We are Brokering this instrument for and on behalf of our customer</strong>

Came into stock: November 2017.

Restoration Status: A full service by KSR has just been carried out in October, so this instrument is ready for sale now.

Remarks: We’re delighted to be able to offer an EMS Synthi A Mk2 to our customers who want to experience a vintage EMS but don’t need the extra expense/facility of the KS (Keyboard/Sequencer) that the AKS model offers.

Identical to the Synthi AKS (synth) in sound & operation, the Synthi A is the ultimate portable synth, packaged in the same Spartanite case and offering the endless programming possibilities through the matrix panel interface.  EMS originally named the Synth A the “Portabella” which followed the naming conventions of its early synths like the “Putney (VCS3 Mk1)” and Cricklewood (DK1) keyboard etc.

The EMS Synthi A was first brought to the market by EMS the same year as Moog launched the Model D Minimoog to the world – an auspicious year for synth fans indeed!  This example we are offering for sale is a later revision, an Mk2, and was manufactured during the Datanomics company ownership period which would have been between 1979 to 1982. The Mk2 Synth A is usually identifiable by the serial number and the power-conditioning components used internally.  This particular Synthi A has a serial number of 4687.

Our client has had this Synth A in his family for many years and it originally belonged to his father who had made modifications to the synth.  There are no documented notes on the mods, and after Kent at KSR had investigated this, he could not see ay internal connections that changed the normal function of the synth.  These mods that you can see are drilled into the front panel, so it’s far from being a collector’s piece,  but it might be worth considering having Robin at EMS undertake his suite of factory-mods to take advantage of these already made panel insertions…that is what we would do if it were ours.  The other idea is to have the panel fully cosmetically restored (subject to quotation & T&Cs) to remove the holes and get the finish back to standard. 

The above suggestions are all things for any future owner to consider, but overall, it does not affect the operation of the Synthi, which is now 100% perfect.  The price on this has been lowered significantly below-market prices for a vintage EMS Synthi A, in order to reflect its cosmetic situation, but as a workhorse/studio instrument it will do the job nicely, and you get to save a lot of money.

Our client commissioned KSR to carry out an extensive ground-up overhaul to bring it up to a perfect operating specification, whilst ensuring its operational authenticity is preserved as much as possible. Electronic instruments of this age do need a minimum level of restoration, but we approach this kind of work sympathetically.

The restoration time & resources invested in this instrument by KSR include:

>Spartanite case deep-cleaned, re-finished & all hardware cleaned.

>Control Panels deep-cleaned.

>Every control component (potentiometers/switches/matrix panel), cleaned & lubricated

>Power-Supply re-capped & calibrated.

>Legacy Matrix Pins cleaned & tested.

>Full system-wide calibration & soak-test.

The above restorative work is the minimum we asked KSR to carry out as they would all need this level of attention due to their age, but In addition to the above, the following work can also be carried out by request. This is a costed option, so is additional to the sales price listed at the bottom of this page so please contact us for a quote:

*VCO stabilisation modification implemented in line with EMS guidelines.

*This Synthi A comes with (almost) a full complement of old matrix pins, although to be honest, these original 40-year-old pins are well past there best so we would recommend you also purchase a brand new (full) set of matrix pins, which we can source for you. although they are supplied from EMS directly, so ask us for a quote for these or contact Robin Wood at EMS directly.

This instrument operates on either EU/UK 220~240V or US110V via a front-panel switch.  The instrument is sold with a 3-month warranty from RL Music and we will also include a user manual in PDF format and a brand new proprietary EMS UK-plug IEC power cable.

Note on Demos, and because…Covid:  The Synthi A Mk2 is currently based in Surrey (UK) with our tech, Kent at KSR.  Although there are strict Covid-19 restrictions in place throughout the UK at present, Kent has very kindly offered for anyone who would like to see and demo the Synthi before buying it, to demo it at his premises.  Kent is able to set up the synth in a place that meets distancing rules, that’s safe for him and the customer, so if you want to check the synth it out then that option is open to you. 

