SEIKO DS-250 + DS-310 w/ Original Silver Gig Bags & SEIKO DS-202, DS-310, DS-320

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"SEIKO DS-250 + DS-310 MEGA RARE Vintage Modular Synthesizer system + BAGS!

Used by Jean Michel Jarre in some his amazing compositions!!!
EXCELLENT cosmetic conditions. Complete Setup plus original silver bags, very nice!!! Sequencer manual and 3x Memory cards! Very nice polyphonic system, COOL DRONES! Sounds unique with a built in Chorus!
Perfect working conditions!"

You can find demos here, and here.

SEIKO DS-202, DS-310, DS-320 pictured further below via via this auction

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Seiko DS-250/DS-310 Vintage Digital Synthesizer SN 25000189 & 31004072

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"Rare Seiko DS-250 keyboard with the DS-310 digital synthesizer add-on. This addition makes the DS-250 a programmable additive synth. The keyboard and the DS-310 are in good condition. Everything functions as designed.
Here is a list of everything that comes with the Seiko:

-The DS-250 itself
-DS-310 Digital Synthesizer (programmer for DS-250)
-Power Supply
-Soft padded carrying case for the DS-250

This is the bigger, MIDI capable brother of the sekio DS-202. The DS-320 addon, a sequencer, does NOT work with the DS-250. It is not needed because the DS-250 has MIDI, and the DS-202 does not. There was desktop sequencer made to work with the DS-250 called the DS-1000, but it is useless in this day and age! Please see the photos also."

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Seiko DS-250 with DS-310 Programmer SN 31002832 Demo Video

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Published on Jan 4, 2015 jonzaremba

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"With regret, selling my Seiko DS-250 and DS-310. It took me a long while to track this one down, and even longer to acquire the programmer that really opens it up and makes it incredibly unique. You may see the keyboards come up from time to time, but in most cases, they are really beaten up or missing the proprietary power supply. Finding the synth with the programmer all in great working order like this pretty much never happens.
This listing is for the DS-250 keyboard (the best of their product line) the DS-310 programmer, and the original power supply.

All of the keys and buttons work fine, although the LED light on the detune/transpose control flickers a bit. You'll also see that the F1 key is tilted. It still works fine, just looks out of alignment. The rear of the DS-310 programmer has a large crack in the plastic, but it does not impact the functionality at all. You can still program sounds perfectly fine. Overall, this synth is in excellent functional condition. I used it on my last two albums without any issues at all. I will be very sad to see it go....

I recorded a video demonstrating the synth so you can see that everything works. In the video i point out some of the cosmetic flaws above. Click here to check it out:

http://youtu.be/AeqLgbqb0cg

What makes this synth unique:
- The sound character. It really doesn't sound like anything else i've heard.
- The ease of programming the additive harmonics.
- It's bi-timbral...so you can split or layer two sounds...each with their own MIDI channel.
- It has perfectly functioning MIDI in/out/thru.
- Different output options (RCA and 1/4" plus headphones)."

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SEIKO DS-250 strange additive synth vintage 80s

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"SEIKO DS-250 is digital additive synthesizer
it's extremely rare and most strange japanese digital synthesizer
made by SEIKO(world famous watch&clock company) 1985 Japan

DS-250 was used by Jean Michel Jarre

very limited quantities were made
so i'ts very hard to find even in Japan nowadays...
this is your first and last chance to get this vintage bizarre synth!

in '80s,only very few and super expensive synth has additive synthesis function
such like FAIRLIGHT CMI,Kurzweil K150..
then SEIKO released this additive synth DS-250 into market
why famous watch&clock company did made synthesizer?
I don't know but this synth is really cool and strange instruments!

DS-250's sound is very unique and original it's none like other digital synth same time(DX7 etc)
it reminds me KRAFTWERK's synth sounds these days(tour de france,expo 2000)
beautiful clear and exotic additive digital sound,bit like today's additive synth KAWAI K5000

SEIKO DS-250 has 2 independent sound section
both sound1 and sound2 has 16 sounds and each control section
volume,sustain,pitch modulation(including delay mode switch)
and each MIDI channel selector on side panel

you can use these two sound section in 3 modes
normal,key split and sound mix
in sound mix mode,you can creates more complex sound using two sound section

and you can control harmony and detune with cool 2 color LED bar
it add more unique and rich harmony to your sound

internal chorus effects add unique spacy stereo chorus to sound

it also has key transpose and pitch bend wheel and internal stereo speakers

two side panel has MIDI IN/OUT/THRU,sound1 & sound2 separate output,midi channel selector
pitch,phone out,stereo output,mono output,sustain,expression,AC jack.

SEIKO DS-250 has expandable with two expander unit called DS-310 and DS-320(both not including this auction)
DS-310 is a programmer for additive synthesis
it allows you to creates additive synth sound from scratch
using big LCD display and slider,super cool unit!
DS-320 is a digital sequencer
so SEIKO DS-250 has connector for these units on the back panel

item is used good condition and working
comes with original AC adaptor,no manual

this is japanese 100V product,so you need voltage transformer to use in your country."

