EMS Synthi Mk2

We are Brokering this instrument for and on behalf of our UK client.

Came into stock: Available from RL Music as at 9th January 2019.

Servicing Status: A full health-check by KSR will be carried out post-sale but this Synthi was fully serviced by EMS in October 2016.

Remarks: A fabulous opportunity to own a vintage EMS Synthi, and this example is in super all original condition throughout.

This Synthi (serial #4656KS so a Mk2 version) was purchased brand new by our client in 1973 so they are the original and only owner of this instrument. When purchased, this was a (complete) Synthi AKS model and therefore had the Keyboard Sequencer (KS) controller, but our client sold that some decades ago so it no longer comes included with this, hence it’s been advertised as only a Synthi, or Synthi A. There have not been any modifications made to this Synthi so it’s factory spec. One advantage to it being an ex-AKS model is that the PSU is rated to easily run external devices like the KS or DK series controllers.

Since 1973, this Synthi has been in regular home use only, and the owner decided to have a detailed service carried out by Robin at EMS in late 2016. We have the original EMS service receipt which we have scanned and made available to view below so you can see what was carried out.

The cosmetic condition is very good indeed, with only some wear to the screen-print along the matrix, which is not unusual. Both Spartanite cases are in excellent condition. The nickel latches & hinges show signs of oxidisation, which again is normal to see on a 45+ year-old synth, although they easily could be improved with some light restorative work if needed. In all, the instrument shows normal signs of ageing and has not any overt cosmetic restoration carried out, which we know for many people is important in terms of retaining authenticity.

Included in the sale (pictured), is a nearly-new Kenton Pro-Solo Mk2 with PSU and required cables to carry CV/Gate/Filter (cinch-jones connector) to operate this Synthi via MIDI. These are all included in the price, and worth around £200 GBP if purchased new/separately.

These iconic and truly amazing pure analogue music instruments are in great demand by professional users, and prices are being driven up fast on the second-hand market around the world, so now might be a good time to invest in one before they become ‘Vintage Buchla or RA Moog Modular’ prices.

We can’t think of a more iconic, truly portable synthesizer ever being made, and even today the design of the Synthi is considered a triumph of feature and form…incredible.

This EMS Synthi comes with way more than a full set of matrix pins, 35 in total, and 16 of them are brand new (all red), so the pin situation is covered.

KSR will give this Synthi a full health-check post-sale, but we have tested it extensively and can confirm it’s working perfectly, as it should really as Robin did all the refurbishment work only a couple of years ago.

This Synthi is set to operate on EU 220V~240V (front-panel setting). We were also supplied with the original EMS ‘Education manual’ for this model and the proprietary EMS power-cable (with UK 3-pin plug fitted).

As the instrument is being Brokered through RL Music, it will be sold with a full 3-month warranty and we can ship worldwide.

Demos are available by appointment only.

As with all Brokered Sales, the synth will be fully health-checked post-sale, before it’s sent to its new owner. We do this to ensure that the instrument leaves us in perfect operational condition, and it is backed up by our full warranty to give the new owner complete peace of mind. The work is carried out as a priority once the sale has been completed, and although it will delay shipping/delivery by a short time, we know from experience that customers are happy to wait.

Sales Price: £9027 GBP.

Availability: This EMS Synthi is available now SOLD, as at 11th February 2020.

Click on the thumbnail for higher resolution photo of the actual Synthi for sale.

BUY THIS SYNTHI

Roland System 700

We are Brokering this instrument for and on behalf of our client

Came into stock: Arrived at RL Music on 17th March 2019

Restoration Status: KSR to service once sold, and prior to shipping to the new owner.

We are both delighted and honoured to be able to offer the Roland System 700 Block 1 (Main Console) and Block 2 (Keyboard Controller) for sale.

We probably don’t need to make much in terms of introduction here, but with there only believed to be around 40 full System 700 ever made, then you will appreciate this instrument was scarce even when it was in manufactured during the period of 8 years from 1976. Over the years, the systems were broken up, and/or perhaps Roland only supplied partial systems to buyers back in the 1970s, but it’s not uncommon to see partial systems coming up for sale, like the one we are offering here.

As electronic musical instruments go, this is considered by many to be the Holy Grail of synthesizers, and is without any doubt, amongst the very best designed and built analogue modular synthesizers ever made. It’s not for us to sell the virtues of such an outstanding instrument as the worlds most accomplished synthesists have shown the capability of these beautiful creations, so we will just talk here about this particular instrument that’s available for sale.

Provenance

This System 700 has been in our client’s ownership for only a few short years, and they had purchased it from a very respected analogue synth collector in the EU. Any provenance prior to this is unknown, but like most System 700 we see, these Blocks have been extremely well cared for and maintained.

Cosmetic Condition

Upon arrival at RL Music, we checked over the system and found it to be 100% intact with all the controls, ancillary hardware (including all lids), knobs, sliders caps, switches, keys, cable and serial plates etc., all to be present and correct.

The overall condition of the Tolex covering on each Block is excellent, with only 2 scuffs to note, that can be seen in photos below. The anodised control surfaces & screen print on each individual module to be superb, with only minimal wear…remarkable!

Operational Condition

We carried out a full assessment on the Blocks after they arrived here, so can confirm everything is working. The system will benefit from a minor service, which would include a full potentiometer/slider clean and calibration etc., and this will be included in the sales price.

A much higher level of ‘restoration’ can be undertaken, should any new owner decide that this is something they would like, for future proofing, so the best thing is to contact Richard here at RL Music to discuss your needs as a customised support package can be costed, including extended warranty.

