Synthfind

“Up for bid is a Kitten synthesizer manufactured by Octave Electronics Inc.

Electronic Condition: The unit appears to be fully functional with two small issues:

- Pitch can become unstable sometimes if SH switch is pressed too hard (it looks like it needs some cleaning)

- A main volume knob goes from zero to maximum really fast – this doesn’t affect performance in any way

Visual condition: All knobs and slider plastics are present (check the picture), some blemishes on the paint can be found on close-up check – overall condition is good.” Link

“kommt frisch aus dem Service in gutem Zustand” Link

“Hey Guys,

Up for sale is my prized Voyetra Eight synth. Hate to sell the synth but I need to raise funds for a large equipment purchase. I bought the synth 6 years ago, when I bought it it was not working. I hired Peter from Double Take in NYC to rebuild the synth which He did over the course of a year. Peter replaced the mother board, filter cards, voice cards and upgraded the unit from a Revision 3 to a Revision 4. The synth is in perfect working condition, and average cosmetic condition. Its widely considered the greatest analog synth ever made, its pretty amazing. 8 voices, 8 filter cards, cool arp and definitely the nicest synth I have ever owned or played for that matter. I’d put it up with a CS-80 ….. I’ll really hate to see it go.

Here is a link to a video of me playing the synth (ebay won’t allow links so cut and paiste in your browser)
www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=rz2n-49j7fs” Link

“kommt frisch aus dem Service in gutem Zustand leider fehlen zwei Käppchen von den Schiebereglern ! bitte per Banküberweisung zahlen in Ausnahmefällen auch Nachnahme möglich ! / the machine is in good shape fresh out of service cleaned from the inside and in tune, two tops from the fader are misising ” Link

“This unit is used and very vintage. Needs a little calibration. All components work. I used it mostly for sound effects and you will never hear a creamier filter when self oscillating. Service is going to run you a couple hundred but it is clean and sweet.” Link

“Fully Functional, with Absolutely No Electrical Problems. This Synth is in Excellent Condition and has been well cared for. Everything works as it should. The only issues to note are a missing piece of the metal lining over the wood sides on the front right of the synth. Some knob caps have been replaced” Link

“An Octave Kitten from the late 70s, roughly along the lines of an ARP Axxe, or a single oscillator Octave Cat, which is of course very similar to an ARP Odyssey. If you compare features, you will notice that this is much more than simply half a Cat, just as the Axxe is more than half an Odyssey. You will have noticed the price of Cats these days too, of course.. I have been using this with my own Axxe for a poor man’s Odyssey, (with a Moog Ring Mod in there too), similar results, but considerably cheaper!

Didn’t buy this as a project, but arrived DOA.. been stored & unused since the 80s I think. So not abused, but certainly neglected.

Anyway.. cleaned the buss bars, which let you play it from the keys again.
Re-capped the power supply- replaced old electrolytics & tantalum capacitors.
Replaced an IC on the main PCB to bring the suboctaves back to life.
Cleaned all the sliders, pots, jacks & switches with De-oxit/ Faderlube, brought a couple of switches back to working order.
Cleaned the keys. Paintwork is blistered all over from rusting to the body, you will often see this on older painted pedals & synths. Applied a sealing polish to the casing to restore the finish & keep it in check.

This was as far as I got..

At present the synth is fully working except for the filter section. This is on a different circuit board (smaller one in pic) & looks an older design, much like early ARP gear, more solderflow circuit than PCB. There are a couple of jumper leads, & some factory-cut traces. The ICs are socketed, but those look a little corroded, was planning to clean or replace them. Actually, I did recap this board too, come to think of it, as I had the components to hand, but haven’t spent time checking the traces or connections. At the moment, you can affect the Filter Cutoff slightly when the Resonance is full on, other than that, nothing much happening, the Modulation knobs not affecting the sound either, except when switched to S/H.. it does the S/H thing very well!” Link

