Came into stock: In stock and available – 16th May 2013.

Restoration Status: Recently fully serviced in Q1 2013.

Remarks: The DX5 packs some serious bi-timbric synthesis power, and even by todays standards is a serious pice of kit, and sounds massive!

Operationally speaking, the DX5 is very close to the mighty DX1 but without the real estate and some performance features, which means it’s affordable for most people. This was Yamaha’s intention when it was released in 1985 as a professional grade instrument.

These models are quite hard to find these days in anything approaching decent condition so when our customer purchased this example he was after something at the top end of the quality scale.

From the customer supplied pictures you can see that this DX5 is in amazing condition, and it’s supplied with two ROM Cartridges.

This particular example was very recently fully serviced by KSR so in 100% perfect operational condition. Runs US 110V & EU 220V Voltage.

Guide Price Post-Restoration: £750 GBP.

Availability: This DX5 is now SOLD as at 20th May 2013

Click on the Thumbnails for higher resolution photos (customer supplied).

Came into stock:  April 2013

Servicing Status: Currently being serviced by KSR

ETR (estimated time from restoration): May 2013.

Remarks: The evolution of the Ensoniq Synthesizers from the ESQ-1 developed strongly into the VFX, which uses wavetable synthesis – like the PPG et al.

This model was a powerhouse of synth technology and even featured polyphonic aftertouch, inbuilt effects and 21 note polyphonic keyboard. Even by todays standards that’s impressive, although poly AT is exceptional!

Even if you don’t use the fantastic synth for its sounds (and why wouldn’t you?), you still have an excellent MIDI keyboard controller for your soft-synths, and it transmits Poly AT & velocity.

Operates on EU 220V and sold with a 3 month warranty.

Guide Price Servicing: £590 GBP

Availability: This Ensoniq VFX-SD is now SOLD as at 31st July 2013.

This item is in Stock

Came into stock: Arrived at RL Music on 8th January 2013

Restoration Status: This Synthex is at KSR now and currently undergoing full restoration.

ETR (estimated time from restoration): Should be ready by March 2013

Remarks: A truly stunning example of the mid version (Mk2) Elka Synthex – with the factory MIDI option delivered through the break-out-box (supplied). This Synthex could easily qualify as a collectors piece, and can be described as exemplary.

We reluctantly sold our own ‘in-house’ Elka Synthex back in April last year which we considered to be the best condition Mk3 example we had ever seen. This Synthex now in stock surpasses even our own machine and will represent a fine instrument for anyone looking for the best condition example in the world. KSR are conducting a full restoration on the operational side, as well as re-finishing the cabinet.

This Synthex operates on EU 220V.

Guide Price Post-Restoration: £7990 UK Pounds

Availability: This Synthex is now SOLD as at 3rd April 2013.

Came into stock: Due end of January 2013

Restoration Status: Awaiting servicing by KSR for early February.

ETR (estimated time from restoration): February 2013.

Remarks: It is amazing to think it’s been over 14 years since their arrival to the synth market, and a fine reputation Access has built for HQ analogue modeled synths. The Virus B is a fantastic synth by modern standards, with 24 voice Polyphony and 3 VCO per voice etc – powerful stuff & a lot of synth for the money.

Guide Price Post-Restoration: £490 UKP

Availability: This Access Virus B is now SOLD as at 15th February 2013

Came into stock: Due to arrive at RL Music in late January 2013

Restoration Status: Full service by KSR will commence in Early February 2013.

ETR (estimated time from restoration): February 2013

Remarks: We have an old friend coming back to us in the form of a former RL Music supplied Roland Jupiter 8. This particular example had going through our ‘Total Restoration’ cosmetic overhaul in 2009 (over £2K in restoration alone!) and represents one of the best condition Jupiter 8 in the world – fact!

Total Restoration means the panels has been stripped and re-sprayed & re-screen-printed and the end-cheeks re-anodised. All the electronics completely overhauled, key-bed refurbished, new perspex display etc. This is the highest level restoration we offer for these wonderful synths.

This example is a 12 bit version which also has the Encore MIDI kit fitted. The owner is downsizing his vintage synth collection and wanted his most prized synth to come back to us to find new home for. We will have KSR go over the synth as a standard process of our quality assurance, so it will be fully serviced and sold with a 6 month warranty.

It VERY are to see these ‘Total Restoration’ examples come onto the market so if you are after the ‘best of the best’ condition JP8 then here is your chance.

Guide Price Post-Servicing: £7500 UK Pounds

Availability: This JP8 now SOLD as at 2nd February 2013.

Library picture supplied below of a ‘Total Restoration’ JP8

This item is in Stock

Came into stock: November 2012

Restoration Status: Currently Being restored by KSR.

ETR (estimated time from restoration): December 2012

Remarks: We like to mix things up a bit from time to time and offer some unusual instruments so when this Powertran Transcendent Polysynth came to our attention, we snapped it up.

