Korg MS20

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

Came into stock: Available from RL Music from February 2020.

Servicing Status: A health-check has been carried out by KSR but we will have it fully serviced as a priority once the sale has been completed.

Remarks: We are brokering this good condition example for a UK client who has owned it for 20+ years.

With all the variety of Korg MS20 now available, it’s easy to get confused about which is the one to have, but the fact remains that the original 1970s MS20 is still the ‘real deal’ and a much-coveted full-sized semi-modular system with true vintage authenticity.  The pleasure of owning an original/vintage analogue synthesizer can’t be understated just because Korg reissued it (and the other copies out there).  All the MS20 variants have certainly fired up everyone’s imagination though, which has to be a good thing for analogue fans.

Second-hand prices for the genuine 1970s built Korg MS20 have seen a reduction in the last few years, but we are starting to see a strong recovery for the vintage originals, so now is the time to consider buying one for keeps.

This example is an Mk2 variant, so the filter was re-designed around the LM13600 operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) – sounds great too! There have been no modifications to this synth, and as you can see from the pictures, it’s in good all original condition showing only the normal amount of wear you would expect for a for 40-year-old synth

This was imported from its homeland in Japan, so operates on 100~110V.  We can provide a step-down transformer if needed (subject to your requirements & quotation).

Brokered through RL Music, it is being sold with a full 3-month warranty and can be shipped worldwide.

<em>As with all Brokered Sales, the Korg MS20 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.</em>

Demos are available by appointment only.

This price has been agreed with our client to keep it keen, affordable, so we know this represents excellent value compared to any other dealer supplied MS20 being offered around the world right now.

Price: £1,050 GBP.

Availability: This Korg MS20 is no longer available for sale – updated as of 19th March 2020.

Click on the thumbnails for higher resolution photos of the actual MS20 for sale.

BUY THIS KORG MS20

Roland Juno 6

Came into stock: Available from RL Music from February 2020.

Servicing Status: A health-check has been carried out by KSR but we will have it fully serviced as a priority once the sale has been completed.

Remarks: We are brokering this excellent condition example for a UK client who has owned it for 20+ years.

This wonderful 6 voice system came from a time when Roland made such cool looking synths and had a warm and timeless vintage sound to them. The Juno 6 was many peoples first polysynth and we have had many tell us that they sold theirs years ago and regretted it – well, you can have one again…and a really beautiful example as well.

Although lacking MIDI, this synth has a nostalgic appeal and is perfectly useable to make music today but you have to use your hands and not a remote computer to play it. The digitally controlled/generated oscillator keeps the system in perfect tune, and this model has the exact same sound and programming capability of the Juno 60 but without the extra price.

As you can see from the pictures below, the cosmetic condition of the panels and faux wood is excellent. The only item of note is a small ‘etched’ number into the paint on the back-plane, next to the output section, which was presumably for an asset ID for some previous owner.

This Juno 6 is sold through RL Music with a 3-month warranty and can be shipped worldwide. The synth operates on EU 220V (UK plug fitted).

Demos are available by appointment only.

<em>As with all Brokered Sales, the Juno 6 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.</em>

Price: £1,250 GBP.

Availability: This Juno 6 is no longer available for sale – updated as of 19th March 2020.

Click on the thumbnails for higher resolution photos of the actual Juno 6 for sale.

BUY THIS JUNO 6

Arp Odyssey Mk1 Blac...

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

Came into stock: Available from RL Music from February 2020.

Servicing Status: A health-check has been carried out by KSR but we will have it fully serviced as a priority once the sale has been completed.

Remarks: We are brokering this very good condition example for a UK client who has owned it for 20+ years. 

One of the worlds best known & loved vintage synths, much cloned but never surpassed. This is actually a Mk1 Odyssey but with the black & gold cosmetic finish…a very rare edition.  You can immediately tell by the smaller on/off switch and the fact it also says 2800 on the back that this is an Mk1 Odyssey with a different cosmetic finish – very rare! This Odyssey was manufactured between ‘74 and ‘75 which is simply the blackface replacing the white face before the Mk2 came out.

So, being an MK1, but in black & gold, it utilises the most sought after & musical 12dB 4023 VCF type.

Cosmetically, this 45+year-old (The Mk1 version being last produced in 1975) vintage analogue instrument is in very good condition but does show a normal amount of wear for an instrument of this age. 

We are fairly certain that Arp themselves fitted the aftermarket  CV/Gate/Trig I/O modification implemented into the synth, so this adds additional functionality and certainly brings the Arp into a more useful role as an analogue controller, or to be used via sequencer etc.

