@MsKori1000 Vox Humana is a preset that is on this unit and it is a very unique sound. It was a preset that was supposed to sound similar to the human voice. This preset turned out to be the coolest sound on the polymoog and you can hear it all over Gary Numan's song "Cars".
How many 280a's do you think are still out there? I would estimate (just a guess) that there are less than 600 working/partial working 203a's... Maybe a bit more of the 280a's... But again just an estimate. Alright Jareth, now I got to get a 280a to accompany my 203a... Hmmm, and while I'm at it I'll throw in a minimoog... Don't need to hold down any of those tricky chords on those... :p
@Sjobeck7 Well, I really have no clue, but I do know that only 800 280a keyboard models were ever made and about 1000 203a's were made. I am guessing there are quite a bit still out there, but not many in 100% working order. I will keep my eyes out for a nice 280a for you if you would like. Minimoog model D's are very pricy but I would love to have one as well.
@kralle7611 Hi, I feel that a polymoog in the shape that this one is in and fully working would be worth about $2000. One that is not in as good condition but working would be worth somewhere around $1000. If there is a polypedal and a set of legs then the price goes up usually.
@LouisvilleTorn8o I do believe they used an ARP Odyssey on most of their music. They may have used a minimoog on some track, but I do know for sure they used ARP's.
@synthpro If they used an ARP Odyssey in 1977, they would have had to have done at least 3 tracks of synth for the brass pad sounds alone, because the Oddysey could only do two notes of polyphony. It sounds like they may have used a Yamaha CS80 on a song called The Message, and I know they used a Prophet 5 on Too Much Time on My Hands.
@LouisvilleTorn8oWell, that is what they did use for the monophonic stuff. They did use an ARP Solina string machine quite a bit. They may have used a CS80, but I am not real sure.
I do know about them using the ARP string machine, especially on Come Sail Away's bridge, and I guess that's an Odyssey he used for the melow synth lead sound. That was a sound he used quite often back then.
On "Come Sail Away" Dennis (DDY) uses an "Oberheim 4 Voice" on the brass-like lead solo while JY uses an ARP Odyssey for the 8-note pattern that keeps repeating in the background during DDY's solo.
In "Fooling Yourself", JY also uses his Odyssey to play the main synth riff--a 12-note repeating pattern that kicks off the intro. (24-notes if you count the low A used as a pedal point). DDY plays the synth solos in this song (and the rest of this LP) on his Oberheim 4-Voice.
On "The Message" and most other songs from the "Pieces of Eight" (POE) LP, DDY's main synth was an Oberheim 8-Voice, which could make multi-mode filter sounds (like a CS-80). DDY also used an ARP SE-IV (same as Solina) for the string sounds on both "POE" & '"The Grand Illusion" LPs. As for "Too Much Time ... Hands", he used an OB-X polysynth (similar to Prophet-5). Synths on the "Kilroy" LP included a SE-IV, a Roland VP330, & 3 Oberheims--2 OB-X's & a 4-Voice (for solos).
@Luke89ism Hi, You can find these on eBay from time to time, but they are not cheap and most of the time they are not working. They can run in the price range of $300 to $3000 depending on condition. I have to honestly say that unless you know how to repair electronics, this is not one of the synths you want. If I had to pay someone to do all the work I did to mine, it would have been very very expensive.
@LouisvilleTorn8o I don't think the programming, ( resistor matrix) will let you tweak the beat rate knob on that preset. Some things are fixed on the keyboard model. I am sure it would sound very cool if you could tweak it.
@LouisvilleTorn8o Unfortunatly the detuning knob does not work on pipe organ. One of the drawbacks of the 280a model is that some of the controls were fixed for some of the presets. Not real sure why they did it that way, but it does limit some of the controls. I can tell you that it would be a very unique sound if I could detune the two oscillators.