“A really great BEAST of a synth here. It really does everything the big guys do & more. All knobs, sliders & keys work good. Its been used a lot in studio & only took to gigs in a hardcover case. The top face is flawless with no scratches, but the back does have a few, but no dents. the “wood” sides are original & look good to me, but replace them if you want.
The sound is great, you are never gonna run out of things to do on this. All waveforms can be used(or faded) at the same time thanks to sliders for each wave instead of choosing with 1 slider, knob or switch(very unique). The filter sound is unreal way better than roland, arp or moog – more like old korg MS filters. The poly function is really duo-phonic, as if you are playing 2 different synths with separate controls & sounds for each. So VCO1 can say play lead while VCO2 arpeggiates a baseline with a square wave modulating the pitch. It also has a mono function! The S&H can be random of course but can also have a CV sequence pattern from the VCO1 sliders. Everything can be modulated with everything(VCO1 to VCO2, VCO2 to VCO1, filter to VCO1 all at the same time) there really is endless options here. All these functions are pretty rare & it still does everything a standard synth does. Does everything a Arp Odyssey will plus what I mentioned here. Will be packed good & safe.” Link

“Up for bid is a Kitten synthesizer manufactured by Octave Electronics Inc. It has been tested and appears to be fully functional with no known issues. A little plastic knob is missing from one control lever (see picture) – the functionality is not affected.” Link

“My great Aunt gave this to me. she bought this brand new , one owner.Has all the original knobs and switches etc. I also have the Manual. The Cat and the Manual looks new. It powers up and looks like everything works. I hooked up a speaker and it make noises but not sure if its tuned etc. might need a service and a tune. Its been in her closet wrapped in a sheet and a large plastic bag to protect from dust for 20 years. Yes 20 years!!!” Link

“For sale this rare vintage analogue synthesiser. It sounds awesome! if you wanna find out a bit more please follow this link http://www.vintagesynth.com/misc/octavekit.php

It’s in good cosmetic condition, all knobs and faders work perfectly, some of the keys are dead though but apparently it’s pretty easy to fix it.

As far as i know it’s worth around £600 at the moment, low starting price, no reserve so grab yourself a bargain” Link

“For sale is my much loved and often recorded Voyetra 8 (Serial number GM 4812). I just don’t have room for it in my new studio and it has to go – hopefully to an equally loving owner. If you are reading this you will probably know about this synth and its awesome power. It is rare (from the dawn of time) and produces really exotic, rich, analogue sounds – New Order; Depeche Mode; Prince and The Eurythmics used this model extensively.

The unit works fine and it has been kept in my smoke-free home studio in London since I bought it in Philadelphia in 1990. The fan is a bit noisy and this is typical of these synths – I always meant to replace it with a quieter one but never got round to it. The auto-tune cycle throws up an error on two of the sixteen oscillators – it has always done this, but it has never been a problem for me. There are a few scuffs and a bit of rack rash but it has been looked after very carefully and always kept in its flightcase (included).

I’m not sure what Rev. it is but it has green voice cards and MIDI (a custom cable is included – XLR to MIDI – see pics). A Voyetra manual is also included.” Link

“This particular unit has been fully serviced by my including cleaning the keyboard and all switches and sliders so it gives a clear un-crackley sound. Cosmetically in brilliant condition apart from the edging on the left cheek which has split. All knobs and sliders in tact!” Link

“Before bidding please note! The key scaling is off. The keys work fine and trigger fine, but you’re not going to get the note you are looking for. It responds to CV just fine and dandy and on the correct pitch. This is kb issue that is easily fixed by someone knowledgeable, or a tech. I am neither of those. Other than that it works awesome, stays in great tune and sounds just….so incredible! Rattles my windows.

This is hands down my favorite mono analog ever. I’ve played with a lot. I first fell in love with a Kitten. Below it was a Pro One, behind me a Mini Moog, surrounded by Juno’s, and various other synths. I didn’t care. All I wanted to do was make the thing purr, and make it growl. It’s fatter than a minimoog, and has modular like options. The Filter FM on this thing is second to none. Not to mention you can modulate Osc 1 with Osc 2 while modulating Osc 2 with Osc 1. Yes. It’s amazing.

I am selling this because I have used the heck out of it, and I am moving to a tiny apartment in NYC and will have zero space for a long time. I also need extra money as a safeguard for my big move. I’m selling it for much less than I bought it not because I don’t think it’s worth more, but because I need to sell it fast. I bought it for 1300 plus shipping a few months ago and it was worth more than that. If you bid and are able to be around to sign for the package, I will even expedite the shipping and eat the cost myself, so long as you make sure to give me feedback so paypal releases the funds.

