Synthfind

“I have a significant amount of time [both mine and others] and money invested in making this work.
I am at my limits of abilities to work on it. I can get a display to run but no sound because of the Proz-mismatch.

The PPG has the latest Virtual Music 8.3 ROMs. I am including a second set of ROMs as well.

I would refer to this below from Alexander from Virtual Music https://www.virtual-music.at/en/ppg-zone/#1

When this was shipped, the cards were not removed and wrapped so the damages are listed below.
• 2-3 broken mylar caps [the leads are hairline thin and very fragile]
• 1 broken 27.460mhz Crystal
• LCD cable pins are bent / broken and some will need replacement.

from Peter Forrest / Vemia
Details from the original listing[s]:We don’t know much about this. What we do know is it doesn’t work. It would appear that someone took a PPG Wave 2.3, removed the PCB’s, display, knobs and power supply and re-mounted them in a rack-style case. The front panel has a very professional looking blue and white transfer so whoever did this was quite serious about it. It also comes with the Wave’s original Mod Wheel assembly which can be connected to the internal motherboard. We tested it and this is what we found: It appears to boot up and display what looks like sensible information on the LCD (see photo). It accepts commands from the front panel, such as program or Midi channel changes, or for example pressing the Analog button brings up the current front panel knob-settings in the display and these can be altered in real time. It also appears to have valid data in memory judging by the parameters when the program number is changed. It can also be switched to emulate PPG Wave 2.2 mode. So far, so good. Now the bad news: plugging in a Midi keyboard produces no output, so either the Midi circuitry or the sound-generating section has a problem. Without having another Wave to test it with against, that’s as much as we know. Ideally this would suit a PPG enthusiast who has a working Wave 2.3 and can diagnose this one using an external Wave keyboard and card substitution. **SO SOLD AS IS!!** IEC mains connector with switchable 110/240V supply. ” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“PHYSICAL CONDITION: Very Good – There are lots of scratches on the top side of the enclosure above the control panel. There are dings on the back side along the top edge and near the metal lip which sticks out on the back side with the labels for the jacks on the back side. There are two little stickers leftover from the previous owner with numbers labeling the MIDI thru and CH1 output jacks. The metal side panels also have scratches near the top edges primarily. The keys have light marks from being played. The marks are visible on the black keys mainly. WORKING CONDITION: Excellent. Perfect working order in all areas and it sounds wonderful. The PPG Wave has become an essential collectible synth for those looking to capture the amazing sounds of the 80’s! ” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“PHYSICAL CONDITION : Excellent. The top, sides, and back have numerous small scratches and scuffs. The face plate is spotless and looks brand new. For the age, this unit has been very well cared for and is in amazing condition.

WORKING CONDITION : Excellent – All keys work perfectly. MIDI implementation is perfect, CV/TRIGGER In and Out are working well, the sequencer works, the filters go from a warm glow to a full scream, the sounds are rad, and this is an incredible specimen of this synthesizer! Overall, excellent condition.” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“This was a Wave 2.2 that was upgraded to a 2.3 by the factory. The original unit did not have MIDI and wasn’t implemented during the upgrade. I installed a Kenton MIDI kit many years back that gives it basic MIDI functionality and served my needs well.

I’m an experienced PPG repair tech that has revived Rupert Greenall’s infamous Wave 2.2 that appeared on all those great Fixx tracks and has been dead since the 80’s. Before I ship the unit, I will go through this, do a thorough cleaning and maintenance that includes calibration, cleaning of all contacts and aligning the keyboards action so they evenly trigger across the full range of the keyboard. No dead notes!

This is a pretty rare beast. If you are looking for that classic PPG sound. This is one of the most reliable out there. ” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“PPG Wave 2.3 is nice condition but has no audio output. Cosmetically it looks great with just some light scratches on the top. It powers up and appears to function ok. All the knobs seem to work (I can turn them and see values change on the display). Display looks great. I just can’t figure out how to get any sound out of it. It does appear to be sending MIDI signals fine, as I was able to play another synth using the PPG. I’m hoping someone can breathe some new life into this guy. I bought it locally from the original owner. I was planning to repair it but it’s been sitting in its case for a year and I’ve just got too many projects. I’m moving soon so I really need to downsize.

