PAIA

” This vintage unit has four rare assembled PAiA modules in a wooden case. This series was released in the mid 1970’s and sold as kits that you could build yourself. I have tested the power supply module and it works. However the other three modules are not connected to the power supply so they are untested. The manuals and schematics are available online in the PAiA website archives.

The modules included are as follows.

Power supply – Model 2720-7. Tested and working
VCA – Model 2720-1. Untested
Envelope follower/trigger – Model 2720-11. Untested
Function generator – Model 2720-4. Untested

In great shape for its age. Scratches on the face plates and wooden case. Modules not connected to power supply. Please see photos.” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“Rare PAia 8782A controller keyboard in excellent physical condition. Keys and action are excellent. No way to test the simple electronics” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“Untested assembled PAIA 4700 analog modular synthesizer with 2700 and 8700 series parts.

These kits were assembled in the 1970s and installed in a wall cabinet in a basement den. The
manuals were stored in a garage and at some point got wet, but were dried out and have been in
dry storage for 25 years.

The modules were removed from the wall cabinet 25 years ago and have been stored in boxes
in dry storage ever since.

These modules are unrestored, untested and have not been powered up in decades. The modules
will be bubble wrapped individually for shipping. Please email with any questions or clarification on
modules labelled as “xxxx” that cannot be determined from photos.

An inventory of what is pictured:

Manuals/Documentation
2720 Voltage Controlled Filter BP
2720-36 Voltage Controlled Filter LP
2720-1 VCA
4710 Balanced Modulator
4781 Manual Transposer
2720-8 Keyboard Case
8782A Digital Encoded Keyboard
Phlanger
8780 Equally Tempered Digital to Analog converter
2725-7 Power Supply
4761 Road Case
2720-14 Sine Converter / Pulse Width Modulator
2720-12 Inverter / Buffer
4711 Mixer
2725-5 Control Oscillator / Noise Source
2725-11 Envelope Follower / Trigger
4771 Regulated Power Supply
4730 Multi-Modal Filter (x2)
4783 Joystick Controler
2725-9 Glide Retro-Fit
8781 QuASH Quad Addressable Sample & Hold
4712 Reverb Module
4778 Watt Block
2720-4 Function Generator
2720-2A Voltage Controlled Oscillator
4720 Voltage Controlled Oscillator
4745 EG
Polyphony 3/76 and 1/76
Pygmy Amplifier
PAIA reference
Using the PAIA 2725 Synthesizer
The Source (Boot of patching and programming from Polyphony)
A guide for using the PAIA 4700/S synthesizer system
PAIA schematic symbology for synthesizer patching arrangements

Modules:

3 x 4710 Balanced Modulator
3 x 4770 Watt Block
2 x 2720 Sine PWM control
1 x 4761 Multiple
1 x xxxx double inverter
2 x xxxx Voltage Control Amplifier
3 x xxxx Voltage Control Filter (1 x band pass, 1 x low pass, 1 unknown (low pass?)
1 x xxxx Envelope Generator
1 x xxxx Inverter buffer
1 x xxxx Envelope Follower
1 x xxxx Reverb
2 x 4711 4 / 2 Mixer
3 x xxxx Function Generator
2 x xxxx Power Supply
3 x 4730 Multi-Mode Filter
3 x 4720 Voltage Control Oscillator
5 x xxxx Voltage Control Oscillator
2 x 4740 Envelope Generator
1 x 4781 Transposer
4 x xxxx Control Oscillator
1 x 4771 Regulated Power
1 x —– Accutronics spring reverb tank
1 x 8780 Digital to Analog converter
1 x 8781 Control interface
1 x xxxx Additional Module for DA