I own 4 polymoogs..2 of each version. Do you think it would be possible to put vox humana into one of the polymoog synths? and be able to tweak the sound,like the other presets? imagine strings 1,strings 2 and vox humana all in one synth?
@PoserExposer Cool! I really don't believe it could be done because you would have to do so much to make it work right. The filter would not be that hard to build but you would have to set up the modulation rates just right and also build a resistor matrix for the programming. You would basically have to build a whole PCB just to get Vox Humana as a preset out of the synth model.
@PoserExposer Yeah, it would be some work for sure. One thing that you may could do is just build the Vox Humana filter and then tweak the modulation to get the correct sound. The 280a is different than the 203a in a lot of ways, but you may could pull off something close. If I had a 203a, I would come up with something close for you in the form of patch sheets.
@Sjobeck7 Thank you! Oh, they do sound 70's alright but the sounds never get old.
Wow, I wish I could see Gary Numan live sometime. I would have loved to been at the concert where he teamed up with NIN and he played a 280a. It was a very neat show!
Hi, how are you mate? I've not see this video, well done. I'm getting on with my juno G, recorded a version of Neon Lights Kraftwerk track by track, hard work but worth it & enjoyable. I've just got to do a mix down, the chap in the shop is helping me. I need to get more memory for the juno as sampling & audio takes up a huge amount I understand so the chap has written it all down what I need. Please get in touch when you can & well done for all your stuff. From Rich
@gaza795 I have never had any tuning issues with mine. I have had power supply issues witch caused an increas in voltage. This caused the tuning to be out, but once I re adjusted my voltages everything was back in tune.
@Synthesized13 You will have to remove the keys and the contacts should be right under them. Also, I am not sure what kind of POT you need for that synth, but I will look it up and seeif I can find out and I will let you know.
if i was ever to buy a moog...which i will =] this would be the one. You cant do ANYTHING with 32 keys on moog voyagers =[ except leads, but i hate being limited! I want one of these, how much do they cost? and btw, you seem to know a lot about keyboard repairs or projoects. I have a yamaha an1x synth. the lowest key (low C) doesnt work. It presses fine and feels fine, but makes no sounds, and also the top right hand knob is faulty, and glitches around parameters without me touching,Suggestions!
@Synthesized13 Thanks, These cost somewhere between $200.00 to $1200.00 depending on the model and the condition. These model synths are known for problems so if you get one plan on having a good technician. If you do get one let me know and I will be glad to help you out. It sounds like your yamaha has a dirty contact if it is only that one key that gives you problems. It sounds like you may have a bad POT for the knob. Does the knob feel loose or wobble?
@synthpro yes, it does wobble more than the others. Do i need a technician for that? or is that something i can fix on my own. a dirty contact, i can weed my way through. what should i do? and how much do you think it will cost to repair a bad POT? Please let me know if you find a polymoog for under 1000. id be all over that! haha
only kidding! if i were you , i'd never sell!! you've done a great job fixing it up.i'm an ageing numan fan and its great to see the real polymoog in action! well done and keep up the good work.(ps you can do a good vox hum imitation with a korg triton. use 'money pad', up the cutoff freq a tad and add a small amount of lfo.)
@anton7580 Thank you very much! I did not know that about the Triton. I have made the vox humana sound on an Akai AX-80, but have never tried it on a Korg.
Why thank you! I love that thing, but, it would be some combination to have that Axxe sitting on top of a Polymoog! I always thought that the Polymoog keyboard model was not too good, but this video proved me wrong!
That would be neat to see. Yes, most people think of the keyboard model as not being any good, but it is not bad. It is limited compared to the synth model, but I still like it. I have never heard a vintage synth with such warm string sounds.
True. I mean, I never thought I'd end up with an Arp Axxe, and now I've got one and I love it! There's a guy by me who specializes in vintage analog synthesizers, and he currently has a Polymoog Keyboard, but it needs some work. But, I'd love to play it some day.