It comes with two additional processor boards (plus there’s one in the synth…so basically you’re getting three). I did try each processor board but I still couldn’t get any sound output. Also comes with a handful of cassette backups (not pictured), and a custom flight-case that fits it very nicely. Between the flight case and the synth, this is very heavy. Local pick up in Chicago is fine. Otherwise, shipping is going to likely be somewhat high. As-is.” Click here to visit listing on eBay

” PPG Wave 2.2 synthesizer w/ road case, manual, and cassette (!!) backup tape. Circa 1982-1984. Ultra rare. Will need work to restore full functions.Unit powers up fine, but only produces some intermittent sounds when the keys are engaged. Had this unit restored to full functionality prior to 2009, though with the advent of the Great Depression lost the business and the warehouse studio and all the gear has been in storage since. Keyboard utilizes a weird pin and wire trigger system (similar to the old Vox Continentals), suspect that’s where at least some the problems might be. Originally thought the output was compromised when I first fired it up from storage, but managed to get intermittent tones from the unit after checking it out again, so I don’t believe that is the issue. Some of the keys stick when depressed, and of those that do some will return to position after a few moments, others need to be repositioned manually. Have more than a few vintage keyboards from the 70’s/80’s, though am not a synthesizer expert and believe this one would be better off with someone who could restore it to working order again and give it a good home in a climate-controlled environment. Would love to keep it and try to get it up and running and figure out all it’s capabilities, but have not been in a good place financially since the economy tanked and don’t know when that may change to permit me to hire the tech’s necessary to restore this unit to working order yet again.” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“Up for sale is my PPG Wave 2.3 synthesizer. I bought this within the last year with the intention of repairing it but will be moving to California due to a job opportunity and am consequently selling. The synth isn’t in great shape but is still very cool with the possibility of one day getting it running again. There are a few keys missing from the key bed and a few knobs and push buttons missing from the front panel. The power supply has been removed. The boards are otherwise all there and are pictured. However, it appears that a few chips have been removed from the boards as can be seen in the pictures. Please refer to the pictures for what is and what isn’t included in the synth. ” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“If you’ve been holding out for the best possible PPG WAVE 2.3 or 2.2, this is for you!

Comes with a clean and seldom used flight case (also in excellent condition) and extra back-light panel (!) (This unit is still using the original backlight!) Also included is the original manual and a CD containing just about every PPG technical document ever published, along with an updated manual PDF, SYSEX libraries, schematics, etc.

Note that I have restored all the original patches using the original SYSEX file. This is as close to a brand new unit as you’ll find.

The unit is fully 100% functional and has been upgraded to the latest v.8.3 OS chips from Virtual Music.

The unit has a few minor blemishes and has a slight “bend” to the left corner, but otherwise is in excellent condition. You would be hard pressed to find one in such great shape or working condition.

As this instrument has the original (non) velocity and slightly “sticky” keyboard, using the MIDI IN will achieve midi velocity (!!!) as this unit contains the latest OS chip, plus SYSEX support, among other improvements.

Little known fact about the Wave 2.3 is that you can easily switch into 2.2 mode for a whole new set of patches. The Wave 2.3 is also multi-timbral with 8 individual outs. It sounds AWESOME and is a joy to use, I will miss it. ” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“Classic analog poly synth in good condition – check out the high quality photos I uploaded. Keyboard was re-bushed 2 years ago by a friend of mine, but he did not level out the keys. It is still very playable. Missing a few knob caps which can be purchased from Virtual Music in Vienna.