I will 150% buy one of these again some day. Maybe next year even. Just can’t have all my music equip right now (selling other synths too, check my other auctions).” Link

“The Cat by Ocatave…
I have for sale this vintage synth that has not been used for years…
I linked it up to my amp and it does make noises and sounds but i think with the “Sample + Hold” switch being broken (check picture) it is not giving out it’s full potential not by what i have seen on video demos of this on the internet anyway…
It needs stripping down by a professional repair workshop or somebody who skilled in synthesis repairs… ” Link

“THIS IS FOR A ‘CAT OCTAVE’
AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE PICTURES IT IS IN NEED OF RESTORATION BUT IT DOES POWER UP. ” Link

“Octave Kitten II Vintage Analogue Synthesizer in Excellent Condition. All working as it should, no dirty pots.” Link

“This synthesizer is in good condition, and would make an excellent addition to anyone’s collection or a great instrument for a beginner to get started on. All keys function properly, along with the oscillators. Cosmetic condition is great and hardware/outputs are all in good shape. I would keep it myself, but I need to pay rent, so I reluctantly have to sell it. Will ship in bubble wrap, not in packing peanuts (to protect the components, etc.)” Link

“up for offer is a vintage ( 1970′s )Octave Cat SRM in not working properly condition but with a bit of love this might just be the unit for you!
these are fetching big dollars in USA and are rated as similar to the ARP odyssey

it makes sounds, both oscillators seem to work and the classic SSM 2040 filter works
it has many ins and outs including CV/ gate and audio into the filter possibly a good clean out of all the pots might sort some of the problems? however it is sold as is besides the electronic faults the condition overall is ok but it is missing one knob and the missing the bottom panel which was made from cardboard apparently?

it needs repairs to get it all working but you will be rewarded with a classic vintage synthesizer
plenty of chemical brothers sounds can be had” Link

“Good physical condition. NOT WORKING. Sold as-is for PARTS or REPAIR.” Link

“We have a vintage Octave Cat synthesizer for sale!

Included in this auction is the synthesizer itself as well as a well-fitting Anvil road case.
Synth works well and and sounds great!
All jacks, keys, and controls operate well with no issues.
It has recently been professionally serviced; the keyboard scaling was off, but is now triggering across all octaves perfectly.
No further repairs as far as we can ascertain.
No existing mods.” Link

“Sold as not working, condition cosmetically is excellent, real nice looker, and was the plan to have repaired, but another project has come along, little info i can find about this synth it basically a slimmed down Cat. It does make sounds but very faint.” Link

“One of the most under rated synths ever, even though it’s certainly received it’s props.

This one is far from perfect, and needs work. Here’s what I know: I bought it in need of repair, but never got around to getting it fixed. I spent 30 minutes with it and discovered the following – it makes sound, most of the controls work, including the envelope, VCF, Sample and Hold Controls, Filters, Noise. The keyboard does not seem to track. Meaning, the keys trigger sound, and it’s useful sound. As is, it’s a great “bleep bloop” machine. However, you can’t play scales. Not all of the keys work but I’m guessing that’s a contact issue because some of the other keys are scratchy. I’ve been told the keybed is the weak point of these synths, so that makes sense.

Considering how many cool sounds I can get out of this thing when it’s not functioning properly I can only imagine what it can do once it’s fixed up. I’ve been told it’s similar to an ARP Odyssey.

The rear connectors are external audio input; glide switch (for a footswitch, not included); pedals to VCF and VCO1 (pedals not included); series patch to slave and from master; and audio out low/high.” Link

”
A KITTEN II (2), Made in the USA, Approx 1981
(as used by the Chemical Brothers)

This is a serious piece of kit, so please feel free to arrange a try before you buy.

I no longer have the time to play it in the way it should be played.

Electrically this is sound and has just received a service. There is slight damage to the black inlay for one of the knobs (see 3rd pic).

This auction is for the synthesiser, manual & specification leaflet…. the full package.” Link

“Very rare and little used It has been stored for a number of years.

I do not have the leads to connect it up. So I can not play it, but, I have had it independently tested and it works as it should and makes some great sounds.

Power lead conection is included. All control buttons and sliders are there and all moving and working freely.

