Synthfind

“Up for sale is this very rare to find MAPLIN 3800 Synthesizer!

It is a true analog monophonic synthesizer. The roots of the english MAPLIN models base on the ETI DIY Synthesizers from Australia.
This MAPLIN 3800 “Synthesiser” (look at the photos) was manufactured in England.

It has great sound capabilities because of the internal routing, the two VCOs (syncable), the noise generator, the S&H circuit (three different sources), three modulation sources, the ring modulator, the LFO, the VCF, the reverberation, the equalizer and the unique Transient circuit. The Transient is a kind of envelope that can be used to modulate several other components of the synthesizer. Like the Trapezoid circuit inside the EMS VCS3 and Synthi A synthesizers. The Transient circuit has got seven different pots for setting up and can also retrigger the synthesizer. Also there is a flexible kind of envelope for the VCA (ADDSR).

This offered synthesizer has got some issues: the two VCO input rotary switches for setting up the VCOs (the blue and the green very left ones) can not be turned without tongs! The switches have to be exchanged. The pot for setting up the noise color does not affect the noise color. The LED of the power supply is lose and needs to be fixed. Thats all. Technical everything works fine excepting the noise color pot. But noise is present and can be leveled from 0 to 100 percent. Even the VCO input rotary switches work normal excepting the strong torque they need to be switched. The installed knobs on them can’t hold this strong torque and so they turn without any effect.

Sounds great without any noise on the audio path.

At the back you find several connector sockets. As there are: Foot switches for Trigger and for Glide, external audio input (can be routed through the filter and be used to synchronise the Envelope and the Transient to other sound sources) Here for there is at the front panel the section “EXTERNAL I/P”. With this the external audio can be setup in sensitivity and trigger level. Also there is a separate output socket for the trigger and the retrigger, and for the audio output. At least there is a multi connector called “COMPUTER”. But i don’t know anything about it. I think it corresponds to the section “COMPUTER” at the front panel.

Unit works on 220 – 240 Volt. You will probably need an voltage converter to use this synthesizer or you replace the mains transformer inside.” Link

“Maplin ETI Spectrum Synthesizer

I am reluctantly selling my lovely Maplin Synth due to an unexpected repair bill for a car I have only just bought!!!

This has been in my loft for many years now. I have been meaning to get it up and running fully but just have never
found the time. Its not the sexiest build – they didn’t splash out on the front panel, but it kinda looks shabby chic cool!

It does power up and makes an awesome analogue sound when you press some of the keys BUT there are
at least 3 wires disconnected on the boards inside. They have become detatched at some point during transport
from my parents house to mine and never dealt with. The back panel and the keyboard is not screwed in place.
I was going to try and make it rack mounted!

It did used to work well and create some of the most amazing fat sounds – this synth is unique! … and quite rare!

I reckon it wouldn’t take much to get it going again, it just needs some TLC and some re-connecting.
The very top end key is broken. It sticks up further than the rest. Maybe a spring or lever broken.
Here are the PDF of construction notes so it should be a doddle to trace where the wires go.

I wasn’t the person who built it, I just bought it from someone many moons ago, when at that time it
worked very well …” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.

“Firstly, this is NOT a synthesiser. It’s a machine for travelling through time and space – sideways. Transport yourself to the far flung corners of the universe and beyond. For some of you, it may be a one way ticket…

As is often the case with these rare beasts, a lot of work initially needed doing. Jim at ‘Singing Cat Services’ has been a godsend, performing shamanic rewiring rituals, voodoo based calibration and much cat orientated strangeness.

Everything works apart from the headphone circuit – currently disconnected. All the other knobs/switches function. Each Osc has had a sync mod fitted, but Osc 4 is best used as an LFO (tuning issues). The front panel has a very slight (but jaunty) curve too it, and the woodwork reeks of 1976 (laminate – very slight peeling to one corner).

So, if you’re looking to recreate the BBC radiophonic workshop, or have just got too old to drop acid, this is the tool for you! ” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.

