"This is a large (22"x11"x9") analog box with six effects: Wave Form, Filter, Sample & Hold, Phase Shift, Envelope and Sub-Harmonic. There are six rocker switches color coded with eight sliders on the front panel. The sounds on this unit are simply excellent, very desirable for studio applications. Lush and warm sums this unit up well. The waveform creates a classic fuzz that I like to stack other effects on to. The sub-harmonic combined with the phase is very, well ..... 'Bucketheadesque?'"
Update via Brian Kehew of The Moog Cookbook in the comments: "These were built by Oberheim, before Oberheim made their own synths..."
and 7ate9: "not russian but tom oberheim! as to whether they were built before oberheim made gear under the oberheim brand, I'm not sure as I've seen the maestro ringmod pedal with both maestro and oberheim labels on it. anybody has some history on this?"
I missed this one when putting up this post - it comes from the same flickr set by ruk777. I just saw it on Sendling. The caption reads: "to my knowledge, this is the first ring Modulator ever created. It was part of the 'Analog synthesizer' module that Bob Moog, Tom Oberheim and the folks at ARP worked on in the 70s. That is basically where all the early Maestro "pedals" came from. This piece is super rare,and though it is missing its foot pedal, it would command a lot of dough on Ebay"
If you know the truth behind this either way, feel free to comment.
Via Pinkus in the comments: "this is true. late moog worked for maestro...making the big mtal tank looking pedals with the contols on the side (phaser, distortion filter...ect)"
Via Tommy Dog in the comments: "Tom Oberheim was building these during the late 60's, he had done the first Phaser pedal for Maestro which was owned by Gibson / Norlin.
Norlin bought Moog later in the 70's and there were some product devolopment shared by Moog and Maestro (who farmed out many pedal designs to others)."
Via David in the comments: "I doubt it's the first ring modulator. Harald Bode developed a ring modulator for Moog (the Bode Ring Modulator Model 6401 and Bode Dual Ring Modulator Model 6402) in 1963. Check out the Bode page on Obsolete.com.
According to the Moog Archives there's a Bode Dual about 1000' from me right now."
Update via dmxkrew: "If you're interested in those early maestro pedals, oberheim effect pedals etc, I read this interesting book by tom hughes: link"
via the Red Bull Music Academy. via JB. Also see this post on Don Buchla.
"Tom Oberheim
Oberheim Electronics, San Francisco, USA
Starting out in the music electronics business in the late ‘60s, early ‘70s by building legendary devices for Maestro and using his storefront to sell ARP synthesizers..., Tom Oberheim went on to shape the development of music equipment – and the sound of popular music – like very few other people. Actually, for a time in the ‘80s it seemed like it was just about impossible to have a hit without an Oberheim DMX or OB–Xa, as anyone from Run DMC to Van Halen relied heavily on those machines. Sometime later the Oberheim company was sold, but Tom Oberheim went on to develop more groundbreaking products, like the Marion Rack Synthesizers and some groundbreaking soundcard systems with SeaSound. It seems like he never lost the enthusiasm he felt when he first started working with computers in the ‘50s, all while keeping a decidedly consumer friendly outlook: 'My philosophy in building music equipment has always been not to try to second-guess the musician.'"
via this auction "The USS-1 was created by Tom Oberheim, who designed several other of the early Maestro effects. The USS-1 is not truly a synthesizer as we know them today, this one is really one of the first multi-effect units with a few extras. Also note that this unit is also a bit larger than multi-effect floor units of today as well. Built in power supply, built like a tank, vintage sounds....it's all here! Features: Distortion, Filter Sample/Hold Function, Phaser, Envelope Filter, and Subharmonic Enhancer. A favorite of guitar whiz Al DiMeola."
You can find some shots of the inside of a Maestro in this post.
Knobcon Number Six
September 8-10, 2017
Chicagoland www.knobcon.com
"We are pleased to announce Tom Oberheim as guest of honour for Knobcon Number Six.
Mr Oberheim is the progenitor of the American polyphonic analogue synthesiser and designer of electronic music devices ranging from the Maestro Phase Shifter to the Oberheim DX drum machine. If you have listened to the radio in the past 40 years, it is impossible for you not to have heard sounds he had a hand in.
