EMS VCS3 Mk1

We are Brokering this VCS3 Mk1 “The Putney” for and on their behalf of our UK customer.

Restoration Status: Restoration has been completed by our Service Partner – KSR (Kent Spong Restorations) on 22nd September 2016.

Remarks: So how about owning an early 1970s Mk1 Putney – one of the most sought-after synthesizers in the world! We very rarely have these in stock, and having a 45-year-old historic music instrument in our possession is always an honour and privilege.

This iconic, and historically important, synthesizer comes from a time when the whole concept of electronic music instruments was in its infancy. This VCS3 would have been made around the time that the first Minimoog appeared to the world, and only a few years after the first Moog modular was created for musicians…wonderous times indeed for electronic music.

We are Brokering this amazing instrument for our UK client, a music teacher (retired), who had acquired it from college music department disposal some 30 years or so ago, and the VCS3 had been kept boxed up by the owner and unused in all that time. Upon first inspection, KSR noted that the VCS3 was in great condition internally, so it has been well maintained during it’s working life as an EM education tool in the 1970s. The overall condition is very good in fact, so post-restoration this will present beautifully, although there is a serial number etched into the rear-panel (photos will be supplied to show this), it’s at the back and quite normal to see on these education supplied synths. Many VCS3 from this period come from education establishments, so it adds really interesting provenance and context we think.

As this VCS3 Mk1 ‘Putney’ has been in storage for quite a while, we had asked KSR to carry out an extensive ground-up restoration to bring it back to its former glory, whilst ensuring we preserved their authenticity at the same time. Electronic instruments of this age need a deep level of restoration, but we approach this kind of work sympathetically.

The time & resources invested into this instrument will include:

>Strip-down of every component, panels, cabinet
>Original wood cabinet sympathetically re-finished by hand (preserving patina).
>Control Panels deep-cleaned (vary carefully).
>Every control component (potentiometers/switches/matrix panel) stripped, cleaned & lubricated
>Power-Supply re-capped & calibrated.
>Brand new Matrix Pin set (from EMS).
>Brand new power cable (from EMS).
>Full system-wide test & calibration.

The above restoration work is the minimum we are investing into the instruments.

In addition to the above, the following work can also be carried out by request. This is a costed option, so would be added to the sales prices listed at the bottom of this page:

*VCO stabilisation modification implemented in line with EMS guidelines = £400 GBP

As mentioned above, we have already purchased a brand new (full) set of matrix pins, supplied from EMS, for this VCS3, and a new power cable. The new matrix pins will ensure a strong continuity of contact in the Matrix Panel.

Inevitably, there are some parts that will need replacement (mostly ageing capacitors). We always work alongside EMS technical guidelines to ensure we can keep the authenticity of these 45+-year-old synths intact, so no components that would affect the sound will be changed unless we absolutely have too, and even then, we will only source NOS parts from the same production era.

Also, we have not replaced the original cabinet, or get the panels repainted/screen-printed, so both instruments are kept 100% original. However, if you prefer to purchase this VCS3 MK1 and then want to have the panels refinished (repainted/screen-printed) to look perfect then this is possible of course, so please contact us for a quote to have this carried out.

As you can see from the pictures, The presentation is excellent considering this synth is 45 years old, and it offers an excellent investment if you have been looking for a ‘keeper’ for your own collection.

Price:

Mk1 VCS3 ‘The Putney’ = £10,900 GBP.

Availability: This EMS VCS3 MK1 Putney is now SOLD as at 29th March 2018.

Click on the Thumbnails for higher resolution photos of actual synth for sale.