This very rare blackface Arp Odyssey Mk1 is sold through RL Music with a 3-month warranty and can be shipped worldwide. This example is a US model, so runs on 110V. We can provide a step-down transformer if needed (subject to your requirements & quotation).

Demos are available by appointment only.

<em>As with all Brokered Sales, the Odyssey 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.</em>

Price: £1,650 GBP.

Availability: This Arp Odyssey Mk1 Blackface is now SOLD, as at 13th February 2020.

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

BUY THIS ODYSSEY

Yamaha CS30

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

Came into stock: Available from RL Music from 15th January 2020.

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

Remarks: We are brokering this very good condition example for a UK client who has owned it for 30+ years, although it’s not been in much use in recent times, so they have asked us to find a new custodian for it.

A very powerful mono synth from Yamaha’s ‘CS’ family, the CS30 is a remarkably flexible system, and although it takes a moment to get your mind around the programming logic, that’s certainly half the fun in mastering them. 

The CS30 is an extremely capable synthesizer with some excellent routing & shaping facilities, characterised by the fabled ‘CS series’ resonant filters which deliver a very musical tone. The sine wave on the VCOs can be set up to output one of the most potent basses we have ever heard from a mono synth, something not many people will appreciate. The built-in 8 step sequencer makes this synth unique in the CS series and is one of only a few vintage synths that featured this beneficial facility. There are a useful amount of inputs for control including CV/Gate so you can hook her up quickly to a Midi to CV converter. There is also an audio-in for running external signals through the synth, which is a nice touch.

This example is a Japanese market model, so runs on 100V. We can provide a step-down transformer if needed (subject to your requirements & quotation).

Brokered through RL Music, it is being sold with a full 3-month warranty and can be shipped worldwide.

Demos are available by appointment only.

A health-check has been carried out by KSR but we will have it fully serviced 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.

This price has been agreed with our client to keep it keen, affordable, so we know this represents excellent value compared to any other dealer supplied CS30 being offered around the world right now.

Price: £1,190 GBP.

Availability: This Yamaha CS30 is now SOLD, as at 17th January 2020.

Click on the thumbnails for higher resolution photos of the actual Yamaha CS30 for sale.

BUY THIS YAMAHA CS30

Arp Quadra

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

Came into stock: Available from RL Music as at 21st November 2019.

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

Remarks: A 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

Here’s an operational demonstration video of this actual Quadra that Kent at KSR produced for us on 15th January 2020:

https://youtu.be/nQJss5Pxv58

Our client has owned this Quadra for over 10 years and very well cared for in his home. They commissioned James Walker to fully operationally overhaul the Quadra in 2009, so it’s had one of the worlds best synth-techs apply his skills to bringing the Quadra up to full spec with the required re-capping, new keyboard-bushes and calibrations etc.  As mentioned above, we will ask KSR to fully health-check and apply any service actions required post-sale.

Cosmetically, this 38+ year-old vintage analogue polysynth is in fantastic conditions you can see from the photos, with only some signs of wear to the metal panel in places. The main control surface is in remarkable condition with all the controls (slider/keys) intact and all mylar membrane switches working perfectly. The 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.

<em>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.</em> 

Price: £8,300 GBP.

Availability: This Arp Quadra is now SOLD, as at 29th April 2020.

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

BUY THIS QUADRA

Moog System 15 (reis...

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

Came into stock: Available from RL Music from 2nd December 2019.

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

Remarks: We’re both fascinated and excited to see one of the recently manufactured Moog System 15 reissues come though our Brokering Service, and unlike nearly all our usual opening remarks for vintage synths, this is in nearly new condition because it’s only 2 years old!

There is plenty of information on the internet (and from Moog of course) about this beautifully re-made classic from the original Moog companies 1973 portable Modular line-up, and what a superb job of reproducing this they have done. It’s a hand-built instrument that oozes quality, heft and presence, with a ‘no expense spared’ approach to manufacturing it. This is most certainly not a low-budget/cost clone, and sounds almost indistinguishable from the vintage original…bravo!

Only 150 of these System 15 reissues were produced, and this example is serial #123.

This System 15 was imported into the UK by my client from a Moog authorised US dealer, and was to be their first experience with using a modular synth, so quite a way to start. However, our client just didn’t gel with the format, and literally, after a single afternoons use, packed the Moog back up and put it aside. It’s a shame that this gorgeous machine didn’t resonate (pun intended) with our client, but sometimes that’s just how it goes, so we have been appointed to Broker it.

