Category On the Bench (internal pictures)

In category On the Bench (internal pictures), Synthesizer Keyboards on  April 7, 2010  4 comments

This synth was used on the song Arecebo (string sound)

The sleeper synth of the last 20+ years. Produced in 1986, if I recall, it wasn’t a beloved machine. Of course now, people in the know snatch these up. (I know if I find another in good shape, I’ll buy it.)

The AX60 and the Roland Juno 106 are very much the same in the way of layout and patch programming.

The AX60 is a fairly rugged machine, easy to program, and a joy to sit in front of (it could use more blinky lights). It is one of my most loved synths at the moment.

I’ve had to crack this synth open a few times for a few minor repairs.

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In category On the Bench (internal pictures), Synthesizer Modules on  January 8, 2010  One comment

This synth was used on the song New Gods, New Ideas (The synth in the intro)

This is the rackmount version of the DW-8000, a hybrid digital/analog poly synth (except the EX-8000 does not have the arpeggiator). This is quickly becoming one of my favourite synths at the moment.

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Acquired: 2008

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In category On the Bench (internal pictures), Synthesizer Keyboards on  January 8, 2010  3 comments

The one I found was a little road worn. It had one dead key, another couple of keys that were sluggish, and the volume slider needs some help (it only goes to 1/4 volume or to 11). Even with the dead key it can still be controlled fully via MIDI – which is how I normally control these synths anyway. And, when I record, the volume is cranked to send the most signal through the lines. So, a couple pretty easy fixes which aren’t even a priority for me.

Parts of this machine are pretty worn so I might do some custom work to it. I normally avoid doing major cosmetic changes but anything I do to this thing will be an improvement at this point. Perhaps a total paint job – Bright Red! I’m not sure yet. I need to crack it and see how the guts look first.

She’s a tired old girl but she sounds good ...

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In category On the Bench (internal pictures), Synthesizer Keyboards on  January 8, 2010  One comment

The classic Juno 106.

My 106 was in great shape when I bought it slightly used at a fair price around 1998. Sadly, it took a spill off the back of a keyboard rack, slid down the wall and by the time it reached the floor it lost several sliders. Thanks to the Interwebs I found a fellow in Hong Kong who had several aftermarket parts for the Juno 106. I ordered my replacement sliders (as well as a couple for future repairs). I also bought a fancy clear plastic pitch bender backlighted by a couple blue LED’s.

UPDATE 2010.10.06:...

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