EMS Synthi A

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

Came into stock: 

March 2022.

Service Status: 

A full service will be carried out once the unit is sold, which will add around 14 days to the post-sale completion.

Remarks: 

We’re pleased to be able to offer a really fantastic condition (single owner!) EMS Synthi A, which is priced well below exiting online prices for dealer supplied examples of these highly sought after vintage synths.

Background:

The current owner has bought this Synthi A from new, although it had not been in much use for some time and was stored away, so KSR was commissioned to prepare the Synthi for sale & Brokering through us.  The serial number is ‘4746,’ so Robin Wood at EMS is likely to have a manufacture date on this example, but it looks like an earlier production model.

Condition:

This Synthi A is in exceptional all original (unmodified) condition, and although it shows very little signs of wear and is a top condition instrument of this age (nearly 50 years old).  The Spartanite case is in excellent condition, and the nickel catches/hinges show a normal patina.  We have covered the key aspects instrument in the series of photos we have taken (see below), so we hope these candidly show the overall presentation of this instrument but if you need more then please just ask.

Operationally it’s 100% as a number of maintenance-related items have been carried out pre-sale, including a lot of deep-cleaning of pots sockets and the matrix panel, which has been flushed through.  Most of the work carried out y KSR is akin to an overhaul in effect, but we will have the Synthi A put through a final check and calibration post-sale, and attend to any normal service items needed at that point.

This EMS Synthi A can operate on either US-110V or EU-220V via a tiny switch on the front panel. We will include the proprietary EMS power cable (UK 3-pin type plug fitted) and a full comment of original Matrix Pins, although we would recommend a full new set be purchased for this instrument for best results when patching it up, which you can still source from EMS directly for around £260 GBP.  You can specify if you would like these supplied with the instrument upon purchase.

We don’t have any original paper documents with this but we can supply a copy of the EMS owner’s manual in PDF. 

Packing & Shipping: 

We can ship this EMS worldwide, although the packing, shipping & insurance costs are not included in the sale price below, so are subject to quotation.  There may be some short delays in getting the packaging materials produced for shipping as they are custom ordered for the specific dimensions of the instrument.  We are happy to discuss your requirements so please email us if you have any questions on the logistics and/or need a quote.

Sales Price: 

£12,990 GBP

As this is a brokered sale, VAT is not applicable on the sale of this EMS to UK buyers. However, packing & shipping is subject to VAT @ 20% should you need the goods shipped to you.

Availability: 

This EMS Synthi A is now SOLD.  This listing was updated on 2nd September 2022 @ 14:47 GMT.

Click on the thumbnail for a higher resolution photo of the actual Synthi for sale.  If you require specific pictures not already featured of the instrument then please contact us so we can try and accommodate your request but there may be a short delay in getting this done for you as the instrument is currently in secure storage.

BUY THIS EMS SYNTHI A

EMS Synthi AKS

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

Came into stock: March 2020.

Servicing Status: Full service by KSR has already been carried out in April 2020 and it’s also been fully health-checked again in June 2021, so this Synthi AKS is ready for sale now.

Remarks: A fabulous opportunity to own your EMS Synthi AKS, and very competitively priced!

The current owner has only owned this Synthi AKS for around 10 years, having purchased it in the UK from a non-specialist retailer, and did not have any record of any historical service work.  The Synthi AKS has had minimal use and was stored away for some years, so KSR was commissioned to carry out a full service on the EMS, to get it ready for sale through our Brokering Service.

The serial number is ‘45300KS,’ so Robin Wood at EMS is likely to have a manufacture date on this example, but it looks like a later model.

Cosmetic Appraisal:

This AKS is in good all original (unmodified) condition, and although it shows some wear to the control surface and a small mark (low-D) in the KS blue surface finish, it’s in keeping with an instrument of this age (around 45 years old).  The Spartanite case is in good condition, although has a small burn mark on the front, left of the ‘SYNTHI’ plate. The nickel catches/hinges show a normal patina, and one of the rear-hinges locks okay but doesn’t sit flat, but both lids are perfectly secure.  We have covered the key aspects instrument in the series of photos below, including an internal shot for those that like that kind of thing, so we hope these candidly show the overall presentation of this Synthi AKS.

