Restored, Professionally Owned & in Excellent Condition
Overview
We are delighted to present this Oberheim Xpander, a superb example of one of the most sophisticated analogue polysynths ever created.
Designed by Tom Oberheim’s team during the golden era of American analogue innovation, the Xpander represents the pinnacle of Oberheim engineering — a true hybrid masterpiece that marries the lush, organic depth of analogue oscillators with one of the most flexible modulation architectures ever implemented in a MIDI-equipped synthesizer.
Released in 1984, the Xpander was a technological tour de force, featuring six discrete voices, each effectively a complete monosynth, coupled to an extensive modulation matrix and multi-mode filters. Its sound palette remains legendary — capable of producing rich, evolving textures, weighty basses, and intricate soundscapes that continue to inspire composers, producers, and collectors alike.
Equally admired by collectors, studio professionals, musicians, and synth enthusiasts, the Xpander endures as one of the most musically rewarding and technically advanced analogue synthesizers ever made.
This example has been professionally owned and carefully preserved for nearly three decades.
Condition
This Oberheim Xpander is presented in excellent condition, graded 9/10 under RL Music’s in-house professional evaluation system, applied to all collector-grade instruments to ensure transparency and confidence for discerning buyers.
The control surface, panel graphics, and end cheeks all remain in outstanding shape with only the lightest evidence of use. The display is bright, the encoder actions smooth, and all functions perform exactly as they should.
Internally, this unit is pristine — a testament to its low-use studio life and careful custodianship. The wood end-cheeks do have some marks on them in places, which we would consider to be normal wear for a 40+ year old portable synthesizer.
Servicing & Restoration
This instrument was fully serviced by Ben Rossborough at Cyberwave EMS in March 2025, ensuring optimal calibration and long-term reliability.
Upon its arrival at RL Music in April 2025, the Xpander underwent a comprehensive inspection and assessment by Kent Spong at KSR (Kent Spong Restorations), who confirmed its exceptional internal condition and flawless operational status.
This Xpander requires no further work and is presented in ready-to-play, collector-grade condition.
Provenance
Our client, a professional musician best known as the live programmer for The Chemical Brothers, acquired this Xpander from a specialist dealer in Tokyo in 1997, while on tour with the band.
The instrument was never taken on the road and has remained in our client’s private studio ever since — a stable, climate-controlled environment where it has been lovingly maintained and occasionally featured in studio productions.
Notably, this particular Xpander can be heard on several releases from the Mancunian house label Ten Lovers Music, giving it an appealing musical provenance for those who value authentic studio lineage.
Accessories
This Xpander is supplied with:
- A custom-made aluminium flight-case
- The original Japanese and English user manuals
- The original factory patch sheet
Price & Availability
£4,500 GBP — available for sale 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 exceptional instruments but also sound long-term investments in analogue 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 instruments embody the power and elegance of 1980s analogue design quite like the Oberheim Xpander.
This example combines outstanding condition, verified technical excellence, and notable professional provenance— a rare opportunity for musicians, producers, collectors, and investors alike to acquire one of the most capable and musically expressive analogue synthesizers 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.
