CGS MOTM format CatGirlWave Multiplier - VEMIA

via this VEMIA auction
"Cat Girl Synth wave multiplier in MOTM format panel. Includes full assembly documentation."

NOTE: This wraps up the current and possibly last round of VEMIA auction posts for this season. If I missed any super interesting items, let me know. Click on the VEMIA link below for all VEMIA auctions posted here, and be sure to check out the auction rooms at Spheremusic for everything else. Not everything was be posted here.

Back to regular programming... :) I do want to thank Peter Forest for letting me grab the pics and interesting bits of synth history. We have them preserved folks. Be sure to click on the images for the full size shots in all VEMIA posts. There are some great shots.

Waldorf Wave - VEMIA

via this VEMIA auction
"The rare, rare monster synth from Waldorf, famous for its never-quite-finished software (a few buttons never did do anything, and still don't) but also its massive, silky sounds and wonderful interface. This one (56th out of maybe 150 or less ever made!) is a one-owner instrument from Ed Starink, in super condition except for a few paint chips on the back edge. The panel and keys are lovely. Great working order, with a new battery, all sounds accessible, and new hydraulic struts (a usual failure in Waves). Complete with the original literature in top condition."

NOTE: be sure to click on the images for the full size shots in all VEMIA posts. Click on the VEMIA link below for all VEMIA auctions posted here. Be sure to check out the auction rooms at Spheremusic for more. Not everything will be posted here.

Olson XX-100 Rhtythm Beat - VEMIA

"Made in Japan, for an Akron Ohio firm. Another very rare machine - they are certainly coming out of the woodwork for this auction. This has probably the worst made-up name/number I've ever seen... XX-100 would be better on a rocket ship. BUT... it is beautifully made, in super condition for its age, and it has some very appealing sounds. As usual Bossa is one of the most useable, but they are all cleverly designed, and the whole thing is definitely at the tasteful and well-executed end of the tackiness spectrum. Buttons manually playing eight extra sounds. The only thing to stop it being near-mint is that the back hinged cover looks like a utilitarian (plain ply) replacement. Very nice indeed, though."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5911.

And that's it folks. Be sure to check out VEMIA for everything else I did not put up. There is much, much more listed.

I want to thank Peter Forrest for being kind enough to give me the go ahead to put these up. Yes, the auctions get exposure, but once they are over and gone, the images and info will remain. BTW, be sure to click on the images for the full size shots. You can click on the VEMIA link below to bring up all VEMIA posts.

E-Mus via VEMIA

More up for auction on VEMIA.

E-Mu Drumulator
E-Mu Emulator II
E-Mu Emulator
E-Mu SP-12

Click here for the full set of posts featuring VEMIA items. Note that there or more items for auction on the VEMIA site. These are just some of the images sent my way via Peter Forrest.

rsf Desktop Modular and Modular 11

via VEMIA

"Extremely rare and sought after RSF MODULAR 11 (only 20 Systems made) from 1976. THE Father of KOBOLs, EXPANDERS and POLYKOBOL. That system contains 3 VCO 11, 1 VCF 11, 1 VCA 11, 1 GEU 11 ( ADSR + AR ), 1 ALIM 11, 1 Multiples + 2 CV in + 2 Gate in, 1 VCP 11, 1 VCP 12 ( 2 EXTRAORDINARY Analog phasers / flangers with a GORGEOUS SOUND ) The system is built in a lovely wooden case. As in an ARP 2600, some modulations are prepatched for some modules. The sound is Massive and Wonderful! Nevertheless, it will need a good synth technician WIZARD to precisely Tune and Calibrate the VCOs as they are really ' out of tune ' at the moment! You can see some pictures of the individual modules on the official RSF Site. Runs on 220 V. Cosmetics very good. Needs tuning and calibration. In northern France. Collection by VEMIA should be possible."

via VEMIA

Also see this post and of course the rsf label below.

