pioneer - Tom Oberheim. It was a succes for the company and you can hear these units in action on Funk and Soul records from the 60s and 70s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a512f89e-57b6-49da-adf8-29bf3dc33855/P1050462.jpg Echoes and FX The back has an output and input jack, as well as two connectors for pedals to control the speed and frequency. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/f8e73163-1b93-49de-8a69-9d3af6d31690/P1050536.jpg Echoes and FX And last the feedback rate controls how much effect signal is sent back to the effect input for even more effect, it can literally feed back much like an amp. Connectors are input and output audio jacks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/0141dfbf-e399-4e92-9fa4-8c2332044979/P1050527.jpg Echoes and FX The pedal is battery powered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/0b481e11-c9c8-47f3-a202-4a39ef5a5cbe/P1050326.jpg Echoes and FX The foot switch is crucial, not so much for shutting on and off the LFO but without it the Schulte phaser simply won't phase at all. A workaround to not owning / finding the switch is to connect an empty DIN connector. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8e45c73c-52a7-47a0-9870-48f3160d0c14/P1050419.jpg Echoes and FX Underneath is where the battery hatch is hidden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/83180b3b-bb52-4990-9b54-ac437f31da7f/Roland+RE-301+WM6.jpg Echoes and FX A gut shot reveals the echo mechanism and tray that many tape echo devices copied or replicated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a2cbdf5f-e258-4bef-8eec-d7a2cc54ebc4/P1010031.jpg Echoes and FX Under the lid you find the classic set-up of 6 heads of which one is the record head, four are playback heads for the actual repeats, and the last head is the eraser head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5f279687-7e7e-4570-a04c-dc07b2010071/P1050465.jpg Echoes and FX MOOGER FOOGER PHASER & RING MODULATOR - 1998 & 1999 - Was it these classic effects introduced by Moog in the late 1990s that started the resurgence and re-evaluation of 1970s vintage gear? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ae0fbdda-8972-402d-a4c9-bcd3d5535623/Roland+RE-301+WM7.jpg Echoes and FX Close up shot of the repeat heads, this one has some wear from an estimated 40+ years of use. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/3e37ff29-30e9-4495-839d-28162be099f3/P1050491.jpg Echoes and FX Plenty of inputs here, two separate guitar inputs and low and high impedance for each of the 4 Instrument / Microphone channels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/f6321a82-e927-4477-8c6b-ae92550858a7/P1050467.jpg Echoes and FX Quoting Moog Industries themselves : "the Mooger Fooger pedals were direct descendants of Moogs modular synthesizer systems of the early 70s". https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/c2c94ae6-c78b-4d2d-b94c-c82a4be8320a/P1050497.jpg Echoes and FX Again Emthree opted for a DIN power cable solution to draw power from an external, separate amplifier. This unit will be modded with an external transformer. The Expander connector function is unknown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5c2c7a16-710b-4593-991e-9073b36517c3/P1050366.jpg Echoes and FX MONTARBO PHASE SHIFTER P.B.2 - 1970s - Gorgeous and heavy duty, steel combo pedal made in Italy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5a2f9f23-d46a-4c07-acda-c171d0a0eb1a/P1050468.jpg Echoes and FX The first of these to go on the market was not the phaser, it was the MF-102 Ring Modulator, that was released together with the MF-101 Low Pass Filter. After that though the phaser followed, it's one of the few 12 pole phaser ever released in pedal format. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/de40068a-f9fc-4494-9b8f-16c677b9d308/P1050367.jpg Echoes and FX Made for guitarists - Buzzer and Phase Shifter - or Fuzz and Phaser - it houses two effects in one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/69ba066b-276e-41dc-984b-2ab6a2b8935a/P1050475.jpg Echoes and FX The Mooger Fooger MF-102 Ring modulator operates by multiplying the input signal to create a wide range of different, trippy sounds, from bell-like gongs to chopped up tremoloes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/82976cac-8c97-4252-ad59-e6e704df8f7e/P1050373.jpg Echoes and FX The buzzer is a noisy distortion effect while the phaser offers a bit more control of parameters. . https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/7dcb11a2-3f9e-4455-8402-4b4f13a6f475/P1050478.jpg Echoes and FX The Mooger Fooger series consists of 8 pedals to our knowledge, with every April's Fool introducing a new, fictinal one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a9b0b2aa-c510-40be-ba98-d3d9c12f09a5/P1050371.jpg Echoes and FX The phase shifter sweeps through the frequencies like most phasers do, but also adds a bit of frequency vibrato. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/f05ebff0-f971-41be-b333-40c40d6e1d7e/P1050481.jpg Echoes and FX The back offers plenty of extra ways to interact with the effect: pedal controller inputs, LFO outputs, sweep in, and more. A great asset for sound sculpting and of course syncing with other machines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/72180432-8c48-499b-8b67-54f5397d6bf3/P1050139.jpg Echoes and FX The design is similar to the EC3, EC4, EC6 and EC8 models and the output is stereo, one clean channel and one with echo signal only. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/f28f0206-d758-4cd0-8f71-ee136af3b050/P1050377.jpg Echoes and FX Montarbo was quite design forward back in the day and this pedal is stunning to look at. There was also a Flanger in the same finish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/cf86f020-c06a-44f1-9060-9ea0d6813c4a/P1050380.jpg Echoes and FX No surprises in the back, input and output jacks along with a power switch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a0527359-97dc-4eac-994c-31e434bf0f52/P1050165.jpg Echoes and FX The back features 8 inputs, a mono as well as L and R, and a monitor output as well. There are two power outputs which was a feature more commonly found on Hi-Fi amps in the 70s. https://www.vintageaudioinstitute.com/synthesizers-and-string-machines daily 0.75 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/c285a806-5641-413f-ada9-0793cb7b2708/CRB+Oberon+WM2.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines CRB OBERON - 1979 - Amazingly rare and powerful, this dual, but actually triple, oscillator monophonic synth is the very apex of Italian synthesizer engineering and the crown jewel in the V.A.I. instrument collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/b5b3dc50-0b05-4942-a57e-3fb9e33c678d/CRB+Voco+String+WM1.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines CRB VOCO-STRINGS - 1979 The only Italian Vocoder ever produced, this is another rare gem from the limited CRB synthesizer production run - not many are still in circulation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/9c439882-414f-468e-848f-714f91cfa00c/EKO+P15+WM3.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines EKO P15 - 1979 - Reliable and straight forward, this is a useful monophonic synthesizer with the classic, analog synth leads and bass sounds. Compared to its predecessor the tones it generates are sweeter and softer on the ears. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/52c7dfec-5b60-4f86-9883-9ce9c520ae9a/Elka+ElkaTwin+61+WM3.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines ELKA ELKATWIN 61 - 1980 - A hybrid digital and analog string machine and preset synth from Elka that offers two identical sections that can be engaged simultaneously plus a monophonic bass section. Stay for the built-in phaser. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/36f12ef2-ac2d-4a30-a758-317c8a18db4d/FBT+Synther+2000+WM4.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines FBT Synther 2000 - 1973. This is an extremely rare, triple oscillator monophonic synthesizer with its own distinctive architecture, layout and a plane crash button. The FBT Synther 2000 has a unique look, layout and internal architecture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/475b277c-867c-48aa-b373-a314401e5a49/GEM+PK4900+WM3.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines GEM PK4900 - 1980. Monotron and Polytron - take the fast lane to classic synth and pad sounds of the 70s and 80s. This is a polyphonic brass and string machine as well as a monophonic synth, all playable simultaneously. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/0e6221c3-f0c5-4662-ade8-fdebdd95e3be/Logan+Piano+Strings+Orchestra+WM1.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Logan Piano Strings Synthesizer - 1975 - A rare bird that sounds like nothing else and has its sliders upside down. This was the dawn of polyphonic string machine and synthesizer technology and all three section instrument has that distinct, rich sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e58f7583-3188-4772-9146-564bf0a7b85e/Steelphon+S900+WM2.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines STEELPHON S900 - 1973. The powerful, dual oscillator Mono Synth that paved the way, is this the very first synth with programmable pre-sets? With organic and punchy tones, filter noise modulation, programmable presets and separate CV controls for each oscillator this is one of Italys finest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/9f6dc57a-2c10-4f09-aea9-d65fd866071c/Crumar+Multiman+S3+WM8.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Crumar Multiman S3 - 1985 - A Multiman to rule them all - this is the most advanced of the three models, with added modulation for the strings. The 4 sections are playable simultaneously : String machine, Piano and Polyphonic synthesizer, and lastly, a hardwired sub bass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ec256d73-6e85-4027-a760-10f99cc894cd/Elka+Solist+505+WM1.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Elka Solist 505 - 1976. The mono synth you didn't know you wanted, why does it sound so good?Could it be the 2 Moog filters on board? This odd looking bird is actually great for sticky leads and sound effects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/1c71dbd1-b68e-414e-a91a-0a9ce488aeac/Farfisa+Clavioline+WM9.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Farfisa Clavioline - 1960s. Was this the first mass produced synthesizer in Italy? Or was it manufactured in Germany by Selmer? This is a single oscillator, monophonic, 3-octave synthesizer powered by tubes that will take you straight back into time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/76199a29-1600-4321-921f-cd6e46676efa/Siel+Cruise+WM11.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Siel Cruise - 1981. One of Italys most successful Mono Poly combo-keyboards is a must for analog synth heads. Combining a versatile and hands-on, monophonic synthesizer with a polyphonic preset section we get a great, light weight instrument with its signal path printed onto the control panel. Stay for the cozy brown paint job. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e0c5feb8-dbf5-440d-b025-2124c9613cfc/Solton+Project+100+WM3+copy.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Solton Project 100 - 1983. A deceivingly light weight, polyphonic, 6-voice synthesizer with a whopping 12 digitally controlled oscillators, SSM filters and a heavenly Chorus with the push of a button, this synth can generate massive soundscapes with or without a few menu dives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/91cf534a-a1df-40eb-9232-f3c1a16d1f2b/P1020063.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Ekosynth - 1975 - EKOs very first synthesizer - a monophonic, single oscillator unit with a great filter section and perfect presets that sound nothing like the instruments they're supposed to emulate. In free mode this compact synth can generate a surprising variety of sounds and textures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/c2cb46db-8515-47f4-8832-21998f219920/Computerband+2001.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines EKO Stradivarius 1975 - The only String Machine to come out of the EKO factory, it's on par with the best in our opinion, generating the perfect 70s strings reminiscent of a certain Dutch stringer that starts with a S. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/42da168d-4c5e-4819-b9b5-bfd8970044ee/Farfisa+Syntorchestra+WM2.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines FARFISA SYNTORCHESTRA - 1975. An iconic string machine and monophonic synthesizer with a distinct character you recognise from your favorite Kraut Rock or Turkish Funk records. Nothing else really sounds like this. A quite popular synth back in the day it's championed by a slew of artists still relevant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/b9d8457c-1b73-43aa-8b64-03b963ca47a7/CRB+Diamond+709+WM1.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines CRB DIAMOND 709 - 1978. A practice in minimalism, this simple but great sounding string machine has two hardwired preset sounds. And a sustain and attack dial - less is more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/d2774a49-6f21-4bf5-b69d-a1a5469b2567/P1070585.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Busilacchio Amplipiano - 1968 - it's definitely not a synthesizer but it start with the letter B and we like to shake things up, so is it alright if squeeze this in here? This is an Italian version of the Wurlitzer electric piano - the American, compact, electro-acoustic piano that was sold in large numbers and distributed to every decent school with music classes throughout the USA in the 50s and 60s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/71d9b546-84bd-43a1-8bfe-e4ac7639c052/P1070220.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines FARFISA SOUNDMAKER - 1979 - A multi-section instrument composed of a polyphonic preset synth, a string machine and a monophonic synth with a fantastic filter and voltage controlled oscillator modulation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/0f3b3998-fa0a-47f4-8594-e0f67fda3f67/P1070288.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines WELSON SYNTEX - 1975. A versatile and user friendly, dual oscillator, monophonic synthesizer with the powerful Moog Ladder filter and 15 presets that just sound fantastic - was this the apex of Italian synth engineering? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5eaa6f9b-71cf-4883-bfa8-287ea6b2a91f/P1070316.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines LOGAN STRING MELODY - 1973 - The first generation String Melody is one of the very best string machines out there. An indispensable keyboard in any modern or vintage studio it was featured on a slew of cool records across multiple genres in the 70s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/20a0e988-afd2-474b-9cb5-e821244ad40f/P1080240.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines CRUMAR PERFORMER - 1979 A lightweight and compact string and brass synth that was a great success for Crumar. It was used on various recordings and is seen in live footage from back in the day, Duran Duran toured with one for example. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/d3247acd-29f3-4737-8edd-e5d54c2a3632/P1080195.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines CRUMAR DS2 - 1978 This is possibly the first synth with digitally controlled oscillators (DCO) - the DS in DS2 stands for Digital Synthesizer - a great leap forward towards pitch stability of course but don't be fooled - it utilises the same analog filter and signal path as traditional voltage controlled oscillator synths. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/90f9782c-86e0-47a8-b03c-dbf501dee29e/Crumar+Composer+WM3.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Crumar Composer - 1982 - King of the Italian combo synthesizers, this is also the V.A.I. desert island synth : 4 independent sections with all the classic 1970s and early 1980s sounds dialled in instantly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8c292094-f09a-41cf-9d28-ef659488945a/Crumar+Brassman+Light+7.jpeg Synthesizers and String Machines CRUMAR BRASSMAN - 1974 One of the early divide down Crumar machines sounds woody and organic and was for many years part of Tangerine Dreams setup - with bend and "rag" modulations to emulate a brass section, one wonders if this is the only dedicated brass keyboard? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/c44e4618-9380-424f-959d-9efc4ba894eb/Logan+Vocal+Synth+lo+res+1.jpeg Synthesizers and String Machines LOGAN VOCAL SYNTH - 1976 A monster synth someone called it. I'd be offended but it is on the chunky side that much is true, clocking in at over 50 kilos with the lid on - without the legs that is. A rare species of unicorn - let's settle for that. There was very little info on this one on the web but now there are a few videos that go deep, we made one and you'll find it on our YouTube channel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/4bbf14ca-018b-4108-a051-054a2fa3941f/Crumar+Cordatron+EditS+-41.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines CRUMAR CORDATRON - 1974 - This is a double handed instrument : a string machine with organ section, a brass synth section with filter controls, trigger-able analog drum sounds and chord and piano presets on a Stradella button board. On board are slimmed down verdsions of 3 Crumar instruments : Compac Strings, Compac Brass and Compac Piano. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/4192d00c-e20d-454a-8c95-26299a42bf12/Steelphon+S900+WM1.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Steelphon S900 - 1973. Is this the only yellow vintage synthesizer? Amplifier producer Steelphon from Turin developed this very well-built and punchy, dual oscillator monophonic synthesizer with great modulation capabilities and 6 modifiable presets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/502ee1dc-bea4-4e37-aaff-b4adf0ec6f38/Steelphon+Mago+keeper-35.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines STEELPHON MAGO - 1973 - this was Italys first consumer synthesizer - in a sense that it was manufactured in a factory to be sold to consumers rather than invented at home by an enthusiast or sold as an oscillator assembly-kit. Made in Turin in the modest production run of about 50 way back in 1971, this is a small but extremely powerful monophonic synth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/63f7b926-62bf-4b5b-a689-e3a54247d7e6/Farfisa+Syntorchestra+4+keeper+-22.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines FARFISA SYNTORCHESTRA 4 - 1982. A gorgeous and compact polyphonic and monophonic combo machine with strings and brass presets and a synth section armed with delicate flute leads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/50138ef6-733a-4231-9df3-197fc1682aee/Elka+Synthex-12.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines ELKA SYNTHEX - 1981 - Undoubtedly one of the most legendary instruments to ever come out of Italy. The Stradivarius of synths, a masterpiece engineered by Mario Maggi and famously championed by Jean-Michel Jarre (he apparently still owns 3 of them), Martin Gore from Depeche Mode, Keith Emerson and other professionals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8af2cb48-1969-4959-a361-3cdc2a3dd635/P1030302.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines SIEL OPERA 6 - 1983. This hands-on and user-friendly 6-voice, polyphonic synthesizer with touch sensitivity, a 88-slot memory bank and MIDI might make your Juno jealous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/f68579c2-f2aa-4dc0-b4cb-47f602bbf637/Siel+Orchestra+2+-25.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines SIEL ORCHESTRA II - 1983 - A fantastic compact string, piano and brass machine. This updated version has great modulation options compared to the rather limited predecessor, the Siel Orchestra. The design got an upgrade as well granting a full view of the signal path, which together with the heavy presence of toggle switches makes it instantly recognizable as a Siel product of the era. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/72347fe7-67cb-4e83-ba25-e160f9c8e07c/Farfisa+Combo+Compact+-28.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines FARFISA COMBO COMPACT - 1967 - Is this how it started? One could argue that the Compact series were foundational to Italy's industry of instrument production. They also put Italy on the map internationally in the same regards when exported all over Europe and Americas. An incredibly compact (!) and well-built tube organ it is indeed, with its distinct tone it conquered the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/c34d2a30-98c1-4551-913b-6cab19ef298c/CRB+Oberon+WM3.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Quite heavy for it's modest size it's crammed with double sided circuitboards. One of a handful still in existence this is a complex synth with lots of sound sculpting and modulation capabilities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/92eed0f4-1de6-41e7-9271-b0c241c6a60d/CRB+Voco+String+WM4.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The on-board string machine is very lush sounding - on its own or as a so-called carrier signal to the modulator, which is usually a voice but you can vocode anything really. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/42a7f70f-173a-4a84-b9f0-c261b3a003fb/EKO+P15+WM2.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines It's a single oscillator instrument that's easy to use and delivers classic leads and basses as well as woody filter sweeps and space drums sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a6d40b7f-fc3f-4b8a-b15c-275b2d018104/Elka+ElkaTwin+61+WM1.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Fully Polyphonic String and brass machine as well as hard-wired, polyphonic preset keyboard with a unique architecture. The strings and the on-board phaser is where this machine excels but the other preset sounds, like vibraphone, guitar and organ for example, definitely add to its uniqueness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/cfa3e4aa-c7a0-4052-a648-dd621191ee6b/FBT+Synther+2000+WM5.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The 3 oscillators are actually subtractive which result in thin, low bit, organ-like tones. Engaging the modulation of pitch and filter adding the noise section and it can generate thick walls of sound and texture as well though. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8dbbe7a2-fcdf-4547-b255-8324e036aefe/GEM+PK4900+WM2.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines GEM renamed the sections creatively: Polytron, Monotron and Instastrings. The 2 polyphonic sections are tunable and together with the monophonic synth this little keyboard can generate some nice, big textures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/51685d56-30f7-49d8-a307-cf7b67c8f3f2/Logan+Piano+Strings+Orchestra+WM3.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The 3 sections are : Strings, Piano and Synthesizer and are all playable simultaneously. All sounds are generated utilising standard, divide down engineering and we're rewarded with particularly eerie timbres quite unlike other stringers of the era : earthy and organic and quite unlike the sounds we commonly find on Italian stringers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/4001abb0-d267-47d3-ba2a-12fe183a7e20/Steelphon+S900+WM4.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines 2 completely separate oscillators with 6 footages (6 octaves) per oscillator. Oscillator one is Saw tooth while the second is a closer to a square wave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e2071a0d-e3ac-4b89-8f09-94ad4d532a3a/Crumar+Multiman+S3+WM6.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Although released in the mid 1980s you'll recognise the classic 1970s Multiman sounds when you hook this up - the fantastic string machine sound is there but unlike its predecessors, the synth section is unique to the S3. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/19c4cfb6-3a5a-48ae-a982-8174fb9bd179/Crumar+Trilogy+WM6.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Crumar Trilogy - 1983 - With added filter controls and fantastic presets - is this Crumars flagship Polyphonic synthesizer? It's definitely a different beast from the Multiman S (Multimen?) models. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/055f5ddb-5ed1-4dcf-bf6f-9a0b671a0ba3/Elka+Solist+505+WM8.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The presets can be modulated by the sliders on the left, Attack, Decay, Wow (combined bandpass filter and resonance), cut-off, vibrato depth and auto bend that adds a short bend in the beginning of the note. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/dcc05457-828f-4940-88dd-46bcf42a5205/Farfisa+Clavioline+WM7.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines This Italian iteration comes with an expanded selection of preset voices. The lever you see on top gets attached underneath the keyboard for controlling the volume level with the knee to add expression to your playing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/9c553c95-8710-4f01-acfa-2c821275e6ea/Siel+Cruise+WM1.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Cruise is really two of Siel synths slapped together : the polyphonic Siel Orchestra II and the monophonic Siel Mono - duh - with slightly slimmed down sound sculpting options from the originals. We don't know why it's called Cruise - Tom Cruise was not yet famous and it's hard to pronounce in Italian. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8cbde8e1-ff72-4b08-9e46-7e1c29b18078/Welson+Stereo+Symphony+WM4.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines WELSON STEREO SYMPHONY - 1976 - This is definitely one of the more unique string machines to have come out of Italy at the time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5b8b27fd-66ca-4f45-8007-36a1fd0440da/Solton+Project+100+WM1.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The sleek, Miami Vice-inspired design mimics that of the Solton Programmer 24 and houses top of the line components of the era and comes with a nice big memory of 40 pre-programmed presets and 60 empty slots dedicated to user saves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/6cde2eb4-1419-482a-8a8f-0ae1d31c5ce9/P1020054.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines A small and compact, three octave, monophonic synth with 12 presets and a manual mode that offers three waveforms, a low pass envelope filter with ADSR controls. Manual mode can produce varied sounds from howling and distorsions to sweet flute leads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/98050fa9-3fe9-4847-943a-2b41993e0b88/Computerband+2003.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines This was Eko's answer to the Solina String Ensemble and it gets close: bass, cello and horn sounds are literally spot on while the strings and trumpet sound a bit different. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e4565c30-4446-4d59-b4ae-b279a493cf07/Farfisa+Syntorchestra+WM3.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The polyphonic sections limited modulation capabilities apart - there are no attack or release controls here, only piano has fixed release - its 4 presets can sound great with some external help from a phaser pedal such as the often used, German Schulte Compact Phasing A. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/eccaa207-60e4-4c83-80d4-dcf9d5b925f5/CRB+Diamond+709+WM4.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines It produces perfectly lush strings and has a particular sound and component layout compared to other stringers of the era. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/be52be7d-ff82-4317-bec1-4dbc375ddbdc/P1070602.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Opposed to the Wurltizer, the Busilacchio Amplipiano did not have a wide distribtution - this is one of a handful in existence. There was also a Vibrapiano model with a slightly different look but the same mechanism inside, as well as a small, two-octave model called Minibasso. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/1b6e27b5-7b04-4d51-b68a-00e33c05ce49/P1070228.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The three sections consist of a polyphonic section of four preset sounds, a separate string machine section with two footages and at last a single oscillator monophonic synthesizer with its dedicated LFO and VCO section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5b22f311-f686-4f8c-bfed-f17840a1e6e2/P1070293.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines This rather slim, elongated synthesizer growls and howls and screams - but can also generate gentle and sweet flute and whistle sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/7f008a1a-4a3e-4f71-ac4e-a0bf563efc4f/P1070325.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines To musicians playing everything from Disco and Soul to Prog rock, to have the sound of a full orchestra in a compact little keyboard with a handle on it was revolutionary. There weren't many options, except recording the real thing or using the bulky Mellotron. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/c8a132b0-3e84-4c17-b549-67ec6e50052f/P1080148.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Despite its minimal layout - this is essentially a slimmed down Crumar Multiman - without the piano sounds or sub bass. We get hands-on modulation controls, the 2 sections have separate volume controls and full polyphony. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/aea89eb0-e851-4229-803f-75c7763c058b/P1080193.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Crumar DS2 is a monster : 2 completely separate oscillators with an added divide down based, polyphonic synth added for extra fatness. The control panel uses every inch so buttons and knobs are nice and chunky and the font is large. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/27950b89-c7a9-4696-b5c3-67dddfead816/Crumar+Composer+WM5.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines On offer is a single oscillator monophonic synth, a double octave String machine, an Organ section with 4 presets and percussion and decay controls, a Polyphonic synthesizer with 3 presets and a free mode that routes it to the filter section shared with the Monophonic synth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5f3879e7-0eb8-44ab-ad7a-57c6fa12113e/Crumar+Brassman+Light+4.jpeg Synthesizers and String Machines The Brassmans 4 octave keyboard and control panel mounted to the side makes it wide and shallow - to sit comfortably on top of an organ or piano. Despite its small spacial foot print it's surprisingly heavy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/74d8e7ee-ce15-493a-9275-a74daf3d7377/Logan+Vocal+Synth+lo+res+6.jpeg Synthesizers and String Machines The Logan Vocal Synth is a prototype, very few units came off the Logan factory's production line and most likely less than a handful are still around today. It was an attempt by its engineer to really push the bar by putting 5 different instruments at the tip of the players fingers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e9b4e3fa-56aa-4f96-9651-35151757147b/Crumar+Cordatron+EditS+-39.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Crumar made a few different models of this type of instrument but this is the very first. Unicorn-rarity is the order of the day regarding the control key- and button board - the serial number 3 of allegedly 10 units ever put in production according to a source that worked at Crumar at the time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e2345678-6e61-41e6-af80-31cd1ec38bc8/Steelphon+S900+WM12.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines This is a specimen of the very early production run - a handful of yellow units with metal control panels - much more rare than the wooden version. The synths are identical electronically but use different key beds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/45f4ebf1-3aab-4dbe-973c-8a64605b26fd/Steelphon+Mago+keeper-31.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines This is the predecessor to the mighty Steelphon S900, but it's a single oscillator monophonic synth instead of double, with a quite similar sound : organic, raw and expressive. The snappy envelopes in combination with the Moog ladder filter makes it an amazing sound effect maker but it produces great bass lines and delicate leads as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5d843b0c-f93c-4067-9961-0d31638e5aeb/Elka+Synthex-11.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Elka Synthex was released in 3 different productions runs. This specific unit is from the rarest, first batch of only 50 units produced total. It has a slightly different Eprom set-up inside and has no MIDI implementation. Elka was developing their own digital instrument communication system that never launched, instead they eventually adopted the standard MIDI technology for the third, more common model of the Synthex, while the 2nd version had a digital interface connector that needed a bespoke, add-on converter piece to connect properly to a MIDI controller. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/181e0793-bbe5-401b-b43b-d3620da82245/P1030303.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Each of the 6 voices has its own independent filter and envelope generator. Unlike other polyphonic Korgs and Rolands of the era the Siel Opera 6 has a velocity sensitive keyboard, giving it quite an edge in terms of expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/2dcc99df-3fbe-4f7c-be91-702e29ae1991/Siel+Orchestra+2+-22.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Siel Orchestra 2 is derived from the polyphonic half of the wonderfully named Siel Cruise. But with the expanded modulation controls it actually becomes a crucial asset even for those whose studio is already equipped with a Siel Cruise. They really sound quite different and the range of sounds available on the Orchestra II are by far superior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/b5ca0212-c883-4b0d-bfc7-8542c74c950e/Farfisa+Combo+Compact+-29.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Compact organs were used by professionals and amateurs alike during the second half of the 1960s, and was a massive hit for Farfisa. Pink Floyd had the big dual manual model for example. Later on in the late 70s and early 80s the tube organ sound was ready for a revival and the Compacts could be found for cheap and a new generation of musicians and artists picked them up, Blondie and Suicide to name a few. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/d8d81fe4-a48f-4943-8d59-b1a77b616b58/CRB+Oberon+WM4.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Many European synths of the 70s mimicked the Mini Moog but the CRB Oberon is a quite different instrument. The filter section is unique for an Italian synth, with a separate High, and Low Pass Filters, as well as an All Pass Filter. On board are special parameters such as Duty Cycle and Pulse Width with a Pulse Height control. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/b8879343-5392-4ac9-9a57-5648dc4cf2c3/CRB+Voco+String+WM3.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Based on the Electro Harmonix EH-03000 vocoder from around the same time it's also clearly inspired by the Roland VP-330 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/7bdf6f35-d158-4618-a654-8549eb6a0738/EKO+P15+WM1.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Named P15 after the 15 presets - it says digital but make no mistake - it's analog all the way apart from a few micro processors for the storage of the preset sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/4209844e-cc05-4245-a5c3-a6a8224a4c13/Elka+ElkaTwin+61+WM8.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Both main preset sections of the Elkatwin 61 are completely independent and can sound massive together when detuned and modulated diversely. Added to the B preset sounds is the octave switch, with 3 settings : lower, normal or higher. The Leslie effect and phaser can be applied to sections A and B freely. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/2e19ae08-5876-4276-b692-5fa83b8a05c7/FBT+Synther+2000+WM3.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines This is early Italian attempt at building a synthesizer, the filter is minimalist cut off dial with individual volume for each oscillator while the envelope has three modes, attack and decay, attack and continious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/3c011f46-bd15-41cc-8ff6-bf4f0baf895d/GEM+PK4900+WM5.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Instastrings section has 2 presets and dedicated sustain and attack control while the Polytron section has 3 brass presets, a chorus modulation and Vibrato delay option. The two share a single volume control. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/689148ad-ec5e-423e-a455-33084872471d/Logan+Piano+Strings+Orchestra+WM4.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Breaking down the architecture of the LPSS the strings section consists of 2 presets that are generated by the same top oscillator but an octave apart with individual volumes sharing attack and decay controls. The Piano section has 2 sounds with two footages - all available at the same time. The synthesizer section has one polyphonic voice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/7abbd361-2231-4786-8d86-8baa0cfebea3/Steelphon+S900+WM7.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The LFO is called Low Osc. has a wide range and is equipped with 4 wave forms. The filter is Moog Ladder with a punched up resonance and can also be controlled by routing the 2 noise generators to it, a unique feature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/d57cbcd7-acb8-4d8c-831b-b01cb9e20ac6/Crumar+Multiman+S3+WM5.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Multiman S3 differs quite a bit from the earlier Multiman iterations by sporting extra modulation controls, affecting the chorus of the strings and general vibrato. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ed02eea0-14f8-443f-a8ca-a51b10e50779/Crumar+Trilogy+WM5.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The focus of the Trilogy is a polyphonic Divide Down synth - with two additional sections : an organ with a few presets and basic controls as well as the classic iteration of the Crumar string machine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/1193ae10-c1f5-4387-96d2-363b2ebf8d5b/Elka+Solist+505+WM7.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Solist is a single oscillator synthesizer made to sit on top of an organ for playing synth solos so all the controls are located on the front of the unit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/cf9b9739-7e4e-4edd-aa6d-4d1f06c2b2b5/Farfisa+Clavioline+WM6.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The keyboard is powered by the tube amplifier below via a big connector cable. This is out for service so we don't have the real specifics of it yet but the sounds and textures generated by the Clavioline are definitely rooted in the 1950s and 1960s horror and Sci-Fi soundscapes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/51dc6c14-9632-4f64-87b2-4e2d73e41905/Siel+Cruise+WM13.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Maybe since native english speakers thought Cruise was a bewildering name, it was re-badged in the US. With a black and white control panel, Sequential Circuits released it as the Fugue, but it was actually the very same insides still manufactured in Italy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/4c57ede9-84f1-4ad4-8b76-d5207e58c670/Solton+Project+100+WM8.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The synth offers few directly accessible controls - it's mainly a digital user interface: to edit a sound, dive in to the menu, select a parameter and change the value using the push buttons. You can however control the parameters using MIDI CC commands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/2ea6dbd3-ab44-4489-aff5-0e695bcd57c7/P1020082.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Ekosynth sports a set of four octave switches for transposition and the LFO has three waveforms and can control the VCO, VCF and VCA individually or simultaneously. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/848e8fc5-7179-4ccc-9960-3078fb88b9db/Computerband+2004.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The control panel features 6 sections with individual volume controls, actually making it more versatile than the Solina String Ensemble - which sections can only be switched or or off. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/1b1a1839-68c3-4fbc-bc4c-c16f0d2927ad/Farfisa+Syntorchestra+WM1.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The polyphonic presets do have separate brilliance and vibrato controls while the monophonic presets have attack and decay as well as a filter section with LFO applicable to the VCA or VCF - the speed is set with the vibrato control. Speaking of the vibrato, it's really quite unique, same goes for the filter, you recognise them instantly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/c2784848-776d-4388-ab0e-9f6975fdd49d/CRB+Diamond+709+WM5.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The two presets are actually the same string sound but generate notes an octave apart. You can play both simultaneously. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5dff649b-cc5d-4bb3-ad79-cca7676f9846/P1070532.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Busilacchio was an old-fashioned company manufacturing accordions and cheap "ventilation organs" for the Italian market. In the late 1960s they introduced this very limited number of high-quality Electric pianos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e5e507ce-1ccf-43a6-a3fd-684fbe5ffe4e/P1070223.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines All three sections are playable simultaneously, each with individual volume and cut-off filter controls, the string section adds attack and decay controls. The aftertouch modulates the brass and monophonic brilliance as well as the monophonic oscillator (LFO VCO) and glide, a bend-type portamento. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/af4cf533-090f-40c4-b330-539384da4d68/P1070297.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Featuring 15 versatile presets, a dedicated filter and LFO section and equipped with White and Pink noise generation there's plenty of modulation capabilities here. The Syntex was made to put on top of your organ with easy access to the presets below the keybaord and it was incorporated in the massive Welson Privilege home organ. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/b943d495-6328-424c-a81b-6539569df0ac/P1070327.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Logan String Melody actually does a decent job at imitating an orchestra - with the help of some echo, reverb and imagination. It's of course the imitation sound that it does even better - it has a lot of character and sounds great in the mix. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/9e15947b-c842-4acf-8c8c-0b02acbcb8bf/P1080158.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The strings section has its own dedicated Bass, Mid and Treble controls and offers 2 stackable octaves to simulate Violin and Cello, underneath which buttons we find the octave switch on this model, to make up for the loss of range due to the reduced, 4 octave keyboard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/71be29e6-1116-4b6b-a875-b32a55e2eb0b/P1080199.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The DS2 was another hit for Crumar and was and is widely used by a wide array of artists such as Sun Ra, the Cardigans and Legowelt. The excellent modulation capabilities and lack of preset sounds make it a complex but perfect instrument for sound experiments and noodling but can with some twiddling of course generate great synth leads, basses and chord sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/555269c2-5c6f-4221-a4d5-09c5b546d5f4/Crumar+Composer+WM7.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Crumar Composer filter section sports the lovely Curtis CEM filter and is shared between the polyphonic and monohponic sections, with ADSR controls, envelope amount, cut-off and resonance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e1e6c89c-6560-41cf-a7d4-c0ec30c7e82a/Crumar+Brassman+Light+6.jpeg Synthesizers and String Machines It's an expanded version of the Compac Brass and comes with 4 sections - Trombone, French horn, Trumpet, Sax with great filter and LFO modulation as well as Bend and "Rag", a sublte effect mimicking lip fluttering. The sounds range from brassy, woody and organic to fat synth tones and can actually mimic the instruments it's supposed to emulate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/881c11fd-6a4c-4c7e-a579-454a3ea3051c/Logan+Vocal+Synth+lo+res+5.jpeg Synthesizers and String Machines The top control panel is mostly dedicated to the monophonic 3 oscillator synthesizer with limited real estate dedicated to the polyphonic synth which can be routed to the filter section though. The front control panel is dedicated to the Choir, Strings and Piano sections and individual volumes for each sections sounds on the lower and upper part of the keyboard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a15234f2-ea84-497e-84eb-12c7a098c921/Crumar+Cordatron+EditS+-35.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Cute like a button, or rather rocker switch. There are 5 instrument sections on board : Organ with percussive sounds and 2 clarinet presets, a String machine, a Brass machine with filter controls, left hand bass, chord and piano presets as well as two analog drum sounds trigger-able on the Stradella buttonboard. Vibrato switches apply to left and right hand sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/cf2e1894-b976-4e48-8165-a40aa23cb28e/Steelphon+S900+WM9.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The layout of the controls is the same as the wood units but the finish of the front panel is silver metal instead of black. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/be585441-7f2d-4cf8-86bf-f7b21374249a/Steelphon+Mago+keeper-27.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The controls are laid out simply : 6 footages with individual Saw or Square Wave for each footage (this is different from the successor, the S900) LFO section with 4 wave forms and choice for filter, oscillator and vibrato routing ADSR controls Glide (portmento) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/3eca0872-ae88-496d-8078-58634dcb3c9b/Elka+Synthex-19.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines It shares almost the exact same weight and measurements as the FARFISA POLYCHROME, which is most likely a coincidence since they're completely different animals. The Synthex is the first polyphonic synth from Italy that's not a divide down based machine. With dual digitally controlled oscillators with selectable wave forms and 8 analog voices. The DCOs (digitally controlled analog oscillators) makes it stable and reliable and the multimode filter make it stand out quite a bit to other keyboards of the same era. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/09112dfe-3ac4-4ed6-8aba-ce39ab4352d3/P1030318.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The result is a colourful and organic synth with easy, hands-on controls. The 88 presets ranging from Rhodes-like tones to space sounds, thick basses, synth pads and strong leads are easily tweak-able or simply modified beyond recognition thanks to the wide range of the modulation parameters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/4b875df8-e90a-4a69-908c-af1d1037dd8a/Siel+Orchestra+2+-19.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines We're blessed with the same four divide down generated preset instrument sections as on the Cruise : Brass, Piano, Reeds and Strings. These are actually playable all at once but (maybe Siel chose the wrong selector buttons here) it's not that evident since the preset selector buttons only let's you choose one sound at a time if not pressed down simultaneously with multiple fingers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/319be0cc-d268-4a40-af3c-cf819b88283c/Farfisa+Combo+Compact+-27.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Farfisa produced quite a few different models of the Compact and this very unit is most likley from the Combo Compact 1 series. It was the last of the Combo Compact series before Farfisa introduced the Compact Deluxe and ione could say t's practically a Delxue, with plenty of mixable sounds and footages. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/21141fb5-86b0-4ee2-92af-82c8c98059d5/CRB+Oberon+WM5.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The noise generator offers either white or pink noise. The CRB Oberon oscillator signal path is hands on and made easy with on/off dip switches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/18040b23-ffcb-4e4e-90de-40fc36677e37/CRB+Voco+String+WM2.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines And just like on those two there's an input for an external carrier signal - a great, classic feature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/6a8e8811-1844-4897-953d-b3d96802478d/EKO+P15+WM4.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines In manual mode the presets can be engaged and modified with the VCA and VCF sections. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8117aa80-26fb-436a-bd59-7a9e745f55af/FBT+Synther+2000+WM6.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The continuous envelope is interesting, creating a rhythmic, tremolo pulse. The two noise generators are another great feature - as they follow the pitch, ultimately making them playable as notes on the keyboard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/f02f89eb-9818-441a-988e-ab7640c6b00d/GEM+PK4900+WM7.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines This was GEMs response to the Farfisa Syntorchestra and although it says Digital on the manual the signal path is fully analog. The Monotron presets are creatively named synthesizer leads and basses, 8 in total, with essential modulation capabilities of bend, portamento and chorus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/522f4a48-d300-4eea-b102-d0731122f7cf/Logan+Piano+Strings+Orchestra+WM5.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The filter sections VCO generates two wave forms and the filter has a great bite to it. We can get a wide variety of sounds here, with two filter modes; Phasing Color and Wha wha which regulate the LFO intensity. The LFO also has additional depth and speed controls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/60979a68-444b-47b4-bfd1-8be3328c7ef0/Steelphon+S900+WM5.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The signal path of the two oscillators and the two noise generators (white and red) is clearly mapped out for easy use. The left panel hides the 6 presets, modifiable by regulating the trim pots hidden underneath. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/9d2a7a36-9a2c-4938-bd19-dd9ce240c3b5/Crumar+Multiman+S3+WM3.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Modulation section has a wider range and can actually be made to sound like a proper, polyphonic synth instead of the earlier Multiman models' brassier tones. The filter on the S3 is SSM based. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/168879d4-14ea-47c9-b3ed-f5db0af42409/Crumar+Trilogy+WM4.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The low pass 24 dB filter utilising SSM chips is powerful - and makes the Trilogy bat above its already impressive weight, with full polyphony its actually paraphonic with double oscillators per voice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/c746a68a-f025-4cad-83ca-96323f439eef/Elka+Solist+505+WM5.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Clearly inspired by the Roland SH1000 and other compact mono synths from the mid 70s, the 11 presets offer a variety of wave forms and octaves that do a great job at sounding like a synth but less so imitating the instruments they're named after. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/6e4bf57b-bbe5-45ce-b210-894c9eca4095/P1030416.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The front panel is almost entirely dedicated to the Polyphonic synth, compared to the other Crumar models released such as the Multiman or Performer, the Trilogy might be closer to the almighty Crumar Composer, but lacking the monophonic synth section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/1d30f68f-47dc-4555-b2dc-358c7dd9b3ef/Farfisa+Clavioline+WM4.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The black push buttons are octave transposers while the white ones starting at 0 are different vibrato settings. Underneath is a long row of presets - or rather the same monophonic oscillator treated by clever equalizer settings to produce different instrument sounds that range from very nasal, similar to a Turkish Zurna, to organ and flute-like tones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8c368f94-83ff-4f97-9a5e-e895bfe6a9c5/Siel+Cruise+WM2.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The polyphonic part offers a whopping 4 separate sections, each with a choice of 2 to 3 hardwired preset sounds each : Brass, Strings, Reed and lastly piano section. Only some of the polyphonic sound groups can be layered, this takes some trial and error by pressing down the buttons simultaneously. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8d63b5b4-7423-4a74-962e-2943993b7df3/Welson+Stereo+Symphony+WM2.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Like other string machines from the 1970s the Welson Stereo Symphony has separate volume, attack and decay controls for the lower and upper half of the keyboard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/9bcfd04c-6b34-4893-b62e-32d732d30128/P1020068.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Ekosynth is an instantly old school and vintage-sounding monophonic synth with a quite aggressive filter section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/c65ea450-82f5-47b1-8398-0c6306ef98b7/Computerband+2008.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Just like woth the Solina String Ensemble the Bass and Cello sounds are monohponic and are playable only in the lower two octaves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/de242d35-be95-4f2a-a144-3876ff91c53a/Farfisa+Syntorchestra+WM4.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines For the mono section there's portamento and a unique temporary portamento touch-bar to more easily turn on and off the portamento while playing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/1208b1dd-7b06-4061-bbf8-b726a74055b8/CRB+Diamond+709+WM6.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The unit is surprisingly lightweight for a string machine of the era, clocking in at less than 10 kilos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ce052139-c54b-49c1-bdbc-07822cb14ff2/P1070535.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The keys work similarly to a grand piano - a long rod attached to each key strikes another vertical lever with a hammer - tilting it to strike a tuned, metal “reed” or bar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/7ab40474-35d0-40ee-8e58-fe61136e0cf7/P1070229.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The monophonic synthesizer has a great range of presets that can be modified in Free mode as well as with the oscillator section applying LFO to the VCF and VCA for modulation. There's also a subtle vibrato and portamento on board. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/3174e1eb-bfbf-4a57-9460-7d709c2f2547/P1070306.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Two digitally controlled oscillators with a Moog Ladder based filter section, 4 footages (4 octaves engagable at the same time) for both oscillators and a wide range of modulation capabilities, this is the desert island, work horse of Italian monophonic synths. The oscillators can be de-tuned to intervals and have individual routing possibilites to the VCF as well as separate vibrato controls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/bd30e217-cca6-4bc1-9147-318c72493cf7/P1070331.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines There are three preset sounds on board: ‘Violin’, ‘Viola’ and ‘Cello’. They're actually the very same sound generated by a single top oscillator divided into 3 separate octave ranges applied to either the lower or upper part of the keyboard. The lower half is named Bass and the upper is called Treble and they both have separate volume controls for each octave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/d8624fc3-552c-493f-a0e1-616565ea490f/P1020119.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Bass section is located on the right and serves up a choice of 4 preset sounds, has its own cut-off and volume control and can be applied to the lower octaves in two ways. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/c86bf34a-77d1-4b12-aec6-a4a1303724ad/antonelli-syntorgan-2445-siel-analog-synth-synthesizer-keyboard-elka-vintage-analog-33.jpeg Synthesizers and String Machines Antonelli Syntorgan 2445 - 1985. A modest item to start off the collection - this is basically a toy - but this pretty little thing can actually emit some sweet sounds, believe it or not, it was built on commission by Siel, of Opera 6 fame. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/36ffc418-91a7-4d7b-9eb7-b2385ea88cc2/P1080160.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Crumar Performers brass section is equipped with a filter and LFO, and it was produced in two versions : the early production run usually has an A on the serial number plate and mounts a Moog Ladder filter, while the 2nd generation, Performer B, mounts an SSM 2044 - based filter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/49016506-4fc7-481f-af60-abfa27d4d605/P1080205.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Eqipped with 2 LFOs, one with Sample &Hold and staircase waveforms, it allows us to apply them for separate modulations of the 2 oscillators, VCF and the VCA. Pulse-width can be set manually or modulated by either LFO. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/120b0cac-97db-4777-bbc8-36913b5f473f/Crumar+Composer+WM6.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The monophonic section has 7 hardwired presets as well as a free mode which utilises the filter section for sound sculpting, a 4 octave transpose dial, 5 different wave forms, portamento and can be split split to be playable above or below the mid split point of the keyboard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/4f9d1892-f808-4ac5-a175-dd05f3946cdd/Crumar+Brassman+Light+1.jpeg Synthesizers and String Machines The sounds are quite different from the Multiman S series that Crumar would release afterwords. The notes have full polyphony since they're Divide Down based, making it possible to play every note simultaneously. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/d6e6272e-a32c-463f-896a-b5c468866688/Logan+Vocal+Synth+lo+res+2.jpeg Synthesizers and String Machines To our knowledge, none of the sections were rehashed from other Logan string machines and the architecture of all sections except the monophonic synth are unusual - the triggering of the paraphonic voices is distributed to 7 voice cards for individual note generation. This sets the limit of simultaneous notes playable time to 7. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/fe89c995-43c2-4017-8ecf-2a9b9867f0df/Crumar+Cordatron+EditS+-33.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Stradella buttonboard holds 2 chord sounds, bass preset sound as well as 2 trigger-able analog drum sounds : a brush (white noise with envelope) and kick drum - definitely a novelty at the time. There are separate outputs for Piano sounds, the organ and a main output for both. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a0a6c82e-9ffa-46d9-8b90-7b7d372b951d/Steelphon+S900+WM7.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines 2 completely separate oscillators with 6 footages (6 octaves that can be engaged at the same time). Oscillator one is Saw tooth while the second is a closer to a square wave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/01e2b752-1dad-4e92-a25e-16d5744256c7/Steelphon+Mago+keeper-23.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Mago means magician and is of course one of the absolute coolest names for a synth ever. The Steelphon Mago makes mysterious and out-of-this-world type sounds, howling resonance filter settings to full on screams and chirping bird noises - it has a quite wide range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/7bf67e31-ef75-4169-8d56-b45644cbab19/Elka+Synthex-29.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The 2 individual envelope generators, and 3 different types of chorus effects grants the player amazing sound sculpting possibilities. The Synthex also features a ring modulator, a 4 track sequencer, a joystick that can be routed and applied to modulate different controls : oscillator pitch (vibrato), filter cutoff frequency (wah-wah), pitch bend as well as both LFOs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/f61ea9fd-c47e-48d2-8091-79b73cd23d44/P1030314.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Apart from being instantly modifiable, the preset sounds are saveable either to the same, or assigned to a new, slot. It's an intuitively laid out synth with direct access to every parameter when tweaking sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/61279f97-7236-41a3-939c-ac219695ccad/Siel+Orchestra+2+-16.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The 6 band EQ, the LFO with Depth and Speed controls, as well as the Animators (Chorus) added Flanger are great features - all unique to the Siel Orchestra II compared to the Cruise and first model Orchestra. The LFO applies to Vibrato only, unfortunately not the filter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a5645ddd-1213-4140-a807-e954e175e4a4/Farfisa+Combo+Compact+-22.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The added switchable second octave of grey bass keys and a percussion section was an addition to this model compared to the prior Combo Compacts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/fc42d3b7-7db8-44f2-9d06-53ee3b6800ee/CRB+Oberon+WM6.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines A.M. synthesis is the before mentioned third oscillator with simplified controls, located on the panel on the left side. Great for fattening up and adding a third octave to leads and basses. The Oberon is stable in performance and pitch thanks to its digitally controlled oscillators. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/bffc5b68-135e-42ee-b6fe-e950b3db2b2f/CRB+Voco+String+WM6.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Voco-Strings is especially good with drum machines and percussive sounds - you can of course mix in the string machine section for extra lushness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8112acf2-9569-4acc-924e-bacf57b9476c/EKO+P15+WM5.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The preset section offers an original palette of sounds ranging from Fuzz Guitar and Pan Pipes to the Vihulea. Quite possibly the only synth with a Vihuela preset - the Vihuela is a Spanish guitar from the renaissance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/6a207dd1-2329-4f09-aa8a-1ba7260d3253/Elka+ElkaTwin+61+WM9.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Phasing parameters are simple - Speed and Depth - and the sweep is reminiscent of the Small Stone phaser. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/73aceb2d-225d-4bbd-b5f5-e7d88fdf1693/GEM+PK4900+WM6.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The GEM PK4900 might offer limited sound sculpting possibilities but makes up for it by how easy it is to instantly access great 1970s leads, pads and string sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/37b37121-78c6-4fd7-a446-160e816aa25f/Logan+Piano+Strings+Orchestra+WM6.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The small gate circuit boards for each key are covered in a protective, brown resin to hide the layout of the components to potential competitors - basically making cloning or copying impossible or at least harder - you sometimes find this in synths of the era. Luckily we have now been successful at removing the resin and recovering the layout for future repairs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8cc7a33b-de5b-402d-bab8-03859f66cdd5/Steelphon+S900+WM6.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The 6 presets can be engaged in any combination to create matrix of sounds as well as the individual ones. In general the Steelphon S900 is reliable and doesn't drift too much in pitch once warmed up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/caebf28a-2e3c-4b1a-941e-0a95180647db/Elka+Solist+505+WM4.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The sound of the Solist is as unique as its design - the easy controls, varied presets and a slim chassi makes this a great instrument to bring on the road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/80eb365e-4800-4ddd-bb0d-b86aeadb917e/P1030349.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines All sections are Divide Down generated, resulting in full polyphony, and are splittable : assignable to either the full, or only the upper or lower part of the keyboard https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e2024aa3-47a9-43e8-a9ec-ffc264be32a9/P1030418.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The 7 presets are hardwired but can be "programmed" or rather altered by opening up the Trilogy and adjusting the internal trim pots that correspond to the parameters of each preset sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5c30a9c3-63d8-42a3-b7e2-d6c70a794676/Farfisa+Clavioline+WM3.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Although using a simple technique, these sounds are quite hard to replicate with regular analog or modern synthesizers and they have a great, organic character and a capability to cut through well in a busy mix. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/714c1bd7-2ec6-400b-8ca5-def40e7de3d8/Siel+Cruise+WM3.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Moving on to the lovely, single oscillator, Mono section, it has a clear overview and reveals 11 instruments that are really sets of various square, saw tooth shapes and octaves to modulate with the ADSR envelope, VCF, cutoff, resonance, and Vibrato depth and speed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/c343539b-c560-4b94-92fa-a15b3fcbfa8a/Solton+Project+100+WM6.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Project 100 delivers plenty, with two DCOs per voice (square, sawtooth, pulse, pulse with variable pulse width) and two envelopes (VCA and VCF), a 4-pole filter with resonance and an LFO (with square, sine and delay functions) for modulating DCO, VCA and VCF, the sound sculpting is really off the chart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/d5ad32cb-8039-4a84-acb4-8482f5be5673/Solton+Project+100+WM4.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The bucket brigade analog Chorus effect is fantastic and adds to the Project 100s character and lushness - it doesn't sound like a Juno 60 or 106 at all, rather it's in a category of its own. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/07fc41aa-7830-4f34-80e7-aeac0e64f9fd/P1020066.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Like many synths of the era the word Digital is flaunted on the front panel but this machines signal path is analog all the way - digital refers to the preset sounds storage technology only. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ab4abddf-5050-4a68-bfc1-e79f0e811c14/Computerband+2010.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The two outputs also mimic the Dutch string machine of fame by offering a lower volume impedance output possibly for running through effects pedals, with a second brighter, louder volume audio output. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/39f4946b-1181-42ea-b57c-15318faf8535/P1000252.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Separate outputs for poly and mono - perfect for running the 2 sections through separate effects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/707ec763-7c53-4a42-ac53-7822628acb73/CRB+Diamond+709+WM7.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The minimalist approach extends to the power cable as well - measuring roughly 20 Centimeters. Something provoked the previous owner to apply the scissors to it and it could be a bit longer frankly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/aed81a58-5d8a-456b-a3be-78201494639a/P1070500.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The sound is amplified like a Wurlitzer or Rhodes piano - or like an electric guitar, with each reed or bar having its own pick-up that sends audio to the quarter inch jack output. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/6cc58c4f-6699-48da-8056-560f698425c5/P1070247.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Plenty of outputs in the back is great for running signals wherever you feel like, the Mono-Poli output can be modified to a dedicated monophonic section output - strongly recommended. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/12c46b36-3ae8-4e74-8b9d-36057a6a387f/P1070302.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The presets range from huge dual oscillator bass sounds to a single oscillator whistle with portamento, the presets are mostly single oscillator based and hard-wired, no tweaking except for the vibrato, portamento and master tune. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/49add66d-b131-4fab-9c99-f940933fd5ce/P1070333.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The design is very slim and compact - this was made to be taken on the road and thrown in the back of a car. The look is a bit deceiving though - its weight is fairly substantial. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/09db5c9f-9177-4ff5-b567-ec77bf5abb62/antonelli-syntorgan-2445-siel-analog-synth-synthesizer-keyboard-elka-vintage-analog-4.jpeg Synthesizers and String Machines A whopping 4 individual sections crowd the small control panel : a monophonic synthesizer, a polyphonic organ-type section, an analog drum machine as well as an auto-accompaniment section with chords and bass lines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8977a856-2247-448f-aae9-1fb7738d8b5a/P1080185.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Generally the Performer B with the SSM filter is in higher demand, since it seems the Moog ladder filter doesn't behave great with polyphony. There was also a later Crumar Performer 2, with a similar design and layout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/64524b31-c6b6-470e-b6bc-1874270f4e52/P1080224.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The back sports High and Low impedance quarter inch jack audio outputs, a headphone output and separate Polyphonic synth output. There's also a cool external audio input to the filter section and separate Gate in and out mini jack connectors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/61a43748-6692-47ff-aff7-9e8470a8aa02/Crumar+Composer+WM1.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The two jog wheels are for vibrato depth for all sections except the monophonic synth, while the other jog wheel is for pitch bending affecting the mono synth. The Crumar Composer is also equipped with an expressive key bed : "jiggle" a key sideways to engage a vibrato affect. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/0c6efdb8-c3b8-4878-a3d2-6091a35d5cca/Crumar+Brassman+Light+2.jpeg Synthesizers and String Machines The Brassman is the most rare of this Crumar instrument series of 3 keyboards in total, including the Jazzman and Stringman. It's been seen in quite a few Tangerine Dream studio photos so it's likely something they did use. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/24b1cca4-b934-4f16-a602-fe83a2a551e5/Logan+Vocal+Synth+lo+res+3.jpeg Synthesizers and String Machines The long contact bar that runs the full length of the keyboard is an on/off contact surface for the vibrato delay and pitch bend of the monophonic synth and the Baritone sound of the choir. Not a ribbon slider. It could well be that Logan was inspired by the Yamaha CS50-80 synths since they share looks and some technical features, or maybe it was the other way around? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/6dad6e55-8af5-4619-a10d-7747918c29aa/Crumar+Cordatron+EditS+-22.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines All the sounds are analog and are generated by the very first generation of divide down technology - no eproms or other intruders of vulgar modernity is on hand. The sound generator weighs 23 kilos and is literally crammed with sandwiched layers of massive circuit boards of transistors and capacitors and connects to the controller keyboard via a heavy 3-piece connector. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/68a56abd-874a-4cf8-baf8-b81153bcf7b1/Steelphon+S900+WM6.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Steelphon S900 was perhaps the most forward thinking of the European synths at the time of 1973, with many features that just a year or two later became standard - the 6 programmable presets, the CV Gate inputs especially. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/1687744f-8d8c-45d1-a466-7f730a62a2ef/Steelphon+Mago+keeper-07.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Steelphon was a known producer of mostly organ and guitar amplifiers in the early 1970s and the Steelphon Mago was their first attempt at making a synth. It was followed by the expanded Steelphon S900. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/6038c4ae-b09f-449e-8ebb-af3e78e48804/Farfisa+Syntorchestra+4+keeper+-16.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Mono Synthesizer section has 8 presets with modifiable LFO depth and speed, Vibrato, VCF, Brilliance (cutoff filter), Emphasis (resonance filter) as well as portamento. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/203f763f-be66-47a5-acd3-c168d76205ae/Elka+Synthex-28.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines A huge novelty for an Italian synth from 1981 was the programmable preset memory section with a whopping 4 banks of a total of 40 sounds that come pre-programmed with factory preset sounds that range from massive wide orchestral blasts to subtle bell-like timbres. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/088f8037-2ffe-4709-b05a-2f12a6b0e227/Siel+Opera+6+WM7.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Experienced players might notice that the key bed is quite nice for such a lightweight synthesizer while making good use of the velocity sensitivity to add dynamics to their playing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/22037fdb-321e-4496-bb67-06156ec46a10/Siel+Orchestra+2+-04.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The design is light weight and sleek for a string machine of the era, compared to the Crumar Multiman in weighs about half. The Siel Mono, what would become the slimmed down monophonic part of the Siel Cruise, was launched around the same time and is of course a great fit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/aa20c060-20cc-4787-a15a-ed4273e75717/Farfisa+Combo+Compact+-04.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Tilting the whole thing over you get a good view of the spring reverb that was a unique Farfisa invention rather than buying spring reverbs from Hammond. The legs fold in and attach here as well and the knee lever, with which one modulates the booster section, kind of like a cut-off filter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/c25f0967-4d0c-45a1-ad2d-002ccf34b2c0/CRB+Oberon+WM7.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines On the back the view is pure minimalism - there's no MIDI or CV Gate implementation - instead we find a quarter inch, jack audio output only. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/fdded1c6-d035-498c-9f8f-f6eb8f18cbb7/CRB+Voco+String+WM5.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Input signal has a dedicated gain control and there's an on-board compressor as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/0a09bb91-c534-4318-9978-beed0554eb59/EKO+P15+WM6.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Perfect for the touring musician it comes with a lid and swell pedal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e21e020c-26f5-44c4-9506-4de708a6fbcd/Elka+ElkaTwin+61+WM12.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines On the back we find a few separate outputs for running sounds through effects or echoes, and a dedicated output connector for the Elkatone Leslie cabinet as well. The unit comes with a lid that makes it look like a suitcase. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/661afa13-de81-45ba-ac76-20410af7b60d/GEM+PK4900+WM8.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The back presents 3 dedicated audio outputs making it easy to counter the lack of on-board modulation with external effects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/29eb9de9-bd6a-4e18-90b1-258fc1b60078/Steelphon+S900+WM11.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Another ground-breaking feature of the Steelphon S900 is the two separate CV inputs, one for each oscillator, and a trigger input for both, hardly any other synths of the era incorporated this feature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/eff43da5-03d5-4357-a536-628544acd5b8/Crumar+Multiman+S3+WM1.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines There are 3 separate audio outputs, great for recording the sounds separately or routing them to external effects such as phasers, flangers, echoes and reverbs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/d54ba989-63c8-44e8-ba35-5bff9d354f64/P1030430.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The back sports separate outputs for each instrument section and some great expression pedal control inputs, as well as some mystery connectors marked "Interface" and "T.M. imput". https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5aab44fb-3ac9-4bb2-b15f-ad2edd5adcbf/Elka+Solist+505+WM2.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines No fuss - we find a swell pedal input and audio output connector in the back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/879a677a-b19e-47fb-8725-6eb3fc6b5d3f/Farfisa+Clavioline+WM1.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The whole shebang is neatly contained in a suitcase and almost looks like an old radio. We're very much looking forward to experimenting further with this instrument and will update the description then. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/0a35b7b3-7d1d-4d17-8be6-0d860380e816/Siel+Cruise+WM4.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Separate audio outputs for the mono and poly section come in handy, as well as a few pedal inputs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/0a913f8a-468f-4578-80dc-0bfa33902d5e/Welson+Stereo+Symphony+WM10.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines What makes it unique is the stereo audio output with separate volume pedals for each one. The "Concert" effect - or chorus effect - is also pan-able to the right or left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/94702af4-50ce-4b1e-aca4-c60b62ccfce5/Solton+Project+100+WM3.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Stereo outputs and Midi In and Out is the take-away looking in the back, with pedal connectors for volume and release. There's also a trigger input and a Phones output. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e2367dff-7b92-4671-87b6-620e91fec4d5/P1020094.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines No CV gate inputs here unfortunately - Instead we get a High and a Low impedance output as well as a swell pedal input. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/912c846d-a3b2-4ffa-89f1-80767ff9d3a9/Computerband+2012.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Stradivarius is not light but it comes road-ready with a lid and a convenient handle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/0f2a1390-1b75-448e-b363-908f04aa9b36/CRB+Diamond+709+WM8.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Minimalism is applied in the back as well, output and expression pedal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/121969b7-edf9-49a1-b297-7bb6fdb6e99a/P1070495.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Beautifully designed and compact with legs that fold out and a sturdy lid - this thing is ready for the road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/893927eb-8136-4979-8322-ec3a2dbc4336/P1070455.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Case is an imposing affair that holds the foot pedal, music stand as well the actual synth, clocking in at a whopping 28 kilos total. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/82001ff6-82cf-49ac-81da-e0503362c46a/P1070300.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Random Music button triggers random notes but can also be routed to control the LFO of the noise and filter sections to create rhythmic, drum-like patterns - here that snappy filter comes to good use. What seems like a goofy novelty is actually quite neat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/b633d9f3-c8fe-4966-a195-80b9ec62b5bd/P1070347.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines With the lid in place the machine is well protected and easy to transport. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/267a8cb3-2cbc-4fd8-96a6-4acbd73134df/antonelli-syntorgan-2445-siel-analog-synth-synthesizer-keyboard-elka-vintage-analog-22.jpeg Synthesizers and String Machines There are a few extra parameters usually not found on toy keyboards on board here, the monophonic synthesizer has 2 octave settings and controls for LFO, Vibrato, VCF / VCA, Low pass and band pass filter, and a Cut Off - filter - the synth voice can be layered and modulated with the polyphonic section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e3d76e0e-4f68-4faa-9109-386977b392e2/P1080184.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The back mounts a mysterious Gate mini jack output, and separate outputs for Brass and Signal, which is the unmodulated brass section. The regular Brass output excludes the audio signal from the main output, effectively giving you a strings only output. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/726780b7-c9b1-4d0c-907f-9e50dadf4f6f/P1080238.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Crumar DS2 lives in a heavy duty wooden road case with a gorgeously huge plastic logo on the side of it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/f0ba0ae7-6521-4917-bdb5-7b4190b54890/Crumar+Composer+WM2.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The separate output are key to get the most out of your Crumar Composer - route each section to individual effects, echoes and reverbs and you get massive soundscapes. There's also a breath tube input for opening or closing the filter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/4159324f-956e-4d06-9c75-a6ba911659b2/Crumar+Brassman+Light+3.jpeg Synthesizers and String Machines The instrument is very sleek but surprisingly heavy. Here you see the minimal approach of early Crumar gear, we're only blessed with a single audio output and expression pedal input. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ebc8ea85-9bf8-4c2c-970a-8aa1b96794ba/Logan+Vocal+Synth+lo+res+4.jpeg Synthesizers and String Machines As bountiful as the control panel is, the offers on the connector panel in the back are slim : just a connector to the expression pedal, Right, Left and Main audio output. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ed1c66b7-8060-4a7d-8d8e-b4e87064231d/Crumar+Cordatron+EditS+-21.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The whole shebang is contained in these two suit cases and is relatively portable at 35 kilos with the legs. The cable connector is hardwired to the main generator. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/f29fbc38-1a3b-4bf7-83e0-7c357a55f4ef/Steelphon+S900+WM4.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Here you see the separate CV inputs are an example of that; one for each oscillator, and a trigger input for both, few European synths incorporated this feature in 1973. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/503e7e9f-5d4a-4fde-81f7-6a728e7507aa/Steelphon+Mago+keeper-06.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The design is compact and particular, with an odd tilt backward that we've never really seen before. The vents on top are found on the S900 as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/7b2eb285-1c3c-4e35-8961-9a24ab44f5ac/Elka+Synthex-07.