Condition good for its age.” Link

“Sounds amazing, a pure analog sound that cuts right through any other instrument. This is an original Cat and not the Cat SRM or the Cat SRM II. Peter Forrest’s book says it is similar to an Odyssey but I’m not sure, I am very familiar with the Odyssey and this synth is a little bit more confusing. Its design and layout are not particularly intuitive. There is not, for example, separate control over the filter other than cut-off and Q, and it is not patchable. I would read the description in Peter’s book for how it works, he does an excellent job explaining its nuances and idiosyncrasies. The rear connectors are external audio input; glide switch (for a footswitch, not included); pedals to VCF and VCO1 (pedals not included); series patch to slave and from master; and audio out low/high. I would rate this synth in G+ cosmetic condition with light scratching on the top, bottom and sides; the wood panels on the side are slightly scratched and faded. Rear jacks slightly tarnished. I have spent the afternoon playing around with it and I noted the following electronic issues. (1) Several keys are slightly sticky, probably because we have not used this synth that often. (2) the VCO1 switch to route to VCO2 works but it is broken off, you need to use something like a small screwdriver to move it from position to position. (3) Several of the sliders are sticky, I exercised them thoroughly with ChemWash but they could use another go around. (4) The knob on the slider noise level has been replaced. (5) The knob for the dial routing S&H to VCO2 has been replaced. There may be other electronic issues I was not smart enough to catch; and I may have over-characterized those I did find, in the interests of describing the instrument accurately. In any event I definitely would have a tech go through it to fix the broken switch and fix anything else you don’t like. Because of this we are selling the synth as is.” Link

“Sold as not working, condition cosmetically is excellent, real nice looker, and was the plan to have repaired, but another project has come along, little info i can find about this synth it basically a slimmed down Cat. It does make sounds but very faint” Link

“For more information on this Synthesiser the web will have your answers,Selling a Octave Cat Analogue Synthesiser.The Cat is all working fine and has been checked over at a Synthesiser service centre which is where it is now.What i can say is the sounds are very good and fat, quite simply blows most moden synths away.The Cat has no modifications and is the 1st or early model.All controls work and all slidercaps are in their correct colours.and all rotary dials have all their metal value mark centres.The Octave Cat has been used by Split Enz and Omd” Link

“Original Octave Cat. Works and looks great. Recently tuned. Missing 2 knobs and A# in the top octave needs the contact cleaned. Works but only when hit firmly. Please ask any questions before purchasing. $60 shipping in the continental US. Sale is as-is due to the age of the item.” Link

“I’m selling this much loved, Rare Vintage Analog Synthesizer by Octave : The Cat
Serial number : A2065

This model has MIDI capability with a professionally installed retrofit by Kenton electronics.
(So you have a truly great analog synth controllable via MIDI – which is how I have used it for years . .)

Absolutely Superb sounding Synth in really Good Condition.
Cosmetically there are some marks and scratches etc. but it works great.

This has been recently serviced by a synthesizer expert ( see receipt in pictures ).

This is a superb sounding synthesizer with all the ‘bite’ normally associated with the best Moogs and ARPs.

It excels the basses and leads sounds and the filter can really ‘scream’.

Happy to show working – but time will need to be arranged’ Link

“Der CAT Synth befindet sich in einem sehr guten Zustand. Technisch funktioniert er einwandfrei, wurde letztes Jahr von Firma Fischbach aus Düsseldorf gewartet und überholt ! Optisch sieht er auch noch sehr gut aus, hat aber auch kleine leichte Gebrauchsspuren. Auf 5 Drehreglern fehlen die silbernen Aufkleber in der Mitte. Ist nur eine Optiksache und für wenige Cent zu ersetzen, wer es denn will. Persönlich Abholung ist bei diesem Analog Schatz klar vorzuziehen, kann aber auf ausdrücklichen Wunsch auch versendet werden” Link

“Sold as not working, condition cosmetically is excellent, real nice looker, and was the plan to have repaired, but another project has come along, little info i can find about this synth it basically a slimmed down Cat. It does make sounds but very faint” Link

“For your consideration is the very rare Octave Kitten synthesizer.
The unit was gently used over the years and shows light cosmetic wear(see pics).
Everything works fine, and it sounds amazing” Link