"For sale here is a RSF Modular 11 system which contains 8 modules + a multiple patchbay underneath. System has 2x VCO, 1x GEV(env), 2x VCA, 1x MNT(mixer), 1x VCF, 1x ALM(power supply).The modules need to be wired again, some minor repairs and calibration need to be done to get this fully functional again. Not many of these modules were produced during 1977-1978. Only about 300 modules maximum, and that for a total of 20 systems worldwide. So these RSF modules are even rarer than old Buchla modules, which were produced in quantities of 500 modules. This is certainly a great addition for the real analog purist who wants something different than the mainstream modulars offered today. The VCO's have a very fat sound and the frequency level that can be reached is amazing. RSF Modular 11 doesn't realy pop up everyday, it's just pure luck that there is another Modular 11 here on Vemia, otherwise it might take you ages to get your hands on one. A picture will be on display asap."

Rare Performance Music Systems Syntar via VEMIA

"Vintage rare Performance Music Systems Syntar [Update: this predated the MOOG Liberation - see Carbon111's page linked below for some interesting and controversial history regarding the two] with documentation and flight case. The original “Keytar” is being offered for auction from original owner/inventor George Mattson [of the Mattson Mini Modular]. The package includes a Syntar Series I analog monosynth with power supply, connector cable, owners manual, a pad of patching charts and service documentation. The package also includes a flight case with a royal blue crushed velour interior. The Syntar has been in the possession of the owner since manufacture in 1981 but never been in circulation. George has recently replaced the capacitors and tuned up the system. The condition is very good with some minor signs of wear and age. The mylar graphics have stressed over the years and wrinkled as shown in the pictures. Overall, the system operates 100%. Information about the Syntar can be found at Carbon111 - including a nice picture of Bob Moog playing it. [VEMIA note: this has to be one of the rarest well-known synths ever entered into VEMIA, and to have it serviced and sold by the original designer is pretty nice too.] NB Like all of the lots so far in this particular auction, it is being sold as a non-VAT registered item. But if you import anything from outside the EC into the EC, you may be liable to VAT as a form of import tax."

You can find it listed on VEMIA - click on Auctions, Search, and then search for 5880.

KORG MS20 - VEMIA

"From Ed Starink's private studio, bought from new, and now at VEMIA for good packing and shipping. A lovely example of this classic synth. Sounds great, with masses of bass if required. Lightly used in its well-looked-after lifetime. It has some little scratches and screenprint wear around the VCA section of the front panel, which stop it being described as near-mint - but most of the synth looks and feels pretty much as-new. There is no trace of corrosion on any of the jack-sockets, and the keyboard is very level. The keys are starting to get a little clacky, so one day it will enjoy being re-bushed. (As we all would, I'm sure.) We haven't opened it up - too many synths, too little time) but presume it has the KLM-307A daughterboard filter. Whatever, it sounds awesome, and is a really good machine in every respect. Not serviced when it arrived at VEMIA, because it didn't need it - always the best situation! Comes with photocopies of the owner and service manuals. European voltage, English plug on the lead."

VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 6046.

VEMIA Auction Nov 4

Via Peter Forrest. Note the VEMIA auction usually has some pretty interesting stuff. Last year some gear from Brian Eno including his DX7 were included. Definitely worth taking a peak. Here are some previous posts mentioning VEMIA.

"Next VEMIA auction has some good stuff coming, including 22 lots (actually probably nearer 40 or 50 lots) starting at 22 uk pounds with no reserve.

Some items are already up online at www.spheremusic.com

They include an ARP 2600 (but that's already had some keen bidding); an Obie 4-voice (at 110 pounds at the moment); some Metasonix items - two already listed; and, to come, a Moog Taurus, a MIDI'd Odyssey module, and quite a few other interesting pieces.

No hidden reserve on anything in the auction - one bid gets it if no-one bids higher. 10% buyer's premium, but you get personal service and protection for that, plus the ability to pay in a variety of ways for free. Auction ends Saturday Nov 11.

Thanks! Peter Forrest"

Roland-OP8 CV interface for JP-8 - VEMIA

via this VEMIA auction

"From Ed Starink's private studio, bought from new, and now at VEMIA for good packing and shipping. I suddenly see how useful this thing is, if you have a JP-8! It connects to a JP-8 either with the flat ribbon cable included in this lot, or to later machines with a 14-pin D-sub connector. It also comes with a professionally-made mini-snake of eight colour-coded mini-jack leads, and the rare original manual and OC-8 installation instructions (typewritten)."