Tom will be speaking at the annual Knobcon Banquet as well as taking part in a live question-and-answer session hosted by Knobcon organiser Suit & Tie Guy.
Knobcon is a one-of-a-kind synthesizer convention now in it's sixth year. Complete with live music, workshops exhibitors and vendors, Knobcon allows for a fully immersive experience. Held just outside Chicago IL at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, the entire event takes place under one roof. If you are interested in electronic-based or experimental music and the tools used to create it, Knobcon is the place for you. The diversity and passion of the Knobcon experience make it enjoyable for all experience levels.
Admission for all 3 days is $50 at the door, $40 online during the month of August.
The Knobcon Banquet featuring Tom Oberheim’s keynote address is an add on to the standard admission. $50 per person, limited seating available.
As you likely know, Knobcon starts this Friday, September 8. What you might not know is that they will be holding a banquet in honor of Tom Oberheim. If you are going to the event, you might want to check this out. Click here for details on how to attend.
"Join us Saturday Evening for our annual Golden Knob banquet featuring VIP keynote speaker Tom Oberheim. Admission includes catered buffet with vegetarian options, and each ticket is an entry into the door prize drawings.
Enjoy live music by the Knobcon Supper Club All Stars featuring Ed & Judy Howard and Cory Flanigan.
Schedule
Cocktails 6:30p
Dinner 7:00p
Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker
Tom Oberheim is the progenitor of the American polyphonic analogue synthesiser and designer of electronic music devices ranging from the Maestro Phase Shifter to the Oberheim DX drum machine. If you have listened to the radio in the past 40 years, it is impossible for you not to have heard sounds he had a hand in."
Note the effect is applied to the left channel only in this demo.
"This Gibson Maestro multi-effect device has six analog Tom Oberheim effects, its USSF1 Footswitch, original lined hard case, and has been recapped.
thank you"
"Ultra rare MAESTRO USS-1 Universal Synthesizer (OBERHEIM) in very clean conditions PLUS its original travel / studio box.
Recently professionally serviced and calibrated.
It can be used as Synth processor for drum machines, synthesizers, guitars etc.. put any signal through it and then just start experimenting!
The built in synth / effects are:
- Waveform
- Filter & Sample/Hold
- Phaser
- Envelope
- Sub-harmonic
- sensitivity control that affects the envelope and sub-harmonic."
Anyone know if Tom Oberheim was behind this one as well? See this post for a great interview with Tom Oberheim. "Starting out in the music electronics business in the late ‘60s, early ‘70s by building legendary devices for Maestro and using his storefront to sell ARP synthesizers..., Tom Oberheim went on to shape the development of music equipment – and the sound of popular music – like very few other people."
via this auction "vintage Maestro Universal Synthesizer System USS-1 manufactured by Oberheim Electronics, serial # 1938. This vintage multi-effect features several of the best Oberheim Maestro effects in one amazing unit. The USS-1 features several effect sections, including: Waveform (fuzz, texture), Filter (envelope), Sample/Hold (the famous random arpeggiator), Phase, Envelope (an additional envelope filter), and Subharmonic."
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"This is a clone of the Maestro filter sample and hold fsh1, built on one of JD Sleeps professionally etched circuit boards. (Of General Guitar Gadgets) All the parts are from Small Bear Electronics and were put together and tested by me. It is ultra funky and a unique sound.It's basically a synthesizer Voltage Control Filter module and a Sample & Hold module."
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"From an Oberheim brochure...just swap "Oberheim" for "Maestro" :)
The Oberheim Voltage Controlled Filter is an outgrowth of electronic music synthesizer technology. It consists of three basic synthesizer circuits: a voltage controlled filter, and envelope follower, and a sample/hold circuit. When the envelope follower is switched to drive the filter, an automatic "wah-wah" sound is produced. The depth of effect is controlled by a "Range" pot. When the sample/hold circuit is switched to drive the filter, the popular "random filter" sound is produced. The "Speed" pot controls the rate that random samples are produced. The unit is powered by two internal 9 volt batteries. Its dimensions are: 7" wide, 3" high, 6" deep. It weighs 2 1/2 lbs..."
"It's a cool filter for overall voicing of any sound source. It's a darned wicked overdrive for any sound source (and guitar in particular). It's a Moog synth filter in a pedal format."