Configuration

This is a standard configured Block 1 – Main Console. here is a full configuration breakdown:

Block 1 – Main Console (sn: 730139)
This is the Heart of the System, and it contains all the basic modules necessary for a professional system. It has 3 x VCO, 1 x Low Pass VCF, 1 x LP/BP/HP VCF, 2 x VCA, 2 x LFO, 1 x Dual ADSR Envelope Generators, Noise, Ring Mod, Voltage Processor, S/H, Envelope Follower, Integrator (Lag Processor), 1 x Mixer, 2 X 5 multiples, Headphone Monitor Module, and an Output Module, which includes Stereo VU Meters, a six-position test-tone, Phase Shifter, Spring Reverb, and voltage controlled Panning. Most common module connections (power, cv, gate) are made internally for easier patching.

Block 2 – Keyboard Controller (sn: 780202):
The 61-key two-voice Keyboard with Portamento and Pitch-bend controls.

What does it sound like?
It sounds incredible, and can be huge or beautifully musical and subtle…like any quality modular system, but the System 700 has its own sound and unique character. Kent at KSR actually wrote a short track with the full System 700 we sold recently, just after he had completed the restoration work, so if you click the link below you can listen to the piece on his Soundcloud account:

https://soundcloud.com/ksr80/uphill-700

The System 700 is a professional grade instrument, with a price tag to match back, even in the 1970s. The recent full System 700 we had available, sold for £70K GBP (February 2019). Recent specialist auction prices ( £110K GBP at VEMIA November 2017) show that these have risen very sharply in price. Demand has always been very high for anything System 700 related, either in the Lab Systems or separate Blocks being sold.

We are selling this Block 1 & 2 System 700 with a full 3-month warranty, and we will ship worldwide. A quote for custom packing (by us), shipping & insurance to get it to you will be produced upon request. Delivery by us (in person) is possible for most UK destinations – prices subject to address.

This beautiful synthesizer is currently set to operate on 220V, but it can be set internally to 110V if needed. We are not supplying any 1/4” jack audio cables with the sale, but the owner has printed off the original owners manual (red folder pictured), so that’s supplied with the system. We also have a high-quality version in PDF which we will include in the sale if needed.

This is one serious music machine and words simply can’t describe the power and potential for infinite sound creation possibilities. There is such a lot to say about this legendary and beautiful modular system but we just haven’t enough room here on our website so please call or email us to discuss your requirements.

Price: £40,000. GBP

Availability: This Roland System 700 Block 1 & 2 is now SOLD, as at 23rd March 2019.

Click on the thumbnail for higher resolution photos of the actual System 700 Block 1 & 2 for sale.

BUY THIS SYSTEM 700

Roland System 700

We are Brokering this instrument for and on behalf of our client

Came into stock: Arrived at RL Music in April 2018

Restoration Status: Kent Spong of KSR completed the full 6-week restoration on 22nd June 2018, so the system now resides with RL Music in Reading, UK.

We probably don’t need to make much in terms of introduction here, but with there only believed to be 40 System 700 ever made, then you will appreciate this instrument was scarce even when it was in manufactured during the period of 8 years from 1976.

As electronic musical instruments go, this is considered by many to be the Holy Grail of synthesizers, and is without any doubt, amongst the very best designed and built analogue modular synthesizers ever made. It’s not for us to sell the virtues of such an outstanding instrument as the worlds most accomplished synthesists have shown the capability of these beautiful creations, so we will just talk here about this particular instrument that’s available for sale.

Provenance

This System 700 has very recently (March 2018) been purchased from its original owner in Japan. The owner purchased it new from Roland and had it kept in their home all that time, and although they could not recall the exact date it was bought, it was certainly around 40 years ago. The incredible instrument has been imported directly into the EU from Japan and is now being offered by RL Music for sale.

Cosmetic Condition

Upon arrival at RL Music, we checked over the system and found it to be 100% intact with all the controls, ancillary hardware (including all lids), knobs, sliders caps, switches, keys, cables and serial plates etc., all to be present and correct.

The condition of the Tolex covering on each and every Block is excellent, and the anodised control surfaces & screen print on each individual module to be superb, with only minimal wear…remarkable! Kent carried out some light restorative re-finishing to the Tolex to bring back its depth-of-colour and lustre. There is a ‘Roland” badge missing off the Block 4 lid, but all others are present on the other lids.

There is a small scuff on the sequencer panel, and some of the anodising on certain modules has oxidised due to age, but otherwise, this is a close to perfection as is possible, and the dream of most of us to own. KSR stripped each panel and deep-cleaned the anodised surfaces (very carefully).

Operational Condition

Kent carried out a 6-week complete overhaul of the system, so every jack-socket, sliders, block-connector, DIN-socket, interconnect cables and switches have been deep cleaned & lubricated. The twin VU meters were replaced with NOS Roland meters as the originals were no longer working.

Each and every Module was removed, tested, deep-cleaned and fully calibrated. A number of the power-regulation capacitors were replaced due to the originals having failed due to age. The PSU has been fully refurbished.

The Keyboard was stripped and fully overhauled.

Every single function and detail of the modular system has been methodically & fastidiously addressed, and after investing over £15K GBP in restoration costs, it now works flawlessly and looks stunning!

Configuration

This is a slightly non-standard configured system, and a manufactured later in the production run of these professional studio systems, from what we could ascertain, so here is a full configuration breakdown:

Block 1-Main Console (sn: 590069)
This is the Heart of the System, and it contains all the basic modules necessary for a professional system. It has 3 x VCO, 1 x Low Pass VCF, 1 x LP/BP/HP VCF, 2 x VCA, 2 x LFO, 1 x Dual ADSR Envelope Generators, Noise, Ring Mod, Voltage Processor, S/H, Envelope Follower, Integrator (Lag Processor), 1 x Mixer, 2 X 5 multiples, Headphone Monitor Module, and an Output Module, which includes Stereo VU Meters, a six-position test-tone, Phase Shifter, Spring Reverb, and voltage controlled Panning. Most common module connections (power, cv, gate) are made internally for easier patching.

