EMS Synthi A

Stunning vintage EMS Synthi A for sale in excellent condition and superb working order, following an extensive overhaul by EMS Cornwall. An excellent example of one of our all-time favourite synths.

This is a brokerage sale item, see more info below. We can discount the price for payment by bank/wire transfer. Photos are from the seller. If you have questions about this instrument please get in touch and we will pass them to the seller.

Cosmetically, this “A” is in wonderful condition, save for a small crack in the bottom right corner of the black Spartanite case. The original external logo plate was missing, so the modern “EMS Cornwall” one was fitted during the service.

This Synthi has just had a full overhaul by EMS Cornwall at a cost of nearly £900 – a copy of the full service report is available to the buyer on request. Aside bringing it back to factory specification, two essential and important mods were performed: oscillator stabilisation and filter unslew. The former significantly improves any fluctuations in tuning over time and make the “A” as reliable as any other monosynth from that era. After a quick warm up, the instrument stays in tune and can be played chromatically for hours on end.  Filter unslew, despite the odd name, is a mod that is a must for every Synthi owner. It corrects a factory ‘mistake’, so to speak, that does not allow fast FM to modulate the filter properly. With it installed, the Synthi can move into Buchla-esque territory and deliver “wooden” sounds as heard in demo 4 below, starting at 0:19. Those metallic/wooden sounds are enabled by the filter unslew mod; Buchla-esqe FM.

All of the sound examples heard here were made on the Synthi for sale, with additional use of a KS sequencer and additional effects from a simple Boss stompbox reverb and EMS filterbank. None of the sounds were overdubbed, so they show quite nicely how complex and musical a Synthi can get.

Switchable voltage for use on 120v or 240v.

CONDITION: The overall condition of this unit is excellent, with some minor scuffs and scratches across the face. The case is also excellent with the usual minor scuffing. One corner has been damaged and covered in black tape. The Synthi logo on the front of the case is a new replacement. See photos for more information on cosmetic condition.

SHIPPING: Item it located in the EU. Because it is a brokerage sale the shipping is only an estimate as final shipping may need to be arranged between the buyer and seller. If you want an exact figure before you purchase please get in touch. In the event that you purchase and have under or overpaid on the shipping we will settle the difference with you as needed.

Brokerage Sale Information:

This is a brokerage sale by Soundgas on behalf of the owner. The synth is not at Soundgas and we have (sadly) not had a chance to play it ourselves. As such, we can offer no guarantee on this item beyond the 14 days you have to assess it. However, we only work in this way with trusted clients who really understand their gear. That said, it is the buyer’s responsibility to confirm details provided in the listing by the seller are to their satisfaction – if you have any questions at all please let us know before we arrange shipping.

As a brokerage sale, payment will be made to us but will be held in escrow for the seller until the buyer confirms satisfactory receipt of the item. The buyer has 14 days from receipt to raise any concerns, after which we will release funds to the seller. Full terms available on request.