The Arp Axxe is a great little synth. The polymoog is a beast of a keyboard that I had to restore from the ground up. It took 3 months of soldering and replacing components, but it was worth every hour.
Well, an ARP Omni is more reliable and less complex, but really it all depends on the sound you are looking for. They both have a different sound. If you get a polymoog, be ready to repair it because it is rare to get one in good working order. They do not like to be moved. There are only two things I have seen go wrong in Arp Ominis and that is: tantalum capacitors, and divider IC's.
@synthpro SCI Prophets have the warmest strings sounds, hands down, although the Yamaha CS80 comes close. I do like the Vox Humana sound on the Polymoog, though. I think it was used on Cars.
Thank you for putting together this video. My only exposure with the polymoog is Gary Numan and Saga. IMHO Saga made a much wider and varied use of the polymoog sounds in their records but I didn't see how specially live. But I see how they were using the modulation and presets. I have the Sample tank that with all the effects, modulation and layering can create sounds and pretty amazing comparable to the original to say the least. Thank you.
Yes, you are right. The only problem the SH-201 has is with the power of the sound. It just doesnt seem to have the low end rumble that the polymoog has.
Was the keyboard touch sensitive? This was a really good demo! Thank you so much for taking the time to share this.
audiotrax2000 2 months ago
@audiotrax2000 Yes, the polymoog is touch sensitive which was very rare for an analog synth from this time.
Your welcome!
Take care,
Jareth
synthpro 2 months ago
whats vox humana
MsKori1000 3 months ago
@MsKori1000 Vox Humana is a preset that is on this unit and it is a very unique sound. It was a preset that was supposed to sound similar to the human voice. This preset turned out to be the coolest sound on the polymoog and you can hear it all over Gary Numan's song "Cars".
synthpro 3 months ago
welcome back to my bedroom? Lucky man
MrMinty1967 5 months ago
@MrMinty1967 I now have a room just for my gear.
synthpro 5 months ago
How many 280a's do you think are still out there? I would estimate (just a guess) that there are less than 600 working/partial working 203a's... Maybe a bit more of the 280a's... But again just an estimate. Alright Jareth, now I got to get a 280a to accompany my 203a... Hmmm, and while I'm at it I'll throw in a minimoog... Don't need to hold down any of those tricky chords on those... :p
Sjobeck7 5 months ago
@Sjobeck7 Well, I really have no clue, but I do know that only 800 280a keyboard models were ever made and about 1000 203a's were made. I am guessing there are quite a bit still out there, but not many in 100% working order. I will keep my eyes out for a nice 280a for you if you would like. Minimoog model D's are very pricy but I would love to have one as well.
synthpro 5 months ago
how much is a working 280a worth today?
kralle7611 5 months ago
@kralle7611 Hi, I feel that a polymoog in the shape that this one is in and fully working would be worth about $2000. One that is not in as good condition but working would be worth somewhere around $1000. If there is a polypedal and a set of legs then the price goes up usually.
Take care,
Jareth
synthpro 5 months ago
@synthpro thx a lot.
kralle7611 5 months ago
Just out of curiosity...Do you know which polyphonic synths Styx used on the Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight?
LouisvilleTorn8o 8 months ago
@LouisvilleTorn8o I do believe they used an ARP Odyssey on most of their music. They may have used a minimoog on some track, but I do know for sure they used ARP's.
synthpro 8 months ago
@synthpro If they used an ARP Odyssey in 1977, they would have had to have done at least 3 tracks of synth for the brass pad sounds alone, because the Oddysey could only do two notes of polyphony. It sounds like they may have used a Yamaha CS80 on a song called The Message, and I know they used a Prophet 5 on Too Much Time on My Hands.
LouisvilleTorn8o 8 months ago
@LouisvilleTorn8oWell, that is what they did use for the monophonic stuff. They did use an ARP Solina string machine quite a bit. They may have used a CS80, but I am not real sure.
synthpro 7 months ago
@synthpro Thanks!
