Farfisa Syntorchestra

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String keyboard
Farfisa Syntorchestra Overview.jpg
General
Surname Farfisa Stereo Syntorchestra
Manufacturer Farfisa
Sound synthesis analog, subtractive
Period 1975-1978
Sound sample
properties
Polyphonic partly yes
Multitimbral twofold
filter Low pass
Keys 37 keys
Effects Vibrato , portamento and pitch

The Farfisa Stereo Syntorchestra , often incorrectly Synthorchestra and almost exclusively without the addition of stereo , is an analog, partly polyphonic and partly monophonic string keyboard from the Italian organ manufacturer Farfisa . It was presented in 1975 and used by well-known artists of the Berlin School such as Manuel Göttsching and Klaus Schulze , among others .

The instrument

Manuals

The Syntorchestra is equipped with a 37-key manual and covers a total of three octaves including an additional C key. It has predefined registers which can be selected with toggle switches on the front below the keyboard. Four polyphonic registers ( trombone , trumpet , piano and viola ), which are located on the left under the control field, as well as nine monophonic registers ( tuba , trombone, trumpet, baritone saxophone , alto saxophone , bass flute , flute , piccolo and violin ) can be selected. One polyphonic and one monophonic register can be combined. As is usual with string keyboards from the 1970s, these are by no means real-sounding instruments, but simple sound imitations, which, however, cover a wide range of sounds.

Portamento

In addition, the portamento can be extensively configured. Next to the registers there is a small toggle switch with which the portamento can be permanently activated, as well as a large rocker that automatically returns to its starting position by a spring. The latter is therefore intended for temporary portamento. How much time should pass before the next note is reached can be configured on the control field to the left of the keyboard. By skillfully using this function and certain registers, a sound similar to the Theremin can be achieved.

On the control field there are also sliders for the volume of the polyphonic and monophonic sections and the resonance of the filter called here called Brilliance , which is also individually adjustable for both sections. A simple envelope generator ( ADSR ) is also available. The rise and fall can be configured, the former being named here with the Italian name Soffiato . Another slider allows a stepless adjustment of the pitch .

Vibrato

The Syntorchestra also has an extensive vibrato system. The vibrato can be set for both sections as well as for a single one. Continuous adjustment is possible using a horizontal slide control. An additional built-in simple delay effect amplifies the effect. On the far right of the monophonic registers, a "Wha Wha" effect can also be switched on, the sound of which is comparable to a guitar string that decays slowly. Another toggle switch next to it lets the musician decide whether he wants to use this effect when the tone rises or dies. The power switch is on the far right and lights up red when the instrument is on.

Interfaces

On the rear left side, the string keyboard has a total of five interfaces. The sound is output either jointly via a 6.35 mm socket (hence the "stereo" in the name, which is also printed in small letters over the logo on the left front) or separately via two such sockets. So z. B. a Phaser effect can be added to the polyphonic section without affecting the monophonic section. A slide switch allows you to switch between two signal strengths: "Low", to use the instrument on more sensitive devices such as guitar amplifiers, and "High", which outputs a line-level signal suitable for studio recordings. There are also options for tuning both the monophonic and polyphonic sections.

scope of delivery

In addition to warranty documents, manual and repair plans, the scope of delivery also included an expression pedal, which could be connected to the rear. The power cord cannot be removed and comes from the bottom. A protective plate is integrated into the housing design - it is latched onto the top for transport and thus protects the keyboard and switches from damage. A handle was also attached to the upper edge.

Others

The instrument was originally designed to accompany the electronic organs customary at the time and was designed so that it could be placed on top of the organ cladding. Two versions were made to match, one with a wooden panel, the other with a silver metal panel. The latter is much more common. In Internet sales, the instrument is now in demand, not only because of its prominent users, and on average it achieves prices above the 1,000 dollar mark in auctions.

The instrument can be heard prominently on New Age of Earth by Manuel Göttsching and especially in the first part of Mindphaser on the album Moondawn by Klaus Schulze . The Greek musician Vangelis also used it regularly on his first albums Heaven and Hell from 1975 and Albedo 0.39 from 1976.

Web links

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