Roland JP8 w/MIDI

We are Brokering this as-new condition vintage Roland flag-ship synthesizer for and on behalf of our UK customer

Came into stock: 22nd March 2016.

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

Remarks: We’re delighted to be able to offer what we consider to be one of the finest analogue polysynths ever produced – the Roland Jupiter 8. We supplied this actual JP8 to its current owner back in 2006, so we know the synth well, and have maintained it for them over the last decade.

As many of you will know, we often need to subject these models to extensive operational and cosmetic restoration (costing over £2800 GBP) to bring them up to the highest possible standard, however, this actual JP8 had already gone through this process in 2008.

We call this ‘Total Restoration’ and the work produces an almost factory new-looking machine as all the metal the panels have been stripped and re-sprayed & screen-printed, and the aluminum end-cheeks re-anodised. All the electronics have been completely overhauled, key-bed refurbished and even a brand new new perspex display etc. This is the highest level restoration we can offer for these wonderful vintage synthesizers. RL Music has developed this highly specialised service for the Jupiter 8 as professionally prepared instruments of this standard are in such high demand from customers with high expectations of quality. You will not find any other business around the world offering anything close this level of restoration.

This Jupiter 8 has resided since 2006 (and its subsequent Total Restoration in 2008) in the owners UK home studio, and has been kept covered when not used, so has been lovingly cared for. This is a very reluctant sale by the owner but they are investing into larger scale music projects, otherwise it would have never come up for sale.

This Jupiter 8 is a 12 bit version (serial number is: 121xxx) and has been retro-fitted with a Encore MIDI kit. The tuning on this earlier 12 bit version is rock-solid, and the owner has confirmed that the synth is more than stable enough for live production work.

The Jupiter 8 is a professional grade vintage instrument that’s only ever going to become more sought after and rare, so here is your opportunity to buy and absolutely stunning, top level restored example that’s got to be a keeper!

Runs on EU 220V that has an IEC socket fitted, so has a removable power-cable. Also supplied is an original owners manual and period Roland Sales Brochure for the Jupiter 8. In addition, there is a very smart aluminum flight-case included in the sale, although we will not ship the synth in this, so for any buyer able to collect it, then it will be included free of charge.

Sold with a full RL Music 3 month warranty.

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 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: £7490 GBP.

Availability: This Roland Jupiter 8 is now SOLD as at 25th April 2016.

Click on the thumbnails for higher resolution photos of the actual Jupiter 8 for sale (customer supplied).

BUY THIS JUPITER 8

Moog 960 & 962

Servicing Status: Will be fully serviced post-sale.

Remarks: We are offering up for sale, one of our spare Vintage Moog 960 Sequencer and RA Moog 962 Sequencer Switch Modules

Both modules come from the RL Music private collection, and have been in our ownership for several years. These have been in regular use, although we will have them fully serviced by KSR post-sale.

The modules are 100% original Moog manufactured from early 1970s.

We can ship world-wide – packing & shipping costs are not included in the sales price, so please ask for a quote.

Price: £2600 GBP.

Availability: Both items are now SOLD as at 24th March 2017.

Click on the thumbnails for photos of actual modules for sale.

BUY THIS Moog 960

Synthacon Mk1

Steiner-Parker Synthacon Mk1

‘Rare’ doesn’t come close to describing how few and far between these vintage monosynths are these days, and once you have had the opportunity to play one you will understand why they never seem come up for sale anymore.

There’s some information on the web about the Steiner-Parker Synthacon and its designer, but the fundamentals are that it’s a 3 VCO system that uses a diode based 2-pole resonant low/band/highpass VCF, and simple but clever modulation routing that gives this machine true sonic magic. You will read about the resonance power that does not diminish thought the filter range…it’s true. The specs don’t really tell you anything really as it’s all about the sound and complex possibilities.

The Synthacons were designed and hand made by Nyle Steiner himself. The were produced under the synthesizer company called Steiner-Parker, which was a small business working out of Salt Lake City in the mid 1970s. The Steiner-Parker business was a jointly owned by Nyle, Dick Parker and a third partner. More info Nyle here: http://www.patchmanmusic.com/NyleSteinerHomepage.html

There were essentially 2 versions of the Synthacon, the Mk1 version we have here for sale, and the Mk2. The Mk2 was a duophonic version of the same instrument in effect, although the the Mk1 is said to have the edge on the Mk2 in pure sonic terms – manufactured from around 1975.