The System 15 works perfectly, but we will ask KSR to give is a full health-check before shipping/handing it to the new owner, but there are no concerns here about the operation.

Cosmetically, the System 15 is immaculate, as you can see from our own pictures, and the Modular comes with all the original documentation supplied from Moog, including a super hardback bound user-manual and serial number certificate. There is also a selection of 1/4“ jacks of varying lengths, S-Trig and V-Trig cables (pictured below) etc.

This Moog System 15 is currently set to operate on EU 220V, but it can be adjusted to work on any international voltage through the settings switch at the rear of the cabinet (pictured below).

Brokered through RL Music, it is being sold with a full 3-month warranty and can be shipped worldwide, and we can re-utilise the original Moog packaging for this as we have the inner retail-box (pictured below), and the outer export-carton as well, as well as the foam inserts, to protect the synth etc.

Demos are available by appointment only.

The health-check is carried out by KSR 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: £10,500 GBP.

Availability: This Moog System 15 reissue is now SOLD, as at 9th December 2019.

Click on the thumbnails for higher resolution photos of the actual Moog System 15 reissue for sale.

BUY THIS MOOG SYSTEM 15

Arp 2600 v3.0 + 3604...

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

Came into stock: Available from RL Music from 22nd November 2019

Servicing Status: KSR have already fully serviced this Arp 2600 & 3604-P in November 2019, so they’re ready for sale now.

Remarks: We present the stunning and iconic Arp 2600 semi-modular which contains the sought after (and so-called) pre-lawsuit Moog 4012 style filter. This instrument is at least 45 years old (built between 1972 to 1974) looks beautifully vintage and sounds absolutely amazing.

This Arp 2600 is a version 2600P v3.0, with original 4012 Filter + 3604P Keyboard controller. It features Semi-normalised – 3 VCOs (type 4027-1), 4 pole Lowpass VCF, VCA, Ring Modulator, 2 EGs, sample & hold Noise, Mic Preamp, 17 inch Spring Reverb, Voltage Processor and Four Octave Keyboard….the list goes on.

This Arp combo has been in the ownership of our client for 30+ years but has been stored for quite a while, so KSR were commissioned to carry out a complete overhaul to get it up to spec and ready for sale through us. Details of the work carried out as follows:

Notes on the cosmetic condition:

The control surfaces/panels on the synth & keyboard have been deep cleaned. To retain authenticity, the original tolex was left untouched but deep-cleaned, and actually is in pretty good shape considering this instrument is 45+ years old. The bright-work (nickel-plated components like catches and hinges) were improved using hand polishing techniques but they are predicability showing signs of ageing, with a natural patina, but we actually feel this is part of the charm of an un-cosmetically restored example, and to some owners, an important character to keep original.

Notes on the restoration:

The operational restoration on this 2600 & keyboard has been 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 and completely overhauled, and new neoprene bushes 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.

The original 3604-P keyboard is certainly useful, and not only is it the historically correct partner for this model of 2600, but also the exact serial number match, so they were paired when manufactured (see serial# picture below). 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, although any 1V/Oct analogue controller/sequencer etc., will work fine. We can supply a Kenton Pro-200 but is not included in the sales price below, so please ask us for prices.

This is a fantastic opportunity to buy one of the most iconic vintage synths ever made, original cosmetics and paired synth and keyboard. The sales price has been agreed with our client to keep it very competitive and by far the best value example in the UK and Europe at the time of posting this page.

These outstanding synthesizers are hard to find in decent condition, so here is a rare opportunity to own an original example that will only appreciate in value and add something special to your studio/home.

Supplied with all lids, keyboard CV/Gate interconnect & US 3-pin proprietary power-cable. The Arp runs on US 110V (it cannot be converted to run 220V), so we are including in the sale a suitable step-down transformer so you can operate this in the UK/EU. We also supply an Arp 2600 owners manual (PDF).

Price: £7990 GBP.

Availability: This Arp 2600 & 3604-P are now SOLD, as at 14th January 2020.

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

 

BUY THIS ARP 2600

EMS DK1

We are Brokering this very good condition DK1 for a UK customer.

Came into stock: September 2019.

Restoration Status: KSR has already fully serviced this DK1 so it’s ready for sale now.

