Image of the new EMS Synthi faceplate sent my way via ross. Click image for full size shot.Via AH:
"I had talked to Robin Wood regarding production of the new Synthis. Apparently they will have 99% exact parts as the originals, the only being that the original reverb tank on the originals VCS3 and Synthi A has lapsed, and there is a comparable replacement. All the rest of the parts and circuits should be built to exact specifications as the original units produced from 1972 onwards. Although I had originally considered trading my Synton Fenix due to EMS lust, I think I am better off attempting to acquire one of Robin's new handmade units. I won't be able to easily replace the functionality of the feature set of my Synton Fenix, and it is far more rare of an instrument. My only apprehension is that Robin has stated that he would build units for the last 6 years, and it has been quite some time since they were produced. I think he is honest, and he has been absolutely helpful in my recent E-mail inquiries into his Synthis, however I am weary of waiting for many years in anticipation for a Synthi A, with the possibility that they may never be produced. Apparently he only has 40 Synthi briefcases left, so Synthi As will no longer be produced after this next batch. Furthermore, the company that produces the matrixboards for the Synthis is stopping production, so there is a new renewed urgency to finish production on these units, as well as to backstock this particular part for future repairs. Anyone on the list have a recent custom made Synthi from 1990-2001? It would be interesting to hear if these units differ from the originals, and how well they conformed to original specifications."
Update via Ross:
"Synthi differences
heard from Robin that there are more differences
1. no more Prestopatch ( see faceplate photo)
2. Pastel coloured knobs
3. no more sequencer
4. Joystick is not the same.
I wanted to buy an old silver face plate for my Synthi AKS as the china
graph is coming off, and was informed that the silver faceplate is no
longer being made.
I am desperate for anyone who has copied exactly the original
prestopatch Synthi AKS faceplate in any format pdf, etc or what ever
format as I want to get a new faceplate made up."
Should we all go over and help Robin solder?
ReplyDeleteOr get an rehberg synthi :)
ReplyDeletei am under the impression that Rehberg get the Synthis from Robin and rebadge them?
ReplyDeleteEMS Rehberg are crap I have emailed them 3 times over the year and all they ever reply is what is you address, i respond and hear nothing AGGGHHH!!!
I heard from Robin that there are more differences
ReplyDelete1. no more Prestopatch
2. Pastel coloured knobs
3. no more sequencer
4. Joystick is not the same.
Well to be picky, when Robin sells a new item in a suitcase it's a Synthi A. The Synthi A never had a sequencer so it's not like that aspect is different. He's just pointing out that it won't be a Synthi AKS (with the sequencer)
ReplyDeleteI don't think the original Synthi A's had a prestopatch either. If you look on the EMS website and examine the photos, there were no prestopatches connectors in the early Synthi As.
ReplyDeleteI know the some of the ones I've seen also don't have the prestopatch connection. Which brings me to point out that there have been many iterations of the Synthi productline with small changes to the design. This is no different than the Minimoog during the course of its 12 year run.