These instruments were all hand made, and the design and construction of the synth reflects that boutique feel to the synth, but the heart of it all is the sound and flexibility of this unique machine. A true masterpiece of simplicity and power in such an unassuming package. A synth for the connoisseur you might say.

We all appreciate that there are a small, but very distinguished, list of vintage synthesizers that transcend all logic, commercially speaking. Why indeed we should would want them so badly is sometimes difficult to explain, but electronic music instruments from Buchla, EMS, Serge, and many vintage Moog synths etc., are all held in high regard for being something special…vintage in fact (by definition). The Synthacon is in this special group of exotic vintage electronic music technology.

This actual instrument had gone through a complete professional cosmetic & operational restoration in the USA in 2012, and we imported it into the UK to be part of our private collection. This immaculate Synthacon Mk1 has been in our possession since, and will be fully serviced prior to shipping to its new owner, and of course, sold with a full warranty. We are selling it as we already have 2 other Synthacons in our collection, so have decided to release this beautiful synth back to the market for someone else to enjoy.

This Synthacon runs on 110V. We decided to keep it original and not replace the power-supply to a EU rated 220V unit to keep it an authentic as possible. If it sells to an EU customer then we will supply a step-down transformer to operate the synth, free of charge.

We also have a PDF copy of the owners manual & service notes/schematics which we will supply.

Guide Price: £8490 GBP.

Availability: This Steiner-Parker Synthacon Mk1 is now SOLD as at 20th December 2016.

Picture of actual Synthacon Mk1 for sale below, so please click on the Thumbnails for higher resolution photos.

BUY THIS SYNTHACON

Late Minimoog #12655

We present a most beautiful example of world’s most famous synthesizer which has been fully restored by our partners KSR, and has been part of our own private collection for some time.

This very late model was one of the last few hundred to be manufactured, around 1981, which makes this a very stable in tuning and tracking – utilising the buffer-board (factory fitted) and late Moog VCOs.

A note on the restoration:

On this particular example, we decided to furnish it with a brand new custom made cabinet from made from an stunningly beautiful (and very expensive) wood called Figured Bubinga, which is renewably sourced from Equatorial Africa.  You can see from the pictures that is has a deep and beautiful character about it and is about the most stunning wood finish on a synth we have ever seen . The cabinet was replaced due to the original having suffered some cosmetic damage which we concluded could not be sufficiently restored….but we’re very glad we did as the results are sublime.

Operationally speaking, from the restoration standpoint, we do not change any electronic components that would compromise the integrity of this Moogs character.  There might be some components that we will have prudently replaced due to age like but these are off-the-shelf components.  The Keyboard is completely stripped and rebuilt with a full set of new bushings and the final calibration and test finishes of the restoration.

The aluminum real panel enclosure is completely original.  We decided not to have the panel re-anodized as it contains some original Moog factory stickers that give this instrument complete authenticity.  Restoration is a about balance, and although the cabinet is not the original brown varnished factory one, we think this example is quite exquisite.  The Minimoog was originally purchased to go into our own private collection but we need space and some funds for other projects coming along.

As you can see, the appearance of this professionally restored instrument is remarkable and and ‘very-high-end collectors quality.’

Considering the age, outstanding condition, and additional care taken in restoring this Minimoog, we are confident that she will see at least another 40 years of faithful operation. Being a Minimoog, this is naturally an excellent investment and an everyday useable music instrument.

This example is sold with a full 3 months warranty and can run either US or EU voltage through the power switch on the rear-panel.

Price: £4990 GBP.

Availability: This Minimoog #12655 is now SOLD as at 26th September 2016.

Click on the thumbnails for higher resolution photos.

 

 

BUY THIS MINIMOOG

EMS Synthi AKS

Came into stock:  December 2014

Servicing Status: Full restoration by KSR has just been completed.

Remarks: A rare opportunity to own your EMS Synthi AKS in excellent pro-restored condition, and has some great modifications to extend it’s functionality.