Due to how the voice boards are affixed inside the synth, I will ship this via motor freight strapped to a pallet (in a box, of course) within the contiguous US and Canada (email your postal code for freight quote). Overseas bidders will need to email me their complete address for LCL freight quote. I’ve been shipping gear worldwide since the early 90s and never had anything damaged.” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“Classic analog poly synth in good condition – check out the high quality photos I uploaded. Keyboard was re-bushed 2 years ago by a friend of mine, but he did not level out the keys. It is still very playable. Missing a few knob caps which can be purchased from Virtual Music in Vienna.” Click here to visit listing on eBay

”
A really, rather nice Wave 2.2, with all the works done. I’ve owned this for some years, and, in that time, all of the common points have been dealt with. The list includes, but is not limited to –

Keyboard bushings
Power supply caps / regulators
Card connectors replaced with gold plated (clears up a lot of potential issues with ppgs)
Virtual music O/S 8.3 chips installed
Cosmetic works

etc etc. I’m sure there’s actually more – if you really want the details, ill dig out the paperwork.

Part of these works have been done here (beast uk) and part have been done by James (synth repair services) – James is more familiar with the Wave than I know I’ll ever be! : ) ” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“A lovely piece of history in ridiculously good condition for a keyboard that has toured the world. (see flightcase pics) that has not been used for quite some time so it’s sadly time to part company.

Was serviced prior to last use by Andy Thomas, the original UK importer of PPG equipment and was in fine voice, but as it has been off power for so long it will need you to sit down, get to know her and get her singing again – in my opinion the true joy of vintage kit!

This one is completely original, we chose not to upgrade her as we wanted to keep her true, but upgrades are really simple should you so wish, and there is an enthusiastic community globally for what is a really unique keyboard.” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“ppg wave 2.3 with midi scrates to top of unit where other gear has been stacked but never bothered me realy. as its such a rare synth nowdays and they will only continue to go up in value. just been fully serviced in august and used twice since then just don’t have time to play these days so reluctantly selling to a new home. recapt power supply new keyboard busses original sounds and cleaned switches and pots throughout. plays great and those endless wavetables makes this such a great synth full midi 240v power v6 os swichable 2.2 to 2.3 so the best of both keyboards” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“ppg 2.2 wave with factory fitted kenton midi retro fit .” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“PPG Wave 2.3 in very good condition. Some wear and scratches on the black portions and the blue control surface is almost perfect. Blue LEDs have replaced the 3 original red ones (this is easy enough to restore, if you wish). LCD works except, the backlight recently went out. Everything else functions and plays perfectly!” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“PPG Wave 2.2 Digital/Analog Synthesizer
LOCAL PICKUP ONLY (in Hollywood) I don’t have a case or crate to ship this.

This synth was serviced this month (April) by Ed Miller here in Hollywood. It is now in great working condition, no problems or issues. This is quite rare I guess, they only made a few thousand of these over thirty years ago.

This belonged to a friend of mine who passed away. I believe he had owned it for about 20 years. It needed to be cleaned and otherwise tuned up, because I don’t think he had played it much in the past decade. Now it works just fine. It was not carried around to gigs, so it was not moved much.. and does not have a case. I do not know who originally purchased it in the 80s. It does have a light odor of cigarettes, that continues to fade.

This has been tested by a friend of mine both before and after the tune up, and now it has no problems. I’ve tried to take pictures to show the condition and inputs. Let me know if there is something specific I’ve missed. If you have technical questions, I can probably get an answer for you.

If you buy one of these, you need to turn it on every couple weeks. They have a battery inside, like an old 90s computer, that holds the software that makes it operate. If the battery runs down, the software has to be reloaded by a specialist.” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“The unit for sale is in very good shape with only very little wear. This PPG 2.3 is the best we had seen so far it looks and plays like almost new.You probably won’t find a better one than this 2.3.This 2.3 is a rare late revision with much better keyboard, different blue finish and with original PPG power-supply switchable from 110V-220V (!)Due to the complexity of this instrument we have decided to get it serviced by the worldwide leading expert in PPG.Virtual Music ; Mr. Alexander Guelfenburg fully checked and serviced this PPG 2.3” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“PPG Wave 2.2 Digital/Analog Synthesizer
LOCAL PICKUP ONLY (in Hollywood) I don’t have a case or crate to ship this.