Dynacord Three rackmount drum modules - VEMIA

via this VEMIA auction
click the image for the full size shot. "Three of these chunky Dynacord electronic drum units, not completely tested because there is only one power supply (Dynacord PAC 918, 18V and 9V AC on a 7-pin DIN)) included, but potentially powerful. Dynacord (a very helpful company) have provided the pin-out - see revised photo. Percuter eight track Digital Drum Computer with 8 cartridges: Electrified Bass 1, Metal Snare 8inch, Reggae Snare, Natural Tom 10inch, 13inch, 16inch, Timbales 14inch, Rock Ride Cymbal. Missing top to Pitch control; cosmetically 6/10. Big Brain 16 Track Digital Sequencer, cosmetically 8/10. Percuter S - like the Percuter, but with no cartridges, but each channel has an individual pitch control with on/off switch. Packing at VEMIA: £8 - heavy, and always more difficult to pack three heavy things in one package safely."

Studio Electronics P5 Rack - VEMIA

via this VEMIA auction
"Fantastically rare and sought-after: Studio Electronics' rackmounting and MIDI-ing of the original SCI Prophet 5. Bought new by Ed Starink, and kept racked (with ear protector washers like nearly all his gear) in his immaculate non-smoking studio ever since. Now at VEMIA for ease of shipping (like all his gear). Uses IEC lead (not supplied). Complete with the Studio Electronics two-page manual explaining the key-presses necessary to set up MIDI etc.. In superb condition, with the front panel looking just the same as when it was originally made."

It's VEMIA Time!!!

Peter Forest's next VEMIA auction officially starts this coming Saturday, and runs April 5-12. Many items are already listed.

First up is Adrian Utley's (Portishead) Minimoog.

"Love or loathe the paintjob! It's a hell of a good Mini even if you personally would strip the paint off. It's lot 5856 at VEMIA."

Click on the "Auctions" tab and search for 5856.

Here's the description for this mini:
"A totally unique Minimoog, for two reasons. One is pretty obvious: it was custom-painted for Adrian Utley of Portishead, with great psychedelic imagery (and a little Portishead logo as well, of course). If you're not sure you could face this first thing in the morning (or any time), then it could all be removed - the painting is only on the woodwork. The second is not so glaringly obvious, but this is a special Mini for another reason: it was the one that Adrian gigged with on all the Portidhead tours, and featured heavily in all live shows including the famous New York concerts on DVD. He used it (when most people had forsaken vintage gear onstage) because it was supremely reliable as well as being great-sounding. (The painting was done after the touring, by the way, so you can't see it on the DVD.) This picture was taken before it was taken to Lucid Sound for a full checkover and service where necessary, so the keyboard is extremely uneven in the photo. Lucid are currently re-bushing it, so it will be smooth and a pleasure to play; and will do the minor calibrations that are the only other thing that is needed to get this back into perfect working condition. It has a CV/gate mod; the panel is in decent condition; and all in all you're unlikely to find a better working Mini, or one that is more reliable even on tour. It will come with a very limited (2/4 !) edition glossy A4 photo of the Mini. The synth will come with a clear certificate of provenance."

Just for fun, I thought I'd make a poll on the paint job.


Feel free to comment if you feel passionately on this either way.

Akai ME80P - VEMIA

via this VEMIA auction
"Very capable MIDI router and merge, one owner from new (Ed Starink) in excellent cosmetic condition (just some scratches on the top, not visible once racked). With original owner's manual and some copied patch sheets. Not fully tested, so sold as seen, but the display is wonderfully clear, and up and down buttons work like new."

and via this VEMIA auction
"Another excellent-looking example of these capable MIDI router / merge units, not thoroughly tested but seeming to be in good working order. One owner (Ed Starink)."

PPG Wave 2.2 / 2.3 Rack Project

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

via this auction

"I have a significant amount of time [both mine and others] and money invested in making this work.
I am at my limits of abilities to work on it. I can get a display to run but no sound because of the Proz-mismatch.

