Rick Wakeman of YES Synths For Sale

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

via this auction

A peek at some of the actual synths used by Rick Wakeman starting with his keyboard mixer below.

"We are happy to offer the following items from the personal private collection of iconic keyboardist and synth collector Rick Wakeman. Rick career has spanned over 50 years including his time with The Strawbs and YES through to his session work with David Bowie, Black Sabbath and countless others. Alongside this, Rick's own solo career has pushed the boundaries of possibilities in terms of his use of the synthesiser including his albums Journey to the Centre of the Earth and the Six wives of Henry VIII. Rick is now pleased to be offering his fans the chance to owns some of the pieces which have sculpted his sound across his extensive career. Please find details of these pieces as below: Rackmounted Keyboard Mixer Used to mix 6 of Ricks Keyboards from the late 70s/Early 80s Each item will come with written verification direct from Rick Wakeman to confirm his ownership and use of the items. Pricing All items have been in storage many since the 1970s and will require servicing by the purchaser. This costing is reflected in the pricing of each item."

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Minimoog-style Lead Sounds - Inspired by Rick Wakeman, Keith Emerson, & the sounds of the seventies

video upload by AJH Synth Official

"These are just sound examples, but I am not a keyboardist, so please don't expect any Rick Wakeman/Keith Emerson keyboard wizardry. The intention is just to illustrate the kind of tones that can be created with the basic MiniMod voice in Minimoog configuration (Glide, 3 VCO's, Ladder Filter, etc), along with some overdrive/distortion from driving the audio levels hard.

Generally, input levels significantly beyond 12 O'clock (50%) on the Ladder Filter or Discrete Cascaded VCA should start to apply more overdrive to the audio from the VCO's or other Eurorack level signals. This will noticeably change the character of the sound at extreme settings.

The GAIN SWITCH module is also used a couple of times here, as it conveniently activates the high-gain mode featured on both the Transistor Ladder Filter & Discrete Cascaded VCA modules, which is otherwise set by jumpers on the rear of the modules. Using the Gain Switch just means you don't need to pop the module out to enable/disable the feature. Audio-rate modulation of VCO3 from VCO1 is added at a couple of points... just because it sounds good, not necessarily because it was commonly used in famous lead sounds.

Rick Wakeman has famously used the Minimoog throughout his career, whereas Keith Emerson is equally associated with the Moog modular system that preceded it. Since the AJH Synth MiniMod system is directly based on the early, more desirable R.A.Moog version of the Minimoog, whilst also being fully modular, this makes it an excellent choice for recreating the sounds of those original, iconic instruments, and going way beyond it in the world of Eurorack.

Video by DreamsOfWires"

Astronauta Pinguim: An Interview with Larry Fast

"Lawrence Roger Fast was born in Newark, New Jersey (USA) on December 10th, 1951. Since his childhood Larry was very interested in music and electronics. He started to build early electronic circuits about 1966 and his first contact with the Moog modular synthesizers was on 1968. Some of his own designed devices started to be sold on commission on late 1971. Larry attended Lafayette College in Pennsylvania, where he obtained a degree in history in 1973.

In the early '70s, Larry Fast had the opportunity to meet Rick Wakeman, who played with the famous progressive rock band Yes at that time and asked Larry to build some synthesizer modules to him. It was just before Yes recorded their live album "Yessongs" (recorded in 1972 and released in 1973) and Rick Wakeman used the modules built by Larry on this album. In June of 1973 Larry went to England to give minor technical support to Rick Wakeman on Yes' album "Tales From Topographic Oceans" while circulating his own music demos to labels in London.