I do know about them using the ARP string machine, especially on Come Sail Away's bridge, and I guess that's an Odyssey he used for the melow synth lead sound. That was a sound he used quite often back then.
LouisvilleTorn8o 7 months ago
@LouisvilleTorn8o Your welcome.
Yes, that was an ARP Solina and, odyssey used on Come Sail Away. He ran the Odyssey through a tape delay and there was his great sounding bridge.
synthpro 7 months ago
@LouisvilleTorn8o
On "Come Sail Away" Dennis (DDY) uses an "Oberheim 4 Voice" on the brass-like lead solo while JY uses an ARP Odyssey for the 8-note pattern that keeps repeating in the background during DDY's solo.
In "Fooling Yourself", JY also uses his Odyssey to play the main synth riff--a 12-note repeating pattern that kicks off the intro. (24-notes if you count the low A used as a pedal point). DDY plays the synth solos in this song (and the rest of this LP) on his Oberheim 4-Voice.
MrCamelneck 5 months ago
@LouisvilleTorn8o
On "The Message" and most other songs from the "Pieces of Eight" (POE) LP, DDY's main synth was an Oberheim 8-Voice, which could make multi-mode filter sounds (like a CS-80). DDY also used an ARP SE-IV (same as Solina) for the string sounds on both "POE" & '"The Grand Illusion" LPs. As for "Too Much Time ... Hands", he used an OB-X polysynth (similar to Prophet-5). Synths on the "Kilroy" LP included a SE-IV, a Roland VP330, & 3 Oberheims--2 OB-X's & a 4-Voice (for solos).
MrCamelneck 5 months ago
@synthpro hey umm where can i get one of this and how much is a used one i Love it it sounds good
Luke89ism 7 months ago
@Luke89ism Hi, You can find these on eBay from time to time, but they are not cheap and most of the time they are not working. They can run in the price range of $300 to $3000 depending on condition. I have to honestly say that unless you know how to repair electronics, this is not one of the synths you want. If I had to pay someone to do all the work I did to mine, it would have been very very expensive.
synthpro 7 months ago
What happens if you use the detuning knob on the pipe organ sound?
LouisvilleTorn8o 8 months ago
@LouisvilleTorn8o I don't think the programming, ( resistor matrix) will let you tweak the beat rate knob on that preset. Some things are fixed on the keyboard model. I am sure it would sound very cool if you could tweak it.
synthpro 8 months ago
@LouisvilleTorn8o Unfortunatly the detuning knob does not work on pipe organ. One of the drawbacks of the 280a model is that some of the controls were fixed for some of the presets. Not real sure why they did it that way, but it does limit some of the controls. I can tell you that it would be a very unique sound if I could detune the two oscillators.
synthpro 7 months ago
I own 4 polymoogs..2 of each version. Do you think it would be possible to put vox humana into one of the polymoog synths? and be able to tweak the sound,like the other presets? imagine strings 1,strings 2 and vox humana all in one synth?
PoserExposer 9 months ago
@PoserExposer Cool! I really don't believe it could be done because you would have to do so much to make it work right. The filter would not be that hard to build but you would have to set up the modulation rates just right and also build a resistor matrix for the programming. You would basically have to build a whole PCB just to get Vox Humana as a preset out of the synth model.
synthpro 9 months ago
@synthpro Knew it would be too good to be true! sounds like more work than it its worth.
PoserExposer 9 months ago
@PoserExposer Yeah, it would be some work for sure. One thing that you may could do is just build the Vox Humana filter and then tweak the modulation to get the correct sound. The 280a is different than the 203a in a lot of ways, but you may could pull off something close. If I had a 203a, I would come up with something close for you in the form of patch sheets.
synthpro 9 months ago
Super demo Jareth! They sure do sound like the 70s your right there...
We saw Gary Numan back in November... Man, I was praying he would bust out an old 280a but unfortunately it never happened. Good show though!