The PPG has the latest Virtual Music 8.3 ROMs. I am including a second set of ROMs as well.

I would refer to this below from Alexander from Virtual Music [link removed by eBay]
I am looking for $5000 as is.

When this was shipped, the cards were not removed and wrapped so the damages are listed below.
• 2-3 broken mylar caps [the leads are hairline thin and very fragile]
• 1 broken 27.460mhz Crystal
• LCD cable pins are bent / broken and some will need replacement.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Curetronic Rare Small Modular - VEMIA

"This is as near mint as you could want, but if you look in the right light you can see the odd finger-mark, so according to VEMIA rules it needs to be called near-mint. Unusual and very well-made small modular, which presumably proved too expensive for Curetronic to continue with - they changed their format after this to make modules 5U instead of 6U and therefore a little less spacious. They also seem to have had to stop using the superb knurled metal knobs that are on this one - again presumably to try to cut costs. Two very powerful VCOs, capable of huge and complex sounds; one pretty straightforward VCA; and the interesting 'Tool' module, which has all sorts of timing, inverting and slew-varying possibilities for pitch or control or both. There is a pair of XLRs on the back for connection to another Curetronic (I believe the built-in power supply is capable of running two cases like this); and a standard IEC mains connector, which is fine until you try to remove the mains lead, when it is wobbly and needs holding in while you pull the lead out. (Strange, since everything else is so incredibly solid!) The original owner says this is a design fault from new. I bought the modular from him because I thought it looked very interesting and wanted to check out Curetronic stuff first-hand for the A-Z book. I can't afford to keep it, so here it is in the auction. The six patchleads as shown will be included, and an IEC mains lead for your (220-240V) country if I have one and you want it. Very handsome, and if you have something else to connect it to (since you'll need envelopes and filters from something else), very very powerful too."
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5870.

Macbeth M5N

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

via this VEMIA auction

"I bought this new from Ken MacBeth about four years ago, and it has sat in my home studio under-used since then as I have pursued other interests and had little time for music. It is in undoubtedly near mint condition, and works beautifully. It has a big big sound, superb quality of simple things lke the noise generator, and is one of the most powerful stand-alone synths in the world. It comes with 20 good quality patch leads, which is probably as many as you'll need most of the time because of the break-jack sockets and standard routings that don't need patchleads. It is now down at VEMIA so that they can handle the difficult part of packing (or ideally hand delivery). VEMIA note: this is indeed a very beautiful one-owner example of a rare and potent synth. Please check out the photos. Packing costs 20GBP - ideally we would like to deliver it by hand, in which case we can take some money off the delivery charge for not having to make a carton etc.!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Digisound Mod 80 modules - VEMIA

"A very interesting collection of Digisound modules, loose, but generally looking in very good condition. The lot includes: Noise/Sample & Hold; D:A Converter; External Input; Power Amplifier; Dual VCA; VCLFO; VCO; VCO; State Variable Filter; Dual ADSR; VCF (lowpass); and PSU. All chips including the rare and valuable ones (CEM3340s and SSM2040, for instance) seem to be present. Everything seems in good overall condition except that the two connectors which hold the power amplifier circuit board in place are broken, and the board is loose. Sold as seen, untested, with no guarantee of working order, and recommended for someone with good technical skills; but with no reason to believe there is a lot wrong with the modules. A spring reverb tank and what seems to be a spare psu are also included, and a non-matching multiples panel. Packing at VEMIA (a difficult job to do well) will be £10; some literature copies may also be available on request for a small fee."

via VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5744.

