Professionally Serviced, Rare Shadow Edition Example in Very Good Condition
Overview
We are delighted to present this Waldorf Wave – 16-Voice Shadow Black Edition, a magnificent example of Waldorf’s flagship hybrid wavetable polysynth and one of the most ambitious electronic instruments ever produced.
Representing the culmination of the PPG/Waldorf lineage, the Wave combined deep digital synthesis with true analogue filtering to create a sound that remains as inspiring today as when it first appeared in 1993. Its vast, hands-on interface and powerful modulation system made it a studio centrepiece for artists seeking uncompromising creative depth.
Equally prized by musicians, producers, collectors, and investors, the Wave endures as both a remarkable creative instrument and a testament to early-1990s German engineering excellence.
This Shadow Black Edition example, configured with 16 voices, is offered through the RL Music Brokering Serviceon behalf of a long-term UK owner and is one of only a small number of these special-finish units ever built.
Condition
This Waldorf Wave is presented in very good overall condition, graded 8.5/10 under RL Music’s in-house professional evaluation system, applied to all collector-grade instruments to ensure transparency and confidence for discerning buyers.
There are some light signs of age-related wear visible in areas of the panel finish, entirely consistent with a 30-year-old instrument, but nothing that detracts from its inspiring presentation or function. The control surface, display, and hardware all perform exactly as intended, and the instrument remains very visually impressive — clearly well cared for and maintained throughout its life.
1. Keybed and Key Discolouration
The key surfaces exhibit an ivory discolouration from age. We believe the Wave employs the Fatar TP/8S keybed. All keys operate perfectly and there is no functional issue, but for buyers who prefer a brighter appearance, there are potential cosmetic restoration options — either through careful whitening treatment or replacement of the key-tops. Both routes would involve some effort and cost and are entirely optional, as the instrument performs flawlessly. If you are interested in exploring these cosmetic possibilities, please contact us prior to purchase.
2. Display Brightness
The back-lit LED display functions perfectly with no segment loss, but its fixed brightness level is relatively low. There is no user adjustment for display intensity, so the Wave is best viewed in a softly lit environment for comfortable editing and navigation.
Servicing & Restoration
The instrument was evaluated and bench-tested by KSR in October 2025, confirming full operational status ahead of sale.
Following purchase, a comprehensive post-sale service will be carried out by KSR, including PSU re-capping, power-conditioning, calibration, and other preventive maintenance to ensure long-term reliability.
During recent maintenance, a new set of front-panel struts was fitted — a known improvement over the original design — providing greater stability and a fully adjustable playing angle.
This post-sale service is included in the price, ensuring that the instrument leaves RL Music performing at its absolute best.
Provenance
Brokered on behalf of a UK client, this Wave has remained in the UK since 2009, when the current owner acquired it from another UK seller. It has spent the last sixteen years in a private home-studio environment and has been meticulously cared for throughout.
Technical Overview
- Polyphony: 16 voices (expandable to 48)
- Oscillators: 2 digital wavetable oscillators + noise source per voice, with user-editable waves and FM-assisted UPAWs
- Filters/VCAs: Per-voice CEM3387 analogue section — 24 dB/oct low-pass + 12 dB/oct high-pass (BP configuration possible)
- Modulation: 2 LFOs + 4 multi-stage envelopes per voice for extensive modulation and wavescanning
- Multitimbrality: Up to 8 parts simultaneously
- Operating System: OS 1.8 – 1.911
- I/O: Standard factory MIDI and audio configuration
These specifications confirm the Wave’s position as one of the most flexible and sonically distinctive hybrid synthesizers ever made.
Unique Features
HxC Floppy-Drive Emulator — Installed in 2022, this modern SD-card-based replacement for the original 3.5″ floppy mechanism preserves the Wave’s appearance while vastly improving reliability. The supplied SD card includes multiple sound banks — notably the Drew Neumann set — and can be managed easily on any computer.
Shadow Black Edition Finish — Produced toward the end of Waldorf’s manufacturing run circa 1995, the Shadow Edition features a rare anthracite-black finish applied to only a small number of hand-built units. Functionally identical to the standard model, this version’s understated aesthetic underscores the Wave’s industrial design elegance and makes it particularly desirable among enthusiasts of high-end hybrid synthesis.
Accessories
This Waldorf Wave is supplied with:
- a Brand new IEC Power-Cable (UK 3-pin plug type)
- SD card with sound banks for the HxC system
Handy Links
- Waldorf Wave – YouTube Sounds (no talking)
- Sound On Sound – Waldorf Wave Review
- RL Music Archive – Waldorf Wave Owner’s Manual (PDF Download)
Price & Availability
£16,990 GBP — available now.
As this is a brokered sale, no VAT is applicable to UK buyers. International buyers are responsible for any import duties or taxes levied in their respective countries.
The instrument will be supplied fully tested, carefully packaged, and prepared to RL Music standards — meaning it has been professionally inspected, fully quality-controlled, and presented to the highest collector-grade specification to ensure authenticity, reliability, and buyer confidence.
Increasingly sought-after on the international market, examples of this calibre represent not only superb musical instruments but also sound long-term investments in analogue and hybrid synthesis heritage.
Payment
Due to the high value, we accept bank transfer only (UK Faster Payments / CHAPS or international wire).
Full payment details will be provided on the invoice.
Packing & Shipping
We ship worldwide. Packing, shipping, and insurance are not included in the sale price and are quoted upon request.
Our standard practice is professional, export-grade packaging tailored to the instrument and fully insured for its sale value.
UK buyers are welcome to collect from Reading, Berkshire, or we can arrange a dedicated personal delivery within the UK (subject to quotation).
We are happy to tailor a logistics solution to your specific requirements.
Warranty
RL Music provides a full 3-month warranty on this instrument, covering all labour and parts. Our warranty guarantees that the synth will arrive in excellent working order and perform exactly as described.
Conclusion
Few synthesizers combine ambition, design, and sonic depth quite like the Waldorf Wave.
This Shadow Black Edition example pairs very good condition, verified technical integrity, and documented servicing by KSR — a rare opportunity for musicians, producers, studios, collectors, and investors alike to acquire one of the most remarkable hybrid instruments ever built.
Pictures
If you would like specific photographs — such as panel close-ups, internal boards, MIDI ports, or serial plates — please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