This Synthi AKS has a really interesting and genuine provenance as it was purchased new by the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester (UK) from EMS back in the 1970s. The Synthi was used for electroacoustic educational programs right up until the 90s, but then stored. The person we purchased it from was a student there and acquired it from the college when they were upgrading their music department about 18 years ago, and it had remained unused since.

When KSR received the Synthi AKS, and they got on with some preliminary restorative cleaning work, it revealed a really lovely cosmetic condition machine, and the electronics inside were in almost pristine condition. We know that the college had some modifications implemented to the synth, which very nicely extended the functionality, but this instrument was clearly well looked after. As part of the restoration work KSR have carried out, all these mods have been tested and everything checked out perfectly.

There is no documentation on the modifications, but from what we can determine through testing, the following has been implemented:

>VCO 1 assign to LFO mode switch
>VCO 2&3 wave-shape invert switch
>VCO 1,2&3 wave-shape assign switch
>VCO 2&3 extended wave-shape control knobs
>Envelope auto-trigger disable switch
>Reverb dry/wet enable switch
>Multi-turn potentiometers on the Input Level 1&2 controls (very useful for fine tuning).

The Synthi AKS is an extremely powerful synthesizer in standard spec, but these mods can really take the synth to a different level altogether.

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 Moog Modular’ prices.

This EMS Synthi AKS comes with a full compliment of Matrix pins. KS inter-connect cable, and of course the power cable. It can operate on either EU 220V or US 110V (switchable), and it is sold with our normal 3 month warranty.

Sales Price: £9,900 UK Pounds.

Availability: This Synthi AKS is now SOLD as at 22nd April 2016.

Pictures below of actual Synthi AKS for sale, so please click on the Thumbnails for higher resolution photos.

BUY THIS SYNTHI AKS

Korg Sigma

Came into stock: Arrived at RL Music in October 2015.

Servicing status: Servicing was carried out by KSR late October 2015.

Estimated time from servicing: Available for sale now.

Remarks: We have just managed to pick up this really nice original condition Korg Sigma which is now ready for sale.

The Sigma is an unusual instrument that approaches the whole ‘being a synth’ from quite a different perspective, and these quirky instruments are what makes vintage synths so interesting. It’s bi-timbric for starters, meaning it can play its presents and the separate synth section simultaneously. It also has aftertouch and joystick controls for some really useful expressive input

The VCO/VCF combination are very powerful and pure in tone, so the Sigma has a nice raspy edge to it reminiscent of the MS20 in some ways. You can certainly drive some nasty Bass & synthy effects (ring-mod etc) out of it, along with more traditional synth-lead sounds. Hard to put a finger on the sound character to be honest but it’s different, and in todays music that’s just what musicians are looking for.

Why Korg produced something so unusual is a bit of a mystery, but the world is a better place for it.

Runs on EU 220V. The Sigma will be sold with a 3 month warranty & supplied with a user-manual (on PDF).

Guide Price Post-Servicing: £650 GBP

Availability: This Korg Sigma is now SOLD as at 25th August 2016.

Pictures of actual Korg Sigma for sale below, so please click on the thumbnails for higher resolution photos.

BUY THIS SIGMA

Roland Jupiter 8

Came into stock: Oct 2015

Servicing Status: Fully pro-restored and ready for sale.

Remarks: We are offering this highly restored & exquisite condition Roland Jupiter 8 for sale – this comes from the private ‘RL Music Collection.’

We often need to subject these models to extensive operational and cosmetic restoration to bring them up to the highest possible standard, however, this actual JP8 had already gone through this process in late 2015. We purchased & restored this JP8 for our own private collection, but have some new projects to invest into (big vintage Modulars), so are look to raise some funds through the sale of this immaculate example.

We call this ‘Total Restoration’ and the work produces an almost factory new-looking machine as all the metal the panels have been stripped and re-sprayed & screen-printed, and the aluminum end-cheeks re-anodised. All the electronics have been completely overhauled, key-bed refurbished and even a brand new new perspex display etc. This is the highest level restoration we can offer for these wonderful vintage synthesizers. RL Music has developed this highly specialised service for the Jupiter 8 as professionally prepared instruments of this standard are in such high demand from customers with high expectations of quality. You will not find any other business around the world offering anything close this level of operational & cosmetic restoration.