Anyone confirm this? I know the Maestro USS-1 was designed by Tom Oberheim. There is also the Maestro Ring Modulator, which "was part of the 'Analog synthesizer' module that Bob Moog, Tom Oberheim and the folks at ARP worked on in the 70s."
"Maestro 1716 USS-1A Universal Synthesizer System from the 1970s
DESIGNED BY OBERHEIM
Waveform (with Intensity slider) a kind of fuzz effect
Filter (with Frequency and Brilliance sliders) envelope filter
Sample/Hold strange warbly effect
Phase (with Speed slider) phaser, really awesome sounds too
Envelope (with Attack and Decay sliders) another envelope filter that operates a bit differently
Sub-Harmonic (with a Volume slider and sustained or percussive switch) self explanitory, lower octave in quick hit or sustaining
then there is also a slider for Sensitivity that works on the Envelope and Sub-Harmonic, basically increasing the volume of the effect compaired to the natural sound, great analog sounds.
Has a great sample and hold that tops the Maestro FSH-1 since on this unit it has additional controls like the filter being independent of the Sample /Hold so you can run both at the same time. The octave down subharmonic is thick and can track/trigger strangley for some interesting randomness, coupled witht the sample/hold you get some amazing textures. There are numerous options for getting some very unusual sounds. Great for experimental work or for sampling interesting sounds with a thick vintage vibe ."
"Three BIG analog synths of SIX voices from the SEQUENTIAL brand are under our scope. And we receive our friend Chris Calcutt of Focusrite UK to solve this electronic maze. You can interact live with us, asking anything related you want. The session is translated both ways to and from english and spanish with Z铆gor L贸pez (Holmusic) and Jos茅 Antonio 脕lvarez (Future Music Spain).
[ESP] Tres GRANDES sintetizadores anal贸gicos de SEIS voces de la marca SEQUENTIAL est谩n bajo nuestro foco. Y recibimos a nuestro amigo Chris Calcutt de Focusrite UK para resolver este laberinto electr贸nico. Puedes interactuar en vivo con nosotros, preguntando cualquier cosa relacionada que desees. La sesi贸n est谩 traducida en ambos sentidos entre ingl茅s y espa帽ol con Z铆gor L贸pez (Holmusic) y Jos茅 Antonio 脕lvarez (Future Music Espa帽a).
Prophet-6, a winner's heritage / la herencia de un ganador
In the purest style of Dave Smith, Prophet-6 is a tribute to the classic polysynth of the 80s, but elevated to the category of electronic instrument of the 21st century, "the result of our effort to build the modern analog polysynth with the most incredible sound", in the words of the great designer.
The Sequential Circuits Prophet-6 synthesizer retains the best details of the vintage Prophet-5 - truly analog VCOs, filters and VCAs - and enriches them with advanced effects, a polyphonic step sequencer and other goodies.
[ESP] Al m谩s puro estilo de Dave Smith, Prophet-6 es un homenaje del cl谩sico polisinte de los 80, pero elevado a la categor铆a de instrumento electr贸nico del siglo XXI, "el resultado de nuestro esfuerzo para construir el polisinte anal贸gico moderno con el sonido m谩s incre铆ble", seg煤n las palabras del gran dise帽ador.
El sintetizador Sequential Circuits Prophet-6 conserva los mejores detalles del cl谩sico a帽ejo Prophet-5 -VCOs, filtros y VCAs aut茅nticamente anal贸gicos-, y los enriquece con efectos avanzados, un secuenciador polif贸nico por pasos y otras bondades.
Oberheim & Sequential OB-6: Analog power on every side / potencia anal贸gica por los cuatro costados
Developed in direct collaboration with Tom Oberheim, OB-6 takes its inspiration from this master's original designs to deliver "authentic vintage SEM tones with the stability and flexibility of modern technology".
The OB-6 architecture integrates two oscillators per voice plus a sub-oscillator, with saw, variable pulse and triangular waveforms (this only in OSC-2) – all of them continuously variable for greater harmonic diversity. Each voice passes through a 12dB multimode filter (with low-pass, -high, -band, and band-reject responses), inspired by the original SEM circuits. And of course, the analog route is completed with Voltage Controlled Amplifiers (VCA).