Block 2 – Keyboard Controller (sn: 630116):
The 61-key two-voice Keyboard with Portamento and Pitch-bend controls.

Block 3 – Sequencer (sn: 800097):
This offers 3 x 12 step sequencer with Pulse Shaper, Clock Oscillator, and Series / Parallel output sections – considered one of the best analogue sequencers ever made.

Block 4 – VCO Bank (sn: 800002):
6 x VCO, 1 x Dual ADSR Envelope Generator, 2 x LFO, Sample and Hold and 1 x Mixer.

Block 5 – VCF/VCA Bank (sn: 800003):
1 x Low Pass VCF, 1 x LP/BP/HP VCF, 2 x VCA, Noise Generator, Ring Modulator, 1 x Dual ADSR Envelope Generator, 2 x Mixers and 2 x Gate Delay.

Block 6 – Interface/Mixer (sn: 780089):
1 x Frequency-to-Voltage Converter (with VDU) Interface with Envelope Follower & Gate Signal Generator, a VCA, 9-channel Audio Mixer, and a Multimode Filter.

Block 7 – Phase Shifter/Audio Delay (sn: 800001):
A 2-channel Phase Shifter and a 2-channel Audio Delay, Amplifier, Envelope Follower, Integrator (Lag Processor), 2 x Mixers and a Sample & Hold.

What does it sound like?
It sounds incredible and can be huge or beautifully musical and subtle…like any quality modular system, but the System 700 has its own sound and unique character. Kent at KSR actually wrote a short track with the System 700 just after he had completed the restoration work, so if you click the link below you can listen to the piece on his Soundcloud account:

https://soundcloud.com/ksr80/uphill-700

The System 700 is a professional grade instrument, with a price tag to match back in the late 1970s, and recent specialist auction prices ( £110K GBP at VEMIA November 2017) show that these have risen very sharply in price. Demand has always been very high for anything System 700 related, either in the Lab Systems or separate Blocks being sold, but finding a full system is exceptionally rare.

Now the System 700 has been meticulously restored, we are selling it with a full 6-month warranty, and we will ship worldwide. A quote for custom packing (by us), shipping & insurance to get it to you will be produced upon request. Delivery by us (in person) is possible for most UK destinations – prices subject to address.

This beautiful behemoth of a synthesizer runs on 110V. We are not supplying any 1/4” jack audio cables with the sale, and unfortunately, the original owners manual was not supplied to us, but we do have a high-quality version in PDF which we will include in the sale.

This is one serious music machine and words simply can’t describe the power and potential for infinite sound creation possibilities. There is such a lot to say about this legendary and beautiful modular system but we just haven’t enough room here on our website so please call or email us to discuss your requirements.

Price: £70,000 GBP

Availability: This Roland System 700 is now SOLD on deposit, as at 15th february 2019.

Click on the thumbnail for higher resolution photos of the actual (post-restoration) System 700 for sale.

BUY THIS SYSTEM 700

Yamaha CS80

We are Brokering this instrument for and on behalf of our EU client.

Came into stock: Available from RL Music as at 20th December 2018, and this CS80 is currently located at our restoration partners – KSR in Surrey, UK.

Servicing Status: A full health-check by KSR has already been carried out (December 2018), so this CS80 is ready for sale now.

Remarks: This CS80 is good all original condition, with no modifications.

This CS80 we are offering for sale comes to us for Brokering from a private owner who had sent the instrument to KSR directly for a full check-up, to ensure it’s fully operational and ready for us to sell for them. The overall condition of this CS80 is good, but it does show signs of wear to the control surfaces and tolex, as we would expect from a 40+ year old instrument.

The pictures we have taken (see below), provide an honest appraisal, so we would rate this mid-production series CS80 (serial #13xx) to be a suitable studio example, that works flawlessly.

As mentioned, Kent at KSR has conducted a full health-check, and system-wide calibration of this CS80, but this is akin to a low-level service, so this is not a restoration. If a higher level of restoration work is something any potential buyer is interested in having done to ensure future longevity for this CS80 then please contact us for details of what is covered and the pricing etc.

Warranty provided on this CS80:

The CS80 is sold with a 3-month warranty as standard which covers all parts and labour and telephone/Skype technical support.

Upgrade Option Fitted -1:
If Midi is required on the CS80 then we are normally able to supply and install the Kenton Midi retrofit Kits for an additional £850 GBP.

Items of Note on this CS80 for sale:
Most CS80’s have lost their ‘Pedals, Music Stand and Legs’ over the years, so we are unable to supply these original accessories to the new owner, and this example for sale does not have any either. However, this CS80 does come with the original lid, and we will supply a copy of the owners manual on PDF.

This CS80 operates on EU220V but can be converted to US110V if required (subject to quotation).

We can have the CS80 professionally packed (custom crated) and shipped pretty much anywhere in the world (subject to quotation).

Price: £22,000 GBP.

Availability: This CS80 is now SOLD as at 4th February 2019.

Picture of the actual CS80 for sale below. We took these in-situ at the KSR workshop in December 2018, where the CS80 currently is available to demo (upon request).

Click on the thumbnails for higher resolution photos.

BUY THIS CS80

Arp Quadra

We are Brokering this instrument for and on behalf of our UK Client.

Came into stock: Available from RL Music as at 1st June 2018.

Servicing Status: A full service by KSR will be carried post-sale.

Remarks: An really beautiful condition example of one of the best looking and sounding hybrid analogue polysynth of its generation – The Arp Quadra.

Produced between 1978 to 1981, the Quadra was adopted by many of the great bands of that era, probably the most notable being Tony Banks of Genesis – it’s beautiful and distinctive sounds can be heard in many of their albums of that period.