The serial number of this JP8 is 222xxx, which means it’s a 14 bit version. The synth has already been retro-fitted with a new Kenton MIDI kit.

This is a professional/collector grade vintage instrument that’s only ever going to become more sought after and rare, so here is your opportunity to buy and absolutely beautiful all original example that’s got to be a keeper!

Runs on EU 220V, and is supplied with a owners manual (PDF) and factory patches loaded.

Price: £8500 GBP.

Availability: This 14 bit Roland Jupiter 8 is now SOLD as at 23rd March 2016.

Click on the thumbnails for photos of our previous ‘Total Restoration’ Jupiter 8 we sold, so you can see the amazing results & stunning quality of work achieved. We’ll get some high-res pictures of the actual example available shortly.

BUY THIS JUPITER 8

Yamaha CS80

We are Brokering this Yamaha CS80 for and on behalf of our UK client.

This CS80 is currently located at our restoration partners – KSR in Surrey, UK.

The CS80 is in good all original condition, so had not had any modifications fitted (no MIDI).  Our UK client has owned the CS80 since 1986 and had it well maintained by KSR.  Cosmetically it is in overall good condition but does show signs of wear & tear to the control surfaces, but a full cosmetic restoration is available if a pristine finish is required (see upgrade options below).  To keep the CS80 competitively priced, we are selling this as-is in terms of cosmetic presentation, although KSR will carry out a full service to the synth to ensure it’s sold 100% perfectly working & guaranteed.

The CS80 has already been fully assessed by KSR, and checks out as a very good working example, so is now only due a full service, which will be carried out post-sale – this is included in the sales price.

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 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.

All the RL Music supplied CS80s are serviced/restored by the world renown CS80 expert Kent Spong of KSR (Kent Spong Restorations) in London. Sound on Sound magazine (SOS) did an interview article on Kent, which you can find here:

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

Warranty Provided:

The CS80 would be sold with a 3 month warranty as standard which covers all parts and labour and telephone/Skype technical support. KSR also provide full after-sales technical support for the CS80 by phone, email and Skype post-warranty. KSR are world renown CS80 experts and currently support hundreds of these models around the world for professional musicians/studios and enthusiasts etc.

Upgrade Option 1:
If Midi is required on the CS80 then we are able to supply and install the Kenton Midi retrofit Kits for an additional £850 GBP. Payment for the Midi Kits must be made in advance along with the deposit mentioned below.

Upgrade Option 2:
Total-Restoration Upgrade
All aspects of the CS80 cosmetic and operational integrity are addressed including re-tolexing all the exterior, re-painting and screen printing all control surfaces and considerable electronic overhaul and upgrade. This work can take up to 12 weeks to complete from receipt of deposit.  For more information on what is included in this ultimate upgrade option then please call or email us for details. The Total-Restoration Upgrade Option costs £3500 GBP. (does not include upgrade options 1, 3 & 4)

Upgrade Option 3:
Wood Surround (in Walnut) beautifully hand crafted by Lamond Design for an additional £750 GBP.

Upgrade Option 4:
KSR have designed the special modification for the CS80 (The Cascade Unison Mod ) so that if you press a single note then you get all 16 VCOs but if you press 2 notes together then it’s 8 voices per note..then 4 notes its 4 VCO’s per note etc etc. Thus meaning that it’s a kind of polyphonic unison, and offers new creative control of the powerful sound the CS80 delivers. Nearly all CS80’s we have sold in the last few years have had these fitted and it definitely adds great sonic value with no impact on the systems reliability or longevity. The Cascade Unison Mod costs £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 in most cases we are unable to supply these orignal accessories to the new owner. However, this CS80 we are Brokering does come with the original, chrome stand & carry-bag, wheels (not recommended for use) and Its original lid.

This CS80 operates on EU220V.

Price: £10990 GBP

Availability: This CS80 is now SOLD as at 28th January 2016.

Pictures of the actual CS80 for sale (customer supplied) are below. We will get some more pictures done ourselves as soon as we collect the CS80 from KSR – possibly w/c 25th Jan 2016.


BUY THIS CS80

Prophet T8

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

Came into stock: 16th January 2016

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

Remarks: The Prophet T8 represents the pinnacle of the Sequential product line and with MIDI implementation and built in facilities like the wooden weighted keyboard and polyphonic after-touch. This Curtis chipset based system is is a joy to use and a high-grade professional instrument.