Alternately (recommended), Kent can produce short video demo’s to show the working condition of the Synthi A, but this is by request only.  If we get a single request to do this then we will, of course, upload that to the KSR YouTube channel and probably just post it here in the listing, but Kent’s a very busy guy (good techs always are) so he’s not had the time to proactively do this for us and/or the Synthi A Mk2.

Packing & Shipping: We can ship this world-wide, although the packing & shipping cost is not included in the sale price below, and is subject to quotation.  Again, the Covid issues are effecting our packing suppliers, so there may be some short delays in getting materials produced for shipping, although courier companies all seem to be operating normally.  We are happy to discuss your requirements so please email us if you have any questions on the logistics.

Sales Price: £8,990 GBP

Availability: This Synthi A Mk2 is now SOLD – this page was updated on 13th November 2020.

Note on pictures, again due to Covid: Click on the thumbnail for higher resolution photo of the actual Synthi A Mk2 for sale.  Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, Kent has offered to photograph the Synthi at his premises in Surrey, so these photos come straight from him using the best photo-equipment he has available. It’s our workaround for the Covid issues/restrictions and we’re very grateful to Kent for helping us all out…but he’s like that.

If you require specific pictures not already featured of the instrument then please contact us so we can request that Kent at KSR can accommodate your request, but there may be a short delay in getting this done for us/you.

Pictures of the actual EMS Synthi A Mk2 for sale are below.

Came into stock: Available for sale from RL Music as at 11th March 2019.

Servicing Status: This is a brand new instrument.

Remarks: We are offering up for sale, what we believe is the only opportunity to buy the last ‘as factory new’ Moog System 15 reissue left in the world. This Moog has never been touched since it left the factory in Asheville, USA. We never even took off the packing tape on the outer shipping box, so it genuinely qualifies as a mint condition instrument and as it came shipped from Moog.

There is #34 on the shipping box, so that’s possibly the serial/production number, but without opening it up, we wouldn’t know. The Moog System 15 comes included with all the documentation, certificate and cables ex-factory so a little time capsule already.

We purchased this brand new Moog back in 2016, and the intention was to keep it, unboxed, for use in the future, and to add to our Vintage Moog Modular collection. However, due to ongoing investments into the RL Music brand, including a new website we are having built, we now need to raise some cash, so reluctantly we will have to let this beautiful instrument go to another custodian.

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. We had the opportunity to Broker another System 15 reissue in 2019, and we can attest that this is most certainly not a low-budget clone, and sounds almost indistinguishable from the vintage original…bravo!

The pictures showing the front-panel and inner/retail box are for illustration only and our from our library of another System 15 reissue we sold for a client in December last year, so not the unboxed example we are selling now. The two pictures showing the shipping box and the ‘#34’ are of the actual instrument, or at least the outer-shipping-box with the modular synth inside its retail box, which we took in our storage unit, or Synth Storage Emporium, as we like to call it.

Of the only 150 produced there are no Moog System 15 reissues left in the world for sale from authorised Moog dealers. This sale is a unique opportunity to buy a factory-new machine that’s not had a hand touch it since it left the factory.

Whoever buys this Moog will be offered the opportunity (free of charge) for our synth tech, Kent Spong at KSR, to health-check to operational condition, but this will mean the packaging will need to be opened up to do this. This option is available, but we are not proactively going do anything to the Moog unless with strict instructions, and post-purchase, by the new owner. The Moog will be sold with our standard 3-month warranty.

Price: £12,990 GBP.

Availability: This Moog System 15 reissue is now SOLD, as at 17th April 2020.

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

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.

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 just been carried out by KSR. The OSCar was fully serviced in 2019, so it’s ready for sale now.

Remarks: This particular example has been very well cared for throughout the time my client has owned it (since 1990), a testament to that is the beautiful cosmetic condition throughout, and only ever used in the home.

This is a late model OSCar with factory MIDI fitted,

The operational condition of this particular example is 100% perfect. It was fully serviced by James Walker, a renown UK tech, in May 2019 (service receipt available). 