Sjobeck7 1 year ago
@Sjobeck7 Thank you! Oh, they do sound 70's alright but the sounds never get old.
Wow, I wish I could see Gary Numan live sometime. I would have loved to been at the concert where he teamed up with NIN and he played a 280a. It was a very neat show!
synthpro 1 year ago
@Sjobeck7 rumor has it,Numans polymoogs are in his mums garage...holding up potted plants!
PoserExposer 9 months ago
Hi, how are you mate? I've not see this video, well done. I'm getting on with my juno G, recorded a version of Neon Lights Kraftwerk track by track, hard work but worth it & enjoyable. I've just got to do a mix down, the chap in the shop is helping me. I need to get more memory for the juno as sampling & audio takes up a huge amount I understand so the chap has written it all down what I need. Please get in touch when you can & well done for all your stuff. From Rich
bestrickie2 1 year ago
Beautiful synthesizer, I love the string sound (preset 3).
keyboardjeff 1 year ago
@keyboardjeff Thanks! Yes, preset 3 is a great sound. There is a phase that goes on inside the sound that is really cool.
synthpro 1 year ago
Can I ask if you know whether the 280a has any tuning issues, or is that just the 203a?
gaza795 1 year ago
@gaza795 I have never had any tuning issues with mine. I have had power supply issues witch caused an increas in voltage. This caused the tuning to be out, but once I re adjusted my voltages everything was back in tune.
synthpro 1 year ago
I opened up my yamaha an1x, and i have some elctronic contact cleaner. But where exactly are the contacts? any tips?
Synthesized13 1 year ago
@Synthesized13 You will have to remove the keys and the contacts should be right under them. Also, I am not sure what kind of POT you need for that synth, but I will look it up and seeif I can find out and I will let you know.
Jareth
synthpro 1 year ago
@synthpro wow, that would be such a help. Im a little nervous about removing that key though =/ knowing me ill mess something up.
Synthesized13 1 year ago
@Synthesized13 No prblem, glad to help.
synthpro 1 year ago
if i was ever to buy a moog...which i will =] this would be the one. You cant do ANYTHING with 32 keys on moog voyagers =[ except leads, but i hate being limited! I want one of these, how much do they cost? and btw, you seem to know a lot about keyboard repairs or projoects. I have a yamaha an1x synth. the lowest key (low C) doesnt work. It presses fine and feels fine, but makes no sounds, and also the top right hand knob is faulty, and glitches around parameters without me touching,Suggestions!
Synthesized13 1 year ago
@Synthesized13 Thanks, These cost somewhere between $200.00 to $1200.00 depending on the model and the condition. These model synths are known for problems so if you get one plan on having a good technician. If you do get one let me know and I will be glad to help you out. It sounds like your yamaha has a dirty contact if it is only that one key that gives you problems. It sounds like you may have a bad POT for the knob. Does the knob feel loose or wobble?
synthpro 1 year ago
@synthpro yes, it does wobble more than the others. Do i need a technician for that? or is that something i can fix on my own. a dirty contact, i can weed my way through. what should i do? and how much do you think it will cost to repair a bad POT? Please let me know if you find a polymoog for under 1000. id be all over that! haha
Synthesized13 1 year ago
only kidding! if i were you , i'd never sell!! you've done a great job fixing it up.i'm an ageing numan fan and its great to see the real polymoog in action! well done and keep up the good work.(ps you can do a good vox hum imitation with a korg triton. use 'money pad', up the cutoff freq a tad and add a small amount of lfo.)
anton7580 1 year ago
@anton7580 Thank you very much! I did not know that about the Triton. I have made the vox humana sound on an Akai AX-80, but have never tried it on a Korg.
Thanks again and take care,
Jareth
synthpro 1 year ago
are you selling this amazing keyboard!!? if so let me know!!
anton7580 1 year ago
@anton7580 I am not selling it right now, but if I change my mind you will be the first to know.