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines This is a surprisingly well-built instrument for Italy, one could argue it's the very apex of italian synth engineering and priduction, and that's most likely the reason so many Elka Synthex units still survive to this day. The back offers a great selection of connectors for optional swell pedals (glide, hold, release, filter, program advance) as well as separate audio outputs for upper and lower parts in split mode. There are also sync in and output mini jack connectors that supposedly send and recieve 5 volt clock impulses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a091863d-2250-468f-8459-d34899bbffc9/Siel+Opera+6+WM10.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The back sports a Midi input with MIDI upgraded to Tauntek specs. One single jack output and actually really cool swell and filter pedal inputs are on hand too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/6e5c2f45-340d-489a-b642-9210f7b70b18/Siel+Orchestra+2+-02.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Orchestra II was also re-designed and re-badged by Siel as OR400 in gorgeous blues, and also sold in the USA by Sequential Circuit as the Prelude. On the back we get Low and High impedance audio outputs, an audio input connector, swell pedal and decay foot switch connectors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/587912cc-e46f-44bb-b377-e662c3633d23/Farfisa+Combo+Compact+-01.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Lifting this thing with one hand is not recommended, as is almost standard with Italian vintage gear the handle is mounted on the lid instead of the instrument itself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/646a18a3-adbd-4d46-af5f-c46606904bd4/P1010559.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The left panel mounts the Q1 Cont. Freq which controls the LFO speed of Oscillator 1. The button marked Keyboard Sweep is just that - generating a portamento effect of an incoming missile in a computer game. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/2e09098c-cf0f-4f25-9be4-8d957d7038f2/Farfisa+Polychrome+2+Keeper++V3+LR+Export+TEMP%21-26.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines FARFISA POLYCHROME - 1978 - A gigantic instrument with an equally huge sound - was this the flagship Farfisa string machine? With 4 independent sections of Divide Down based instruments with lots of modulation capabilities our bets are in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/933617e7-b467-43d1-8245-591c0e790e5d/Crumar+Multiman+S2+-+keeper-28.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines CRUMAR MULTIMAN S/2 - 1977 - Massive both in sound and weight, this is a 61 key strings and brass machine with separate outputs, piano sounds and a sub bass section for that earthquake-provoking low end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/3bd7b1ed-81f5-4878-8158-737fab81a31c/P1010572.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines A jack output only on the back, the bigger connector is a pedal board input most likely added by the previous owner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/6317b658-c45f-4716-930e-57c3bc0be993/P1010711.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines An oddity on the Logan Piano Strings Synthesizer is the sliders : inspired by organ drawbars, they're are reversed, with maximum value at the bottom and minimum or 0 at the top. This takes a bit of practice to get used to. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/b366f3f3-4a8a-4889-929f-a474a9aa4fb2/Welson+Stereo+Symphony+WM6.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The 5 polyphonic preset sounds are terrific 1970s string machine sounds and are all playable simultaneously : Cello, Violin, Horn / Brass, Piano and harpsichord. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/328b52e2-c630-465e-b169-b0d90e09bd70/Farfisa+Polychrome+2+Keeper++V3+LR+Export+TEMP%21-22.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Polychrome uses octave-divider technology to achieve full polyphony meaning you can effectively play a 61 note chord. It's a big-boned piece of gear, wide and surprisingly deep - this to comfortably fit all the circuit boards inside. The keyboard is equipped with after-touch, controlling volume and / or brilliance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/802bddde-b1ea-4dce-8bbb-ce9ac3a1747e/Farfisa+Syntorchestra+4+keeper+-12.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines This brown and bulky piece of delicate plastic does a fantastic job at instantly creating 1970s leads and pads. Applying the LFO to the filter and vibrato you get that swaying synth sound championed by Boards of Canada and usually generated by expensive, fancy, real polyphonic synths. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/2ea49327-efbd-4de1-ad18-89df310d7243/Crumar+Multiman+S2+-+keeper-18.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The S/2 is successor to the Multiman S, also branded Orchestrator, the control panel layout and sounds are exactly the same - with the focus on the splittable keyboard - to play a different set of sounds on the lower part of the keyboard than the higher one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/b9e4a5fb-e5be-421d-8e4f-b47b7942af4b/Welson+Stereo+Symphony+WM5.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The possibilities of sculpting the presets are different than your regular string machine - by panning the "Concert" slider (Chorus) or the preset sound sliders you get phaser or chorus-like effects. You can also choose which sounds to add chorus to. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/13d8c36e-d7a3-4d16-a8a7-21370f0dea87/Farfisa+Polychrome+2+Keeper++V3+LR+Export+TEMP%21-18.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines There are four main instrument groups with individual preset sounds that are selectable one at a time : 1. Percussive - Piano, Harpsichord, Clavichord and the latest in modern piano emulation - Honky Tonk. This section is equipped with a dedicated filter with Brilliance, Decay and Emphasis parameters. 2. Strings - 1 single preset with 3 octaves selectable simultaneously to form a big string section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e44d099d-ea09-4c30-87c2-88b4de813e49/Farfisa+Syntorchestra+4+keeper+-07.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Syntorchestra 4 should probably be considered a slimmed-down Farfisa Soundmaker rather than a successor to the original Farfisa Syntorchestra. There was no Syntorchestra 2 or 3 to our knowledge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/985504ad-0513-4977-ba1c-2fff20c2ad1d/Crumar+Multiman+S2+-+keeper-24.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines On offer are 5 preset sounds (Brass, Piano, Clavichord, Cello and Violin) and a bonus sub-bass sound assigned to the lower 27 notes of the keyboard. All sounds are divide down generated so we get full polyphony here. The Brass section has a SSM based filter giving it a nice range from brass-y to more synthesizer-like sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a12c8f7a-c2fb-42dd-952f-26d6ffd4c81b/Welson+Stereo+Symphony+WM9.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The design is clearly inspired by the Farfisa Syntorchestra. In the back there are two outputs - left and right - with separate volume controls as well as separate expression pedal inputs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/b6a24645-bbd8-474e-9e73-5f8dfb000eab/Farfisa+Polychrome+2+Keeper++V3+LR+Export+TEMP%21-21.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines 3. Ensemble - 3 Brass preset sounds with an expanded filter section of brilliance and emphasis filter as well as attack and decay controls. You can get a wide variety of sounds here, from synth leads brass chords. 4. Vocal Chorus - Now this is special : 3 haunting choir preset sounds with a free mode gaining access to Resonance and Cutoff parameters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/cd103c1b-6750-4544-817d-4e5959a2bd82/Farfisa+Syntorchestra+4+keeper+-09.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The 6 polyphonic presets include subtle brass and string presets with cut-off and strings decay controls but are also modifiable by routing them to the monophonic section's filter controls by engaging the Poly in Mono button. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/0529c9b7-4cfd-4ab4-9ecc-d146c2b009a2/Crumar+Multiman+S2+-+keeper-21.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The S/2 has the same great characteristics as it predecessor, with presets that at best sound vaguely like the instrument they're named after. Each preset sound can be played simultaneously and has 2 volume controls - one for the bottom half of the keyboard and one for the upper half. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/c5bfc415-fab0-41ce-881d-7c72f7cba906/Farfisa+Polychrome+2+Keeper++V3+LR+Export+TEMP%21-20.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The on-board phaser and tremolo effects are rare additions but do sound fantastic and gives the Polychrome that distinctive, vintage edge over other stringers and synth contemporaries. The phaser has volume, emphasis and speed controls and it can be applied to modulate individual sections or all of them except the Vocal Chorus. There's also a Modulation bank that acts as a Chorus effect complete with Slow and Fast options to emulate a Leslie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/fd15fd84-530b-4514-afbc-f43cdc19d639/Crumar+Multiman+S2+-+keeper-14.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines Here's that fantastic Brass Filter - also controllable if one is in the possesion of the elusive filter control foot pedal. The Multiman S/2 is very sturdy and surprisingly heavy. Unlike the previous model it comes without a lid but is instead protected by a black faux leather bag. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ba291ad3-fb94-4e1b-a1d9-81aaa648681f/P1000292.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The Farfisa Syntorchestra comes with a lid and closes to become a silver monolith with a handle. There is also a wooden version with the same guts and controls released around the same time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/c3392e5b-32ae-4157-adf9-1a0706313260/Farfisa+Polychrome+2+Keeper++V3+LR+Export+TEMP%21-10.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines A few more audio outputs would have been sweet but for now we get a general output of all sections unless the Vocal Chorus jack output is connected which separates it from the others. We then have a Headphone and an audio input connector routed to the modulation sections as well an expression pedal connector. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/68c9c776-887a-4e07-b383-71e6ecc0f58c/Farfisa+Syntorchestra+4+keeper+-03.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The back sport individual audio outputs for each of the two sections - great for routing them to separate, external effects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ef53702c-50cf-434c-8bd0-0370f06a6337/Crumar+Multiman+S2+-+keeper-05.jpg Synthesizers and String Machines The separate outputs are great for modulating the individual sounds further by using effect pedals, echoes and reverb. The big round connector is for a 12 note foot pedal for the bass section and the pedal filter input is for controlling the cut off of the brass section as mentioned, we're also blessed with a swell pedal connector. https://www.vintageaudioinstitute.com/drum-machines-auto-units daily 0.75 2025-09-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e06dcdad-94d1-44c6-9561-3cbe4ad67f5c/Elgam+Carousel+WM1.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units ELGAM CAROUSEL - 1976. The Groove box that sparked todays hype of the genre - a stunningly well-designed piece of gear with a great analog vibe that stays relevant. Originally, this was the Crazy Hands section from the Elgam Broadway organ. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a8890486-a379-4dd4-843f-e69dd1b44990/Godwin+CD1+WM7.png Drum Machines and Auto Units GODWIN CD1 - 1980? - What is this thing? Why does it look so awesome? Who controls it? How? Gorgeously designed with legs that screw in place inside the lid to form a stand for the unit to sit on. Also released under the Moreschi brand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/c35ea642-3462-49da-90d2-c707491bea54/SOlton+Programmer+24+WM7.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units SOLTON PROGRAMMER 24 - 1984. This is an amazingly entertaining and rewarding device from the golden era of Italian synthesizer and auto-accompaniment production. The Solton Programmer 24 is a fully programmable auto-accompaniment unit with 12-bit drum samples, analog and digital hybrid synth, chords and string sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/1532fa91-b468-494c-a60e-8643a49c552b/P1040455.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units AMTRON BONGO ELETTRONICO - 1970s -Stunningly handsome - as rare as it is odd - this device was brought to us by Amtron, a mail order company offering electronic kits to tinkering hobby engineers to be assembled at home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ba9b346f-6e3c-4dd3-835e-07bff53d0a41/P1040382.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units AMTRON ELECTRONIC DRUMS UK 263 - 1970s - A pretty, yellow metal box of analog drum rhythms from Italian, electronics kit vendor Amtron. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/28fe57ff-5e68-459b-bf40-06056e5c5acf/P1040702.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units BÖHM DIGITAL DRUMS - 1982 - Sometimes referred to as the German Linn Drum, this auto-accompaniment machine courtesy of Herr Dr. Böhm of West Germany is capable of a range of bass, chord and arpeggiator sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a24240e1-08c6-4c42-89b6-d99da030dfce/P1040759.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units BÖHM SOLIST 78 - 1973 - This early, analog auto-accompaniment unit and drum machine from West Germany is the essential song-writing tool and offers useful features and some great drum sounds, chords and bass lines as well as an arpeggiator, all transposed by the control keyboard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/0562bf49-fc22-4549-88e2-567a86ecc574/P1040566.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units CRB COMPUTER DRUMS - 1980 - Gorgeously rare analog and digital hybrid drum machine from Italy's Marche region. The brand name, CRB Elettronica, is an abbreviation of Costruzioni Radioelettriche Borsini. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/55c6eee7-808a-4f87-a699-afb03ede9060/P1040426.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units EKO RHYTHMAKER - 1970 - Analog drum machine from Italy's EKO, originally makers of guitars and amps, the Rhythmaker was one of their earlier attempts at drum machines that would later result in the legendary EKO ComputeRhythm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/da95e01d-9543-4a9d-8d5c-ae6c31f3b902/P1040412.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units EKO RITMO 20 - 1982 - This expanded version of the Ritmo 12 is a great looking, compact, analog / digital hybrid drum machine with separate volumes for each drum sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5e9a2522-1ef9-4afa-863d-21ec7955e0a4/P1040642.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units ELGAM CRAZY BAND 48 - 1978 - This is the machine Elgam created to follow up on the success of the Carousel. A true unicorn - there are very few of these around - it's a similar type of auto-accompaniment and analog drum machine but with an expanded drum section. Instead of the arpeggiator of its predecessor we're blessed with a unique Auto-Melody generator. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8e8dab6f-07a2-491b-9488-f8e2a9831de3/P1040368.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units ELKA DRUMMER ONE - 1968. One of the earliest drum machines commercially produced in Italy, it became a Kraut Rock staple in 1970s Germany, once you start listening for it you hear it everywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/6225a027-c6b7-4dc6-8b10-4c94c2eee953/P1040527.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units ELKA DRUMSTAR 80 - 1985 - After introducing a range of popular drum machines to the Italian market, this one was a massive leap forward and is still relevant today : punchy 12-Bit sample based drums easily programmable and synchronizable with the rest of your gear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/2e51a310-6e50-4efd-bac7-a0ff919da4cb/P1040410.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units ELKA RHYTHM MACHINE - Following the Drummer One, the Elka Rhythm Machine has a new design, it almost shares the same layout and functionality, including the individual volumes for each drum sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/bd5a433c-7a87-48ca-bafb-bd93912636d0/P1040660.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units ELKA WILGAMAT - 1976. Warm and woody - the Elka Wilgamat sounds exactly like it looks. An analog, auto accompaniment or groove box with great, distinctive drum sounds, bass and chord patterns. The bass and chord sections change depending on the rhythm engaged and follow the tonality of the keyboard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/bef44394-a4d9-4945-8526-b3843e182a3e/P1040670.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units ELKA WILGAMAT III - 1980. The next level Wilgamat got a substantial upgrade with hybrid, digital technology controlling the analog sounds, adding an arpeggiator section and a stunning wealth of 48 drum fills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/87a4766d-ab4e-444e-acfb-934aea195986/P1030680.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units SOLTON ARRANGER PLUS - 1987 - Following up the success of the entertainment juggernaut, the Solton Programmer 24, Solton grants us more presets, patterns, memory and expansion packs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/1331ba17-9e8b-42e7-a076-66998b3f1b65/P1030687.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units SOLTON TSK4 - 1989 - The grandchild of the legendary Programmer 24 is packed with many more and updated sounds and functions but comes with a 4 octave keyboard a display. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/d4c608a2-84ea-45de-b634-ad76f2f920e7/SOlton+Disco+64+WM5.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units SOLTON DISCO 64 - 1982. With a Monophonic bass synth based on a SSM based filter section and a heavenly string section - Soltons entry into the auto accompaniment market is strong. This isn't a Disco machine per se - due to trends of the era many companies threw in the word Disco in a product name to increase sales - but it does provide instant retro vibes and offers a ton of great features. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/aec3a086-7792-4bee-81f2-4978d4e6c620/Wersi+Wersimatic+CX1+WM5.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units WERSIMATIC CX1 - 1983 - A hella stylish auto accompaniment machine that looks like an early desktop computer. Originally sold as either a kit of loose parts to be assembled by the buyer, or industrially assembled in the Wersi factory of West Germany. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/536a3926-5f10-4676-83f8-c587337d6aff/P1040652.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units GODWIN DRUMMAKER 45 - 1976. Generating warm, analog sounds, its four instrument components offer lots of variety, especially the arpeggiator section is fantastic. The first of Godwins many so called Computer System models, this is an instant vintage treasure of analog sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/6eceb37f-709a-4c68-a60f-7f24b59ef00c/P1070665.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units GODWIN CD2 - 1985? - Rare as a unicorn - this mystifying auto-accompaniment machine from Italys Godwin is the only one we've ever encountered. These type of machines were generally used by one-man-bands back in the day, to provide light entertainment in places where people congregated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5df20592-3799-4115-be35-d201e6b8f0ae/P1070731.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units GODWIN MPS88 - 1988? - The overlord of all the Godwin auto-accompaniment machines. And finally a device that accepts MIDI! But it can also be controlled by an electronic accordion and / or foot pedals or perhaps a small keyboard. What's clear is that we're moving out of the "portable" category of instruments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/21af99d7-915c-490c-b195-add4aaa11cf1/P1040614.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units CRB COMPUTER BAND 2000 - 1979. One of the more feature-forward auto-accompaniment units out there, the Computer Band is comprised of an analog drum machine section and 4 separate auto-comp sections : Bass, Chord 1, Chord 2 and Arpeggio. All sections generate rhythm patterns depending on the rhythm engaged while the keyboard controls the tonality. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/62cb8895-289a-455b-acda-ac5efc49d281/P1080742.