“This Octave Cat SRM was just recently (just got it back a few weeks ago) refurbished by http://analogsynthservice.com/ he replaced some ICs and other componenets and did a thorough cleaning. So you can rest easy this synth was just gone through and works great. There were 3 variations of the synth and the SRM is generally considered the best. It has the great sounding discrete VCOs of the first octave cat but with a better SSM filter with more range than was on the first. The last version (SRMII) loses the nice discrete VCOs for chips. So really the SRM is the best of all worlds with the Octave Cat family. There’s lots of information out there on the Octave Cat so if you aren’t familiar I suggest you do a search. It is often described as a copy of an Arp Odyssey but it is quite different. Functionally this can do a lot of things an Arp Odyssey can’t. It’s also a bit more thick and warm sounding, I’ve heard it described as a cross between an Arp and a Moog soundwise and I don’t think that’s far off. Outside of the modular world there aren’t a lot of synth that offer frequency modulation. it has both AR and ADSR EG’s. The VCA can be left open for droning! It has audio input for processing external audio through the lovely filter or doing the classic minimoog overdrive trick of routing an ouput back through the input. It has CV/gate jacks. etc. I’ve owned a lot of synths and as far as vintage monos go this thing is pretty much a “best of” when it comes to cool features you would want in a synth. Not to mention it sounds great! The resonant filter self oscillates fiercely. This has frequency modulation between the oscillators and the filter so this can go places many other vintage synths can’t touch.” Link

“This is the rare, scarce and legendary Voyetra Eight synthesizer. This Voyetra is a REV 4. This synth produces one of the warmest, fattest sounds ever produced by a keyboard. I’ve used this one for years and now it is time to pass the fun to someone else. If your looking at this listing, then you know what it is and I won’t bore you with the details. This may be your last change to own one of these wonderful synths as they almost never come up for sale.

This Voyetra Eight was in perfect working order when it was put into storage over a year ago. Now that I have it on my desk, Oscillator Two will not tune. This can be easily fixed. All buttons function but the contacts need to be cleaned. The Headphone knob is missing but can be replaced easily. Here is the link to an exact replacement – http://www.ehcknobs.com/pointers.html This unit has MIDI jacks in place of the stock XLR jacks. It isn’t pretty but it works. And hey, when do you ever look at the back of the synth. The unit has the usual scratches from being pulled in and out of a rack for the last twenty years. See photos for cosmetic condition.

Included in the Sale:

1) Voyetra Eight Synthesizer
1) Power Cable
1) Original Manual
1) Photocopy Manual
1) REV 4 reference guide
1) Voyetra Eight sales brochure
1) Voyetra Eight MIDI Implementation manual

This synthesizer will change your life but part of the responsibility of owning such a rare instrument, is the maintenance. I HIGHLY recommend that whoever wins this wonderful synth that they send it to Peter Lanzilotta at Double Take Studio Services in New York. He will bring this synth back up to tip top shape and you will enjoy years of block rockin’, earth scattering sounds.” Link

“Synth engine works fine but keyboard does not work above second E and low G does not work. Sliders replaced on A-D envelope and filter frequency. Knobs and sliders slightly scratchy. Cosmetics are VG+ with light tarnish back connectors and scratches front top back sides bottom. I have done my best to identify all issues with this instrument however there may be others so we are selling for parts only – not working – as is. Basically if you know how to get the keyboard to communicate with the synth engine then you’ll have a fully operational unit. ” Link

“This here is a fierce kitten known as none other then the Octave Cat. AS you may know, the Cat is known to be one of the most powerful, unique synths that ranks up or above a Minimoog or Arp Odessy. Its very different and unique in its own way, this one in particular was bought a few months ago from a gentleman named Don who restores vintage synthesizers from his on shop Analog U.S. Inc., Which i suggest you check out. He is a phenomenal guy and does amazing work. Any who the synth features include: ” Link

“Octave Kitten Monophonic analogue synthesizer from 1982.

This is a real vintage beast. It has one oscillator but 2 sub oscillators so it can produce unbelievable sub bass. If you send me a message I will email you some samples of the synth being played. This synth has a noise oscillator, and the LFO has sample and hold and sine wave settings. It has an external audio input so you can put other audio through the synths filter.

This synth is in full working condition but does have a couple of minor problems which are, the lowest E key works but may need the contact cleaning as you need to press it hard for it to sound but it does work and the ADSR switch which switches the envelope from off auto or gated is snapped but still functions correctly. Appart from that it is spot on and you can come try it out if you live near by. Also it does have the odd scratch or mark on the side panels and front panel but overall it looks great.” Link

“I have an old Vintage Cat SRM Synthesizer up for sale, however, when I tried to play it thru an amplifier, no sound came out of it on the output jack, but it does power up when plugged into the wall and turned on. I was able to get sound out of it when I plugged into the external audio input (Weird). The condition of the Synthesizer is worn, and not in the greatest shape, as it can be seen by the pictures, but it’s a great fixer-upper if someone know something about electronics, or it can be used for parts.

