Hello everyone, we are pleased to present the first edition of Synthétik News!
 

EVENTS
On October 24th, the 3rd edition of Mini- Festival du Synthé de Montréal.
                             
                                                                                                         

On November 6th, our customers Thus Owls, will release their new LP.
For a taste of the band music, you can listen to a sample song and video at the following links:
http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2015/09/montreal_duo_th_1.html

Here are some quick tips to avoid disaster when you acquire a vintage electronic instrument that spend a lot of time sleeping in a closet. In such a case, it is best not to turn on the device, because electronic components that have not been used for some time need to be gently awakened.

 

When a instrument has been unused for a considerable amount of time, we do not turn it on immediately. We first inspect the instrument’s power supply alone by disconnecting the instrument from it if possible. If the instrument  has not been in operation for about twenty years it is likely  that the electrolytic capacitors needs to be replaced. These capacitors contain an electrolyte that can dry or leak over time (their maximum life span is 20 years if made in the 70s). A faulty capacitor, which will not filter well, will result in a lot of AC voltage (usually 60 or 120 Hz = Hum) in the DC power lines  and will make it difficult for components to regulate the voltage properly, leading to a risk of damage. There are also other types of capacitors, particularly tantalums, that are unable to tolerate overloads.

 

It is important to be aware that some companies have made significant mistakes and did not put the appropriate components.  These manufacturing issues are often linked to efforts to lower production costs. ARP has used the wrong rectifying diodes, which could barely tolerate the current consumed by the device.They must be replaced (a notice in this regard informed  the  technicians of this time), but several ARP synthesizers still have these diodes, sometimes broken .  Some designs of PSU (power supply) were so poorly designed that some components heated to a level where the welds could brake. SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS and it’s Prophet 5 played with fire and installed a Power Supply retained only by the synthesizer filter capacitors and silicone ... and no protection for the entire digital section!

 

So after we did inspect, and in most case replace the filter capacitors, then , we power the instrument  with a Variac (a tool to gradually increase the voltage to the required level) and we measure the voltages to  ensure  that everything is in order. Then we connect the instrument to its PSU and when it is on tension we take power measurements with an oscilloscope and a special multimeter that can take up to six measurements simultaneously.

 

Here are some pictures of component horrors that show with the wounds of age, or damage that may be caused if the start-up procedure is not respected.

If you feel that there is something unscrewed in your instrument, you hear the sound of a piece that rolls when you move it, do not turn ON the instrument. If the sheath of the AC cable is damaged, or that the switch (ON / OFF switch) is loose or intermittent, do not use your device. This kind of anomaly could cause short circuits and damage your instrument, even yourself.

In an upcoming Synthétik News, we'll explain you the important points to check when buying vintage electronic instruments, for example:  Wurlitzer 200, Roland Juno-106, Polysix Korg, Roland Space Echo, etc.

Thank you everyone and see you soon,

Guillaume and Véronique

Artisans en lutherie électronique vintage