EMS SYNTHI AKS FOR SALE (#3)
 Rare Vintage Modular Analog Synthesizer by Electronic Music Studios

 

 

     


GENERAL INFO: 

This Synthi AKS modular synthesizer by Electronic Music Studios (London) Ltd. uses pins rather than patchcords to route signals and voltages. This is the same synthesizer engine as the VCS3 (the Putney) and Synthi A. We have the VCS3 studio version as well which we plan to put on the market when time allows. It sounds like nothing else and is THE sound effects machine of choice by nearly everyone who owns one. This synth has serious character and is perfect for creating deep organic sounds. If we didn't know better we'd swear it was ALIVE! :) Great for serious sound design, laser zaps, sweeps, growls, birds, blips, etc. You can hear it all over recordings by groups like Pink Floyd, Hawkwind, Brian Eno, Vince Clarke, Tangerine Dream, Jean-Michel Jarre, Klaus Schulze, Sonic Boom, Yes, Alan Wilder and many other very influential musicians from the 70s to today. Also used by the BBC Radiophonic Worshop on the Dr.Who soundtrack! 

Features 3 oscillators, a resonant lowpass filter, ring modulator, 2 inputs for external signal processing (some people used the Synthi AKS only for this - it sounds great), noise source, output filters, envelope / trapezoid generator, beautiful spring reverb, volt meter, joystick (a brilliant feature!). The biggest difference between the different models of Synthi is that the AKS has a touch keyboard with looping sequencer (recorder). This is an incredibly useful tool that's missing from the VCS3 and Synthi A. Lets not forget the built in speakers! This synth can be set to drone or you can use the automatic envelope feature so it triggers itself. You can also use the built in manual trigger button. It can also be triggered from a MIDI to CV converter. The Synthi AKS is the portable version of the VCS-3. Since its built into a suitcase, it makes it easy to transport. These dont show up for sale often. Don't miss your chance to own this vintage beast! Email us if you'd like to find out when we put other EMS gear up for sale.


CONDITION:

 Our items are as described, which means no typical surprise post-sale repair bills or serious flaws typical of most vintage gear deals! 

This AKS is in perfect working order and is a real pleasure to play. 

We replaced all pots in the synth section with the exception of the joystick range depth pot and the ones in the joystick itself.   This definitely wasn't necessary as the vintage pots were in good shape but we did it anyway because we knew it would greatly improve the feel of this AKS.  We also replaced the verniers which tend to slip after years of use and make tuning your oscillators a serious headache!  The result is an AKS that feels better than any stock vintage AKS and is of course free of crackle and super-smooth!  The difference is incredible and was well worth the time and money invested.

Cosmetics are nice for a used item of its type and age.  There are usual signs of use like scuffs/scratches on the case and wear of some of the lettering around the patchbay.  One of the knobs is missing the metal insert that would normally sit on top of it and a few of the other inserts are somewhat scratched, as can be seen in the photos.  This sale includes both a power cord and KS to Synthi cable, though the ones included may be different (but similar to) the ones pictured.  There is a little surface rust on the metal hardware on the outside of the case - something we've seen on most if not all Synthis we've seen.  It's got a clean bill of health and is performing better than any other vintage AKS we've seen.   All features, including the sequencer, were tested thoroughly and appear to be in full working order.  We didn't test all the patchpoints but the many we tested worked perfectly and don't expect there to be any issues with the other points (the patchbay's quite a simple mechanical device).

This AKS should make its new owner quite happy!

Don’t let our overly critical descriptions discourage you, check out the detailed photos above!

TERMS OF SALE
PRICE
CONTACT US email minime123@onebox.com

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