I have had this Synthesizer since 1978, and it was a lot of fun playing on it back in the days, but the Synthesizer can only play 2 notes at a time, sorry, that’s how they designed it back in the days. It is very old and Vintage, so if you are a Vintage Synthesizer collector, here’s an old one for you. The Model number is: 1853.

I will note, the power cord was extended my good friend, and Electrician. he extended it many years ago, because the origional power cord was never long enough, and it used to Frustrate me, till my friend made it longer, and it has never given me a problem, but it can always be changed out to something better.” Link

“OCTAVE CAT

ANALOG BEAST , RARE & VINTAGE SYNTHESIZER

ALL OSC WITH ALL WAFEFORMS CAN PLAY IN THE SAME TIME – HUGE SOUND !

Good condition , had professional service / check up this year.

It’s 220 V .

This is Original Version of CAT , sounding more ” Raw , in your face ” using Discrete Analog VCOs and VCF.” Link

“this rare synth is working but needs some tlc.
it fires up but some of the keys dont work and some play bad notes.
the rear panel is missing (nothing special to replace, its just a flat panel)
couple of knobs missing (see the pics)” Link

“I am selling my all original Cat Synth.

Model 1853
Serial # A1838

These are well known and earned the nick name “Copycat” to the Odyssey. Have been used by many artists from the Chemical Brothers to Ben Folds. There is a great article regarding this and the history of the Cat on Sound on Sound:

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/may99/articles/octavecat.htm

I recently had this serviced and is in all around great shape for its age. It is definitely not a “project” but contains a couple noisy pots that could stand to be replaced. Otherwise, the output sounds crisp and clear and provided you know how to generate your sounds, sounds great! These are incredibly rare finds and when they do pop up, they go fast! ” Link

“Octave ‘The Kitten’ Vintage Analogue Synthesizer.

I’ve owned this since about 2001, bought from Jarberry when they still sold 2nd hand gear. They serviced and tuned it before it was sent to me.

I haven’t used it in a few years now, so it’s time for it to move on.

I’ve checked it and it appears to be working fine, except for the noise level slider doesn’t seem to be adding any noise. It could probably do with another service, or at the very least a clean as one or two pots are slightly crackly. There are a couple of slider caps missing, they were missing when I got it and it doesn’t affect useage.
Cosmetic condition is pretty good. There is a light scratch on the front panel and the rubber surrounds on the wooden end cheeks are marked, but that’s what they’re there for.” Link

“The Voyetra 8 is a rare polyphonic analog synthesizer manufactured in New York City during the heyday of the Jupiters, Prophets, Moogs, etc. It’s unique sound comes from matching Curtis oscillators with SSM filters, resulting in a character similar to the early SSM-based Prophet 5s but also having a raw edge associated with the Curtis oscillators. Further description is easily found on the Internet. This particular unit is a full version 4 (latest version) in both hardware and software including the fan on the backside and MIDI specs associated with the final version.

The unit powers up fine but there is something faulty that causes the voices to be delayed when triggered by the keyboard and similarly delayed in going off when the key is released. It does this somewhat uniformly on all voices, so my belief is that it may be caused by a single faulty component somewhere in the architecture prior to the sound chain of the voices. This delay problem seems to be slightly less prevalent when the unit is warmed up and being constantly played. On the Voyetra, individual voices can be turned off and on. My testing shows that both oscillators, filter, and ADSR envelope are working on each of the 8 voices (subject to the condition stated above). Also, all patches sound the same (when the sound is coming through) as they did when the unit was fully functioning. Having said all of this, the unit is sold “as-is” with no guarantees of anything stated in this paragraph. The unit should be considered “non-functioning” for all practical purposes regarding this listing.

There is a firm in New York City called Double-Take Studio Services (Peter Lanzilotta) that fully services these, according to the Internet.

The rack unit appears to be in fairly decent cosmetic condition. There is also a separate proprietary non-MIDI keyboard (model VKP5) that comes with the unit, although it is not needed. These were necessary for the early versions of the Voyetra 8 before MIDI became standard on the later version. I would actually recommend using any standard MIDI keyboard instead. The proprietary keyboard “worked” the single time I tried it 10 years ago. Consider it to be a free add-on with the rack unit.