As the name suggests, the Quadra is 4 instruments in one, so a Bass synth, Polysynth, Lead synth, and String synth..all of which it does exquisitely well, and the built-in phase-shifter is to die for. This all adds up to make this ‘must have’ vintage keyboard for any serious fan.

Here’s an excellent demo from a friend of ours – Marko Ettlich, otherwise known as RetroSound. Marko delivers a beautiful demo of the Quadra in this short 3:50 piece:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksuG-f_HsRA

Our client has owned this Quadra for over 15 years and it has been in constant use and serviced regularly during their ownership at their home studio. Cosmetically, this 37+ year-old vintage analogue polysynth is in truly fantastic condition and we would rate this as a Collector Grade – 9 out of 10. The main control surface is in remarkable condition with all the controls (slider/keys) intact and all mylar membrane switches working perfectly. There are 3 slider caps missing, but we will supply & fit vintage original replacement to the synth post-sale. There is also a retaining bolt missing in the left-hand section next to the keyboard, so again, we will ask KSR to fit a replacement bolt post-sale & during the servicing.

The main metal case and leather end-cheeks are in super condition throughout, with just some light wear as you would expect for a device this age.

This Arp Quadra operates on EU 220V. We do have a user manual (in PDF format). As the instrument is being Brokered through RL Music, it will be sold with a full 3-month warranty and can be shipped worldwide.

Demos are available by appointment only.

As with all Brokered Sales, the synth will be fully serviced post-sale before it’s sent to its new owner. We do this to ensure that the instrument leaves us in perfect operational condition, and it is backed up by our full warranty to give the new owner complete peace of mind. The servicing is carried out as a priority once the sale has been completed, and although it will delay shipping/delivery by a short time, we know from experience that customers are happy to wait.

Price: £8,990 GBP.

Availability: This Arp Quadra is now SOLD as at 15th March 2019.

Click on the thumbnails for higher resolution photos of the actual Arp Quadra for sale.

BUY THIS QUADRA

EMS Synthi AKS

We are Brokering this instrument for and on behalf of our UK client.

Came into stock: Available from RL Music as at 13th June 2018.

Servicing Status: A full health-check by KSR has already been carried out (June 2018), so this Synthi AKS is ready for sale now. The AKS was also fully serviced in July 2017 by SSC in London.

Remarks: A fabulous opportunity to own your EMS Synthi AKS, and this example is in stunning condition throughout.

This Synthi AKS was owned by our clients family since 1994 and it had been in constant use and maintained regularly during their ownership at their home studio, up until quite recently. We contacted Robin at EMS to ask if he had any historical data on this unit (serial number: 45404KS), and he confirmed that it was sold by EMS on 11th October 1976 to the Greenwich Young People’s Theatre in London. We can ascertain from this that the Synthi AKS was manufactured during 1976.

These iconic and truly amazing pure analogue music instruments are in great demand by professional users, and prices are being driven up fast on the second-hand market around the world, so now might be a good time to invest in one before they become ‘Vintage Buchla or RA Moog Modular’ prices.

We can’t think of a more iconic, truly portable synthesizer ever being made, and even today the design of the Synthi is considered a triumph of feature and form…incredible.

This EMS Synthi AKS did come from the owner with a partial set of worn Matrix pins, which we have used to picture it with, but the pins are in need of replacing to ensure a reliable contact within the matrix panel, so we always recommend you also purchase a brand new (full) set of matrix pins, which we get supplied from EMS directly. Please ask us for a quote if you would like this option.

KSR has just given this Synthi AKS a full health-check, clean and calibration so it’s 100% fully operational, and as you can see from the pictures, in superb all original condition (completely un modified). Cosmetically, this 40+ year-old vintage analogue instrument is in near pristine condition and we would rate this as a Collector Grade – 9 out of 10.

This Synthi AKS operates on EU 220V. We were also supplied with the original EMS user manual for this model. The Cinch-Jones Synthi-to-KS cable and power-cable is also included. As the instrument is being Brokered through RL Music, it will be sold with a full 3-month warranty and we can ship worldwide.

Demos are available by appointment only.

Sales Price: £11,500 GBP.

Availability: This Synthi AKS is now SOLD, as at 1st October 2018.

Click on the thumbnail for higher resolution photo of the actual Synthi AKS for sale.

BUY THIS SYNTHI AKS

EMS PVC

We are Brokering this vintage EMS module for and on behalf of our EU customer

Came into stock: Arrived at RL Music on 15th February 2018

Restoration Status: A full service by KSR will be carried out post-sale.

Remarks: An extremely rare vintage EMS ancillary studio module – the Pitch-to-Voltage Converter, mounted in its original Afrormosia wood case.

What is it, and what does it do?
The principal function of the PVC is to convert an audio input into a DC voltage whose value is proportional to the pitch of that input signal. There is a very informative page on the ‘Old Tech – Vintage Synthesizer’ website that covers the PVC in some depth, so please click the link below to learn more:

http://www.oldtech.com/synth/EMSPtoV1.html

As you can see from the pictures below, this PVC is in very good 100% original condition. It’s is sold with a 3-month warranty and runs on EU 220V using the proprietary EMS power-socket (power cable supplied)

As with all Brokered Sales, the PVC will be fully serviced post-sale before it’s sent to its new owner. We do this to ensure that the instrument leaves us in perfect operational condition, and it is backed up by our full warranty to give the new owner complete peace of mind. The servicing is carried out as a priority once the sale has been completed, and although it will delay shipping/delivery by a short time, we know from experience that customers are happy to wait.

Price: £1300 GBP.

Availability: This EMS Pitch-to-Voltage Converter is now SOLD, as at 13th August 2019.

Picture of actual PVC for sale below, so please click on the thumbnails for higher resolution photos.