“Verkaufe meinen Maplin 5600 Synthesizer. Der Maplin 5600 sicherlich einer der interessantesten Synthesizer überhaupt, die je gebaut wurden. Er ist eindeutig inspiriert durch die EMS Klassiker, geht aber in seinen Funktionen weit über die EMS Geräte hinaus. Der 5600 hat 4 Oscillatoren, Sync, Cross Modulation über die Matrix, 2 Filter mit Resonanz, drei Hüllkurven, Hall, LFO etc. Der Signalfluss muss wie beim VCS 3 oder AKS frei auf der Matrix gepatched werden. Dabei kann man ein Signal mithilfe mehrerer Pins auf verschiedene Ziele routen.

Der Maplin kann durchaus voll und rund klingen aber auch sehr experimentell und eigenständig. In dem letzten Punkt liegt seine Stärke. Der Maplin kann Dinge, die kein anderes Gerät auf der Welt kann.

Das Gerät ist optisch wie man auf den Fotos auch gut sehen kann in einem wirklich sehr guten Zustand. Der technische Zustand ist in den Kernfunktionen gut aber insgesamt nicht bis ins letzte Detail perfekt. Wie bei allen Geräten dieser Zeit ist eine gründliche Reinigung sicherlich hilfreich, wenn man ein perfektes Gerät haben will.

Zu den wesentlichen Punkten:

Bei den Oscillatoren sind die Oktavwahlschalter bei OSC 1 und 4 sehr schwergängig.
Beide Filter funktionieren, ebenso die drei Hüllkurven und VCAs
Hall funktioniert, Phaser Effekt ist eher schwach
Die Matrix funktioniert. Es lässt sich ohne weiteres auf der Matrix ein Standard-Signalfluss mit den kleinen Pins (wie beim VCS 3 oder AKS) patchen. Bei einigen Patchpoints auch durchaus mal den Pin etwas bewegen, um den Kontakt ohne Kratzen herzustellen. Es werden die auf den Fotos ersichtlichen Pins mitgeliefert.
Joystick funktioniert bei Pitch Bend. Ich hatte aber Probleme andere Funktionen zu patchen, das mag an der Matrix liegen.
Die Tastatur funktioniert grds. gut und triggert ordentlich. Die Tasten unter dem tiefsten C funktionieren nicht; kein ernsthaftes Problem, da die Tastatur recht groß ist.

Infolge der Komplexität des Gerätes und insbesondere der Matrix ist es allerdings unmöglich, alles durchzutesten. Es muss also einfach einkalkuliert werden, dass ggf. irgendetwas nicht perfekt funktioniert. Wer sich mit diesen Geräten auskennt, weiss, was ich meine.

Der Maplin ist kein Gerät für Anfänger und Leute die schnelle Ergebnisse brauchen, sondern die ultimative Maschine für fortgeschrittene Klangforscher.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.

”

Very rare beast from the late 1970s / early 1980s. Sold by Maplin electronics as a kit as well as pre built. Condition is superb for its age, only a few light marks here and there. Wooden case is like new!
2 Osc + LFO aand some very unusual features i have never found on other synths

This is just fantastic for weird and wonderful tones and effects

Heres a link to a demo i have found. http://soundcloud.com/quellor-gutang/maplin-3800

Each osc has its own controls and can be triggered from Keyboard & LFO MOD, MOD, Key, or switched off. 7 octave selection switch and low osc selection, free run osc, square wave shape, 5 x waveform selections. Osc output can then be routed to a choice of, No o/p,filter,envelope, direct to the output,VCA

External input with controls for triggerung envelopes from what i can see. LFO speed control, Sample/hold, Noise generator, glide, tune. Various VCA trigger modes, Filter section with frequency and resonance and also various trigger modes. Transient envelope, Envelope, 5 band graphic eq

Even has a built in spring reverb. I have to say this has far more features and routing than any mono synth i have ever had and im not exactly sure how to use it.