ARP 2500 - VEMIA

Next up on VEMIA:
"One of the classic vintage modulars, Alan Pearlman's pride and joy, at a hugely tempting start price. The full-size cabinet (model 2515, probably made in 1972) has the following modules: space; blanking panel; 1023 Dual Oscillator; 1006 Filtamp; 1047 Multimode Filter / Resonator; 1027 Clocked Sequential Control; blanking panel; 1036 Sample & Hold / Random Voltage; 1033 Dual Envelope Generator; 1045 Voltage Controlled Voice; 1006 Filtamp; 1033 Dual Envelope Generator; 1050 Mix-Sequencer; 1002 Power Control Module. It comes with a split keyboard, two octaves reverse colour (with SP-5 control module) and three octaves (with SP-2 control module). According to the full user manual copy included (over 100 looseleaf pages), the reverse colour section is two-voice, but the keyboard hasn't been tested at all - the previous owner always used MIDI-CV, and the leads have unfortunately been mislaid. The modules haven't yet been tested at VEMIA, because there is currently (pun intended) a 15-amp round-pin plug on it, although it is US voltage. This is because the previous owner had three cabinets, which were modified professionally to go through a single extension switch - and the engineer obviously thought that these 15A plugs and sockets (still used for pro lighting) were the best to use. US plugs tend to be moulded - you can't just swap the plug, so it's not been done yet. If it is, we will note it here. The modules were tested by the owner as he was working his way through the whole system deciding which of it he could bear to part with. Everything that he checked was in working order, though might need minor calibration on arrival. There are two lit push-button tops missing, and two knob caps - check the photo. Dimensions in mm: main cabinet 1187 wide x 280 deep x 555 high keyboard 1187 x 480 deep x 70 high. So when it's together, its about 1187 x 480 x 625mm. That's roughly 47.5 x 19.2 x 25 inches. An iconic machine!"

EML Electrocomp 200 - VEMIA

"Excellent condition, rare interesting semi-modular with EML's usual character - both sonically and physically. Very solidly made, with chunky knobs, and a pleasure to use. Working perfectly, and in superb cosmetic condition - I nearly described it as 'near mint' which is pretty amazing for a 35-year-old instrument. Even the outside of the casework is excellent, and the case metalwork is shiny and not at all corroded. A fantastic way to get a slice of early synth history - this was designed before the Minimoog, 2600 etc; a museum-quality example; and a synth with a different character from any other range. 110V US power - but transformers are easy to find in Europe. You can guess the small scale of production when you see that the serial number was scratched on by hand (inside the power cable compartment). Thoroughly recommended. (Peter Forrest of VEMIA visited Jeff Murray, one of the EML founders, in January and saw the actual garage where these machines were made. Great location, really super guy, and excellent synthesisers!)"
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5752.

ARP Quadra - VEMIA

"Despite some initial appearances, this is a very nice example of a rare and characterful ARP. How can it be called 'good' cosmetically when it has two keys snapped off? Because apart from that, and a little paint damage around the 'polyphonic waveform generators' graphic, it is in practically near-mint condition. It comes with a new-looking case, not heavy-duty enough in our opinion to be a flightcase but excellent for storage without dust, or for taking in a car. When the Quadra arrived at VEMIA it seemed to have major working issues, but once we opened up the lid and re-seated some inter-board connectors, it sprung to life in a very un-Quadra-like way (they're not usually well-looked-after or very reliable in my experience). There are a couple of issues we found: the resonance control on the monosynth section doesn't seem to work (and the LED doesn't come on); the monosynth tuning has to be quite high on its range to be in tune with the rest; and the aftertouch is almost un-noticeable - quite subtle and musical on the detune setting, though. But compared with most Quadras, it is a gem. It is also pretty unique in its concept, and in the sounds that can come out of it once you get your head around the four sections, and how to play them, and decide which ones should go through the superb phaser. The arpeggiator is nice too. Lots of individual outs for further effecting; and loads of inputs and outputs for CV, gate, pedals etc etc. Looking at how bright the socket metalwork is tells you how well this has been looked after. All slider tops have a white colour-coding - not sure if that is original - but are all good. Some sliders are fairly resistant, but very smooth, not jerky or in bad condition. We didn't notice anywhere where any of the legend is worn. This is a very very nice synth, but you may need to do what we did and reseat connectors after transit. (We would also not recommend shipping it in its smart but lightweight case, because it would be safer in well-planned cardboard packaging. Extra packing here would be £10.) We discovered that there is a switch for 115 or 230V, and swapped it to 230V - but it also worked on 115V using our transformer. Uses a standard IEC mains lead. Best to provide your own (I bet that the paint damage mentioned above was caused by a carelessly place mains plug.)"
VEMIA - Click on Auctions, Search, and search for 5835.