BUY THIS EMS PVC

EMS VCS3 Mk2

We are Brokering this instrument for and on behalf of our UK client

Came into stock:  Available from RL Music as at 19th October 2018.

Restoration Status: A full health-check by KSR has been carried out, so the VCS3 Mk2 is ready for sale now!

Remarks: We are delighted to offer you another rare opportunity to own a (manufactured in late 1972) EMS VCS3 Mk2. This VCS3 has a fascinating provenance as it was once owned by the composer, Edward Williams, a former owner of EMS in the 1980s. It was serviced by Robin at EMS in 2016 and has been modified (also by EMS) with a host of useful upgrades.

Our client, the owner, has prepared an excellent presentation document that describes the provenance he has gathered for this instrument (link to PDF below) that outlines the provenance, so we highly recommend you read this in conjunction with the listing information here:

http://www.rlmusic.co.uk/rlm3/VCS3-Sales-Particulars.pdf

Cosmetic Condition:

The cosmetic condition is excellent, and the photos we have taken clearly show very little wear to the main control surfaces (front & rear). The wood cabinet is completely original and has not had any restorative work carried out, so shows a natural patina, and as you can see from the pictures below, is in fantastic condition. All the controls and pins are present.

Operational Condition:

The VCS3 works flawlessly. KSR has just carried out a detailed health check and could find “nothing to report” on this instrument…not bad at all for 46 year old synthesizer! It has very clearly been very well looked after.

Detail on the modifications:

The modifications carried out on this VCS3 where done by EMS at some time in the past, so were implemented professionally, details of which are:

* The Matrix has been modded to behave like an Mk1 VCS3
* Hi/Lo switches on oscillators 2 & 3
* Envelope shaper source select switch (selects where the envelope gets its trigger from – either 8-way keyboard connector or external gate input)
* External gate input jack on rear of the unit
* Input channel SI/Mult switches (disconnects the link from 8 way keyboard socket – useful if the keyboard and external audio inputs are connected as they can interact and crackle)
* Voltage controlled oscillator shape (3 x 3.5mm jack sockets with special patch-pin leads – modulate OSC shape, especially interesting for stereo effects)
* Dual patchable inverter (uses 3.5mm – patch-pin lead to invert signals)
* Two extra input channels (fitted on back panel for CV or line level audio, joystick position to control levels!) with switch EXT CV / STICK.
* “Multiple” – four 3.5mm jack sockets wired to each other to act as a CV splitter when patching the mods together – control several things at once, for example.

This beautiful VCS3 Mk2 is, without doubt, a ‘collector grade’ instrument, and if we didn’t already own a Putney & Synthi AKS then we’d buy this from the owner for the ‘RL Music Collection.’ Alas, it’s up for general sale and we highly recommend this example to you.

This VCS3 Mk2 operates on EU 220V and is supplied with the proprietary EMS power-cable, a full complement of original Matrix Pins and an assortment of Mini-jacks (as pictured). In addition, there is a copy of the bill of sale from EMS (in the PDF), from 2016, that cover the items detailed in the service, and instructions from EMS on the modifications implemented.

Price: EMS VCS3 Mk2 = £11,990 GBP.

Availability: This EMS VCS3 MK2 is now SOLD, as at 28th October 2018.

Click on the thumbnail for higher resolution photo of the actual VCS3 MK2 for sale.

BUY THIS VCS3 MK2

Korg VC-10

We are Brokering this instrument for and on behalf of our UK client.

Came into stock: Available from RL Music as at 13th June 2018.

Servicing Status: A full service by KSR has already been carried out (June 2018), so the VC-10 is available for sale now.

Remarks: A good condition example of the wonderful vintage Korg VC-10 Vocoder. This unique and super little 20-band vocoder was made between 1978 and 1982 and followed the ‘MS Series’ design ethos.

This is very simple but characteristic machine, and the built-in keyboard makes it easy to use as an effects processor as well as a more traditional human voice synthesizer.



The Original gooseneck mic is, unfortunately, missing (common) but the original Korg mics that came with the unit were not of audiophile quality anyway, so you can use an unbalanced 1/4 jack input on the front panel. RL Music is able to fit a new XLR socket to replace the original proprietary 3 pin Korg mic socket, so please contact us for a quote to have this implemented if needed.


Here’s nice demo from Junkie XL who talks about this own VC010 – he’s clearly a big fan of this super little vocoder:
https://youtu.be/Q5tUgh1Uvj8

This VC-10 was owned by our clients family since 1994 and it had been in constant use and maintained regularly during their ownership at their home studio, up until quite recently.

Cosmetically, this 37+ year-old vintage analogue vocoder is in good original condition and shows the normal amount of wear for an instrument of this age, and has been priced to reflect this. As mentioned above, KSR has only just fully serviced the VC-10, so it’s 100% perfect operationally.

This Korg VC-10 operates on EU 220V. We do have a user manual (in PDF format). As the instrument is being Brokered through RL Music, it will be sold with a full 3-month warranty and we can ship worldwide.

Demos are available by appointment only.

Price: £840 GBP.

Availability: This Korg VC-10 is now SOLD, as at 13th August 2019.

Click on the thumbnails for higher resolution photos of the actual Korg VC-10 for sale.

BUY THIS KORG VC-10

Mu-tron Bi-Phase

We are Brokering this effects unit for and on behalf of our UK customer

Came into stock:1st February 2017.

Servicing Status: KSR have already fully serviced the Bi-Phase, so it is ready for sale now.

Remarks: A rare find these days – the Mu-tron Bi-Phase phaser effects, in good original condition, and supplied with its original 2-button footswitch and the optical photoelectric foot pedal.