Designed by Tim Orr and featured as Kit built synth in the 1981 Edition of Electronics Today International magazine, this 4 note polyphonic evolution of Transcendent (2000) family actually uses Curtis (CEM) chipset tech and sounds really good!

Okay, it might look a little clunky and quirky but the reason we like it is the sound it produces, and a Curtis based polysynth for under a £1000 has to be worth a look. We’ll try and get some video, or at least some sound samples done for you, but you’re going to be impressed!

Cosmetically, this example is in great shape and was built but a skilled tech buy the look of it. KSR will be fully overhauling the synth so everything is going to be addressed, including rebuilding the key-bed etc. so this synth is going to shine and sing like new.

Guide Price Post-Restoration: £940 UK Pounds

Availability: This Powertran Transcendent Polysynth is now SOLD as at 9th February 2013

Picture of actual unit (pre-restoration).

This item is due in Stock

Came into stock: Due at RL Music 16th December 2012

Restoration Status: KSR will undergoing full restoration once in receipt of instrument from RL Music (by w/c 17th December 2012)

ETR (estimated time from restoration): January 2013

Remarks: Another really rare find which is in great condition, and a pretty serious piece of kit from the amazing Yamaha CS series on the 70s.

The SK30 is a 7 voice Polysynth that also featured Organ and String section – a Combo Synth. A feature rich synth of it day, with aftertouch as well for modulation options – it’s Yamaha’s answer to the Moog Opus 3 or Arp Quadra. Much of the technology, design and layout is shared with all the other ‘CS’ series of that time including the CS70M etc. The Polysynth is pretty punchy and the distinctive ‘CS’ resonant filter makes this a unique sounding instrument….al la CS50/60/80.

This SK30 operates on EU 220V.

Guide Price Post-Restoration: £845 UK Pounds

Availability: This SK30 is now SOLD as at 9th November 2013.

This item will soon be subject to restoration

Came into stock: Due to arrive at RL Music in Early December 2012

Restoration Status: Restoration by KSR will commence in December 2012.

ETR (estimated time from restoration): January 2013

Remarks: It’s great to have a Jupiter 8 back in stock and we are going to be subjecting this to our ‘Total Restoration’ cosmetic overhaul – so spending up to £2K in restoration alone!

Total Restoration means the panels will be stripped and re-sprayed & re-screen-printed and the end-cheeks re-anodised. All the electronics will be completely overhauled, key-bed refurbished, new perspex display etc. This is the highest level restoration we can offer for these wonderful synths and the finished machine will look & play like new.

This example is a 14 bit version. We are also offering a new Kenton MIDI kit to be fitted to this JP8, although the guide price below does not include that (supplied & fitted) option.

Guide Price Post-Restoration: £6990 UK Pounds

Availability: This JP8 is now SOLD on deposit as at 18th December 2012

Custom Roland Juno 60 – Very Special Edition (Black & White Versions)

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

We are delighted to announce that these ultra-high level custom finished Juno 60 have just been completed from their extensive restorations and are now available for sale.

The RL Music ‘RESTORATION’ page on this website actually features the project restoration of these two synths but here are the highlights about what has been done and invested into them:

In February 2012, KSR had totally disassembled 2 x Juno 60 to begin the project restoration.

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

>Customsynth stripped and had both Juno repainted, one in black & the other in white – to RL Music specifications. The panels were then screen-printed using different graphic colours to complement the background finish.

>We purchased 2 x Minerva MIDI kits to go with both synths.

>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 came to 6 months, involved 10 people in 8 different specialist businesses and cost £850 on each synth in restoration alone.

As you can see from the pictures, the results are fantastic and 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 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 both run on EU voltage (220V).

Price = £1950 GBP Each

Availability = White Version is now sold as at 31st August 2012

Availability = Black Version is now sold as at 16th September 2012

Click the thumbnails for higher resolution photos.

This item is currently being restored

Came into stock: Aug 2012

Restoration Status: Awaiting restoration by KSR.

ETR (estimated time from restoration): End October 2012

Remarks: Big & lush sounding vintage analogue polysynth these Xpanders, and you can carry it under your arm!

Seriously though, it’s a special synth and the example we have just bought is in really nice condition. The original owner had it for over 10 years but it’s been stored for the lat 5 so we’re having KSR undertake a full restoration on the synth.

The restoration work will include a full system overhaul, calibration & soak testing. The case, micro-switches & jack sockets will been deep cleaned plus the wood re-finished so it looks and works like new.

Guide Price Post-Restoration: £2550 UK Pounds

Availability: Now Sold as at 30th August 2012

Roland System 700 Lab Series Modular

This item is awaiting delivery to RL Music from the EU for restoration to commence

Came into stock: ETA w/c 16th July 2012

Restoration Status: Going through Restoration

ETR (estimated time from restoration): End of October 2012

Remarks: Finally a System 700 becomes available and we snapped it up before the seller said “ are you interested.” A very rare opportunity to dial into the pure System 700 sound without having to spend £40K to do so. With a Kenton Pro-2000 you have a 3 note poly modular.