In 1975, Larry released "Electronic Realizations for Rock Orchestra", the first album from his solo project - Synergy - and in the same year he collaborated with the British-German band Nektar on an album ("Recycled", 1975) and the subsequent tour. In 1976 the second Synergy album, "Sequencer" was released (Larry is finishing the artwork to re-release "Sequencer" remastered from the original analog mix tapes in 24 bit 192 khz audio and digipak format right now!). Also in 1976 he was invited to play the keyboards with Peter Gabriel, who had recently left Genesis to become one of the world's most creative and famous artists. Larry played with Peter Gabriel for 10 years (from 1976 to 1986) and recorded 8 albums (in part or whole) with him: PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4, Plays Live, Birdy soundtrack, tracks on Shaking the Tree and So.

During the period that Larry was the keyboard player of Peter Gabriel's band, he found time to consult with Moog to develop at least two very famous synthesizers, the Polymoog (1976) and the Memorymoog (1982) and also kept his Synergy project, releasing 6 albums more: "Cords" (1978), "Games" (1979), "Audion"(1981), "Computer Experiments, Volume One" (1981), "The Jupiter Menace Soundtrack" (1982) and "Semi-Conductor" (1984). In the late '80s he worked as the A&R coordinator and executive producer for The Audion Record Company, the legendary electronic music label and released "Metropolitan Suite" (1987). In 1998 Semi-Conductor Release 2 was released with a lot of bonus tracks and in 2002 "Reconstructed Artifacts", an album containing digital re-recordings of previous Synergy tracks, was released. Most of Larry's Synergy albums were re-released in various editions, some of them with bonus tracks!"

You'll find the full interview on Astronauta Pinguim.

via Fabricio Carvalho on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

MOOG Minimoog Model D Signed by Rick Wakeman and Patrick Moraz

images via this auction

"Serial #2026

This is a gorgeous Minimoog I've owned since 1989. It has seen studio use only except for a charity concert in Orlando in 1991. I donated the synth to be used by Rick Wakeman and Patrick Moraz who utilized it during a benefit performance for "Give Kids the World." After the show Wakeman and Moraz autographed the Minimoog backstage. A friend of mine videotaped the autograph session and you can see Wakeman and Moraz sign the Moog on You Tube."

Moraz and Me (Part-2)

YouTube via Analogger.

Click here to read more about this video in the description.

"Also included is the Minimoog Soundcharts book. This shows you how to exactly get all the Minimoog sounds you know and love...and a few you have probably never heard. Also included is the S-trigger cable adaptor to use with your midi-to-cv converter. I often utilized the external input to fatten up and/or mangle sounds. Here is another You Tube video I did featuring this synth with my drum machine thru the Minimoog filter:"

Minimoog vs. Drum Machine


"I wrote a 4-bar drum pattern using a Roland SH-32 then hooked the mono output into the external input of my Minimoog. The key is to overdrive the hell out of the input. A delightful little light shines brightly to indicate this is happening. I also turned on oscillators 3&2 and played along with the pattern a bit. The original Moog filter is very fat...and overdriving the input is great for mangling the most innocent sounds." "If you are in the mood for something a little more bizarre - here is another video featuring this very Minimoog as it is cleverly manipulated by an inanimate American icon:" Barbie Moog "Blow Jazz Concerto"



"Barbie scored some dynamite X from Lindsay Lohan then wandered into Ken's house where she discovered his Minimoog. Barbie plugged the ancient synth into a 50 watt Orange amp. Oscillator three was used as a square wave LFO to modulate the cutoff frequency of the filter. Ken showed up unannounced and came unspooled upon seeing Barbie fiddling with his prize synth. Using a trick she learned from Lindsay, Barbie dropped to her knees and gave Ken a "little treat." Ken calls it "Barbie blow jazz."

I got the idea for this nonsense the other night. I couldn't get it out of my head, so this afternoon I'm in fucking Target buying a Barbie doll for Christ's sake. I looked for a GI Joe but they didn't have one. I was thinking Barbie could be a "musical terrorist" and GI Joe would "bring her to justice." I'm trying to do something constructive with my chemical imbalance - until then I'll produce this crap."