Misc parts
SEQUE 1.0 overlay, drum machine/synthesizer, Joystick, control interface, one or
two additional modules not shown, some patch cables and possible other parts.
If I can find the keyboard (I believe it is a Pratt-Reed j-wire style) you will get that
as well. There are no cabinets/cases otherwise.” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“Paia dual envelope generator module.” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“HARD TO FIND .. 1970s PAIA 1550 STRINGZ N THINGZ SYNTHESIZER VINTAGE RARE OLD SCHOOL. Purchased this from the original owner he assured me it worked but I have no way of testing it unit is in great condition very nice and clean please see pics for an accurate description selling unit AS IS ..”
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“Rare Awesome PAIA 2720 VINTAGE ANALOG SYNTHESIZER EARLY 1970S. ~AS IS.”
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“PAiA 9700 Series Modular Synthesizer in Excellent Used Condition

This auction is for a full 19” FracRak of PAiA 9700 Series modules, including one each of:

FracRak with Power Supply Wing, 9720 Dual VCO, 9730 Dual VCF, 9710 VCA Mixer, 9734 Dual CV Source w/ Mix and Attenuator, and Blacet 2210 Multiple & Attenuator.

Note: These are NOT Eurorack form-factor modules. FracRak is PAiA’s version of rackable modules. It uses a standard 19” rack mount frame size, but the modules are a different, slightly taller height. The only other synth company that used this type rack was Blacet, as far as I know.

These were built from kits in the 90’s. Not those little snap together kits like Korg and Moog are selling now. These are “total” kits down to the individual component level. Every resistor, capacitor, IC, pot, switch, wire etc had to be hand soldered in place. It took many hours to assemble a full set of modules like this.

I have tested this system and can only find one issue; the VC1 input on the first VCO doesn’t seem to work. You can still use the VC2 input just fine. Probably an easy fix but I just don’t have the time or knowledge. Scott Lee at PAiA technical services can probably talk you through the problem if you want, or fix it for you if you send it in. PAiA still sells and supports these modules. ” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“Vintage PAIA 4700 Analog Synthesizer built from a kit.

Unit has…

One (1) 8780 Equally Tempered D/A Converter
Three (3) 4720 VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator. All modified with multi-turn potentiometers for the Init Pitch)
One (1) 4730 VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter)
One (1) 4711 4/2 Mixer
Two (2) 4761 Wing (One has been modified)
One (1) 4770 Watt Block (This unit requires 2 to be fully functional. Possibly there was an external power supply at one time due to one of the “Wing” units fitted with a jack but I do not have it.)
One (1) 4740 Envelope Generator
One (1) 4780 Sequencer
One (1) 2720-1 VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier)

I have NO patch cords or other accessories.

(see my other listing where I have a matching keyboard)

Vinyl is slightly coming loose on a few edges, a few light scuffs, missing a few rubber feet, a few light scratches on some modules but all in all it is in very good condition.

NO testing was done.” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“This paia keyboard came to us in a package deal. It was part of the 4700 modular system (see our other listings for a full system). It’s being sold strictly as is for parts or repair. We didn’t test it but we’re sure it’s not working because some wires have been cut. While we repair most vintage analog synthesizers, we don’t work on Paias here because they are relatively low value instruments so, strictly from a business perspective, it’s not feasible for us to pay our tech to fix it. However, Paia schematics are generally available on Paia’s excellent website forum and Paia gear is typically relatively easy to repair. Since most people shopping for Paia are DIY electronics hobbyists, most Paia buyers would probably enjoy such a restoration project. If you’re not capable of fixing it yourself, perhaps Paia knows someone who restores these. ” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“Unit was removed from a working environment

Comes as pictured only” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“Really neat vintage synth, in great working condition. I restored it electronically 3 years ago, and have only used it in my home studio. I’m the second owner, and acquired it directly from the original owner whom purchased it in the 1970’s, I believe it’s from 1976. I have a bunch of paperwork for the synth somewhere, if I can find it(I’ll try, it’s buried in boxes somewhere!) I’ll include it as well. It’s worth noting that during the restoration, I preferred to keep the synth as original as possible, but electronically stable, and to make a 50 year old synth as reliable as possible. It includes and uses the original “pin” cables, so neat & rare. That being said, it’s still a very old synth, from the early days of modular synths, when slight changes in mains voltage and temperature variations manifested themselves in “interesting” ways. I’d assume that the purchaser of this synth understands that and doesn’t expect the oscillator tracking and tuning stability to be similar to modern synths. Please watch the Youtube video I created for this synth, which goes into great detail about the synths condition, and should answer any questions you have, and give you a clear idea of what to expect if purchasing.