Our restorers, KSR, are experts at preparing these models and the superb example that we are Brokering here was actually fully pro-restored by RL Music & sold to its owner some 6 years ago, so its good to see it back again. This example is a really outstanding cosmetic and operational condition synth having only had home use by our customer, although the T8 will go though a full and extensive servicing again by KSR to ensure it’s ready for the new owner.

The serial number of this T8 is 00683, and is running under operating system ROMs version 3.4

As with all Brokered Sales, the synth will be fully restored 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 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 T8 is sold with a 3 month warranty, comes with the original owners manual, IEC power-cable (UK-plug) and runs on either 110V or 220V.

Guide Price Post-Restoration: £4290 GBP.

Availability: This T8 is now SOLD as at 18th January 2016.

Pictures of the actual Prophet T8 for sale are below, so please click on the thumbnails for higher resolution shots.

BUY THIS T8

VCS3 Mk1 & DK2

We are Brokering this vintage EMS VCS3 Mk1 & DK2 for and on their behalf of our UK customer.

Restoration Status: Restoration is now complete on both instruments (Nov 2015) by our RL Music Service Partner – KSR (Kent Spong Restorations), so both items are ready for sale & shipping now!

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 43+ 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.

Also, having the slightly later EMS DK2 Keyboard Controller is a real bonus as some players like having the option of a more traditional playing style whilst using the VCS3, as well as having the natural hard-core experimental nature of the synth via drones & the joy-stick useage etc. So the VCS3 certainly benefits from accessing the synth via this keyboard, and it provides a complete package for anyone looking for the genuine article in terms of an true vintage EMS analogue controller, and a third VCO in fact (on board the DK2).

We are Brokering this vintage EMS system for our UK owner who had both instruments kept in his professional London studio for the best part of 30 years. The owner admitted that neither the VCS3 of DK2 has seen much use in production, so felt it was time now to let someone else enjoy using these amazing machines. Both the synth and keyboard were well taken care of during the last 3 decades, and upon early assessment from our restoration guru – Kent at KSR, he commented that the internals of the VCS3 “looked like new” & not 40 years old!

Although both the VCS3 Mk1 ‘Putney’ & DK2 had been very well looked after, we have asked KSR to carry out an extensive ground-up restoration to bring bring both items back to their 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 to be stripped back to bare wood and re-finished by hand (preserved patina).
>Control Panels deep-cleaned (vary carefully).
>Every control component (potentiometers/switches/matrix panel) stripped, cleaned & lubricated
>Each original Matrix pin cleaned & tested.
>Power-Supply re-capped & distribution PCB upgraded, calibrated.
>Replacement chrome Cliff caps/inserts for some knobs.
>Brand new power cable.
>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. These are costed options, so are additional to the sales prices listed at the bottom of this page:

VCO stabilisation modification implemented in line with EMS guidelines = £400 GBP
A brand new (full) set of gold-plated matrix pins supplied (from EMS) = £240 GBP

Inevitably, there are some parts that have needed replacement (mostly ageing capacitors). We always work alongside EMS technical guidelines to ensure we can keep the authenticity of these 40+ year old synths intact, so no components that would effect the sound will be changed unless we absolutley have too, and even then, we will only source NOS parts from the same production era. Also, we will not replace the original cabinet, or get the panels repainted/screen-printed, so both instruments are going to be kept 100% original. The final presentation on both items (as you can see from the pictures below) is stunning, and offers an excellent investment if you have been looking for a ‘keeper’ for your own collection.

Price:

Mk1 VCS3 ‘The Putney’ and DK2 Keyboard Controller = £11,480 GBP

Availability: This EMS VCS3 MK1 Putney & DK2 are now SOLD as at 24th May 2016.

Pictures of the actual VCS3 Mk1 and DK2 for sale are below, so please click on the thumbnails for higher resolution shots.

BUY THIS VCS3 PUTNEY/DK2

Moog Prodigy

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

Came into stock: Arrived at RL Music in October 2015.

Restoration Status: KSR has already serviced the Prodigy, so it’s ready to ship now!

It’s been a little while since we have had a Moog Prodigy in stock so we are delighted to see this old friend. This is a really super monosynth, full of thick sonic Moogyness, and lighter than air itself.