This is a good condition example of the model/type, perfectly working, but does show some signs of use and its age, so it’s no museum/collector’s piece, but the price has been set to reflect that. It’s important to understand that with dealer supplied examples of the Synthi AKS being advertised for between £15K to £18K GBP these days, we know that the sales price for this example represents excellent value.

This EMS Synthi AKS did come from the owner with a couple of very worn Matrix pins, so on our advice, the owner purchased a brand new set from EMS, which are being supplied with the instrument. Also included are a brand new power-chord and cinch-jones interconnect cable.

The service by KSR covered all the critical items like the replacement of old power-regulation caps, deep cleaning, and calibration, 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 prices listed at the bottom of this page:

*VCO stabilisation modification implemented in line with EMS guidelines = £480 GBP

This Synthi AKS operates on 240V or US 110V (switchable) – it will be sold with a 3-month warranty. Aside from the new set of Matrix Pins included and the new power-cable,  Cinch-Jones Synthi-to-KS cable, we can also supply a copy of the user manual (PDF only).

Ordering From the EU (Post 1st Jan 2021): 

Now the UK is no longer a part of the European Union, we all have new levels of bureaucracy to deal with when you buy equipment from any business in the UK, for onward delivery to any destination in the EU.  In order for us to be able to ship to the EU now, we will require you to supply an EORI number if you are buying from us as a business, which will be provided in the Commercial Invoice that goes with the consignment.  Private individuals purchasing equipment from us will not require an EORI number but the goods will still be subject to VAT, which is charged by your own countries Customs, to clear the goods, so we now do not charge VAT on our purchasing invoice. The VAT rate applied upon import into your country will be set by your own country applicable VAT rates. 

Sales Price: £12,990 GBP.

Availability: This EMS Synthi AKS is now SOLD – this page was updated on 25th August 2021.

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

BUY THIS SYNTHI AKS

EMS VCS3 Mk2 & ...

We are Brokering these instruments for and on behalf of our UK customer

Came into stock: March 2021.

Servicing Status: Full service by KSR has already been carried out in March 2021 and both units were fully health-checked again in June 2021, so both the VCS3 Mk2 (Serial #1308) & DK1 (Serial #2113) are ready for sale now.

Remarks: An EMS VCS3 Mk2 with a very interesting provenance.

The current owner has only owned this VCS3/DK1 for over 20 years and only used it at home, but had been stored for some time until KSR was commissioned to carry out a full service on the equipment to get it ready for sale through our Brokering Service.

The VCS3 was owned by Hans Zimmer.

Cosmetic Appraisal:

This VCS3 Mk2 is in good all original (operationally unmodified) condition, and although it shows some wear to the control surface, it’s in keeping with an instrument of this age (around 45+ years old).  The wood case is in good condition and has not been ‘over-restored,’ so has a naturally aged patina to it.  

There is an additional wood strip that’s been added to the bottom control panel, which is there to hide some graffiti that has been hand-etched into the metal panel. As you can see from the pictures, it claims to have been owned by Hans Zimmer, so we contacted him to ask if he knew anything about it…he did!  Hans confirmed that that exact VCS3 was the very first synth he ever owned, although he couldn’t remember what happened to it after his time using it in the UK way back in the early days of his career, so a nice provenance. 

The lower control panel having been hand-etched like this is certainly not something anyone would do these days, but the VCS3 was probably only worth a couple of hundred £-Pounds when this was defaced, so it’s relative.  It would certainly be possible to get both the upper & lower panels restored to original if the buyer wanted, so it’s an option to consider, and the exceptionally keen sales price of this VCS3 has been agreed with our client to reflect the cosmetic blemish.