Remarks: The (David Cockerell designed) EMS DK1, aka ‘The Cricklewood,’ analogue keyboard controller was made to pair with the EMS Synthi & VCS3.  The manufacturing date for this controller will be from between 1969 to 1972, so at least 47 years old.  The serial for is #2118, so Robin at EMS might have the manufacturing date for this in his archive.

This DK1 has just been subjected to complete service by Kent at KSR, so is certified 100% fully operational.  No deeper restoration has been applied to it other than some cleaning, so the wood and tolex has not been stripped or replaced, although it was not needed anyway as the overall presentation is very good.

You will notice that there has been a small slide-switch added to the control panel (between the input change toggle switches).  Our client, the owner, did not have this implemented, and has no knowledge of it, but Kent at KSR has told us that is serves no purpose and had no circuitry to it, so it’s a legacy mod that had some function for the keyboard in the last 40+ years, but no longer does anything.   The switch is non-functional, so does not interfere with the normal operation of the DK1.

Cosmetically speaking, the modification mention above could be removed and the whole panel restored to look standard, and if this was our own DK1 we might have invested into having that work carried out.  However, what we decided to do when discussing the with our client was to leave it as-is and price the DK1 accordingly, to reflect the effect the switch has to the presentation.  There is also a chrome cliff-knob cap missing.

The DK1 has two independent channels of CV, these can set to different modes, and the keyboard has its own built-in VCO for modulation options, plus as “Dynamic Channel’ output and a VCA.  You would connect the DK1 to the Synthi or VCS3 via the Cinch-Jones keyboard interconnect cable, and optionally, a second 1/4 inch jack cable for the ‘input ch2’ into the synthesizer.

The ‘Dynamic Channel’, can be used to operate the  DK1s 37 note velocity-sensitive keyboard. This means the velocity action sends a separate control voltage.  This would commonly be used for loudness control, providing you set the matrix-patch on your Synthi or VCS3 to operate that way. The ‘Dynamic Channel’ can actually be set to control almost any facility on the Synthi or VCS3…which is what these amazing synths are all about really.

If you need it, We are able to supply the Cinch-Jones keyboard interconnect cable to run the DK1 into either a Synthi or VCS3, price upon request.

Sold with a full 3-month warranty.

Price: £1290 GBP.

Availability: This DK1 is now SOLD as at 31st October 2019.

Click on the thumbnails for a high-resolution photo of the actual DK1 for sale.

BUY THIS DK1

Multimoog

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

Came into stock: June 2019.

Service Status: A full service by KSR has already been carried out (June 2019), so this Multimoog is ready for sale now.

Remarks: We are delighted to offer quite a rare machine to find in the UK these days, a Moog Multimoog.

This particular example has been in the ownership, and cared for, by Jessica Lauren (our client), for many years, and has been one of her main ‘go-to’ synths for all her live & studio work. Jessica is a very talented Jazz musician and highly skilled keyboard player. Her Multimoog can be heard on many of HER albums over the years, but she has decided it was time to let the Moog go to a new home.

It’s a brilliant mono-synth that has a sound character all of its own, boasting a punchy 24dB Moog Filter and some complex routing and performance options. In the right hands (like Jessica’s hands), this is a highly capable & versatile synthesizer.

Jessica posted a status update on your Facebook page about letting her faithful Moog go and said we could use it here, as it has some photos that will be of interest, plus it adds some provenance to the instrument – click the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/jlauren001/posts/10157447009261468

This Multimoog has been meticulously maintained over the years by KSR, so we can confirm it’s a perfectly working instrument, and used as an old Moog should be…for making music. It’s fair to say that the Multimoog is not a collector’s piece, but it’s in average cosmetic condition for its age and in pretty good shape. This is an honest machine with a fabulous provenance and will serve the right buyer for many more years to come.

The price for this Multimoog has been set to reflect it’s the condition, but looking at global prices for these models, it represents an absolute bargain, a steal, at the advertised price below, so we don’t think it will be available for long.

This Multimoog is sold through RL Music with a 3-month warranty and operates on EU 220V.

Price: £1,690 GBP.

Availability: This Multimoog is no longer available for sale (updated 12th August 2020).

Click on the thumbnails for higher resolution photos of actual synth (customer supplied).

 

BUY THIS MULTIMOOG

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

Roland MKS80 & ...

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

Came into stock: Arrived at RL Music in November 2018.

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

Remarks: The classic rack polysynth combo is considered by many enthusiasts to be one of the best sounding vintage analogue rack-synths ever.

