EMS Synthi Hi-Fli + Stand/Pedals

Early EMS Synthi HiFli for sale complete with chrome stand and pedals. It's rare to find a complete original set like this and this is sure to make someone very happy indeed.

This is a preorder - the unit will be fully overhauled before delivery to the buyer and will arrive in perfect working order.

Number one in Analogman Tom's list of rare guitar effects from the Analog Man's Guide to Vintage Effects book.

Used by David Gilmour - he bought a prototype in 1972 and from what he recalls it was “very, very expensive”. The Gilmourish blog suggests it was used during the recording of Dark Side Of The Moon, though DG's long time tech, Phil Taylor, told me he thinks it wasn't.

In a way it is immaterial whether or not it was used on DSOTM: the Hi-Fli is your route to creating Gilmour style sounds and effects and nothing else sounds quite like it.

I'd keep mine just for the two phaser and three vocal wah settings called Waa, Waw and Meow.

And it's not just for guitarists - running keys/synths and drum machines through it can be a shortcut to vintage sonic nirvana.

Designed by David Cockerell in 1971 for EMS: with only 350 units originally produced, the Hi-Fli was actually referred to as a synthesizer in the original ad, but it’s basically an analog multi-effect processor, which can be used on vocals, guitars, organs, synths etc.

It has two footpedals, which could be routed as control voltages/expression pedal to any of the slider functions. It’s got no memory to back up settings – everything is in real-time, so one had to manually tweak the sliders for each tone change.

You'll suddenly hit upon an amazing combination while tweaking the knobs - be sure to hit record as repeating it can prove tricky.

This unit comes complete with original dual footswitch unit and chrome stand and was number 32 ever made.

Condition

In excellent cosmetic condition with only minor scratches on the face. The case is very good with a few dings and signs of wear plus an area on the corner above the serial plate that may be a previous repair or casting fault. See photos for more information.

Voltage Information

220/240v unit. A step-up transformer will be required for use on 110/120v supplies. Please ask if you need advice on what to use. We do not recommend using cheap, generic Chinese mains transformers.

Tax

For sales in UK/EU, this item is on the margin scheme for second hand goods. VAT-free sales are not possible for this item.