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units ELGAM R48 RHYTHM COMPUTER - 1982 - This is something we haven't seen in the wild before or after : behold the rhythm section from the Elgam Crazy Band 48. Expanded with separate volumes for the drum sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8efff67f-b7a6-4d99-89ac-9a97948d3a41/P1080799.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units BUGARI SOUND UNIT -? - What in the lord? This thing is as rugged as it is mysterious. We literally have no info, there's no model name o serial number plate anywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/cc1199c4-a503-4a84-b274-5d080bd19805/P1080829.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units FARFISA RHYTHM 10 - 1970 - A stunningly gorgeous, analog drum machine with hardwired start / stop foot switch and output cable. Was this Farfisas first drum machine? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/7a96906c-0297-4b59-ad84-1d4435ea24f3/P1080713.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units NUOVA ELETTRONICA LX259 - 1977 - A kit-build analog drum machine from Nuova Elettronica, the full name is : Nuova Elettronica Generatore di Ritmi LX259. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/9375909c-0932-4d7a-b64b-8bfb50b56763/P1080486.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units GODWIN DRUMMAKER 32 - 1982 - The successor to the Drummaker 45 share all the original features but got an upgrade with completely new sounds in every section. The new drums are snappier and fill-ins have been added while the arpeggio has an actual synth sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/afb5edb8-1db5-4516-aabf-9709e4732652/Solton+Polyvox+K+for+Sale+-25.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units SOLTON POLYVOX K - 1983 - The desert island auto-accompaniment machine to rule them all. Plus a string machine. And a monophonic synth. And organ. Oh, and the polyphonic preset sounds, don't forget we got those too. And the choir section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/04938b8e-7bdf-4edb-86d0-6e1b0e7362ec/P1040489.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units WERSIMATIC WM24 - 1970s - West German-built and fully analog, Wersi introduces this expanded Wersimatic device after many earlier and quite similar models like the Wersimatic II. This auto accompaniment unit is packed with features, rhythms and sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/820f17c4-3e42-4537-a14c-23560e4815fa/P1080942.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units WELSON BAND - 1975? - Unicorn auto accompaniment machine with a hexagonal chassis, this is the predecessor of the Welson Ritmo but with completely different sounds. With a rather limited sound scope but separate audio outputs in the back we're definitely enthralled. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a8a58d16-8259-42e6-9dc6-b07940a8eae8/+Welson+Band+%3A+Ritmo+Group+LIGHT+-74.jpeg Drum Machines and Auto Units WELSON RITMO - 1980? - The successor to the Welson Band is a colorful device with great analog sounds albeit slightly minimal variety or modulation offerings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/12b29f25-9862-487d-bb9a-acbdd74bc433/Elgam+Carousel+WM3.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The Carousel is comprised of 4 sections : 1. Drum Machine 2. Bass Section - generating a choice of two bass-lines 3. Chord section - three sounds (Harpsichord, Honki tonk and Piano) 4. Arpeggio section - one sound with adjustable decay and 2 stackable harmonies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/c435c5e4-17d4-4659-9d20-95e987983056/Godwin+CD1+WM5.png Drum Machines and Auto Units The CD1 is an Italian auto-accompaniment unit derived from the earlier iteration Godwin Drummaker 32. Hooking this up to an electronic accordion or foot pedals you get organ and polyphonic sounds, pre-programmed chords, arpeggios, bass lines and drum machine patterns. It's unclear which accordion model is compatible to the CD1, if such an object exists. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/89d896d7-b78c-413a-8aca-76bd1aa8b783/SOlton+Programmer+24+WM2.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units We were unsure in what category the Programmer belonged but it's at least safe to say it's the definite song writing tool if you dig Italo Disco, 80s Pop and Miami Vice. Everything is drenched in that 80s sauce - it that's your thing you simply cannot go wrong with this device. It comes pre-programmed with sequences ready to go but you can also easily program your own as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/07677d4c-633d-44a6-b69e-b9721a135e5c/P1040459.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units You simply ordered your Bongo Elettronico by phone or written letter, sent a check or wired a money transfer. Then, the complete components would arrive in the mail after a week or so, for you to solder in place and glue together the separate components and elements according to the instructions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/d460d228-42a6-4d1c-b5e5-70f31a000e17/P1040383.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Amtron made a few different models of drum machines, the UK 263 being top of the line or the least rudimentary one. The UK in the name does not mean it's from the UK. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e14aa7fb-fac6-488f-90bc-a7c80b12866c/P1040701.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The drum machine section alone is very nice and punchy, with 13-Bit samples sounding not quite like any Linn Drum device to our ears, but definitely punchy and realistic. The drums section was incorporated in the Star Sound organ and was also released and re-branded as Hohner Drum Performer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/0961bb53-715d-4f27-baac-ccdb9feea9cc/P1040760.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The one-octave keyboard controller can only operate one finger at a time - it's not made to be played, rather to indicate the desired key to the main unit. The major, minor and 7th chord options are engaged by pressing the grey side keys and the button on the right in tandem with the desired key. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/eedabeca-2d0e-465f-980b-03747814e745/P1040567.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The CRB Computer Drums is the stand-alone drum section from the mythical auto-accompaniment unit the CRB Computer Band 2000. It can also be found in the massive CRB 910 organs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/cad4c473-5746-45ba-b1b5-bbfd7feb71f4/P1040432.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units This is a compact and slim little machine that's literally crammed with components and it produces warm, analog drum patterns and punchy sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/2f654d2e-bb68-4697-a800-d3cfb89b56db/P1040415.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units 20 rhythm patterns are accessible with 10 buttons containing 2 patterns each. Each of the 20 patterns has its unique fill-in plus a separate intro fill, landing us at a whopping 60 rhythm patterns in total. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/62305285-63dd-4e67-83be-eb9b5ae06488/P1040647.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The name Crazy Band 48 comes from the number of drum patterns - they're 48 rhythms in total since each of the 16 rhythm push buttons has 3 selectable variations. The rhythm patterns span 2 bars instead of the more common single bar so we're well covered here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/abae6ec4-ea5f-4f90-8f61-5d8294f64f65/P1040371.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units On offer are 16 rhythm patterns triggering 9 analog drum sounds, each with its dedicated volume, a feature that gives you more control and is probably the reasons this old box is still so relevant. Multiple patterns can be engaged at the same time for more complex rhythms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/76718a51-34bf-4ccc-b465-6bdce6a5b788/P1040533.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Another drum machine commonly referred to as the "insert a country" Linn drum one might suggest it's maybe closer to the Alesis HR-16 in sound. It features PCM sounds, user friendly programming and individual audio outputs for each sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/fa91d161-81ca-41e5-b9f4-35b85734b215/P1040391.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units But where the Drummer One is organic and woody, the Rhythm Machine veers towards a different style of analog drum sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/83c03585-4cdf-43be-8759-0dd2ecee1d56/P1040665.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The chords section consists of three sounds with individual rhythm patterns that are only vaguely reminescent of the instruments they're named after: Piano, Guitar and Brass. The brass sound has a great, wah like sound, while the guitar is more mellow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/caf5e5ee-1934-4949-9b86-cf3682208feb/P1040672.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The predecessor to the Wilgamat III was released in 1976, and we're not sured what happened in between since there was no Wilgamat II model, at least to our knowledge. The four sections that comprise the Wilgamat III are Drums, Bass, Chords and an added arpeggiator. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/9fa7f034-8860-41ba-9b58-a4d94548b89b/P1030658.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units This is the ultimate auto accompaniment machine for 80s heads and Miami Vice fans. No fuss, hands on controls, snappy PCM drums and easy to program, this is pretty much just a Solton Programmer 24 in a black chassis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/941b9167-a1dd-4345-ba72-c7c792b69aad/P1030684.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Probably inspired by the hugely succesful Roland D50 and the Korg M1, Solton introduced memory cards with extra voices, auto accompaniment patterns and memory to store programmed sequences. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/4d5c7158-83f6-4a9f-8e16-341748e12236/SOlton+Disco+64+WM3.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Just like other auto units the Solton Disco 64 comes pre-programmed with automatic drum patterns, bass lines, chord rhythms and a string machine that create songs based on the rhythm pattern engaged and chords - or one note if in one finger mode - pressed. The unit is not programmable and has no MIDI options. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/2c00f803-cfe3-446b-b042-25a3bdba690e/Wersi+Wersimatic+CX1+WM1.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units All the 4 sections of the Wersimatic CX1 are fully programmable : Analog Drum machine, Bass section, Chords section and an Arpeggiator (closer in resemblance to a second chord generator). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8698ac63-d0a1-4b2d-8df0-11f6b1fa4556/P1040653.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units At our disposal are 4 sections : Drum machine / Bass / Chords / Arpeggiator. This machine was originally the rhythm section of the huge organ with the same name, but stand-alone units, with either a two-octave keyboard controller, like this one, or a pedal controller, were produced as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/4b1e59c4-1648-4055-a167-8524995305d5/P1070669.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Most likely controlled by a pedal board or an accordion, it shares some features of the previous CD1 model but with more bells and whistles. And what could be a built-in spring reverb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/482f0866-2847-4b46-a52f-f9bec80855a6/P1070742.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units It consists of a massively heavy main unit holding all of the sound generating circuitry with an attachable control panel on top. The external power supply, or it should be referred to as a power plant - it's by far the heaviest in our collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/9f571b21-028d-4f66-9491-aa6d5235cd59/P1040615.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The drum machine offers 20 rhythms of 9 drum sounds each with its own individual mute switch. The sounds are clinical, short and sharp except the 2 longer white noise generated cymbals. There is a drum pattern variation option that adds a variation on either every fourth or eight bar, as well as a break button of another round of drum fills, effectively tripling the amount of generated rhythm patterns to 60. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/cc4f7edc-ee1c-4d18-8ee7-a1ca49e7f462/P1080746.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units With its 10 analog drum sounds (circa), 16 x 3 = 48 rhythm patterns and another 5-10 drum fills or so we're well covered here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/25310077-00ee-4389-84ee-4242e0fb5277/P1080797.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The pedal is present so at least we have access to start and stop the rhythms - yup, that's right we think there's a drum machine in here. And auto accompaniment chords and bass lines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/debb83df-0e25-4bbf-b4c8-99c88daea85d/P1080852.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Apparently owned and used by Kraftwerk on a few of their early tracks, quite possibly modded to trigger the 5 drum sounds with pads instead of the buttons on top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/f35ef93a-d574-42ad-b3d4-4d7f8d9a4afb/P1080715.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units 15 rhythms on board, with 7 drum sounds with individual volume controls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/3461bef2-e604-447c-a9a9-68c15567b84f/P1080480.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Used by OMBs - One Man Bands - all over Italy, this type of machine generate accompaniment to sing and play other instruments over when the budget and/or stage space is limited. The keyboard on top indicates the chord and key to the unit below, generating bass lines, chord patterns and arpeggios. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e4566a3c-666b-4bf1-9c1d-1588500c6d7b/Solton+Polyvox+K+for+Sale+-23.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units We forgot to mention the built-in spring reverb. There are so many features here it's seriously hard to mention them all. It's basically the full size, massive Solton 600 P organ stripped down to its buttons, faders and electronics. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/390daf17-648e-4f23-a017-a2cc369911d1/P1040488.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units An unusual arrangement, the control keyboard actually houses the electronics generating the chords and bass and has its own audio output connector. The drum machine unit houses the drum circuits and sends the tempo signal to the control keyboard via a DIN cable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/89bd3d53-54a3-4b5a-861b-60a83500fd6c/P1080948.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The mini keyboard on top is not original as you can probably see. It's something we bashed together to unlock all the instrument sections. It could be that it's meant to be controlled by foot pedals or possibly connected to a Welson organ - there's very little info out there - but this was a fast and efficient solution for now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5dcda44f-4134-4913-be73-23d9ccea0dea/+Welson+Band+%3A+Ritmo+Group+LIGHT+-71.jpeg Drum Machines and Auto Units Here you see the siblings together since we somehow forgot to photograph the Ritmo on its own. The Ritmo unit is not that hard to find compared to many auto accompaniment machines but its keyboard is. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e5cbc91c-30b6-4a28-97ab-8bce1cb21d4f/P1010396.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The melodic sections change depending on the rhythm engaged and follow the tonality of the keyboard. Sonically the sounds gel really nicely, this machine is the sum of all its parts, the rhythms and bass lines are well-programmed, the bass has great lines and the arpeggiator adds that magic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/880f95da-90da-49f3-9dfa-f976555e867a/Godwin+CD1+WM6.png Drum Machines and Auto Units The unit has 5 sections: Drum machine, Bass, Chords, Arpeggio and Solo sounds. The 2 arpeggio sounds are the same as on the Drummaker 32 while the drums are unique to the CD1. Our plan is to unlock the last tabs sounds properly once we find the schematics or manual but in the meantime the unit trigger 4 chords with the Program push buttons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/f1aef5b4-9004-4289-bf0e-8bab6a3fd0fc/SOlton+Programmer+24+WM4.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units There are 5 instrument sections : the drum machine, the bass section, a chord generator, an arpeggiator and lastly an added string and organ section. All functions are intuitive and hands on, there is no screen menu you need to dive in to, the few parameters available are accessible on the front panel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/fea960c2-0caf-4694-a9fa-a20fa3a55360/P1040384.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units It can play 15 rhythm patterns and 7 or possibly 8 analog drum sounds - what else could one need really? The sounds are classic analog types; warm, analog yet punchy, with static noise sitting in for the open hi-hat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a551ada6-1da0-4215-855f-9881bc6b1ccc/P1040705.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The unit comes with a staggering 180 individual auto-accompaniment arrangements, and the 4 instrument voices have more than 60 individual preset sounds in total. The mini keyboard controls the key and harmony for the accompaniment section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/71cda822-a41b-4d7b-9548-5940f6fddb0e/P1040761.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Dr. Böhm named the auto-accompaniment section Böhmat - perhaps a mix of Böhm and Automat - and it has quite a lot going on considering for such an antique device: 1. A bass sound with 5 different bass lines spanning two bars. 2. 3 chord sounds with 6 rhythmic patterns 3. An arpeggiator figure and a Wah effect for the chords and arpeggiator. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e1deb8ec-c350-44bb-8667-79d39c469df0/P1040568.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units There are 20 rhythm pattern preset buttons. An additional 20 patterns are available as Variation - selectable to occur either on every 4th or 8th bar. And last but not least, a Break button with an additional 20 fill-ins making the total available rhythm patterns 60. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e922d585-92d9-487a-99b1-c5abba9f83d6/P1040436.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The front panel has 16 push buttons for rhythms of standard fare : Jazz, Mambo, Rock etc. These could potentially be engaged all at the same time, giving you a cacophony of poly rhythms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8dd679a3-8592-46f6-870c-9c7e88d2269d/P1040417.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units There are 9 drum sounds in total : Bass Drum, Snare, Conga, Tom-Tom, Hi-Hat, Cymbal, Rimshot, Claves and Cowbell. The Ritmo 20 is not programmable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/295f24d4-c531-4f83-a549-4a85b0f3dbf0/P1040648.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The Crazy Band 48 is comprised of 5 individual sections, each with a separate volume control. Apart from the drum section, the stand-alone keyboard controller changes the tonality and harmony of the 4 auto accompaniment voices : Bass, Chord 1, Chord 2 and Auto Melody. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/6090f83e-9c29-4054-a38e-4178f815cf9e/P1040372.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The components, signal path and old school architecture of the Drummer One is the reason it sounds so special and its woody, warm and organic drum sounds are so instantaneously recognisable. It's also the reason it has a high noise floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/55e5c89e-e2ef-4d13-8654-1e493e538c39/P1040534.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The individual volumes for instrument groups form what we would refer to as a proper mixer section. 12 volume controls and separate outputs for each one is truly impressive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/1eff9fea-a37c-4472-9a2b-c970c0328eb5/P1040392.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The rhythmic patterns and choice of drum sounds match the Drummer One almost perfectly but this one doesn't allow for multiple patterns at a time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8824e42f-c313-48f3-8587-8bb46009d6fd/P1040663.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units In total 16 different rhythm presets with 16 drum-fills triggered by pushing down the long bar on top of the keyboard. Holding the bar down loops the fill-in. The bass section consists of two bass lines (auto and walking bass) per rhythm, two bass sounds, with a sustain option. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/be1ccd38-7208-4c83-8c44-e0b476b63b66/P1040674.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The drum machine is digitally controlled with analog sounds with a nice thump, 8 buttons of rhythms with an additional button effectively doubling the amount to a 16. But the real total of rhythm patterns is granted only to those with the elusive, original foot pedal that engages the drum fills. 3 fills per pattern, 48 in total, making the total amount of rhythms on board 64. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/20ad37cd-3110-4ef8-ae2a-17a23654302c/P1030665.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The Arranger shares almost all features of its predecessor the Programmer 24 : the layout is similar while the drums, bass and organ are exactly the same. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/d4e94900-897d-496a-aa1d-0ff8ae0e5982/P1030694.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The TSK4 also got an extra octave added to its keyboard, finally becoming more of a players instrument than just an auto accompaniment machine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/15f68fa1-d1e1-4aba-ad68-12f417cae8cb/SOlton+Disco+64+WM9.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units While not offering any programmability nor MIDI options, it does provide plenty of individual volumes and there are mute options for each section as well as for each single drum sound. This gives the Disco 64 an edge and definitely makes it one of the most interesting auto accompaniment units out there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/bbd7bed5-2467-4143-8bbd-a9c47c22e211/Wersi+Wersimatic+CX1+WM2.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units This unit was modded with separate volumes for the instrument section. The drum machine sections has 10 sounds : Bass drum, Snare, Hi-hat (long and short), Cymbal, Tambourine, Brushes, Maracas, Cowbell, Claves and Synthedrum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/887e58e5-f85c-4f22-a6d8-3427fa723316/P1040656.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Starting with the drum machine it has a fantastic analog sound, organic and punchy, it offers plenty of rhythm patterns, 3 variations for each, a total of 45. There's also an automatic mode that cycles through the variations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/3f27a6f3-f136-4c5f-8cdd-c286a8102e54/P1070685.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units We don't have much information on this unit yet since its awaiting service. What we can tell you is that it's a auto accompaniment unit made to be controlled by an accordion or foot pedals and a keyboard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e3a70fbe-d65d-423f-a879-8e854c33fae7/P1070737.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units It's hard to know where to begin here - there are so many sections and controls but the auto accompaniment sections are : 1. Drum Machine section with 16 patterns with variations and drum fills. 2. Chords section with 5 sounds and a phasing effect. 3. Rhythms Orchestra with a slew of different sounds including 4 arpeggiator patterns. 4. Bass section with 8 different sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/773b5cf8-c1ff-4a81-b7ec-4c7d4a4e85e4/P1040617.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Both the drum machine and the auto accompaniment sections are hard-wired - there's no Midi or program option. But the bass and arpeggio sounds are actually playable on the keyboard while the arrangement section is paused. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/6610f563-926a-4c68-bd5a-3196e8a3cffc/P1080758.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The rhythm patterns span 2 bars as well and the sounds are a mixed batch of styles, some seem to belong in the 70s while the toms and kick have a that 80s Japanese modernity to their sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8106832e-fe16-4dea-b3f8-487996f4b485/P1080803.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units We haven't opened this up properly yet since the schematics and a manual aren't available. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/78d52f8d-e650-4e2f-be2d-b6b3a00a4e5c/P1080839.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units This is minimalism in a box - 10 rhythms and 5 sounds that can also be triggered by the red push buttons on top of the unit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/22f44777-a333-4995-918c-3bb43e14981e/P1080718.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The hi-hat pattern has a variation and the "legnetti" can be switched out to snare hits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/219730ee-6110-435a-b0a3-33e2c1159355/P1080492.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units We get 32 drum rhythm patterns - 16 buttons with a Variation button - plus another 16x2 fill-ins that you can loop by holding down the fill-in push button. The 12 drum sounds share 6 volume sliders for dialing in the balance between sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/dd1e8ee3-0192-4810-8492-a788a8b482f4/Solton+Polyvox+K+for+Sale+-21+lite.jpeg Drum Machines and Auto Units Most sections except the polyphonic synth and auto accompaniment can be routed to either the right or left hand which can create new ways of playing, routing the monophonic synth to the button board for example. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/84df90ae-f6a0-46e2-bfe3-08b8504a1b76/P1040494.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Another unique feature of this set up is the independent chord and bass arrangements - normally selecting a drum machine pattern would change the chords and bass sections - but the WM24 keyboard offers dedicated buttons for selecting the auto accompaniment patterns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a23edb5d-fe21-4305-842a-15f9a9c9c717/P1080936.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The machine has the usual 4 sections : A drum machine, bass, chords and arpeggio. The drum section has 12 rhythm patterns plus 12 fill-ins, 8 drum sounds and its own volume control. The drum sounds are primitive but nice and punchy, the kick has a lot of low end and a bonus is the 2 bar span of most of the rhythms and fill-ins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/1fdfa591-37c8-42e0-9331-b8d60bace34f/+Welson+Band+%3A+Ritmo+Group+LIGHT+-75.jpeg Drum Machines and Auto Units On offer are 4 instrument sections with individual volume controls and mute buttons : analog drum machine with 12 patterns, Bass section with 2 sounds and 2 bass lines, Chords section with 2 sounds and lastly the Arpeggio of 2 sounds and 2 harmonies with decay control. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/b72689c6-8b91-4746-9487-0798d1b33e26/Elgam+Carousel+WM4.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The drum section offers 15 fixed rhythms of great analog drum sounds. No individual drum sound mute options, but hey - at least you can add maracas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/05172c99-c4de-425d-9d99-64d328b504e8/Elgam+Crazy+Band+48+WM5.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The Auto Bass delivers 2 bass lines and a Auto Vari function that switches between the two. It has 4 different Bass sounds compared to the Elgam Carousels' single sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/0585861b-194f-4f8d-8e2a-caa4a489c69d/Elka+Wilgamat+WM4.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units There are individual volumes for each of the three sections, plus an overall master volume. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ff612dbf-362f-4035-af37-419f9d134da9/SOlton+Programmer+24+WM5.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The arpeggiator feature is fantastic, it has a cut-off and resonance filter and sounds close enough to a Korg or Roland synth from the era to fool the ear. The drum machine sounds are playable using the keys - another of many of the Programmer 24s useful features. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8a2d493d-4840-4e6b-a3ee-59b2655efd17/P1040465.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Everything from radios and amplifiers to drum machines and synthesizers, this was a way to get gear on the cheap and there were quite a few of these technical equipment mail order companies back in the day, another one here in Italy was Nuova Elettronica. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/fcf71681-d470-4343-922a-6c7219adcf04/P1040386.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Some of the rhythm patterns loop after two bars instead of one, a technical feat at the time considering these were sold and assembled kits for hobbyists and not factory made. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/05f09719-26ee-48a2-a363-dca494893082/P1040710.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units If the insane amount of drum patterns and auto-comp arrangements weren't enough, these machines are also completely programmable. Both the drum patterns as well as all 4 auto accompaniment instrument voices. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/1695527e-af9a-46f2-9674-cd2d6a2eb9a2/P1040762.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The bass and chords rhythm patterns are unique to each rhythm engaged while the arpeggiator line is a single pattern for all. The tempo of the Wah-Wah LFO effect follows the main tempo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e84c8bef-a68e-4cce-9109-5f23eb511fe7/P1040576.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The Computer Drums emits 9 drum sounds in total - each with its dedicated mute dip switch. It engages one rhythm preset at a time - no mixing and matching. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/4b453559-6443-4ace-a2ae-4729d344c8d9/P1040437.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units We find 3 potentiometers for Volume, Tempo and Sustain, the last one is a bit of a mystery since it only seems to change the pitch of a few sounds. Quite a novelty at the time and the reason we like it so much is the individual volume control of each of its 7 drum sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/38c4bb70-cca2-4bcb-bbd4-7fb2e05096e8/P1040420.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units To adjust the individual drum sounds to get a good balance there are six small volume knobs for the 9 drum sounds, a great feature and the reason we like the Ritmo 20 so much. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/71194384-163c-4c10-a286-98b3ac99311b/P1040374.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units On some of the Drummer Ones you'll find a big, round, multi-pin Hirschmann connector in the back. These sends a range of primitive trigger pulses on different pins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ad1474e2-d5fd-4794-917f-4840be0ab5de/P1040535.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The Elka Drumstar 80 contains a whopping 32 drum sounds like guiro, triangle, bongos and congas but some of them more subtle variations such as the 4 hi-hat samples. On offer is 20 drum patterns with 3 variations each, as well as separate drum fills and programmable Intro/Breaks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/eb478cb6-01c6-4779-9ed4-40727758977e/P1040394.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units It's still a great drum machine and its sounds are definitely distinctive compared to other machines of the era. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/61333290-376e-49d1-bfa3-02ac1e8ffa01/P1040676.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The drum section has no mute options but is equipped with its own Volume and Balance slider that cuts out either the threble sounds or the kick drum. The bass sections offers two programmed basslines per rhythm and has 4 different sounds; a sub bass organ sound, a synth brass tuba sound, a plucky bass sound and a cello like string sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/accedaf7-1e52-4316-a48e-7e9e0ef91abd/P1030671.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The Arranger Plus adds many preset banks of bass lines, chords and drum patterns compared to it predecessor. The mixer section is the same but the individual drum sound volumes are now fixed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/dccc3ad8-7c68-44cd-ba49-f7b38e29a5c6/P1030702.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The drums are still PCM samples but we're rewarded with a new kit of 47 sounds that are more in line with the time of its release. The preset sounds are FM based and mimic instruments such as marimbas, brass and strings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a84c7f12-7e24-4ef5-afbe-93d88493a50c/SOlton+Disco+64+WM10.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The bass synthesizer section has its own cut off and resonance filter, 4 bass line variations but can also be played manually like a regular synthesizer or keyboard. The chord section offers 4 voices and a string machine, again playable manually like a string machine. The strings are generated by divide down and chorus circuitry like most stand-alone stringers out there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/36fcf631-b54d-4261-8a3a-af0875635e8e/Wersi+Wersimatic+CX1+WM3.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units There are 48 slots dedicated to hardwired drum machine rhythm patterns and 16 are empty slots dedicated for user programmed rhythm patterns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/eefdd17b-ae38-4b1a-b8fb-0d8df6aa68dc/Godwin+Drummaker+45+WM7.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Both the bass and chords section have dedicated volume controls and provide 2 bass/chord lines of 2 sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/fb1a7925-261a-4a9a-90d1-9d9a7226c2c0/P1070695.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units There's also a solo section of preset sounds that are playable on top of the pre-programmed auto accompaniment sounds. The Godwin CD2 might also be programmable but this needs to be confirmed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/2cc42bee-730b-4006-b1a1-dbd8ddc6da69/P1070766.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units There are more sounds, programs and effects but we'll leave the explaination to when this machine is actually up and running since it's on it's way for repairs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/4024d31e-d8ef-4573-8257-0dc928dd640a/P1040621.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units From right, the bass section with three sounds, decay controls and two bass line options. We then have chord sections 1 and 2 with a total of seven sounds and individual decay and volume controls. Lastly the snappy arpeggio panel with four different sounds and decay control. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/49b470fa-bc71-4e9b-a1ce-0dade813cb3a/P1080750.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The unit is designed to sit on top of on organ or piano with all controls operated on the front. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/1a011b88-89ac-4ead-bc7c-0c9570d76cb8/P1080805.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units But it looks intriguing, arpeggios, drum rhythms, tons of volume sliders for organ footages, but also solo and string sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/af6a6db4-814d-4c1e-90b0-e12125270a0e/P1080845.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The pentagonal shape of the unit makes it stand out from rest - 100 % plastic - no trees were cut down to produce this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/dd0e2e6b-ffd8-4326-b442-ff304f026d27/P1080719.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Heavenly, dry and primitive drum sounds and rhythms come out of this machine when it works. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/2f8eb9f4-edb6-413f-bd4a-034fac3f33ad/P1080495.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The Chord section has 4 sounds and 2 of them have a decay option. The Bass section has 2 sounds on different ends of a slider for variability. The Arpeggio section sports 4 sounds, 4 arpeggio lines and 3 harmonies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/6eb11527-6667-4237-8ccf-5d039f060b40/Solton+Polyvox+K+for+Sale+-14+lite.jpeg Drum Machines and Auto Units The main unit holds all the electronics and its where all the sound-sculpting happens. Every section has its dedicated volume dial and the drum machine has a balance slider for emphasizing the bright or lower end drum sounds. The drums and auto accompaniment section are fully programmable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/4a8ae7ff-499c-4b4f-bcad-8a64f82b43ba/P1040508.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The Wersimatic 24 has 4 sections on board: 1. Bass - single sound bass line generator. 2. Drum machine with individual mute options. 3. Chord section with 3 chord sounds. 4. Arpeggiator section with 2 sounds (same sounds as chords but with busier patterns) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/9ff18dcb-3b82-4671-89c2-1e1551691470/P1080933.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The Auto Bass has great bass lines but is limited, with only one sound. The chords section offers Piano and Banjo sounds and shares volume with the Arpeggio, which is fantastic. It has a Harpsichord and Piano sound and spans 2 bars just like the drum machine patterns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/e9297bb9-cbe8-414d-ae5a-3279a113b49b/P1040747.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Each rhythm has its own auto accompaniment and arpeggio pattern. The keyboard controls the chord or key in which the melodic sections play. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/02e0fa60-0891-4216-9e7d-563528ecdc38/Elgam+Carousel+WM5.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units You have the option to select the tonality with one finger for simple root chords and selecting minor, 7th or diminished with the foot pedal. Or you can choose to operate it in manual mode and potentially play more complicated chords. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/fdf96df9-5ac3-4a47-9fd9-b7f6f81ce170/Elgam+Crazy+Band+48+WM6.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Both chords divisions have two, unique sounds each, while the Auto Melody flexes three. The Auto Melody generates 16 half-tempo arpeggio type melodies that vary depending on the rhythm pattern engaged. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a6a93fcc-ab52-4b83-befb-b61bc24c9d0a/Elka+Wilgamat+WM5.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units These standalone units were made to sit on top of keyboards or organs and the Wilgamat was incorporated into a rfew models of Elka organs of the era, the coolest being the X-705 Space Organ which might have been used by Jean Michel Jarre although there's no personal confirmation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/305fca03-9c52-470e-957e-dcaf46e93fc4/Elka+Wilgamat+III+WM6.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The chord section is equipped with 2 sounds, brass and piano, each with individual volumes, which are also playable as chords at will when the unit is paused. Lastly, the piano arpeggio section has two variations for each rhythm pattern. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/4f66d12e-0fa1-4c6b-af8e-1731c5c67ca5/SOlton+Programmer+24+WM8.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The back of the Solton Programmer 24 accommodates more outputs than we're used to seeing : 8 separate drum outputs, a bass section output, another drum output as well as Left and Right channel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/7e6fd24e-f7d3-403d-8aab-03c47fc4b298/P1010838.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The arpeggiator is where the Computer Band 2000 really makes it case - the extremely short plucky sounds fit in well in a busy mix but with the decay turned up they become rich and lush. All sounds of all sections can be engaged simultaneously. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/29a1d873-f74e-4e6d-9285-984766923d73/P1040389.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The housing is made of sturdy metal making this a perfect device for the road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/f2bc583e-e45e-40b8-a937-535c878e0c76/P1040711.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units This specific unit was modified with individual volumes and filter potentiometers for the Bass, as well as the Solo 1 and Solo 2 voices. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/20518ea2-1145-4ba3-a341-2a6ab65579e0/P1040768.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The drum section has 24 drum rhythm patterns that can all be played at the same time if one desires. There are mute options for all but a few drums sounds, as well as a snare roll and a single, hard-wired drum fill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8d50c517-d3c2-4886-8c7d-01d1ef7c67ef/P1040573.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The break warning light is a unique feature on the CRB Computer Drums. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/fe99e86d-8115-47e0-a5e9-5ec651279bdb/P1040438.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The individual volumes is a great feature of the Rhythmaker, making it quite versatile compared to many of the machines released back in the day but watch out - the sliders are inverted, with their maximum volume at the bottom at 0 at the top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/33bd9db3-d1bb-47ed-889e-ffac41b85c8d/P1040422.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The unit is nice and quiet since it has a noise gate operating on the audio output signal. The Conga / Tom sustain button adds a gated type reverb to those sounds only. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/678400a5-103a-40a7-81cd-8ca8252595a3/P1040375.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Most likely the intent was to communicate with other Elka devices although there's little information on which ones. Only some of the Drummer Ones have the connector, and sometimes it's hiding behind the back panel, like on this very unit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5b79259e-2594-43a7-8df7-2f7b31c37d7f/P1040532.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The drum samples are most likely 12-bit quality, grouped in 12 sections with individual volumes and outputs. The unit receives clock in and out so easy to sync with other gear. A well calibrated Drumstar should have its tempo indicator in BPM so would potentially not need much synchronising. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/654d5a2e-eb3e-407c-b579-aa3092f7155f/P1040398.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The design is the kind of military style that communicates indestructible when on tour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/527ace28-9a74-4a4c-a9db-35cbd4e1c45a/P1030678.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The Arranger has the same, compact shape as the Programmer 24. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/9f64ade3-3219-4d50-9df1-6d7eb5bd34ee/P1030703.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The mixer section reintroduces individual volumes for drum sounds as well as instrument section volumes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8cdc28cb-23f7-4ecc-b53a-eef4c73155c1/SOlton+Disco+64+WM13.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The back sports an audio output dedicated to the drum machine, an output for the chords and bass and a modified, or added, output for the string machine. There's a connector for the swell pedal and another for the drum fill and chord pedal as well, without which you don't have access to the drum fills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a3fbd24f-fda7-4693-8ac1-ca52ca999405/Wersi+Wersimatic+CX1+WM4.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The CX1 is a fantastic inspiration and a great way to get started on a song, dance track or even minimalist composition. The CX1 was followed by the CX2 that looks and sounds almost identical, switching out the analog drum machine for a digital, sample-based one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/414504ec-7f33-4f99-bfb4-ee73779fe39a/Godwin+Drummaker+45+WM6.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The arpeggiator section is where the Drummaker 45 excels : a three-voice harmony arpeggiator of 5 sounds, most of which are independently generated so they can be engaged simultaneously for stacking - just hold down multiple buttons at the same time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ca30effa-7792-4383-b846-ccd6fd279144/P1070702.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The back sport multiple separate instrument audio outputs and stereo, headphone and mono outputs, the two connectors for the accordion or foot pedal and keyboard combo as well as midi out connector. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/d617889a-fdad-4999-ba23-b2f2cf79a51e/P1070761.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Plenty of connections are on offer : MIDI In/Out/Thru plus many separate audio outputs as well many Aux inputs that will need some explaining at some point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/82690641-6d78-451a-ad1c-9dabd8f24258/P1080748.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The right side of the machine is dedicated to a complex matrix of variations - essentially shuffling around the 3 drum pattern variations in different orders and bar spans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ec6d43c2-18cd-4202-b313-f193da36666d/P1080809.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units This was probably meant to be controlled by an accordion or foot pedals but there's not really a connector input anywhere, except for the foot pedal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ab073a73-b540-4a60-82e9-ca280c889dca/P1080858.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The unit can be battery powered by 6 medium sized batteries but there's a 9 V power connector on the back as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/b2403402-d496-440d-86af-36ef0f28d4b1/P1080727.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units This one seems to have a rack mount in the back instead of the front. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/bc6764bd-db4b-4e4c-b266-477b99be68c6/P1080498.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The Godwin Drummaker 32 is extremely rare, especially the keyboard - K32 - is hard to come by. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/9b737b5b-1535-4ec1-9fdc-ba0ee663561c/Solton+Polyvox+K+for+Sale+-18+lite.jpeg Drum Machines and Auto Units The left hand bass and chord buttons are organised in the Stradella fashion of 6 rows of 20. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/04e77aeb-77c0-4a9e-8651-86820bd8e503/P1040504.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units All in all we're offered 24 drum patterns with 8 mutable sounds while the auto-comp sections' rhythmic chord/bass/arpeggiator has 12. The capability to combine multiple patterns - potentially all of them - and to choose an auto-comp pattern different than the drum pattern - makes up for the limited choices on hand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/cc8600bf-5767-48cd-a1b7-7a57b941f5d8/P1080960.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The separate audio outputs on the back are a blessing in a studio setting, the dedicated cymbal output might be the only one of its kind considering there are no other drum sound outputs. Calling the controller connector Switchboard is an odd choice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8f14fee5-4dab-472d-a7a3-5bf5d42fb42f/P1040754.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The length of the rhythm patterns is 1 bar, same for the auto accompaniment sections. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/b99ce553-c6aa-469b-9c7a-a4a83e29f888/Elgam+Carousel+WM2.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units In manual mode the bass and arpeggiator only makes sense of chords of three notes while the chord section reads all the notes at the same time. On the back we usually have a single audio output and a pedal switch connector for stop/start and minor and 7th but this one had some other mods added that were disconnected. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/46ddb8dc-818a-48b6-92fc-b0286669861f/Elgam+Crazy+Band+48+WM8.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units In the back the connectors are for the keyboard controller, the foot switch and a mono audio output. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/adfe9d5b-1c28-4cf8-a7c4-e19f4aedb89a/Elka+Drummer+One+WM6.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Not much on offer since the multi pin connector is hidden on this unit but we're at least treated to an Audio output jack and a start/stop foot switch connector. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/37fc2522-2786-48a5-bcbf-9ef501ad8054/Elka+Wilgamat+III+WM4.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The connectors in the back is stereo and mono jack outputs, a clock out, a pedal connector for the foot pedal, the Elka song connector for the Elkasong device which is a teaching tool of sorts. There's also a master tune potentiometer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/3894965e-9ff2-4a75-8bb8-161efb74169e/P1040390.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The back sports a mono jack audio output as well as an unexpected voltage converter dial for 110/120 volt power since we're unsure this was ever exported outside Italy and its 220V power grid. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/3ee52e9b-e446-4796-a79c-c3f4dc48c5f2/P1040714.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Since these were assembled as kits by a wide array of individuals you'll never know what you find inside, or connector-wise in the back. On this one we got Midi in and thru, left and right channel audio jacks as well as 8 unconnected audio jack connectors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/cfe1684f-48c2-42a8-a11a-9fd82d0bf316/P1040765.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The back has a DIN connector for the audio output as well as a "Steurung" (steering) DIN connector, probably for a foot switch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/35d8c174-6002-47e5-ad9d-a2f6c10e246a/P1040580.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units In the back you find the audio output via a regular jack connector as well as a foot pedal most likely to start or stop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8cbfad19-d5ab-4e0c-bfba-6da6be0e96bb/P1040439.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units We find the standard low and High audio output jack connectors as well as a foot switch connector for start / stop in the back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/21269ff8-c640-459c-a1c6-1b219419c89b/P1040442.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units EKO RHYTHMAKER - 1970 - This is the stunning, big box version of the Rhythmaker analog drum machine from Italy's EKO. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ef911320-a94a-49ad-90ff-7495f6d2788a/P1040423.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The back has a conveniently amplified headphone output with its dedicated volume control, a low and high audio outputs and at last the pedal connector. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/4ec0883c-fc71-4553-9054-55d3788758b7/P1040542.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The back leaves nothing to be desired - Left and Right (double as Mono) master audio outputs and 12 individual audio outputs plus Midi clock in and out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/0effbdc3-bc5e-491a-b31d-ab31c6c7a003/P1040403.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The back panel offer two jack outputs of high and low impedance and a start stop connector. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/b6aac0ac-0a69-4372-801a-756040ab80de/P1040666.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units This one was modded with separate outputs via three pins on a DIN connector. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/51d223b2-a235-48f9-becb-ac61c4d1dd8c/P1030679.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The back gives us separate audio outputs for the Bass, rhythm and everything else. The connector for Midi in/out/thru makes the Arranger easy to incorporate in the studio or performance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/af72031a-d395-488a-a838-e402819514fa/P1030708.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Behind the device we find that Solton put back the separate drum audio outputs like on the Programmer 24 - a great move. Another one is the addition of the headphone output and external instrument audio input connector. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/4e65f12b-cdd4-4cd8-a9d2-25dfa1482810/Wersi+Wersimatic+CX1+WM11.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The back offers Stereo or Mono audio output jack, a foot controller and external keyboard connectors and this unit was modded with separate outputs for the drums as well as the individual accompaniment instruments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/aaeb52cb-128b-4211-8ff4-fa556be01aa7/P1070713.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The whole shebang is housed in a sturdy flight case ready to provide entertainment for sessions of after-ski in the winters and aperitivo sessions at the beach bar in the summers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a20c5ecd-a69a-4d97-8e2c-b20013c3cda7/P1070722.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The whole kit folds up neatly like this - ready for new adventures - we literally connot wait to get this up and running and make music with it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/fcaac694-8920-46fc-afe3-2a8e405da8c6/P1040641.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The CRB Computer Band 2000 sport no sync options, in the back we find a single audio output jack only when separate outputs for the drums and bass would have been nice. There is also a pedal board and expression pedal connectors as well as two mysterious quarter inch ones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/39188bf6-142a-460f-92f5-ef79f76c6f00/P1080766.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The back is a minimal affair of a jack audio output and a start stop pedal connector. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/f7b8613a-1493-4d69-9b4d-65bf90a26690/P1080815.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Separate audio outputs on the top of the unit, foot pedal connector. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/8f92be14-f9e1-4c47-a4cf-62a3c009c269/P1080860.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Farfisa would go on to assemble the Farfisa Nomad / Rhythm Maker drum machines using imported Ace tone parts and slapping their logo on it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/7426c26b-5908-4f8b-8b89-d8269b96e620/P1080733.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The back has 6 connectors - possibly an RCA input and 2 different impedance outputs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/f3da8ae1-6748-496a-9e44-c0e3bb02b028/P1080502.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The back of the unit is a feast : separate outputs for each of the 4 sections makes it a breeze to record properly and you can even synchronize other machines to it. After that we have a start/stop/ fill-in pedal connector and a minor 7th pedal connector, volume pedal and a last general out audio output. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/dd2f3a1f-d4da-44b0-a57d-669b4992e90b/Solton+Polyvox+K+for+Sale+-06+lite.jpeg Drum Machines and Auto Units The Polyvox kit was made for the travelling musician and comes built-in to a road case. The foot pedal controls, start/stop as well as a slide feature of the polyphonic section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/bd10dc4b-cde6-45fc-a64d-95b924d10e5a/P1040512.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The back of the keyboard displays the audio output from the control keyboard, along with tuning and the DIN cable connector for communicating with the drum machine downstairs. On the drum unit we find Stereo and Mono audio jack connectors, the keyboard DIN connector, start / stop foot pedal connector, as well as an audio input connector for the keyboard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/df793ed2-7edd-4637-81d5-356846d17fcf/P1080958.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The power connector is a Binson style 2 prong male connector, quite rare to find on drum machines or any gear made in the 1970s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/be3781c2-3cd5-49a8-8e5f-e880981299e5/P1040756.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units On the back we got general volume and pitch potentiometers, a main audio output connector as well as a 7th / minor connector to a foot switch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/7968d036-7cb2-4719-8041-d2da3476604e/P1040470.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The electronic bongo is essentially a very simple drum trigger device - 5 tone generators on a single circuit board. Rather than the typical beeuuuw space drum the sounds are quite rudimentary, like a short bongo hit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/61ea3b2d-a254-4d07-8ead-a86e0c41ed8a/P1040445.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units As if you simply inflated the smaller version, the layout is an exact replica - but they sound quite different. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/2d2b9bcf-cdd4-40f9-a9b9-a4e0f0ec394f/P1040321.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units This very unit was modded with a Drum expansion pack called 32 Drums - adding 31 classic and some lesser known vintage drum kits to the original. The Roland CR78, 808, 909, 505 as well as Italian rarities like the Elka Drumstar 80, Eko Ritmo 20, the CRB Computer Drums to name a few. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/588ad616-402e-4dcf-aac5-2a99b21566cc/P1040552.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units NUOVA ELETTRONICA DRUM MACHINE - AVAILABLE SOON! Unknown drum unit based on Nuova elettronicas’ analog drum machine kit but with more controls, this looks interesting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/a3c4d504-5eb8-457f-a357-7459ef6af001/P1040472.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Pulling the sliders up the "bongos" start to feedback continuously, so as well as operating as a percussive instrument the Bongo Elettronico can generate distorted textures and tones perfect for a noise outfit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/586fb5e5-0000-4d6d-9712-89fecb3b9b22/P1040446.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Turning it on, the rhythm patterns are unique compared to the slimmer model, it's not the same machine at all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/bb6976f3-a6d7-407b-954e-1760622b8df3/SOlton+Disco+64+WM16.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units It's ready for touring with a nylon bag for the keyboard and a lid for the main unit that closes up making it look a lot like a suitcase. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/2e6ccaee-6b91-4a0c-81b0-32db7ef36fd1/P1040553.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units It looks like a Frankenstein drum machine with various kit modules put together in one body. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/d2119428-6f4e-440b-993c-15a093fe68e9/P1040486.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The pads are very responsive so drum sticks aren't actually needed but it looked good for the photo. This unit was modified with battery power connector to lower the noise floor but it also has a power chord and conmnector. It sports a mini jack audio output only. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/654ecf38-b951-4847-b6ac-6b3cdc35e600/P1040447.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units This model has a more industrial, electronic sound and more open higher frequencies, while the kick drum goes nice and deep into the sub range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/70e5ee45-7f60-4af4-bcce-9ad010b56ab6/P1040555.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units Individual volumes for each drum sound is always a great feature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/ecc11739-d8f4-4073-bb52-370e5a1d3fca/P1040450.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The individual drum volume potentiometers are longer, making it easier to dial in the mix. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/36a4af93-72d6-4fd3-bd72-ee79bd6ab7da/P1040657.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The back displays a single audio output connector, pitch control, and a conveniently placed volume dial. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/b6ef5e38-b7bc-4d72-9ed4-7aa72423a8ad/P1040558.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The control panel is in Italian, with 15 rhythm patterns just like the Amtron UK263 unit but with separate volumes for the individual drum sounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/4be880d5-ece2-4992-b004-a331a7214ea1/P1040453.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The back mounts the same connectors as the smaller model. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/5ac90b4f-196e-4078-9d6d-f0b85618bf74/P1040561.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The knobs are of a kind we're not familiar with. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6653281998ee1319bc1e1790/f6c91620-39ae-4901-a13b-267510284db1/P1040564.jpg Drum Machines and Auto Units The outputs are all speaker 2 prong connectors. Acuti / Bassi means treble and bass, the other two are high and low impedance audio output connectors and the last boasts of synchronicity. https://www.vintageaudioinstitute.com/music-production-synth-studio-drum-machine-residence daily 0.75 2026-02-22