This synth was serviced in October 2013 by Ed Miller here in Hollywood. It is now in great working condition, no problems or issues. This is quite rare I guess, they only made a few thousand of these over thirty years ago.

This belonged to a friend of mine who passed away. I believe he had owned it for about 20 years. It needed to be cleaned and otherwise tuned up, because I don’t think he had played it much in the past decade. Now it works just fine. It was not carried around to gigs, so it was not moved much.. and does not have a case. I do not know who originally purchased it in the 80s. It does have a light odor of cigarettes, that continues to fase.

This has been tested by a friend of mine both before and after the tune up, and now it has no problems. I’ve tried to take pictures to show the condition and inputs. Let me know if there is something specific I’ve missed. If you have technical questions, I can probably get an answer for you.” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“PPG Wave 2.3 Perfectly Working Condition. Version 8.3 ROMs are installed. Comes with hard case, cable, version 8.3 manual and version 6.0 ROMs. A very rare vintage synthesizer, especially in this condition. Beautiful and warm sound.

Professionally serviced a few years ago. VCFs were adjusted and the stability issue was fixed. There are scratches and nicks but overall in excellent condition. The keyboard doesn’t have any sticky keys (This maybe a later version of keyboard).” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“PPG WAVE 2.2 V 8.3 mit Midi & Case – Tastatur überholt – Techn. & Optisch Klasse! RARITÄT

Mit dem neustem Bestriebssystem V8.3!

Tolle Features wie z. B. der Sound/Datentausch zwischen dem Waldorf PPG Software Synthesizer und dem PPG WAVE. SYSEX Daten via MIDI.

Der WAVE 2.2 v8.3 kann mit Hilfe der virtuellen Waveterm Software (HINWEIS: Nicht Bestandteil dieser Auktion!) Samples und neue Wavetables abspielen! Diese SOFTWARE ist nicht Bestandteil dieser Auktion!. Quelle aus Internetrecherche.” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“For auction is my PPG (Palm Products GmbH) Wave 2.3, circa 1984. The unit is in good operational and physical shape (see photos) with some scratches commensurate with its age. It has been carefully stored for around 20 years in a climate-controlled studio, and has been maintained over the years by John “JL” Leimseider of Cantos/National Music Centre, Kevin Lightner, and within the last month by Ed Miller of Synthesizer Repair Service. The software was updated in the mid-1990s to support MIDI sysex and other enhancements. It comes with the original factory manual, power cable, and both foam and aluminium card spacers.” Click here to visit listing on eBay

” WOW!!! NO RESERVE!!! This unit has been tested and looks and sounds MINT!!! No manual, power cord included. PRICED TO SELL!!!” Click here to visit listing on eBay

” Here we have my PPG Wave 2.3 Keyboard/Synth in heavy duty flight case. Wave 2.3 (1984-1987) – 16 oscillators (two per voice), 12-bit resolution, dual modulation wheels, SSM 2044 VCFs, 8-part multimbrality.

The PPG Wave could be connected to multiple peripheral PPG components simultaneously, such as a ‘smart’ keyboard controller (PRK), 8-voice expansion units (EVU), and a sampling/editing/sequencing wave computer (Waveterm). Collectively, this setup was referred to as the “PPG Wave System”, which was intended to compete with the Fairlight CMI.

Powers up however, UNTESTED ITEM. It may need software loading on a floppy disc. I am selling on behalf of a friend and have no idea on answering any technical questions.” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“Straight out storage is a 1980s PPG Wave 2.3 analog Synth. I have plugged it in and I get sounds then there is none. I have opened the top and found a burn on the small curcuit board along side the transformer pic 12. Other than that it looks like it has never been tampered with and will need to be gone through by a qualified tech. The pictures tell the story ” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“This is a 1980s PPG EVU EXPANSION VOICE UNIT part of the Wave 2.3 Synthesizer that is in my other auctions. It is straight out of a storage unit and I plugged it in and nothing so its either broken or I dont know what Im doing as I am not a keyboard player or do I know anything about this item. I just find them. Comes with the power cord. ” Click here to visit listing on eBay

“PPG System: Wave 2.3 mit Waveterm B – legendäres großes Synthesizersystem

Aus Studioauflösung verkaufe ich ein PPG-System. Es ist das klassische System bestehend aus PPG Wave 2.3 Synthesizer (ein aufgerüsteter 2.2, komplett bei PPG upgedated mit MIDI und beleuchtetem Display) und Waveterm B.