The Bi-Phase consists of two independent 6-stage phasor circuits, two sweep generators (oscillators), and a number of unique additional controls to allow maximum flexibility in generating a variety of phasing effects. The Mu-Tron Bi-Phase also offers several convenience features including LED indicators on each phasor

As you can see from our pictures, the Bi-Phase & pedals are all in good condition, and Importantly, 100% fully operational having been recently fully serviced by KSR in January 2017.

This Mu-tron Bi-Phase operates on EU 220V. We can supply a PDF scanned copy of the owner manual.

Guide Price: £1450 GBP.

Availability: This Mu-tron Bi-Phase is now SOLD, as at 7th June 2019.

Click on the thumbnail for higher resolution photo of the actual Bi-Phase for sale.

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Yamaha CS70M

We are Brokering this instrument for and on behalf of our customer

Came into stock: September 2017.

Restoration Status: A full service by KSR has already been carried out (completed on 11th October 2017), so this CS70M is ready for sale now.

Remarks: We’re excited to be able to get hold of this really lovely condition CS70M as they really are quite magnificent synths for a whole number of reasons. These were proper old-school designed hybrid digital/analogue systems made between 1981 and 1984, and it wasn’t long after these came out that the DX7 was introduced, which seems hard to believe really.

The CS70M has for many people been overlooked, or perhaps overshadowed by it’s bigger brother – the CS80, but this instrument has ascended in popularity among aficionados, and we know this synth is highly sought after by those who truly appreciate it.

6 Voice, dual channel (stereo), aftertouch, 30 memories, ring-mod, chorus & Leslie effects, lowpass, highpass, and bandpass VCF, fully programmable and with a 4 channel polyphonic sequencer etc.

Those in the know will already tell you that this is one of the finest analogue polys ever made and a work of audio art in its own right. It shares most of the same technology as the CS80 and many of the characteristics and tonal qualities as well. The other big ‘Hello’ is also the fact you can get really close to the CS80 sound for a lot less money…this makes it even more appealing considering the price.

The UK owner we are selling this magnificent machine for has owned it for over a decade and the synth has been in regular use during that time, with periodic maintenance carried out to keep it in top workmen order. MIDI has already been retrofitted to this CS70M, which adds a lot of value when integrating into a modern studio setup.

The cosmetic condition of this example is extremely good overall with only light user wear & natural ageing to the control surfaces. The faux wood laminate cabinet it in very good order with only a couple of spots where this has been worn. We would grade this is “very good original condition – 8.5 out of 10 cosmetically.’

Operationally, our trusted ‘Yamaha CS Series’ restoration experts – KSR have already carried out a full service on the CS70M, so it’s 100% perfectly working and ready for its new owner.

There are a few demos on YT of these but we like this rather ambient-noodling one from ‘MoreAnalog’ because it demonstrates nicely how the CS70M has the CS80 vibe we are talking about: https://youtu.be/1_jy9ERBTPs

This CS70M is sold through RL Music with a 3-month warranty and can operate on US 110V or EU 220V. Also, we can supply a PDF photocopy of the user manual, and of course, the proprietary Yamaha power-cable.

Price: £6990 GBP

Availability: This CS70M is NO LONGER available for sale – updated on 25th June 2019.

Pictures below of actual Yamaha CS70M for sale. Click on the thumbnails for high-resolution images.

 


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Yamaha CS80

We are Brokering this instrument for and on behalf of our EU client.

Came into stock: Available from RL Music as at 28th June 2018, and this CS80 is currently located at our restoration partners – KSR in Surrey, UK.

Servicing Status: A full health-check by KSR has already been carried out (June 2018), so this CS80 is ready for sale now.

Remarks: This CS80 is an exemplary condition example that we sold to our client, the owner, in 2015 when the instrument was subjected to what we term a ‘Total Restoration.’

This CS80 we are offering for sale can be considered among the very finest examples in the world. It is still a 40-year-old instrument with its original keys & buttons etc., but the restoration work invested into it, plus the modifications listed below, mean this is a very special machine, and we have produced only a small number of these very high-level restored examples in the last 16 years for discerning customers around the world.

The CS80 has already been fully cosmetically and operationally restored (Level 2) by KSR. Only RL Music get the ‘’Level 2’ restoration as this includes a much higher level of detailed restoration by KSR, including a full key-bed restoration and point-to-point cabling/solder-contacts integrity checking for the entire loom etc. The Level 2 operational restoration normally costs £4000 GBP (in 2018). We’re pleased to confirm this CS80 already had this work applied of course and is included in the sale price.

The following work has been implemented:

The restoration comprises (not limited to) the total replacement of all the old CMOS Logic IC’s, all of the dual op-amps, voice card, and power supply capacitors & transistors. In addition to this the TKC circuit board, which controls the polyphonic aftertouch of the CS80, is fitted with a set of bypass/decoupling capacitors for each IC to greatly reduce the chance of failure of the touch response circuit. To cap this off, a full calibration is then performed (voltages to within 3 decimal places). The actual list of work is huge, and changes out several hundred components,  and includes a 7 day burn-in test period/stress testing.
All the RL Music supplied CS80s are serviced/restored by the world renown CS80 expert Kent Spong of KSR (Kent Spong Restorations) in London. Sound on Sound magazine (SOS) did an interview article on Kent, which you can find here:

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun13/articles/kent-spong.htm

Warranty provided on this CS80:
The CS80 is sold with a 6-month warranty as standard which covers all parts and labour and telephone/Skype technical support. KSR also provide full 12-month after-sales technical support for the CS80 by phone, email and Skype post-warranty. KSR is world renown CS80 experts and currently, support several hundred CS80 around the world for professional musicians/studios and enthusiasts etc.

Upgrade Option Fitted -1:
If Midi is required on the CS80 then we are normally able to supply and install the Kenton Midi retrofit Kits for an additional £850 GBP. We’re pleased to confirm this CS80 already has a new Kenton MIDI kit fitted (in 2015), so is included in the sale price below.