The cosmetic condition is stunning, so this would easily qualify as a collector’s piece, but it sounds so good it should be played every day, as well as just appreciated.

This OSCar is sold through RL Music with a 3-month warranty and can be shipped worldwide. The synth operates on EU 220V (UK plug fitted). Also, a user manual (tatty) is supplied with the synth. 

Demos are available by appointment only.

Price: £3,500 GBP.

Availability: This OSCar is not currently available for sale: Updated as of 30th March 2020.

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

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.

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.

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.

We are Brokering this Elka Synthex for and on their behalf of a UK customer

Came into stock: 8th August 2019.

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

Remarks: A truly exemplary condition example of the late version (Mk3) Elka Synthex – with the factory MIDI. We actually sold this beautiful example to the owner, our client, back in 2015, so it’s an ex-RL Music restored Synthex Mk3! Due to health reasons, our client has very reluctantly had to consider letting the Synthex go, so we collected in person from them, to ensure maximum safety in handling in getting it back to us.

This has to be one of the finest analogue polysynths ever made and was used by all the top artists of the ’80s, especially JMJ. Built-in 4 track sequencer 8 voice polyphonic, twin oscillator 24 dB/octave low pass filter 6 & 12 dB/octave bandpass 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 and almost polyphonic modular experience…just an amazing machine.

The overall condition of this Synthex is exemplary and has most definitely been treated with love and care throughout its life, and whilst our client has owned it they have had it set up in their home with a dust cover over it when not in use. It’s a stunning machine, a collector grade instrument: 9.9 out of 10.

We reluctantly sold our own ‘in-house’ Elka Synthex back in 2017, which we considered being the best condition Mk3 example we had ever seen. This Synthex now available, certainly matches that in quality, and will represent a fine instrument and investment for anyone looking for the best condition Synthex in the world.

KSR will be conducting a full service/health-check on the operational side, even though it was fully restored by them in 2015.

Runs on EU 220V, sold with a full 3-month warranty and a copy of the owners manual will be supplied (PDF) as well.

Price: £7,000 GBP.

Availability: This Elka Synthex is available is now SOLD, as at 29th September 2019.

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

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

Came into stock: Arrived at RL Music in July 2019.

Servicing Status: A full service by KSR has already been carried out (July 2019), so this Prophet 5 is ready for sale & shipping now.

Remarks: We are delighted to offer this super condition Prophet 5 Rev 3.2 with a Kenton MIDI retrofit installed. This synth has been in the ownership of our client for at least 20 years, although they told us it was in storage for at least the last 10 years, so they commissioned Kent at KSR to give the Prophet 5 a full overhaul/service etc.

The Kenton MIDI kit works flawlessly and brings the P5 into the DAW environment nicely which keeps the synth in step with all the modern music tech.

The service included full system overhaul (re-capped/calibration etc) and clean and keyboard assembly deep-clean with new bushings. The wood case has been also been refinished by hand. All the potentiometers and micro-switches were cleaned as well so all are smooth to touch and operate. We decided to leave the patches in the Prophet 5 as they are actually really nice, but we can install the factory resent if the buyer of this prefers.

These are unique sounding instruments and don’t be fooled in thinking the Prophet 6 is an alternative…it’s not. There’s a certain punch and warmth that this vintage Curtis chipset based system delivers, and you just have to listen to a-ha, Soft Cell and Genesis etc. to appreciate how influential this synth was to musicians in the 1980s….and still is today.

Did you know that the Prophet 5 can be set up to operate in different temperaments from equal-temperament? The operating system allows you to program microtonal adjustments across the keyboard, and store this in the synth memory locations. This is not something we have tried, but the user manual goes into some depth about how to achieve it.

Kent at KSR commented that this Prophet 5 was in really great shape internally and had clearly been really well maintained throughout its life, including the current owner’s custodianship.