This Moog Prodigy was purchased by the current owner from a UK seller around 5 years ago (an ex-BBC synth apparently), and had it fully serviced at that time by an experienced synth tech in his country. We can verify the condition is very good, with the synth fully working.

KSR has just fully served the Prodigy and completely restored the wood cabinet, so this has been re=finished, stained and waxed by hand, so looks really beautiful.

The overall cosmetic condition is excellent on the front-panel (and cabinet of course), although there is a mark on the lower-back panel, but this is highlighted to you for full disclosure. Also, the felt bottom’s from all the knobs have been removed at some point, although this is quite common on these style of knob, but this does not obviously effect the visuals when playing the synth, but it’s something we also wanted to mention.

The Prodigy works perfectly and is sold with our standard 3 month warranty.

This example is a late version (1984) with the full compliment of CV/Gate I/O on the rear-panel – Model 3368X. It operates on EU/UK 220-240V via a standard IEC connector on the rear.

Guide Price: £890 GBP.

Availability: This Moog Prodigy is now SOLD as at 21st January 2016.

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

BUY THIS PRODIGY

Oberheim Matrix 12

We are Brokering this Matrix 12 for and on their behalf of a UK client

Came into stock: Arrived at RL Music in October 2015.

Restoration Status: KSR has already fully undertaken a full service of the synth during November.

ETR (estimated time from restoration): Available for sale now!

Remarks: These wonderful vintage synths are so hard to find these days in really fine condition, so when our client contacted us about selling theirs, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to be able to offer this.

The Oberheim Matrix 12 is a fully midi configured 12 voice Polysynth with keyboard velocity – an excellent addition to any analogue set-up and has to be heard to be believed. The M12 offers a deep programmable architecture for those of you into tweaking but can also be a very user friendly hands-on preset machine with quick access for live use. This means they sit between that digital and analogue medium perfectly and are arguably the best of the hybrid technology of the early to mid 1980’s.

Once you’re familiar with the comprehensive programming interface of the Matrix 12 you have one of the most powerful analogue systems ever made. The M12 was the last of the old Oberheim analogue synth technology, was beautifully designed and a powerhouse of thick analogue goodness that was tragically lost from just about every synth made after, when we all decided that the DX7 was the future!

This Matrix 12 operates on EU 220V & US 110V.

Guide Price Post-Restoration: £4500 UK Pounds

Availability: This Matrix 12 is now SOLD as at 2nd December 2015.

KSR very kindly sent us through some pictures of the actual Matrix 12 for sale after the servicing was completed (see below), but these are a little dark to see a lot of detail, so we will get some more high-res pictures done ourselves as soon as we collect the Matrix 12 from KSR – hopeful w/c 30th November.

BUY THIS MATRIX 12

Synthacon Mk2

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

Another ultra-rare version of this amazing vintage synthesizer, the Mk2 Synthacon is a truly outstanding mono-synth that is on of the worlds best kept synth-secrets.

The Synthacon is a 3 VCO system that uses a diode based 2-pole resonant low/band/highpass VCF, and simple but clever modulation routing that gives this machine true sonic magic. The resonance power does not diminish thought the filter range – stunning!. The specs don’t really tell you anything really as it’s all about the sound and complex possibilities.

The Synthacons were designed and hand made by Nyle Steiner himself. The were produced under the synthesizer company called Steiner-Parker, which was a small business working out of Salt Lake City in the mid 1970s. The Steiner-Parker business was a jointly owned by Nyle, Dick Parker and a third partner. More info Nyle here: http://www.patchmanmusic.com/NyleSteinerHomepage.html

There were essentially 2 versions of the Synthacon – we also have a immaculate Mk1 for sale at the moment, but we present here the duophonic Mk2 version, which is distinctive in its black-face livery.

This actual instrument has just gone (Nov 2015) through a complete professional cosmetic & operational restoration in the USA, so is sold with a full warranty. Here is a summary of the work completed:

Power supply rebuilt, all capacitors replaced (circuitry, audio, PSU), all controls cleaned (pots, jacks, switches), replaced fuse, replaced trigger button, replaced all switch-nuts, keyboard completely rebuilt (buss-bars + j-wire polished, all pivot points re-lubed, new bushings), and completely calibrated. Also has new keys, new screws, new handle, new walnut wood cabinet, and new knobs.