Thanks!
synthpro 1 year ago
What is that Gary Numan song called?
Reptillo 1 year ago
@Reptillo It is Replicas. The original version on the Repicas album did not have the Vox Humana sound, but when he played live he used Vox Humana.
Thanks for watching!
synthpro 1 year ago
You have no idea how much I envy you. :)
plungerdrum 2 years ago
You have got a nice Arp Axxe.
synthpro 2 years ago
Why thank you! I love that thing, but, it would be some combination to have that Axxe sitting on top of a Polymoog! I always thought that the Polymoog keyboard model was not too good, but this video proved me wrong!
plungerdrum 2 years ago
That would be neat to see. Yes, most people think of the keyboard model as not being any good, but it is not bad. It is limited compared to the synth model, but I still like it. I have never heard a vintage synth with such warm string sounds.
Thanks for watching!
synthpro 2 years ago
True. I mean, I never thought I'd end up with an Arp Axxe, and now I've got one and I love it! There's a guy by me who specializes in vintage analog synthesizers, and he currently has a Polymoog Keyboard, but it needs some work. But, I'd love to play it some day.
plungerdrum 2 years ago
The Arp Axxe is a great little synth. The polymoog is a beast of a keyboard that I had to restore from the ground up. It took 3 months of soldering and replacing components, but it was worth every hour.
synthpro 2 years ago
Yeah, I'd imagine it was well worth it! What do you think is better: An Arp Omni, or a Polymoog?
plungerdrum 2 years ago
Well, an ARP Omni is more reliable and less complex, but really it all depends on the sound you are looking for. They both have a different sound. If you get a polymoog, be ready to repair it because it is rare to get one in good working order. They do not like to be moved. There are only two things I have seen go wrong in Arp Ominis and that is: tantalum capacitors, and divider IC's.
synthpro 2 years ago
@synthpro SCI Prophets have the warmest strings sounds, hands down, although the Yamaha CS80 comes close. I do like the Vox Humana sound on the Polymoog, though. I think it was used on Cars.
LouisvilleTorn8o 8 months ago
Fantastic machine. Celestial sounds. Awesome video.
Blessings.
Eddie.
emoraz 2 years ago
Thank you!
synthpro 2 years ago
Nice job restoring that board. It looks brand new. Love that "Vox Humana."
timothyeilers 2 years ago
Thank you! It took about 3 months to get it back in shape but it was worth every hour.
Thanks for watching and take care,
Jareth
synthpro 2 years ago
Thank you for putting together this video. My only exposure with the polymoog is Gary Numan and Saga. IMHO Saga made a much wider and varied use of the polymoog sounds in their records but I didn't see how specially live. But I see how they were using the modulation and presets. I have the Sample tank that with all the effects, modulation and layering can create sounds and pretty amazing comparable to the original to say the least. Thank you.
PeterTheSAGAFan 2 years ago
did you know you can get quite a good vox humana sound from the Roland sh201 if you muck about with the supersaw and LFO's?
numanisme 2 years ago
Yes, you are right. The only problem the SH-201 has is with the power of the sound. It just doesnt seem to have the low end rumble that the polymoog has.
synthpro 2 years ago
yeah thats true ive been abusing myself trying to get the sound right but you cant beat those moog osscilators
numanisme 2 years ago
Great demo as ever, thank you....
GNeuman 2 years ago
Hi J, brilliant video, now I can compare your 280a against mine!
machman05 2 years ago
Nice sounds dude
Posthuman2003 2 years ago
Thanks!!!
synthpro 2 years ago
The old Moog is looking & sounding good!
Thanks for the demo :)
*****
64m >:-)
64mung 2 years ago
Thanks. It has taken some work to get it back up, but it has paid off.
Your welcome for the demos, glad to hear you enjoy them!
synthpro 2 years ago
Great instrument. Thanks for sharing.
attorks 2 years ago
Your welcome!
synthpro 2 years ago