As far as working condition i would say its just about all good and working as far as i can tell. All keys trigger, both oscs are working and all there functions are ok. LFO is working as is the vca and vcf. Output is a bit noisey but this may just be down to age of parts

Selling as basicly working but may want a service and a good tune up to make perfect. This is a complicated bit of kit so not for the faint hearted. I can include all the circuits and build info that was issued with the synth

I have listed this as best i can to my limited knowledege. Although sold as basicly working there is NO returns as its 30 years old and a collectors item” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.

“ETI Maplin 4600 Analogue Synthesiser

Electronics Today International/Maplin Analogue Synthesiser circa 1975 that would have been originally purchased in kit form.

Here is a full description taken from another website (I can remove this if anyone takes exception):

4 x VCOs
2 x VCFs
2 x VC Variable state filters
1 x Reverb unit
1 x VCLFO
2 x VC Mixers
1 x Noise/Sample & Hold module
1 x DRF
1 x Ring Modulator
2 x Dual ADSR modules
2 x Dual VCAs
1 x Dual Envelope Generator
1 x VC Envelope Generator
1 x D-A Convertor
1 PA

“The forerunner to the mighty 5600s, has the same 4 osc’s, but has 2 multi mode (lp,bp,hp) filters, these are 12db and lack resolution, but do have a unique character. The filter circuit can be modified to the specs of the powerful 24db resonant filters found in the 5600s without too much trouble. I’ve got one of each in my unit, the 4600 has a slightly smaller 22×22 patch matrix ala EMS pin board so modulation and patching options are mind boggling, it also has 5 mixers, 2 ring modulation amps, LFO, switchable noise 2 transient and envelope generators, 2 external inputs so outside sounds can be procesed, as well as its old spring reverb and a multiband EQ. It lacks the 5600s nice phaser though. All in all a truely massive synth, if well made easily gives the ARP 2600, EMS or smaller Moog mods a kick up the ossc, especially with one of the 2 filter mod to 24 db res type.”

Points to note:

* The synth is not in working order, but apparently did once work. Some of the wires have become detatched and all the connecters between the power supply and circuit boards are disconnected. I have minimal electronics experience so I thoroughly suggest it is totally checked over before switching on.
* The synth has been untouched for the last 20 years during which time has been kept in dry storage.
* There is no keyboard, though I am sure a suitable one is relatively easy to obtain. I also believe it could be triggered from a PC.
* One knob is missing.
* One collet nut and bolt are missing.
* Four knobs are without their coloured caps.
* See photographs for general and cosmetic condition.
* Sale includes construction manual with schematics in PDF format on a CD and also a printed hard copy.
* The synth will be package well and with care for shipping.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.

“An absolute MONSTER of a full pinpatch Quad Oscillator modular Analog Synthesizer, that has had a lot of TLC… One owner from new, Me! in a pet, smoke and kid free home. …. It has been maintained in excellent working order. At time of advertising all electronic components are 100% functional.

It’s rare for one of these to come up for sale on e-bay at all…. let alone in the near minty condition that this particular synth is in. Not to mention that I’ve never seen one this complete come up for sale at all. This auction also includes all original manuals and the very rare original Demo Cassette.

All the pictures on this auction are the actual synth you are bidding on. So you can see for yourself the absolutely excellent condition it is in.

Now on to the other stuff….. This item is advertised elsewhere…. So if there are no serious bids (and by serious I probably mean exceeding the reserve) by the middle of this coming weekend, then it is more than likely that I will take this down off e-bay and sell it elsewhere. So if you’re really interested in it, you need to get your bids in sooner rather than later or it will no longer be available.

There is a reserve on this item! …. this is a cherished possession and I’m not looking at letting it go for nothing. The last reasonable one to come up on e-bay, quite a while ago now, sold for in excess of three and half thousand. The reserve on this one is nowhere near that high. But it is still a reasonable amount.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.