The other item of note is the right side of the Matrix Panel, where you can see that an EMS-supplied overlay has been stuck on.  We’ve seen a few of these over the years and it’s always done because the original screen-print along that side has worn away through use.

The EMS Dk1 Keyboard is also in good original condition, although we’re still waiting for KSR to supply the pictures to us for this item, so we’ll update this listing as soon as the photos come through.

The sales price for this combo VCS3 Mk2 & DK1 represents outstanding value as it’s easy to see online that people are asking prices in excess of £17K GBP and all the way up to nearly £26K GBP just for a VCS3 alone.  The DK1 is often seen advertised for up to £3K GBP alone.

This EMS VCS3 does come from the owner with a full complement of Matrix pins, although these are old originals, so we would recommend a full new set be purchased for this instrument for best results when patching it up, which we can still source from EMS directly for around £260 GBP.  You can specify if you would like these supplied with the instrument upon purchase.

Also included in the sale is the cinch-jones DK1 interconnect cable, the proprietary EMS power-cable.

Service & Options:

The service by KSR covered all the critical items like replacement of old power-regulation caps, deep cleaning, and calibration, 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 prices listed at the bottom of this page:

*VCO stabilisation modification implemented in line with EMS guidelines = £480 GBP

This VCS3 Mk2 operates on 240V. Both instruments are sold with a 3-month warranty. We can also supply a copy of the user manual (PDF only).

Note on Demos, and because…Covid:  The VCS3 Mk2 & DK1 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 synth 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 out then that option is open to you. 

Alternately (recommended), Kent can produce short video demo’s to show the working condition of the VCS3 Mk2 & DK1, 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 this EMS.

Packing & Shipping: We can ship this worldwide, although the packing & shipping cost is not included in the sale price below, and is subject to quotation.  Again, the Covid issues are affecting 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.

Ordering From the EU (Post 1st Jan 2021): 

Thanks to all those who voted us out of the European Union, we/you now have new levels of bureaucracy to deal with when you buy equipment from any business in the UK, for onward delivery to any destination in the EU.  In order for us to be able to ship to the EU now, we will require you to supply an EORI number if you are buying from us as a business, which will be provided in the Commercial Invoice that goes with the consignment.  Private individuals purchasing equipment from us will not require an EORI number but the goods will still be subject to VAT, which is charged by your own countries Customs, to clear the goods, so we now do not charge VAT on our purchasing invoice. The VAT rate applied upon import into your country will be set by your own countries applicable VAT rates. 

Sales Price: £13,990 GBP – for both the VCS3 Mk2 & DK1.

Availability: This EMS VCS3 Mk2 & DK1 are now SOLD – this listing was updated on 1st July 2021.

Note on pictures, again due to Covid: Click on the thumbnail for a higher resolution photo of the actual VCS3 Mk2 & DK1 for sale.  Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, Kent has offered to photograph the instrument 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.

Click on the thumbnail for a higher resolution photo of the actual VCS3 Mk2 & DK1 for sale.

BUY THIS VCS3 Mk2 & DK1

EMS Synthi AKS

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

Came into stock: March 2021.

Servicing Status: Full service by KSR has already been carried out in March 2021 and it’s also been fully health-checked again in June 2021, so this Synthi AKS is ready for sale now.

Remarks: Another EMS Synthi AKS, and very competitively priced!

The current owner has only owned this Synthi AKS from new and used it at home for home recording until around 1984 when it was stored away until KSR was commissioned to carry out a full service on the EMS to get it ready for sale through our Brokering Service.

The serial number is ‘ 4471KS,’ so Robin Wood at EMS is likely to have a manufacture date on this example, but it looks like an earlier production model.

Cosmetic Appraisal:

This AKS is in good all original (unmodified) condition, and although it shows some wear to the control surface, but it’s in keeping with an instrument of this age (around 45+ years old).  The Spartanite case is in good condition, and the nickel catches/hinges show a normal patina.  We have covered the key aspects instrument in the series of photos that KSR did for us, as you can see below, so we hope these candidly show the overall presentation of this Synthi AKS but if you need more then please just ask.