Rick Wakeman's "White Rock" | "Judas Iscariot" | & The Ambassador

video upload by Synthnerd11

"My cover version of Wakeman's playful Minimoog workout. The title track of the 1977 film 'White Rock' documenting the Winter Olympics held in Innsbruck the previous year."

These are in via John L Rice.

Rick Wakeman's "Judas Iscariot"



The Ambassador

video upload by

"An electronic soundscape I composed dedicated to the memory of my most invaluable mentor, Tristram Cary - the unsung father of electronic music in Britain and Australia (among many other things!). The piece was created using my EMS VCS 3, the classic synth that Tristram co-designed with the Electronic Music Studios in England."

Rick Wakeman Oberheim OB-MX 8-Voice Rack Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"This is an Oberheim OB-MX rack-mount synthesizer that was used by Rick Wakeman (as a 6-voice unit) during the recording of the Keys to Ascension album in 1995-1996. I obtained it from Rick's producer, who let Rick use it during the recording of the album.

An additional voice card was later added to make it a 8-voice unit. It can be expanded with 2 more voice cards to a full 12-voice system.

Excellent condition, includes operation manual. New battery, OS 1.04 (a later OS is available for free on-line, OS 2.00).

The Oberheim OBMx is a modern synthesizer module with an audio path that is entirely analog. It has an intuitive and powerful interface which makes it easy for anyone
to program their own unique sounds. The OBMx claims to deliver the classic Oberheim and Minimoog sounds while being completely programmable and midi compatible.

One historical point is that the OB-Mx is, at present, the last synthesizer designed by Don Buchla. The 'Oberheim filter' provides 12 dB/oct low, band or hi pass filtering, with resonance. And the 'Minimoog filter' uses a 24 dB/oct low-pass filter."

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Rick Wakeman using the KORG KRONOS in preparation for the ARW Tour

Published on Sep 12, 2016 Korg

"Rick Wakeman is just about to embark on a major world tour with Jon Anderson and Trevor Rabin for the ARW Tour - An Evening of Yes Music & More. We met up with him as he was just getting ready for the main rehearsals where two KORG Kronos keyboards play a major role in his keyboard rig.

Rick’s Official Website: http://www.rwcc.com/
ARW Tour - www.arw-tour.com/"

yes - rick wakeman solo

YouTube via randallcraig. via Jones Alley. More Rick Wakeman here.
"Yessongs - Enjoy...To watch the whole show click http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list.... If you have enjoyed these wonderful Yes videos, then support the band and pick up CLOSE TO THE EDGE today at http://www.amazon.com/Close-Edge-Yes/..."

Rick Wakeman - Sir Lancelot and The Black Knight ( Wembley)

YouTube via Patrickillian. via Analog Suicide.
"Sir Lancelot adnThe Black Knight performed during King Arthur on ice at wembley in 1975"
Rick Wakeman on Ice.

Modded Rick Wakeman Signed 1972 Minimoog

via this auction

"This is an auction for a nearly 40 year old classic synthesizer, the original Minimoog. This one was built in 1972. It is a working machine which has recorded and been studio based for the past 5 years. The metal rear cover is signed by synthesizer legend Rick Wakeman the synth was probably built while he was recording "Close To The Edge"- (photographic proof of signing provided)

The serial number is 2469, and the circuit board is the rich and creamy second revision. The tuning has been stabilised so that hassle free playing can be done after a 15 minute warm up. The S-Trig (CV) has been replaced by a 1/4 inch mono jack. The CV inputs have been modded to allow easier control using a Midi to CV converter. Way back in time the PITCH wheel was replaced by a genuine MOOG mini ribbon controller, making this machine somewhat rare. The Keyboard is the original. The case is in good condition, has been repolished and has a brand new Minimoog badge."

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Korg 3200 , Non Functioning / Spares , Rick Wakeman Collection 1970s

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

via this auction

Follow-up to this post.