Upgrade Option Fitted – 2:
Total-Restoration Upgrade
Most of the major aspects of the CS80 cosmetic presentation are addressed including re-tolexing all the exterior (and lid), re-painting and screen printing all control surfaces. This work normally takes up to 12 weeks to complete.  For more information on what is included in this ultimate upgrade option then please call or email us for details. The Total-Restoration Cosmetic Upgrade Option costs £3500 GBP. We’re pleased to confirm this CS80 already had the Total-Restoration Cosmetic Upgrade applied, and is included in the sale price.

Upgrade Option Fitted – 3:
Solid wood surround (in Walnut) beautifully handcrafted by Lamond Design, is normally supplied for an additional £850 GBP. We’re pleased to confirm this CS80 already has a solid Walnut surround fitted, and is included in the sale price.

Items of Note on this CS80 for sale:
Most CS80’s have lost their ‘Pedals, Music Stand and Legs’ over the years, so we are unable to supply these original accessories to the new owner, and this example for sale does not have any either. However, this CS80 does come with the original lid, which has been re tolexed of course. We will supply a copy of the owners manual on PDF.

This CS80 operates on EU220V but can be converted to US110V if required (subject to quotation).

We can have the CS80 professionally packed (custom crated) and shipped pretty much anywhere in the world (subject to quotation).

Price: With ‘average to tatty’ cosmetic condition, and fault-ridden examples of CS80 selling privately for £17,000+ GBP these days (if you can find one), we are inviting offers for this superlative & upgraded example in excess of £22,000 GBP.

Availability: This CS80 is now SOLD as at 9th August 2018.

Picture of the actual CS80 for sale below. We took these in-situ at the KSR Studio on 26th June 2018, where the CS80 currently is available to demo (upon request).

Click on the thumbnails for higher resolution photos.

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Roland Juno 60

We are Brokering this instrument for and on behalf of our UK Client

Came into stock: Available at RL Music from 31st May 2018

Servicing Status: Full service by KSR will commence post-sale.

Remarks: Time capsule Alert! We were delivered the Juno 60 from our client today and can really only describe this machine as in factory new condition. Our Client stepped out of his time machine and handed it to us….well, it has certainly felt like that looking at the condition of this Juno 60.

This completely original and unmodified Juno 60 was purchased new by our client in 1983 from a well-known music store on in the South of England (Eddie Moors’ Music) and has been kept at the owners home since. It has been used regularly throughout its life and the operational condition was perfect when we tested it this morning. This is a really rare find and the Juno 60 even comes with all its original documents and program data cassette! A very much loved and cared for instrument and the cosmetic condition reflects this perfectly as it’s immaculate.

The Juno 60 is the same synth as the Juno 6 but the 60 has programmable memories and MIDI Capability. As with its sibling, the sound engine is the same beautifully warm vintage Roland sound, but having the memories on the 60 makes it more of a ‘go-to’ synth for working musicians wanting that vintage sound.

This factory standard Juno 60 is in ‘collector grade’ condition 9.9 out of 10.

We’re very pleased to be able to offer this immaculate vintage synthesizer as a Brokered deal, and we will be fully servicing it and selling it with a 3-month warranty.

This Juno 60 is, without doubt, one of the finest condition examples we have ever seen. It also is supplied with its original Roland Factory Programs A/B Cassette, Juno 6 Operation Manual and Patch Program Data Sheet (all pictured below).

Runs on EU 220V.

If you want MIDI to be fitted to this Juno 60 and have a preference to which Kit you like then please contact us about the supply and/or installation cost as this is not included in the sales price below.

As with all Brokered Sales, the synth will be fully serviced post-sale before it’s sent to its new owner. We do this to ensure that the instrument leaves us in perfect operational condition, and it is backed up by our full warranty to give the new owner complete peace of mind. The servicing is carried out as a priority once the sale has been completed, and although it will delay shipping/delivery by a short time, we know from experience that customers are happy to wait.

Price: £1890 GBP.

Availability: This Juno 60 is now SOLD as at 1st June 2018.

Click on the thumbnails for higher resolution photos of the actual Juno 60 for sale.

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Korg Trident Mk1

Came into stock: Available from RL Music from 23rd May 2018.

Restoration/Servicing Status: KSR has already fully serviced this Trident Mk1, so it’s ready for sale now!

For those of you who are unsure of what this machine is let us tell you that it is one of the very last best kept vintage analogue secrets left in the world. This is an SSM technology based – Synth, Brass and String Machine and packed full of modulation, voicing and timbre controls as well as onboard effects in the form of an absolute killer Flanger and beautiful Ensemble. Simply…It’s gorgeous!

Being a Korg, the build quality of this 1980 produced synth was very high, a testament to the fact that it’s still working perfectly, all the original controls are intact and it’s built like a tank.

This Trident was purchased from a UK owner who had owned it for 25+ years and kept at home. The operational condition is remarkably good, and the synth has just been serviced by KSR. The cosmetic condition is also good for its age, with the main control surfaces only showing what we would expect to be reasonable wear for a nearly 40-year-old instrument.

The wood cabinet does show has some inevitable wear & tear, but we have not applied any restorative work to it to keep the sales costs down. The price below reflects the condition, and the Trident Mk1 represents the best value example in the world…by far!

The Trident is sold with our standard 3-month warranty and runs on EU220V voltage. We will also include a copy of the owners manual (PDF).

Price: £2290 GBP.

Availability: This Korg Trident Mk1 is SOLD as at 30th May 2018.

Click on the thumbnails for higher resolution photos of actual synth.

 

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Make Noise B&GS

We are Brokering this Make Noise Black & Gold System for and on behalf of our UK client

Came into stock:  8th May 2018.