Note that there is a lower bound on the value of the package (in my opinion) since it contains 16 CEM3040 oscillators and the keyboard contains the same Pratt-Read mechanism used on Prophet 5s, early OB Oberheims, and numerous other keyboards of that period.

The package includes the rack module, keyboard, proprietary connecting cable, printed manual, and version 4 handbook as pictured. Shipping is by UPS Ground fully insured.” Link

“Offered for sale is my Octave Cat Mono Synth. These classic US-made synths are vastly underrated and represent fantastic value for money compared to their more famous rivals, the Minimoog and Arp Oddyssey. They are hard to find, and prices are heading upwards. The flexible nature of this synth means it really punches above its weight: particularly notable features are the cross modulation options, mixable waveforms, raw discrete oscillators and the legendary discrete filter. It dates from the mid to late 70s and sounds like a classic 70s American monosynth should: powerful and tonally brilliant. Sound design-wise it’s almost limitless with an abundance of bass, leads, and sound effects on tap – it’s easy (and very rewarding) to lose yourself for hours programming this beast…

This synth is in good cosmetic condition for its age and sounds great. Inevitably for an instrument that’s 30-plus years old, there’s a few scuffs and scratches which I’ve done my best to show in the detailed photos below. Two keys have chips on the underside, which do not affect playing and can’t be seen from most usual angles (I only discovered one of them when taking the photos). It is an original USA model and uses a neat little step-up transformer to work at 240v: this is included in the sale” Link

“Up for sale is my Octave CAT SRM 1 monophonic analogue synthersizer.

I have had the pleasure of owning this synth for a while now and It is absolutley amazing, I personally think it is a better monosynth than either an arp Odyssey or an minimoog which I have owned both in the past, It is feature packed but the best features of this synth are the cross modulation options, mixable waveforms, raw discrete oscillators and the legendary SSM 2040 filter.

It was produced in the mid/late 70′s to rival the minimoog and odyssey and sounds like a classic 70′s American monosynth should, powerful, tonally brilliant, and pallet wise it’s practicably limitless., bass, leads, sfx there all there in abundance.

The synth was given a full service and overhaul by synth guru, James Walker at synth repair services last year and is in full working order.” Link

“HERE I HAVE FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION MY KITTEN II ANALOGUE SYNTH, I HAVENT HEARD MUCH ABOUT THESE AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANOTHER ONE SO I’M GUESSING THERE IS SOME RAREITY TO THIS ITEM. I HAVE TO SAY THIS IS A KILLER SYNTH, THE BASS IS PHATTNESS BEYOND BELIEF AND THE DROOPY ACID SOUNDS ARE REALLY GOOD, AND THE PORTAMENTO/GLIDE IS VERY USEABLE. I AM SELLING THIS AS I NOW HAVE A KORG PROPHECY AND TO BE HONEST IM PREFER THE KORG AS IT HAS THEM LUSCIOUS THINGS WE CALL PRESETS!,” Link

“For your consideration is a very rare Kitten synthesizer by Octave.
The unit has been carefully used over the years and shows some cosmetic wear(see pics).
The unit works great and sounds incredible, from weird modulated sounds to DEEP bass.
This listing includes the Kitten only.” Link

“Beautiful OCTAVE ELECTRONICS INC, “The CAT” Duophonic analog “Electronic Music Synthesizer.” Serial #: A17xx. Model 1853. Made in Long Island City, NY (late 70′s).

This is very nice example of The Cat which has been recently serviced by Analog Synth Service (Greg Montalbano) in Oakland and received a clean bill of health (calibration, contact cleaning and some new caps). The synth sounds amazing and even though it’s modeled on the Arp Odyssey it sounds superior IMO with all discrete filter and oscillator, dual sub-oscillators, duophonic sample & hold, and more flexible/mixable waveforms. It sounds fantastic and is very stable.

There are a few small scratches on the face and some lost paint around the VCA volume, but overall very nice cosmetics and unworn lettering. The sliders work well with no scratchiness. The faux-wood side panels look good but have some rough plastic edges here and there (pic 11 shows the worst area). Also a very small name and serial number have been etched into the finish on the back right corner.

Octave Cats are just starting to be collectable as Odyssey prices continue to climb…get one while they’re still affordable. ” Link

“Octive cat, very rare, good condition , fully functional.

This is DUOPHONIC version NOT SRM” Link