"Korg PS3200 / Non Functioning / Spares / Repair
1970s
Polyphonic
48 Note
Each VCO Has its own VCF &LFO
Complete with Keyboard + Cable + Remote ( Missing Cable Re Remote )
Note - The above is Non Functioning and is sold for Spares / Repair

Each item will come with written verification direct from Rick Wakeman to confirm his ownership and use of the items.
History The above has been in storage since the 1970s and is Non Functioning and is sold for Spares / Repair / Parts"

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Moog MiniMoog Model D

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

via this auction

Some shots of the inside below, including a pretty cool shot of one of the circuit boards with some light passing through.

Auction description: "One word best describes this MiniMoog: Minty! Not as in peppermint, but as in mint condition. This Mini has lived comfortably in an air-conditioned living room beside my beloved Steinway Model B for the last 30 years and played only by me, the owner. Never on the road. The circuitry is 100% pure, unadulterated analog factory original stuff, no MIDI modifications or added junk.

This is the real deal, the one you’ve been waiting for. Beautiful wood, no significant dents or dings, no gashes. Knobs, wheels and switches are all original and mint with glistening aluminum inserts, panel is perfect, clean, lovely. Pots are perfect, no noise, no static, no hum. Includes the revered buffer board. Fine, solid white Modulation Wheels with all stops, not the cheesy ribbed plastic. All 3 oscillators are perfect, stable, pure. Even the 440 oscillator is on pitch. Keyboard needs new bushings, and the red power light needs to be replaced, but all else is pure unadulterated awesomeness. Once used in concert here in Atlanta by Rick Wakeman when his own Model D was down for the count.

This is no fake remake; this is the real McCoy. Own it. Play it. Love it. Make Bob Moog proud. Included is the vintage, original Tom Rhea MiniMoog Sound Charts book, which shows exactly how to recreate ELP/Keith Emerson’s Aquatarkus, Rick Wakeman’s Catherine of Aragon, steel drums, jet engines, earthquakes – 51 sounds in all! Maxwell House percolator tune? MiniMoog Model D is on it. This unit does it all! Serial number in the Golden 5,000’s when the bugs were worked out, but the glitches of tawdry modernization and volume production had not set in. As you can see from the pics, this baby is built by hand. Not only is it the best-looking Mini you’ve ever laid eyes on, it’s the best-sounding Mini you’ve ever laid ears on!"

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Mellotronics Streetlytron Pro : Space Oddity

Mellotronics Streetlytron Pro : Space Oddity from Ramones Karaoke on Vimeo.

"Inspired by seeing Rick Wakeman actually play the Mellotron part on TV this week - that bloke is funny - I figured I had to have one more shot at 'Wakeman Replacement'. So, grabbing the stems of Space Oddity from the 40th anniversary release EP, and streaming some MIDI wirelessly at my iPad from my Mac, I got this result. Pretty authentic, although I'm not entirely convinced that these chords and inversions are right - Rick's hands seemed lower down the keyboard when he was bashing through it on telly.

Heck, where's Wakeman when you need him?"

This one is in via @RamonesKaraoke

Incredibly Detailed Miniature Synth Models by ROLT

Ronaldo Lopes Teixeira ROLT
Published on Aug 6, 2017

"Evento no dia 24/06/2017 Teatro UMC, show Rick Wakeman Project por Renato Moog.
Exhibition at the Rick Wakeman Project by Renato Moog at the UMC Theater - Sao Paulo, 24/06/2017."

Bob Moog Foundation Raffle for a Minimoog Signed by Rick Wakeman

via The Bob Moog Foundation, where you can enter.

"It's that time of year again! Our 2018 raffle for a pristine vintage Minimoog synthesizer launched today. This gorgeous synth, serial number 6360, stands on its own merits. Not only does it have an undeniable sonic legacy, but it has been expertly restored and is in excellent physical and technical condition. It's a gorgeous instrument inside and out.

