EMS VCS3a Putney & DK2 Cricklewood / VCS-3 VCS3

EMS The Putney VCS3a Mk1 and The Cricklewood DK1 keyboard (modified to DK2 spec) for sale in excellent condition.

Broker sale on behalf of the owner: it has been extensively overhauled and discretely (and reversibly) modified by our favourite EMS specialist and is ready for action.

This is a rare chance to secure an original VCS3a in excellent condition. This is one of the most iconic and revered synths of all and is truly versatile: from Radiophonic Workshop (and Hawkwind) type bloops and bleeps, through Eno and Roxy Music and beyond. Paired with the DK-2, this is also a superbly expressive keyboard synthesizer. Tony uses his VCS-3 as much as an effects processor as synthesizer.

This has been freshly serviced and is in full working order with warranty. The face plate of the VCS3 was quite worn so it has had a factory refinish performed by EMS Cornwall and looks superb.

The DK-1 keyboard has been upgraded to factory DK-2 duophonic spec.

Modifications on EMS VCS3 #2620:

Push-pull pots:
Oscillator 1
Ramp : selects the sync depth
Oscillator 2
Triangle : pull syncs oscillator 1 as a slave
Oscillator 3
Triangle : pull syncs oscillator 1 as a slave
Noise Generator
Colour : selects the random voltage generator trigger : pushed it's the envelope lamp, pulled it's
oscillator 3 (shape below 3 doesn't trigger, this is normal)
Level : pull replaces the noise by the random voltage on row 7
The random voltage output can be changed by the colour and level pots

Input level channels 1 and 2
Pull and set the pot fully CW to 10 enables the precalibrated CV input via the mic input jack sockets
Channel 1 is calibrated for oscillator 1 and channel 2 for oscillator 2
The CV is present on matrix rows 8 (channel 1) and 9 (channel 2)
Red and yellow pins are matched 1 % and should be use for best tracking
Tracking is in tune over about 5 octaves with the oscillator frequency vernier dial set to about 4.5,
stepping aside from this initial setting will reduce the tracking range.

Filter
Frequency : pull unslews the filter and makes the frequency controllable by audio range signals
patched via the filter frq. column

Envelope Generator
Attack : pull makes the attack and decay times 11 x longer
On : pull converts into a short trigger the gate signal present on the control output ch.1 jack socket or
keyboard Jones socket
Trapezoid : pull inverts the trapezoid CV polarity

Other mods:
Wired pins
These pins invert the signal, can be used with CV and audio signals
Matrix
Rows 8 and 9 are buffered to keep stable CV regardless of the number of pins patched
Control output ch.1 jack socket
Gate signal between +5V and +15V can be patched here to fire the envelope generator
Mic input jack sockets
1V/oct CV signal can be patched here, details are above

Condition

In excellent condition. Factory refinish by EMS Cornwall of the VCS3 face plate. Please see photos or get in touch if you require more information on condition.

Voltage Information

Switchable voltage for use anywhere in the world - it will be set up ready for you to use before we ship.

Tax

Zero rated for VAT.