Restoration Status: A health-check by KSR will be carried out post-sale.

Remarks: The owner of this system purchased it last year and it has been used on many recordings, some of which were broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

The cosmetic condition is ‘as new,’ and operationally it’s perfect – as you would expect from a nearly new machine.

The system is stock except for the following:

It includes the Make Noise Phonogene sampling/looping module. Make Noise have since superseded this with the Morphogene but the Phono is perfectly adept at using audio as either a sound or modulation source. Chop it up as you wish and either play it manually or trigger it from the internal modules or externally.

Our client added Make Noise ‘Brains’ to provide expanded sequencing options and Expert Sleepers ‘Disting Mk 4’ for additional modulation and clocking.

As mentioned, the system is in flawless condition and comes with a few Make Noise blanking panels if needed, but as you can see from the picture below, it is fully populated.

These remarkable systems are retailing for £4.5+ in the UK, so we offer an opportunity here to snag one and save over £900 on a new unit.

KSR Service notes:KSR will carry out a full health-check post-sale, but we know this is a perfectly working system. RL Music will supply this system with a full 3-month warranty.

The owners manual can be found online/downloaded from the following link:

http://www.makenoisemusic.com/content/manuals/sharedsystemmanual_1.10.pdf

Runs on EU 220V via an AC adaptor.

Price: £3590 GBP.

Availability: This Make Noise Black & Gold System is no longer available for sale now (last updated 18th June 2018).

Click on the thumbnail for higher resolution photos of the actual system for sale. (customer supplied).

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Arp 2600 Tonus &...

We are Brokering this Arp 2600 Tonus & 3604-p keyboard for and on behalf of our UK client.

Came into stock: Available from RL Music from 20th March 2018

Restoration/Servicing Status: KSR will fully service this Arp 2600 post-sale.

We present the stunning and iconic early-1970s Arp 2600 semi-modular which contains the sought after (and so-called) pre-lawsuit Moog 4012 style filter. This instrument is around 45 years old and just looks and sounds absolutely amazing.

This very early Arp 2600 Tonus, with original 4012 Filter + 3604P Keyboard controller, features: Semi-normalised – 3 VCOs, 4 pole Lowpass VCF, VCA, Ring Modulator, 2 EGs, sample & hold Noise, Mic Preamp, Spring Reverb, Voltage Processor and Four Octave Keyboard….the list goes on

We previously sold this actual Arp 2600 Tonus back in 2009 to our client we are Brokering it for, so it’s great to see the synth back again looking so beautiful still. The ‘Total Restoration’ work restoration was also carried out in 2009 on this Arp, and covered all cosmetic and operations aspect of the synth, details as follows:

Notes on the cosmetic condition:

The control surfaces/panels on the synth & keyboard were stripped, repainted and screen-printed. The Tolex covering and bright-work was in need of restoration (as is common on the old Arp systems), so KSR re-Tolex’d both units, and replaced all the exterior nickel-plated components. The Keys on the 3604-P were in good shape, so where kept original to retain that authentic vintage ageing across the key-bed.

Notes on the restoration:

Aside the repainting, screen-printing, re-Tolexing and replacement of the exterior brightwork mentioned above, the operational restoration on the 2600 was extensive, and mostly all Arp 2600 systems we see these days need this level of attention. KSR had undertaken a complete ground-up rebuild of the electronics with full test and calibrations and PSU rebuild etc. Each and every slider was split apart, cleaned and rebuilt, every jack cleaned & tested, and a system-wide check of all connectors, and solder joints etc. The keyboard was stripped an completely overhauled, and new busting fitted etc. Where possible, all the original parts were retained to ensure continuity and authenticity but some ageing components like power conditioning caps have been replaced, but only were absolutely necessary.

In the last 9 years since the Arp 2600 was restored by us, the synth was used and kept at home with our UK client, who has taken great care of it. The cosmetic and operational condition is perfect and the same as the day we handed it to them.

This is a fantastic opportunity to buy one of the most iconic vintage synths ever made, and the price has been agreed with our client to keep it very competitive, and incomparable to any Arp 2600 being sold anywhere in the world right now…it’s a Total Restoration RL Music vintage synth, after all!

The original 3604P keyboard is useful, and is a historically correct partner for this model of 2600, and has had a modification to the output connector as you can see in the pictures. KSR actually implemented the DIN socket mod, which is a much more reliable connection than the propriety Arp block connector which was always a weak link in the chain we have found. in reality, the 3604-P offers limited access to the extensive inputs into the main synth, so to get the most out of the 2600 we would recommend using a multi-channel Midi to CV device like the Kenton Pro-2000 which can give you 3 note polyphonic control if needed. We can supply a Kenton Pro-200 but is not included in the sales price below, so please ask us for prices.

These outstanding synthesizers are hard to find in decent condition, so here is a rare opportunity to own a superb fully professionally restored example that will only appreciate in value and add something special to your studio.

Supplied with all (restored/Tolexed) lids and DIN CV/Gate interconnect cable. The Arp runs on EU 220V via a standard IEC power connector. We will also supply an Arp 2600 owners manual (PDF).

As with all Brokered Sales, the Arp 2600 will be fully serviced post-sale before it’s sent to its new owner, although this synth really only needs a ‘health-check’ as it’s in such good condition throughout. We do this to ensure that the instrument leaves us in perfect operational condition, and it is backed up by our full 3-month warranty to give the new owner complete peace of mind. The servicing is carried out as a priority once the sale has been completed, and although it will delay shipping/delivery by a short time, we know from experience that customers are happy to wait.

Price: £7990 GBP.

Availability: This Arp 2600 Tonus is now SOLD as at 23rd March 2018.

Click on the thumbnails for higher resolution photos of actual synth.

 

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