my little Synthi AKS

Well it looks like my quest to get an AKS is going nowhere fast. I can't believe how may scammers and ne'er-do-well's have been in touch, or I have contacted, supposedly selling a Synthi. Anyway... I'm on Robin Wood's list for one of his new AKS units - but we'll see how long that takes, it could be quite some wait I'd think.
In the meantime I've decided to forego any opportunities that come my way and instead invest my hard earned cash in some other piece of music related hardware. So unless you are selling an original, pristine, fully working, 'as new' AKS for a lot less than 3K (the price Robin Wood is asking for a brand new model) don't bother getting in touch.

In the meantime I got a nice Synthi AKS miniature in kit form recently - click below for a high-res photo.



A limited number are available in kit form from SDIYcut
www.sdiycut.com/synthi-aks-gb.htm

Looking for an EMS Synthi

For some time now, well since I sold all my analogue and modular synths back in 2007-8 - a moment of madness I'm still trying to live down - I've been hankering after another EMS Synthi... specifically a Synthi AKS, or Synthi A. I used to have an EMS Synthi VCS3 back in the mid-late 70s' and I loved it, but had to sell it just before we started TG (that's another story).
But since selling much of my old analogue gear last decade I've been looking to buy a self-contained analogue synth that I could travel with and the Synthi AKS would be ideal for my purposes. I've come across a few over the years, some utterly knackered (technical term), some pristine and some outrageously overpriced but I've always missed out in some way on a sale. The market value of EMS synths has risen exponentially over the last 10 years and some currently go for crazy prices, usually in bidding wars on eBay. Where frankly these things can get totally out of hand in the heat of the moment. Which is typical of most auctions I've attended, virtual or not.
When I was in LA a couple of years ago my friend Lustmord mentioned that he was selling his Synthi AKS but at the time I wasn't in a position where I could make a decent offer for what was a really nice unit. As is happened he sold that AKS last year for $7k, on eBay. Like I said, some sell for outrageous prices.
Well I think i've waited long enough now so I'm putting the word out there that I'm 'seriously' looking to buy a Synthi... though I can't go to $7k and I don't really want to bid on eBay but I will consider most sensible proposals for a decent unit. Also I'd rather buy from the UK, or maybe Europe, but no further.

Contact me at: chriscarter23 at mac dot com

btw:
I am already on the waiting list for Robin Wood's new batch of AKS & VCS3 units.

'MODULAR MODULES'

Well my intention of putting together a new modular system is back on track again. But as is always the way there has been a change of plan. This was initially brought about by the PSU in my first Doepfer rack failing (previous post about this rack).
I'm now going to build a similar sized system but using multiples of the smaller self-contained Doepfer A-100 Mini Case.

I already have a few basic Doepfer modules and the circuits and parts for some of my own module designs but I'm also working on an idea of putting the new Gristleizer PCB into a Eurorack format panel. If this concept is 'doable' I'll start documenting the construction process as & when I begin.

'EXPERIMENTAL TRIBUTE'

As part of this ongoing CCCL project I recently recorded a short video of some experimental sounds as a 'tribute' to the experimental work of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop who staged a performance in London on the 17th May, that I couldn't attend. All the sounds and loops originate from a BC8 synth, a Gakken SX-150 synth and BugBrand Weevil synths. All the effects and processing is done with Boss pedals.
Longer HD clip on Vimeo: www.vimeo.com/4706722
Shorter lo-res clip on Flikr: www.flickr.com/photos/chris_carter_/3541773057/
Photo still with notes on what was used: www.flickr.com/photos/chris_carter_/3541773771/
An audio only MP3 edit of the track can be heard • HERE •