Beide Geräte funktionieren sehr gut, der Waveterm besitzt eine fast neue Röhre, leuchtet hell und klar. Die Laufwerke sind in Ordnung.

Die komplette Library und alle Kabel sind natürlich dabei. ” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.

“This hard to find keyboard has been in a smoke free studio for years in an airtight case. It was recently serviced in Staten Island by Almarc Engineering. The PPG is being sold AS IS. Everything mechanically is in working order and it starts up. It needs work done on the digital side. All parts work just cleaned and serviced. Keys will have to be straightened but they are all working. You can hear the Oscillators working when correct code is punched in. ” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.

” This listing is for a new PPG Wave 2.3 keyboard assembly. The connector pins that connects it to the main board were slightly damaged in storage but everything else is good to go (it would be a simple fix or replacement using the connector from your current keyboard.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.

” This classic PPG 2.3 is in good condition for its age and is working perfectly. Comes with genuine owners manual. ” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.

“Selling this superb condition PPG WAVE 2, serial number 7.
Machine is in A+ condition for its age. Face plate has very minor wear.
Overall condition is remarkable.

Item has been professionally serviced by specialist:

Keybushings have been replaced with a full new set.
Keycontacts haven been cleaned, keys cleaned ad straightened.
All potmeters haven been open cleaned and properly lubed.
Lithium backup battery has been installed and factory presets loaded.

This PPG has MIDI retrofit (EES)

Machine sounds very authentic, raw 8bit waves with analog CEM filter…..
As far as PPG products is concerned, it does not get any better than this!
Comes with copied manual and copy of factory sounds on cassette.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.

“Absolute Rarität!! PPG Wave 2.0, der legendäre Vorläufer der Wave 2.2 und 2.3 Modelle. Er ist äußerst selten!

Besonderer Klang durch andere Analoge Filter- und VCA-Chips als bei den späteren Waves.

Der Synthesizer ist mit MIDI-Interface nachgerüstet. Wofür die beiden ebenfalls später nachgerüsteten Taster links unten am Controlpanel sind, weiss ich nicht. Das Instrument ist aus einer Erbschaft und hat deutliche Gebrauchsspuren. Es funktioniert meines Erachtens aber einwandfrei. Mitgeliefert werden ein Handbuch, 2 Kassetten mit den Originalsounds und ein Tastatur-Reparatursatz, um die etwas “wellige” Tastatur wieder zu begradigen. Der Keyboardständer ist nicht Bestandteil der Auktion.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.

“This listing is for a PPG Waveterm A 8 bit programmer/sampler for the the PPG Wave 2.2. The unit is 100% functional and is in nice cosmetic shape as well.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.

“This listing is for a clean PPG Wave 2.3 vintage wavetable synthesizer. The unit is 100% functional and it is in nice cosmetic shape as well. Lightly used and well maintained in a smoke free home studio. I just had the unit gone through. The battery was just replaced and keyboard contacts were cleaned as well.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.

“This listing is for a rare PPG Wave 2 with MIDI. The synth is 100% functional and was just serviced. I had the back up battery replaced with a lithium one as well as getting the keyboard contacts cleaned. This is one of the few that has MIDI and it works great. In my opinion the 2.0 sounds much better than the 2.2 or 2.3 so while it may not be the prettiest PPG on the block it really stands out against the other revisions.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.

“This listing is for a clean PPG Wave 2.3 vintage wavetable synthesizer. The unit is 100% functional and it is in nice cosmetic shape as well. Lightly used and well maintained in a smoke free home studio. I just had the unit gone through. The battery was just replaced and keyboard contacts were cleaned as well.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.