Thanks!

Restoration Features

Re-capped
Except keyboard
Only excellent quality, brand name, high life caps used throughout(Rubycon, Nichicon, Illinois Capacitor)
Power supplies rebuilt
Rails
Caps
Plugs
Resoldered all connections
Rebuilt cables
Added 3 Prong power cable to synth, keyboard has original 2 prong plug
Spring reverb
Original parts kept(not pictured, but included)

General Features

Analog
3 voltage controlled analog Oscillators
Multimode voltage controlled analog filter
12 step sequencer with microtuning with outs for each step and glide
Spring Reverb

Considerations & known issues

Missing some faceplate screws
Keyboard not recapped, but works great
2nd step led on sequencer only works sometimes
Oscillators work okay as is, but could use with a retuning.

Includes

Modules
3x 4720 Oscillators
1x 4712 Reverb(Spring Reverb)
1x 4780 Sequencer
2x 4710 Balanced Modulators(VCA’s)
3x 4770 Watt Block’s(Power Supplies)
1x 4761 Wing(passive patching)
1x 4730 VCF(multi-mode filter)
2x 4740 Envelope Generators
1x 4711 Mixer(4×2 stereo)
1x Noise/LFO
37-key keyboard w/cover
Cables
1x ⅛” to ¼”
20x ⅛”TS to ⅛”TS, various lengths from 6” to 5ft
21x Pin cables
Original parts(not pictured)

Notes” Click here to visit listing on eBay

”
We normally deal in meticulously serviced high value items. This item is of relatively low value and has not been given our typical treatment, as this would be cost-prohibitive. It is however described to the best of our ability below:

Our tech tested this and says the watt blocks are putting out the right voltage. Some of the wooden pieces in the back that the back lid screws into may need to be fixed or replaced if you want to put screws in all 4 positions. When this unit is powered up, the right LED lights up. The left one doesn’t. We normally refurbish our gear, but this is a low value item not worth paying our tech to work on, so we’re selling it as is. ” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“PAIA FatMan Classic Vintage Synth: 19″ Rackmount with Original Blue Face and 12V Power Supply.”
Click here to visit listing on eBay

“One of several modules from a box containing PAIA Modules, as pictured. Untested and includes everything pictured, most of the modules have a small bag with them containing the “pin jacks” that were removed. The faceplates are as pictured and many have a rather ugly look to them, never tried cleaning them up. No returns as these listings are as seen for parts or repair NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING – thank you!”
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“Vintage analog modular synthesizer – PAiA 2720 – c.1974 + 10 modules:

• 2720 – Power Supply
• 2720-1 Voltage Control Amplifier
• 2720-2 Voltage Control Oscillator
• 2720-4 Function Generator
• 2720-5 Control Oscillator
• 2720-11 Envelope Follower
• 2720-12 Inverter/Buffer
• 2720-14 Sine/PWM (Pulse Width Modulator)
• Bandpass Filter
• Low Pass Filter

Included is PAiA Catalog from 1974, soundsheet demo record, and book of demo score and patches. I also have a few extra parts.

Physical condition good, as shown in pics. Keys move freely.
Note that I do not know how to operate it and have not tried to turn it on.
Therefore, it is listed as not working. I do know that it was assembled professionally and worked when built. Will probably need some restoration. ” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“PAIA Synth Modules from the ’70’s. VCA,VCO,Envelope Generator. Sold AS-IS. Condition is “Used”.

These worked perfectly…40 years ago!!! So have to sell them as-is because I couldn’t test them.
Everything looks good but ya know, after so many years you might be replacing some capacitors. Who knows.
I had a whole PAIA rig that these came from, all in a custom wooden enclosure and used the synth playing out.” Click here to visit listing on eBay