2x Seiko DS-250 with DS-310

flickr by joelbrave

"Two Seiko DS-250 digital synths"

Update via onephatcat in the comments: "A couple of comments on my photo:

When connecting two DS-250's via MIDI, you can control the Vibrato depth/speed, sustain length (for both sound 1 and 2 in Dual mode) , detune, ocatave and chorus on/off/depth controls of the second DS-250 from the first one. The second DS-250 came with a Seiko expression pedal (useful as The Seiko's don't seem to respond to Midi volume control) and some kind of sound cartridge, which was attached to the back with a special bracket (removed so I could attach the DS-310 synth module). looking for additional Seiko paraphernalia, manuals, hardware, catalogs, advertisements, hit me up if you have any or even photographs."

Seiko DS-202 / DS-310 / DS-320 Vintage Synth Sequencer Set with Original Soft Cases

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DS-202 Digital Keyboard SN 20206289

DS-320 Digital Sequencer SN 32002515

DS-310 Digital Synthesizer SN 31001368

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Seiko DS-320/DS-202/DS-310 Electronic Synthesizer Sequencer

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You can find a demo of one here.

"This is a vintage, Seiko DS 202 additive synthesizer with both the DS 310 and DS 320 attachments! Some friends had this in storage in the attic since the 80’s and gave it to us.

SEIKO's system was built around a 16 harmonic additive synthesis engine. The user can set any of 16 levels for creating the waveforms / sounds that could be played on the keyboard. The synth also features two envelopes and and LFO for shaping and modulation of the sounds.

Basic sounds (namely PIANO ORGAN HARPSICHORD FLUTE STRINGS ELECTRIC PIANO JAZZ ORGAN VIBRAPHONE CLARINET BRASS) are crystal-clear. They can be edited using the LPF filter, Envelope Selectors 1-4, 4 sounds that can be saved and two chorus effects. The delay (off, short or long) and sustain attack and release can be set using the ‘Time” sliders which happen to be very precise (values include 0, 0.01, 0.02 , 1, 2, 3, 5 or 10 seconds). Every parameter can be set using the LCD screen, the 4 envelopes available can be visualized as well as the spectrum settings (over 16 harmonics)."

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Rare SEIKO DS-202 Keyboard + DS-310 Synth & DS-320 Sequencer

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SN 20200194

"Included in the auction is the SEIKO DS-202 keyboard, SEIKO DS-310 synthesizer module, SEIKO DS-320 sequencer module, SEIKO S1B-1 Midi module, original SEIKO power supply, SEIKO data recording cartridge, and original silver colored vinyl SEIKO gig bags for the keyboard, synth module & sequencer module. The gig bags have handles and detachable shoulder straps. All three gig bags have the SEIKO logo and are in very good condition."

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The Maskinrum Synth Collection Presents - The SEIKO DS-310 Additive Digital Synthesizer.

Published on Nov 19, 2013 Maskinrum·2 videos

"This is part I of the SEIKO DS series of instruments.

Originally invented by Gray Laboratories as the Basyn Minstrel (3995 USD) as a direct competitor to the NED Synclavier (five figures USD) and eventually sold to SEIKO this specific additive engine never reached a huge audience.

Released in 1983 by SEIKO this series or arranger keyboards (DS-101, DS-202 and DS-250) was no success.
Mainly - I guess - caused by the fact that no one really knew what it was; was is a synthesizer or an arranger keyboard ? And with no MIDI this was dead already before it was released (remember 1983 was the year of MIDI).

I think it sounds amazing and this video will take you through the additive synth wonders of the DS-310 unit.
This is a video showing more features than sounds - so if you want a video of the unit only playing the sounds of this unit look elsewhere.

Make sure to visit www.maskinrum.com for more info on my collection."

Seiko DS-250 Additive Synth - "Falling Hours"

YouTube Uploaded by synthspotter on Feb 18, 2012

"I created this song entirely with the Seiko DS-250 synthesizer. After noticing how few videos of the synth are available, I decided to compose a short piece demonstrating some of its sounds. I used about eight total. The only external effects are reverb and delay.

The DS-250 is one of two or three additive synthesis keyboards manufactured in the early to mid 1980s by Seiko, an electronics company better known for watch making. As synthesizers go, the DS-250 is extremely limited. It has just 16 basic preset sounds, with no edit function to speak of. It has two sound banks (Sound 1 and Sound 2), but each shares the same 16 presets. You can select different sounds for each bank, then stack or split them across the keyboard. Each bank has its own individual audio output, selectable MIDI channel, and controls for volume, decay (three settings) and vibrato (with selectable delay). Sound 1 can be tuned +14 cents, and Sound 2 can be tuned a 3rd, 5th, 7th or octave above Sound 1. There is also a pitch wheel, a chorus switch with three settings (including off), and a transpose button that can shift the pitch up to any key as well as up or down an entire octave.

While the pair of built-in speakers suggests that Seiko was aiming for the home-keyboard market, the DS-250 could also be paired up with the DS-310 module, which gave the user a fairly deep level of editing capability. On its own, however, the DS-250 wasn't much. Some nice sounds, though.