The operational condition is flawless, and as you can see in the high-res pictures below, the overall cosmetic condition is very good for a 35+ year-old instrument, with only minor wear from use. The rear/back panel does show some marks and wear to the factory painted surfaces, so we wouldn’t rate this is a collector grade example, but certainly 8 out of ten, and it looks beautiful where it counts.

This Prophet 5 is sold through RL Music with a 3-month warranty and can operate on US 110V or EU 220V. Also, a user manual (PDF) will be supplied with the synth plus a UK IEC power-cable if required.

Price Post-Servicing: £4990 GBP.

Availability: This Prophet 5 Rev 3.2 w/MIDI is now SOLD, as at 4th May 2020.

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

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

Came into stock: Arrived at RL Music in July 2019

Servicing Status: A full service by KSR has already been carried out (July 2019) on this Synthi A, so it’s ready for sale & shipping now.

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

This Synthi (serial #4024) was purchased brand new by our client Father-in-Law in 1972 so they are the original and only owner of this instrument. There have not been any modifications made to this Synthi so it’s factory spec. Being an early model, the sound of this Synths sublime, and a real connoisseurs/collectors machine that we would grade as 9.5 out of 10.

Since 1973, this Synthi A was used in numerous avant-garde music projects by the owner, who was an experimentalist musician, that published an album in the early 70s using this Synthi A (amongst other items). Since the death of the owner, this Synthi A has been kept in storage, unused, since the early 1980s. This is a bit of a ‘barn find’ for the family, so they had commissioned Kent at KSR to undertake a full restoration of this Synthi, which was completed 7 days ago, so the EMS is now in perfect operations condition.

Cosmetically, this is in excellent all original condition throughout, with hardly any noticeable wear to the control panel. The Spartanite case is undamaged and looks almost like new, and the nickel catches/hinges are in very good condition. This Synthi A also comes with a full complement of Matrix pins and the proprietary power-cable.

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. The price of this Synthi A has been agreed with the owner to stimulate a faster sale, so it’s available at a fantastic price and by far the best value in the world today, for a vintage EMS synthesizer.

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 Synthi only operates on EU 220V~240V with UK 3-pin plug fitted, and as mentioned above, comes with a full set of matrix pins, and the original proprietary power-cable. We will all supply a copy EMS Synthi User Manual (PDF) with 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.

Sales Price: £9,800. GBP

Availability: This EMS Synthi is now SOLD, as at 19th July 2019.

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

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).

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.

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.

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

Came into stock: Arrived at RL Music on 28th November 2018.

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

Remarks: A very rare opportunity to own stunning vintage 
modular system from the Roland 700 lineage – the System 700 Lab.

This is a very powerful 3 oscillator normalised system with 1/4 inch jack In/Out for expanded sound creation possibilities and is based entirely on the system architecture of the full System 700. Unusually, we also have a full Roland System 700 for sale at the moment – so you can see that the Lab is the same size as one of the lower wing cabinets.

This is a standard configuration system, so has not been modified from its original factory specification, and the serial number is 660042. This contains all the basic modules necessary for a professional system. It has 3 x VCO, 1 x VCF, 1 x VCA, 1 x LFO, 2 x ADSR EG, Noise (white & pink), Ring Mod, S/H and a Mixer.


The 700 Lab is in excellent all original condition, with only light wear to the modules surfaces, although there is some oxidisation to the anodising, which we are seeing as normal for these 40+-year-old instruments. The Tolex covering and chromed/nickel-plated parts are all intact and in excellent order, although there are a couple of small indentations on the back of the cabinet along the edges.

We would rate this as a collectors condition example – 9.5 out of 10. KSR has just fully serviced the system so it’s 100% perfect operationally.

This is a 1V/Oct system that can be accessed via any suitable CV/Gate controller or MIDI to CV device. To get the most out of the 700 Lab 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.

This System 700 Lab is sold with our normal 3-month warranty and runs on EU 220V. There was no user documentation supplied by the owner, but we will supply a copy of the System 700 Synthesizer Instruction Manual in PDF format.

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: £18,600 GBP.

Availability: This System 700 Lab is not currently available.

Pictures of the actual synth below.

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

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.

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).