This is a good condition example of the model/type, perfectly working, but does show some signs of use and its age, so it’s no museum/collector’s piece, but the price has been set to reflect that. It’s important to understand that with dealer-supplied examples of the Synthi AKS being advertised for between £15K to £18K GBP these days, we know that the sales price for this example represents excellent value.

This EMS Synthi AKS did come from the owner with very worn Matrix pins, so we would recommend a full new set be purchased for this instrument for best results when patching it up, which we can still source from EMS directly for around £260 GBP.  You can specify if you would like these supplied with the instrument upon purchase.

Also included in the sale is the cinch-jones KS interconnect cable, the proprietary EMS power-cable, and three Presto-Patch blocks for the Presto-Patch fitted to this particular model.

The service by KSR covered all the critical items like replacement of old power-regulation caps, deep cleaning, and calibration, 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 prices listed at the bottom of this page:

*VCO stabilisation modification implemented in line with EMS guidelines = £480 GBP

This Synthi AKS operates on 240V or US 110V (switchable) – it will be sold with a 3-month warranty. We can also supply a copy of the user manual (PDF only).

Note on Demos, and because…Covid:  The Synthi AKS 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 synth 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 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 AKS, 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 this EMS.

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 affecting 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.

Ordering From the EU (Post 1st Jan 2021): 

Thanks to all those who voted us out of the European Union, we/you now have new levels of bureaucracy to deal with when you buy equipment from any business in the UK, for onward delivery to any destination in the EU.  In order for us to be able to ship to the EU now, we will require you to supply an EORI number if you are buying from us as a business, which will be provided in the Commercial Invoice that goes with the consignment.  Private individuals purchasing equipment from us will not require an EORI number but the goods will still be subject to VAT, which is charged by your own countries Customs, to clear the goods, so we now do not charge VAT on our purchasing invoice. The VAT rate applied upon import into your country will be set by your own countries applicable VAT rates. 

Sales Price: £12,990 GBP.

Availability: This EMS Synthi AKS is now SOLD – this page was updated on 15th September 2021.

Note on pictures, again due to Covid: Click on the thumbnail for a higher resolution photo of the actual Synthi AKS for sale.  Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, Kent has offered to photograph the instrument 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.

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

BUY THIS SYNTHI AKS

EMS Synthi AKS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Demos are available by appointment only.

Sales Price: £11,500 GBP.

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

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

BUY THIS SYNTHI AKS

EMS Synthi 2013

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

Came into stock: Arrived at RL Music on 21st February 2018

Restoration Status: This nearly new EMS Synthi A is in perfect working condition and KSR have already given it a ‘health-check’ in the last couple of days, so this instrument is ready for sale now.

We’re delighted to offer a rare chance to buy a recently manufactured EMS Synthi A that Robin Wood at EMS only assembled in October 2013 (we have a copy of the original receipt). This Synthi A has also been fully modified by EMS with a suite of upgrades (done at the time of manufacture). As many of you know, the waiting list to buy one of these exquisite machines from Robin has been running at around 12 years, but we spoke to him recently and he confirmed that production is now finishing due to the Spartanite cases no longer being available.

This late 2013 model (serial number 45643) sounds identical & works the same way a vintage Synthi does, plus it has all the advantages of being a nearly new machine! It’s immaculate as you would expect and works flawlessly. This instrument has only had 2 owners since 2013, this first only having it for a couple of months (unused) before emigrating and selling it to our client. Our client found it did not suit their own style of music, so it’s barely had any use at all so it needs to find a new home.

A note of the EMS implemented Mods:
Oscillator Synth on Osc2
Voltage Controlled Shape Osc1 & Osc2
Filter mode switchable 18/24 db/oct
Filter ‘unslew’ switchable on filters CV
Buffered external gate input

Included in the sale (pictured below):
Original EMS Synthi User Manual
Proprietary EMS power-cable
Full set of Matrix Pins
2 x Matrix pin-to-3.5mm cables
Cinch-Jones-to-3.5mm loom

This instrument operates on EU 220V. The instrument is sold with a 3-month warranty from RL Music.