[ESP] Desarrollado con la colaboraci贸n directa de Tom Oberheim, OB-6 toma su inspiraci贸n en los dise帽os originales de este maestro para ofrecer "aut茅nticos tonos a帽ejos SEM con la estabilidad y flexibilidad de la tecnolog铆a moderna".
La arquitectura de OB-6 integra dos osciladores por voz m谩s un sub-oscilador, con formas de onda sierra, pulso variable y triangular (茅sta s贸lo en OSC-2) –todas ellas continuamente variables para una mayor diversidad arm贸nica. Cada voz atraviesa un filtro multimodo de 12dB (con respuestas paso-bajo, -alto, -banda y -banda eliminada), inspirado en los circuitos SEM originales. Y por descontado, la ruta anal贸gica se completa con Amplificadores Controlados por Tensi贸n (VCA).
Trigon-6, the analog polysynth with three VCOs and ladder filter that excited Dave Smith Trigon-6, el polisinte anal贸gico con tres VCO y filtro en escalera que entusiasm贸 a Dave Smith
Sequential Trigon-6 adds a unique stamp to the timeless sound of its family, with feedback, overdrive, and an innovative two-pole mode (12dB drop) over the ladder filter, "for greater versatility and width in your palette of tones". Its filter design is an evolution of the circuitry included in the successful Pro 3 synthesizer.
[ESP] Sequential Trigon-6 a帽ade un sello 煤nico al sonido atemporal de su familia, con realimentaci贸n, saturaci贸n, y un innovador modo de dos polos (ca铆da de 12dB) sobre el filtro en escalera, "para obtener una mayor versatilidad y amplitud en su paleta de tonos". Su dise帽o de filtro es una evoluci贸n de la circuiter铆a incluida en el exitoso sintetizador Pro 3."
"Maestro USS – 1A Synthesizer System is one of the most recognizable synth/multi-effect until of all guitarists. It made by Oberheim Electronics, Santa Monica, and Ca 90401 from early 70’s manufactured for Maestro Division of Chicago, Musical Instrument Company. It has a large analog box (22"x11"x9") with six effects: Wave Form, Filter, Sample & Hold, Phase Shift, Envelope and Sub-Harmonic which has six cools switches color coded with eight sliders on the front panel."
Beautiful Skin
YouTube via FOCtv
"Beautiful Skin demo circa 1998. The entire track was played back on a Kurzweil K2000RS into two track digital. The synth effects are from an Oberheim OB8, and Sequential Circuits Pro One. Drums are from a Maestro drum machine. All other sounds were generated in the K2000RS."
via the seller: "Maestro USS-1 guitar synthesizer system. I bought it in the mid-1970s from Apex Music in San Diego (wonder where they went?). Reputedly designed by Oberheim for Maestro/Gibson. A real monster of an effects unit, way before the modular flexibility of Boss, Roland, Electro-Harmonix, etc. I used it on several records in the late 1970s-early 1980s at which time it go pre-empted by rack gear (all of which now thankfully is gone). It's been sitting around in the closet basically ever since. Cosmetically it is in EXC- condition as depicted with a few light scratches top bottom front back sides. As was the fashion of the time I engraved my name, social security number and driver's license number on the back lower left side - way before the concept of "identity theft" even was developed!. So now I scraped it off. Electronically the sample & hold works great and is extremely psychedelic; and the phase works OK. The waveform, which is a primitive fuzz control, only barely adds anything to the sound. And I can't get the envelope or the subharmonic (octave lower) to work at all. No pedals. So it is sold "as is" with these caveats as to condition, your tech most likely will be able to get them going without too much problem."
This is a classic octave pedal great on guitar, keyboards, even voice. Extremely smooth tracking, it always yields a nice smooth analog bass tone. When your note decays the box will track the next loudest harmonic, sometimes 3rd, or 5th giving a cool harmony when mixed with dry signal.
The controls on the pedal are: Octave On/Off, Guitar Vol., Octave Vol, Sensitivity, Mode (Perc./Sust.)."
I'm guessing the Maestro Octave Box was designed by Tom Oberheim along with the Filter Sample/Hold FSH-1.
images via this auction. There is a nice dog in the set.