For more information about Seiko DS synths, search matrixsynth's excellent blog, matrixsynth.blogspot.com, or watch his video here: youtu.be/wr1gFuRNjMk [posted here]. Also check out onephatcat's video here: youtu.be/GCd3fmjcyAI [posted here]

'Falling Hours' and this video are © 2012 by Christopher Scapelliti"

ULTRA RARE Seiko DS-202 / DS-310 / DS-320 Vintage Synth Synthesizer Sequencer Set

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"ULTRA RARE Seiko keyboard synthesizer! Its almost impossible to find these, let alone find one with all 3 components with the power supply. They only come along once every few years.... and then in pieces and/or not working!

When plugged in the keyboard springs to life and plays fine. There are a ton of switches, knobs, etc. some of which respond, others seem to do nothing.... but that could well be the operator just needs to know how to set up and work this sophisticated instrument... and I admit I dont!

The DS-310 lights up initially then goes dark, but when you push a button lights up again. Again this could be how its supposed to work?

The DS-320 lights up upon power and seems to respond as it should. Note: the battery holder inside the case has cracked but could be replaced. The exterior case is fine with no issues."

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ESK - Sequencer + Seiko DS-250 + DS-310

video upload by Metunar

Follow-up to this post.

"Testing the Seiko DS-250 + DS-310 digital additiv synthesizer with a sequencer.
The Elektron Digitone is only for sequencing and effects.
I didn’t change the spectrum or envelope parameters live, because it makes digital noises.
By the way, the Midi of the Seiko DS-250 is super strange. Midi input is the connector labeled „Midi Thru“. Why did they do that?
Soft Mastering.

http://www.metunar.ch"

Seiko DS-310 Digital Synthesizer with Original Box

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via this auction - learn how to sell on eBay here.

Note you must have the Seiko DS-101/202 or a Seiko DS-250 synthesizer keyboard to run this. There is not MIDI. If you look at the pics you'll see the ribbon connector it uses to connect. You can run a search for Seiko DS-310 on the top left of the site for more posts.

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Seiko DS-250 and DS-310

YouTube Uploaded by onephatcat on Oct 1, 2011

"A bit of fun playing around with my Seiko DS-250 & DS-310, includes some additive programming, envelope adjustment, playing with detune, chorus, vibrato, vibrato delay and patch layering. Hope the sound quality is decent, I used a new Kodak EIS hd camera I got at a yard sale for $20. (720p, Score!)"

San Diego School District SEIKO DS-310 Digital Synthesizer w/ Original Box

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San Diego Unified School District SN 62055 sticker on the front. Interesting to think this was used to educate kids on synths back in the day.

Note the proprietary cable on the back. This was meant to go with the Seiko DS-250 as an expander. You can't play it without one unless you can somehow create the necessary connection.

See the Seiko label for more.  A DS-250 with DS-310 sequencer went up for sale last week.

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Seiko DS-202 Keyboard & DS-310 Additive Synthesizer Module

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via this auction - learn how to sell on eBay here

"Ultra rare synthesizer! I don't believe very many of these were produced, let alone sold in America. The DS-202 is an early digital keyboard (somewhere in the early 80s) that has some pretty standard keyboard, organ, and electric piano sounds. The DS-310 module (which also works with other Seiko keyboards, such as the 101 and 250) is a really interesting additive synth add-on that has a LCD display to edit different parameters. Really great for pads and glassy leads!.."

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Seiko DS-310 Digital Synthesizer with Original Box

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"You must have the Seiko DS-101/202 or a Seiko DS-250 synthesizer keyboard as the DS-310 will NOT work on it's own."

ESK - Sound Demo Seiko DS-250 + DS-310

video upload by Metunar

"A sound demo of the Seiko DS-250 digital additiv synthesizer and the programmer Seiko DS-310.
The Elektron Digitakt is used 2 times for some extra reverb or delay.
Soft Mastering."

http://www.metunar.ch

SEIKO DS series lot

YouTube via matrixsynth

This video is from the auction with the following note: "apologies for the bad audio quality, due to my bad camera"


images via this auction

"SEIKO DS additive synthesizer & sequencer collection. Why have musicians like Ruediger Lorenz, Till Kopper, J.M. Jarre and Aphex Twin owned one, then? The answer is that the 310 has an additive synthesis facility that they found sufficiently interesting to ignore the home keyboard elements, also a very nice chorus and many more...

This lot includes:
Keyboard DS-202 with PSU (110 volts)
Digital synthesizer DS-310
Digital sequencer DS-320
Digital memory cassette: DMC2 (new) and DMC1 unspeakable demo ROM cartridge
Midi interface module S1B-1"

be sure to see the sellers other items.

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Seiko DS-250 Digital / Additive Synth Keyboard + Seiko DS-310 Sequencer

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"Mid 1980s Seiko DS-250 Synthesizer and DS-320 expander unit, includes power supply, and miscellaneous cables. The DS-250 is about 38" x 13"."

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