Guide Price Post-Restoration: Estimated at £7990 to £8500 UKP

Availability: The System 700 Lab is now Sold as at 11th August 2012

This item is currently being restored

Came into stock: June 2012

Restoration Status: Awaiting replacement end-cheeks form Lamond Design and then final assembly and overhaul by KSR.

ETR (estimated time from restoration): End October 2012

Remarks: Very good condition which will have brand new end-cheeks manufactured for it and we have also purchased a new Minerva MIDI kit for the synth as well. This is a UK version and will be a very nice full MIDI spec example once ready.

Guide Price Post-Restoration: £2100 UKP

Availability: This instrument is now sold as at 19th October 2012

This item is currently being restored

This item is awaiting delivery to RL Music from USA for custom restoration to commence

Came into stock: 12th July 2012

Restoration Status: Now at KSR being stripped-down for restoration to commence.

ETR (estimated time from restoration): September 2012

Remarks: This is going to be the subject of a very special custom project called the ‘Vangelis Blade Runner Special Edition’ and full restoration will be carried out through KSR, Customsynth and Lamond Design. More details to follow.

Guide Price Post-Restoration: This is now sold – at 14th August 2012

Sequential Circuits Inc, Prophet 600

We don’t see many of these any more, and finding one in great condition is even less likely, so we were very pleased to get this P600 in stock.

The Prophet 600 was the fist commercially available synth to have MIDI as standard from the factory and this later version has 100 patch-memory. The sound is very reminiscent of the Prophet 5 but sports 2 on-board sequencers and an arpeggiator which is really useful & something the P5 lacked.

The P600 is a really excellent way to dial into that classic Prophet sound but much more affordable than it’s bigger brothers (P5,P10 & T8 etc). It has that wonderful vintage analogue warmth and can can kick out some powerful/edgy leads and effects…a great all-rounder and with character & vintage appeal.

This P600 has only just been fully serviced and is sold with a 3 month warranty from RL Music. lt will run on 110V or 220V and is supplied with its original owners manual.

Cosmetically it’s in excellent condition with little wear and clearly never been gigged. The synth was purchased from a UK collector and is a very nice example and plays beautifully. The only minor item of note is a small blemish to the top right of the front panel which looks like a production article under the paint so probably been there since new.

Price: 1490 UK Pounds

Availability: This synth is now sold as at 14th September 2012

Click on the thumbnails for higher resolution photos.

Oberheim OB-Xa – Very Special Edition

Finally, after over 6 months in detailed restoration we are delighted, and hugely proud, to present to you a very special edition 8 voice Oberheim OB-Xa.

As you can see, this is totally unique and one-off custom cosmetic finish, which we commissioned Jeff at Customsynth to work with us on, to look like the older SEM based Oberheim systems (2/4/8 Voice etc). The entire synth has been stripped – completely. The metal panels were stripped to the bare metal for the ground up restoration which had professional car grade paint (2 pack) applied and then oven baked, and then the bespoke graphics design and produced into screen for the screen printing process. The end-cheeks are the original wood items but re-finished in acrylic black lacquer which looks perfect with the SEM style panels and has a very hard and durable finish.

On the technical side for this project I worked with ‘Andy Jury from The Synth Proff’ who is an excellent & highly skilled UK based Synth Tech and he has worked countless hours to overhaul the entire electronic system, including the key-bed being refurbished and new bushes fitted. For your info on Andy, The Synthproff website can be found here: http://www.synthprof.com/index.html

In total there has been well over 200 hours of work invested into this OB-Xa and has involved several people over the last 6 months and the final results are stunning! If this restoration project had ben costed on an hourly rate then you’d be looking at several thousands of pounds having been spent to produce this synth to this level.

The reason why we decided to go for this special edition finish is that the original synth was in very poor cosmetic condition and we are unable to replicate the Oberheim paint/screen/lacquer finish that they used for the OB-Xa and OB8 etc. For some reason modern sprayers and printers just can’t do it. Faced with the choice of breaking up the OB-Xa for spares or being bold and undertaking this project…we thought it would be a great challenge to do what you see now.

We know this is not for everyone but if you are after a unique one-off OB-Xa that has had the highest level of professional restoration possible, looks stunning, works beautifully and will last for decades – then this is the one for you.

This Ob-Xa does not have a MIDI retrofit fitted but has the 120 memories option installed.

These pictures look good but still do not do this beautiful synth justice as it takes your breath away when you see in in the flesh!

This instrument is sold with a full 3 months warranty and runs on 110v and 230V voltage (switch on the rear panel). We do have a PDF copy of the Owners manual which will be supplied with the synth.

Price: £3950 UK Pounds

Availability: Sold on reserve as at 13th September 2012

Click on the thumbnails for higher resolution photos.