This Mk2 Synthacon is in outstanding cosmetic condition, but there is a mark in the VCO 3 section that you can see from the pictures. We mention this for full disclosure, but the panel has been left completely original to retain its authenticity, although this could be restored by us in the UK if preferred (a costed option – please enquire).

These instruments were all hand made, and the design & construction of the synth reflects that (genuine) boutique feel to the synth, but the heart of it all is the sound and flexibility of this unique machine. A true masterpiece of simplicity and power in such an unassuming package. A synth for the connoisseur you might say.

We all appreciate that there are a small, but very distinguished, list of vintage synthesizers that transcend all logic, commercially speaking. Why indeed we should would want them so badly is sometimes difficult to explain, but electronic music instruments from Buchla, EMS, Serge, and many vintage Moog synths etc., are all held in high regard for being something special…vintage in fact (by definition). The Synthacon is in this special group of exotic vintage electronic music technology.

The Synthacon Mk2 is based in the USA (runs on 110V), so the cost of shipping, and any applicable import duties are not covered in the advertised sales price below. For a quote to ship it to you the please contact Richard at RL Music directly to discuss your requirements etc.

Guide Price: £8490 GBP.

Availability: This Steiner-Parker Synthacon Mk2 is no longer available for sale, this listing was updated in November 2015.

Pictures of actual Synthacon Mk2 for sale are below (client supplied), so please click on the Thumbnails for higher resolution photos.

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Moog Minimoog #4364

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

Came into stock: Arrived at RL Music 28th October 2015, so is available to demo by appointment.

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

We are very pleased to be able to offer a stunning pro-restored Minimoog (serial number 4364) manufactured in 1974 utilising the early Oscillator PCB, and has the buffer-board fitted for better scaling accuracy. Other clues to its age are the typical smooth modulation/pitch wheels. These earlier Minimoogs all have a lovely thick and warm character to them – there is something special about owning an early model that become immediately apparent once you start playing it, it’s about the sound…delicious!

The Moog was imported into the EU over a decade ago from California were it was in continual service for most of its life and well maintained. The current owner has lovingly cared for it whilst in his possession, which included the investment into its full restoration 3 years ago.

The overall cosmetic condition is excellent for such an early model (41 years old) although there is some wear as you might expect. These iconic Moog synths are the most beautifully made and conceived electronic music instruments, and for many people, a life long ambition to own. If you’re going to buy a Minimoog then you would want to have one that’s been properly restored, and this example is certainly a worthy contender for anyones wish-list.

There is an informative website dedicated to the Minimoog serial number history and registrations here:
Lords of the Mini
http://monsite-orange.fr/MiniMoog/page1/index.html

In 2012 this Minimoog went through a complete professional restoration which covered every possible aspect of the instrument, both operationally & cosmetically. The original cabinet was retained and re-finished to ensure authenticity, but as examples go, this is pretty much a perfect Minimoog. Our client did send us a considerable library of pictures covering the restoration, which is impressive to say the least, so these will be made available upon request.

This Minimoog can run either 220V or 110V (switchable).

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 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.

Guide Price: £4990 GBP.

Availability: This stunning Vintage Minimoog is now SOLD on reserve, as at 8th December 2015.

Picture of actual Minimoog for sale below (customer supplied), so please click on the thumbnails for higher resolution photos. We’ll get some of our own pictures sorted out shortly and post them here as well.

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Prophet 5 Rev 2

We are Brokering this very rare Prophet 5 Rev 2, for and on behalf of our UK client.

This Prophet 5 Rev 2 has been fitted with Kenton Midi, and it has been previously fully pro-restored by James Walker of Synth Repair Services (within the last 3 years).

As always, opinions circulate about the good, bad and differences between the Rev 2 and Rev 3 Prophets but the fact remains that the SSM based Rev 2 simply sounds (a lot) better. Its a significantly more rounded and fuller sound (trying to avoid the word fat you’ll notice) and the fabled SSM oscillators and filters work beautifully within this earlier Dave Smith designed synth.