Price: £7990 GBP.

Availability: This Synthi A is now SOLD on reserve as at 28th March 2018.

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

BUY THIS SYNTHI A

EMS VCS3 Mk1

We are Brokering this VCS3 Mk1 “The Putney” for and on their behalf of our UK customer.

Restoration Status: Restoration has been completed by our Service Partner – KSR (Kent Spong Restorations) on 22nd September 2016.

Remarks: So how about owning an early 1970s Mk1 Putney – one of the most sought-after synthesizers in the world! We very rarely have these in stock, and having a 45-year-old historic music instrument in our possession is always an honour and privilege.

This iconic, and historically important, synthesizer comes from a time when the whole concept of electronic music instruments was in its infancy. This VCS3 would have been made around the time that the first Minimoog appeared to the world, and only a few years after the first Moog modular was created for musicians…wonderous times indeed for electronic music.

We are Brokering this amazing instrument for our UK client, a music teacher (retired), who had acquired it from college music department disposal some 30 years or so ago, and the VCS3 had been kept boxed up by the owner and unused in all that time. Upon first inspection, KSR noted that the VCS3 was in great condition internally, so it has been well maintained during it’s working life as an EM education tool in the 1970s. The overall condition is very good in fact, so post-restoration this will present beautifully, although there is a serial number etched into the rear-panel (photos will be supplied to show this), it’s at the back and quite normal to see on these education supplied synths. Many VCS3 from this period come from education establishments, so it adds really interesting provenance and context we think.

As this VCS3 Mk1 ‘Putney’ has been in storage for quite a while, we had asked KSR to carry out an extensive ground-up restoration to bring it back to its former glory, whilst ensuring we preserved their authenticity at the same time. Electronic instruments of this age need a deep level of restoration, but we approach this kind of work sympathetically.

The time & resources invested into this instrument will include:

>Strip-down of every component, panels, cabinet
>Original wood cabinet sympathetically re-finished by hand (preserving patina).
>Control Panels deep-cleaned (vary carefully).
>Every control component (potentiometers/switches/matrix panel) stripped, cleaned & lubricated
>Power-Supply re-capped & calibrated.
>Brand new Matrix Pin set (from EMS).
>Brand new power cable (from EMS).
>Full system-wide test & calibration.

The above restoration work is the minimum we are investing into the instruments.

In addition to the above, the following work can also be carried out by request. This is a costed option, so would be added to the sales prices listed at the bottom of this page:

*VCO stabilisation modification implemented in line with EMS guidelines = £400 GBP

As mentioned above, we have already purchased a brand new (full) set of matrix pins, supplied from EMS, for this VCS3, and a new power cable. The new matrix pins will ensure a strong continuity of contact in the Matrix Panel.

Inevitably, there are some parts that will need replacement (mostly ageing capacitors). We always work alongside EMS technical guidelines to ensure we can keep the authenticity of these 45+-year-old synths intact, so no components that would affect the sound will be changed unless we absolutely have too, and even then, we will only source NOS parts from the same production era.

Also, we have not replaced the original cabinet, or get the panels repainted/screen-printed, so both instruments are kept 100% original. However, if you prefer to purchase this VCS3 MK1 and then want to have the panels refinished (repainted/screen-printed) to look perfect then this is possible of course, so please contact us for a quote to have this carried out.

As you can see from the pictures, The presentation is excellent considering this synth is 45 years old, and it offers an excellent investment if you have been looking for a ‘keeper’ for your own collection.

Price:

Mk1 VCS3 ‘The Putney’ = £10,900 GBP.

Availability: This EMS VCS3 MK1 Putney is now SOLD as at 29th March 2018.

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

BUY THIS VCS3 PUTNEY