YES, there's more! This year's Minimoog has been inscribed and signed by none other than prog rock god Rick Wakeman, who helped define the use of the Minimoog in live performance in the 1970s with his incredible, jaw-dropping solos. His inscription reads, "Thanks Dr. Bob for sharing your genius. You'll never be forgotten." (sniff!)"

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Studiologic Sledge Synthesiser Tutorial 42 Rick Wakeman The Six Wives Of Henry VIII (8th)

Published on Dec 23, 2016 David Clements

"George Hall recreates sounds from Rick Wakeman's The Six Wives Of Henry VIII (8th) on a Studiologic Sledge synthesiser, in particular the track Catherine Howard. Learn synth programming with George Hall."

All parts here.

THE RIVER Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer & More Handmade Miniature Synths

Published on Mar 30, 2019 Ronaldo Lopes Teixeira ROLT

And more: (I believe I've posted some of these in the past - here's the full set - see the miniature label at the bottom of this post for others)



Update: the list:
MINI KORG 2 - HANDMADE MINIATURE
HANDMADE CLASSIC KEYBOARDS COLLECTION MINIATURES by Rolt
Making a Mellotron M400 Miniature
MINI MOOG MODEL D - HANDMADE MINIATURE
ARP ODYSSEY HANDMADE MINIATURE
HAMMOND B3 ORGAN HANDMADE MINIATURE
FENDER RHODES SUITCASE PIANO - HANDMADE MINIATURE
PROPHET 5 - HANDMADE MINIATURE
WURLITZER ELECTRA PIANO (BEIGE) - HANDMADE MINIATURE
HOHNER CLAVINET D6 - HANDMADE MINIATURE
MOOG LIBERATION - HANDMADE MINIATURE
Celeste - CLASSIC HANDMADE PROG KEYBOARDS

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The Birotron

"Rick Wakeman of the band "Yes" invented and developed this instrument along with help from David Biro. Wakeman formed the company Birotronics, Ltd. which made just 35 Birotrons. Like the Mellotron, the Birotron "sampled" instruments and uses 8-track tapes for the various sounds. This was necessary before digital sampling became available. They were mainly used for strings, choirs, brass, and flutes; sounds not easily reproduced on the synthesizers of that era."

via 8-Track Heaven where you will find more info.

via John Van Eaton

Updates via the comments:
via Darren Landrum:
I seem to recall this one used tape loops, which contained continuous sounds. Shaping could then be added via an envelope generator. Great for sustaining sounds like strings, organ, and choir, but not so good for transient sounds like tubular bells. Of course, the Mellotron was most famous for the sustaining sounds, so maybe the Biro fellow was on to something. The only artist I can recall using the tubular bell tape for the Mellotron is Isao Tomita.

via Milo Johnson:
"The Birotron used 37 8-track tapes, one per key (with all of the attendant problems of 8-tracks) instead of strips of tape like the Mellotron and Chamberlin. Mellotron sounds last about eight seconds and then the tape has to rewind to play the note again. The Birotron used hand-crossfaded recordings to give "infinite" sustain, or at least until the 8-track clicked and changed direction. Rick was the money man and contributed some ideas for improving the instrument, but Dave had already developed it when he approached Rick for financing. It looks like fewer than 20 were ultimately produced and about half of them are accounted for. Dave didn't have one of his own instruments for many years until David Kean of Mellotron.com found and restored one and gave it to him. There is a Yahoo! Birotron Group moderated by Dave Biro, open membership so you can get the story straight from the horse's mouth."

Rick and Adam Wakeman on Keytar playing "Tudorock"

YouTube via YesFanDon
"From Rick Wakeman's Six Wives of Henry VIII concert on May 2, 2009 at Hampton Court Palace. This is an excerpt from one of Rick's new songs, called Tudorock, played as an encore. This amazing concert will be available on commercial DVD soon. Buy one, you won't regret it!"

Rike Wakeman's Korg PS-3200 Polyphonic Synthesizer SN 210200 & 801010

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

via this auction

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