The system architecture does differ quite significantly to the later versions, in particular with the abundant use of the SSM chipset throughout, but that’s the point of the Rev 2 and why its the most coveted model of all the Prophet lineage. Reliability is sometimes muted as a reason to avoid them, but regular use and good care is the key to longevity with any vintage analogue hybrid device and we have seen no less or more reliability with the Rev 3 platforms – and we have seen quite a few of both. However, we have a twist to the tail here with this example as it’s had a lot of attention paid to it to make it the best it can possibly be, so read on….

What helps this particular Rev 2 in the (no expense spared) attention by the owner to have the synth improved/upgraded, some details of what has been done as follows:

All capacitors have been replaced.
A brand new Power-Supply has been fitted
New trimmers for all VCOs fitted
New resistors for the Auto-Tune circuit fitted
New DAC installed
Lots of Logic chips replaced
Kenton MIDI installed
Cassette interface installed
Full key-bed overhaul & bushings replaced

In addition to the above, new Riku firmware has been installed – for more information on this extensive upgrade option please click the link:

http://www.analog.fi/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11&Itemid=9

The new firmware has lots of excellent features, like unison modes, new 2nd LFO, auto-tune improvements, front panel always live etc. Perhaps the perfect Rev 2..!

So, this beautiful instrument has been meticulously maintained, and in regular (home) use since the current owner purchased it in from the USA in 2011. Prior to this, we have no history on the Prophet 5, but it’s fair to say that this example is probably the best we have ever seen, and we’re very excited to be able to Broker it for our client.

This Rev 2 Prophet 5 is in 100% original cosmetic condition, with the panels (paint & screen printing) in excellent condition. You can actually see this Prophet 5 Rev 2 featured on the Vintage Synth Explorer website covering the Prophet 5 as it was used as the photo example for their webpage (pre-restoration & before the current owner purchased it) – link below:

http://www.vintagesynth.com/sci/p5.php

We have already had our vintage synth restoration experts – KSR, fully service this Rev 2, so it’s ready for sale now.

This is a fantastic opportunity to buy (arguably) the ‘best Prophet 5 to have,’ and the price has been agreed with our client to keep it as competitive as possible, bearing in mind the large investment already made into this perfect example.

The Prophet 5 Rev 2 is sold with our full 3 month warranty, runs on EU 220V, and is supplied with a flight-case – although please note that we won’t ship it anywhere in a flight-case, so collection only if the flight-case is wanted.

Price: £5500 GBP.

Availability: This Prophet 5 Rev 2 is now SOLD as at 27th October 2015.

Click on the thumbnail for higher resolution photo of actual synth.

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Roland Juno 60 VSE

Custom Roland Juno 60 – Very Special Edition (VSE)

Are you after the perfect Juno 60 – something very special?

We are delighted to announce that we have purchased another Juno 60 which has been custom finished to become one of our VSE Models – colour is white.

The RL Music ‘RESTORATION’ page on this website actually features the project restoration of these special Editions, and we have previously sold 18 Juno 60 VSE.

Came into stock: September 2015

Restoration Status: Customisation/Restoration work now underway.

Remarks: What’s a Juno 60 VSE?  Well, these customised versions have some very nice cosmetic restoration, and a complete operational refurbishment to produce a unique Juno 60.  Here are the highlights:

>Brand new solid Oak cabinets were hand made by Lamond Design.

>Panels are stripped and repainted, (black or white) – to RL Music specifications. The panels were then screen-printed using different graphic colours to complement the background finish.

>We supply & fit a new Minerva MIDI kits.

>KSR final assembly and fitting of MIDI kits PLUS full electronic overhaul and key-bed refurbishment, staining and hand finishing of wood cabinets and then 7 day soak-test.

>Total Custom Project Restoration time takes up to 10 weeks, involves 10 people in 8 different specialist businesses and cost over£1000 on each synth in restoration alone.

As you can see from the pictures, the results are fantastic – these instruments have been prepared to the very highest standard possible. The Minerva MIDI kits provide full SysEx control of the Juno and come pre-loaded with a full compliment of excellent patches.

Due to the amount of time & effort and funds invested into both these special examples they are sold with a full 6 months warranty, and the synth runs on EU voltage (220V).

Price Post-Restoration: £2450 UKP

Availability: This Juno 60 VSE is now SOLD as at 25th September 2015.

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