The MKS80 Super Jupiter is powerful velocity and pressure sensitive 8 voice/16 VCO analogue polysynth with that big vintage Roland sound, and a stack of modulation and editing facilities.  The accompanying MPG80 controller is an essential piece of kit if you want to really dig down into the programming and open up the synths capabilities, and is a joy to use.

This unit (serial #713737) is the much sought after Rev.5 version of the MKS80 (see PCB pictures below) featuring the Roland IR3R03 VCO and VCF/VCA IR3R05 chipset, amongst other architectural differences to the earlier versions. Many say the Rev.5 comes closest to sounding like the Jupiter 8, but we’ll leave that debate to the internet to continue.

Both the operating panels MKS80 & MPG80 programmer are in very good condition as you would expect from a rack system, and are sold with the flight-case featured in the photos. The programmer does show cosmetic damage, which we have highlighted in one of the pictures below, but these marks would normally be hidden when fully racked.

Both units work perfectly and contain many of their original patches, and they’re simple to set up in your studio and get to work with straight out of the box.

This combo sounds and operates like all MKS80 should, so if the sound is more important than looks, then this instrument will make a good studio workhorse for your vintage analogue poly needs.

The MKS80 is an EU220V machine, so is supplied with the MPG80 interconnect cable and an IEC cable with UK-plug fitted. We will supply a copy of the user manual on PDF.

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: £2890 GBP.

Availability: This MKS80/MPG80 combo is now SOLD, as at 28th May 2019.

Click on the thumbnail for higher resolution photos of the actual MKS80/MPG80 for sale.

BUY THIS MKS80/MPG80

Arp Axxe

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

Came into stock: Available from RL Music as at 6th July 2018.

Servicing Status: A full service by KSR has already been carried out (late June 2018), so the Arp Axxe (model 2810) is available for sale now.

Remarks: We’re very pleased to be able to offer this truly outstanding condition example of a super little vintage synth.

This Arp Axxe forms part of a larger collection of vintage synths that we are brokering as part of an Estate clearance. The owner of this Axxe had this beautiful synthesizer maintained with no expense spared, and at some time in the last 10 years they had ALL the sliders replaced with new original Arp stock (NOS), so this synth literally feels and plays like brand new..amazing!

Cosmetically, this 37-year-old vintage analogue instrument is in near pristine condition and we would rate this as a Collector Grade – 9.8 out of 10. As mentioned above, KSR has only just fully serviced it, so it’s 100% perfect operationally – this is a real keeper!

The (last produced in 1981) the Arp Axxe was a budget version of its more sophisticated sibling, the Odyssey, but still packs all of that beautiful Arp tone that they are famous for, utilising the Arp 4075 discrete four-pole 24dB lowpass filter. It has CV/Gate/Trig/Filter/Audio/Pedal I/O along the back-plane of the synth.

This Arp Axxe operates on EU 220V. We do have the original user manual for this (pictured) which is included in the sale. 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: £680 GBP.

Availability: This Arp Axxe is now SOLD, as at 22nd November 2018.

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

BUY THIS AXXE

Elka Synthex Mk2

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

Came into stock: Arrived at RL Music on 17th May 2018.

Servicing Status: Full assessment by KSR carried out on 11th May – full service by KSR will commence post-sale.

Remarks: A really super condition example of the Mk2 Elka Synthex, so MIDI utilised and with MIDI sockets installed (retrofitted).

This has to be one of the finest analogue polysynths ever made and was used by all the top artists of the 80’s, especially JMJ. Built-in 4 track sequencer 8 voice polyphonic, twin oscillator 24 dB/octave low pass filter 6 & 12 dB/octave band-pass filters 12 dB/octave high pass filter. The specification doesn’t tell you that this is a silky smooth performer and in the right hands can deliver an almost polyphonic modular experience…just an amazing machine.

The Synthex was very well cared for during its lifetime at the current owner home (16 years), so the cosmetic condition is excellent, as you can see from the pictures. The main control surfaces are in fantastic condition, and the wood cabinet is in well above average condition for its age, so if you are after a really reliable example that works perfectly and looks beautiful, then look no further.

Our own vintage synth restorers – KSR, have very recently fully health-checked the synth as part of the pre-Brokering assessment, so we’re happy it’s fully operational, with all functions/control working smoothly and as you would expect, but the Synthex will be fully serviced post-sale.

This Synthex operates on EU 220V and is supplied with the user manuals 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: £6890 GBP.

Availability: This Elka Synthex is now SOLD, as at 22nd November 2018.

Pictures of the actual synth below.

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


BUY THIS SYNTHEX