My 30 year journey with OSCar - Dave Spiers

[@GForceSoftware]

Just a quick note to say thank you so VERY much for the kind comments. After losing my wife I decided to write an album dedicated to her. That’ll come in 2025, but on a couple of tracks I used OSCar and the second I touched it I was immediately transported back 30 years to the start of this amazing journey; one she encouraged and supported. Immediately I knew I had to take a detour and do this video as a tribute to her, OSCar, and Chris Huggett. TBH I was very nervous it was a bit too emotional, so I’m overwhelmed by the amazing comments here and the messages I’ve received. I’ve shared these with Chris’ wife and she was also really touched.❤ Wishing you all a great Xmas 2024 and all the very best for 2025. 🎄 Dave PS: Got to say one of my fave comments was “Every synth guy's wet dream: a spouse uttering the words: "You should keep it." 🤣

[@attilabpc542]

Is your 2025 album going to include this track? I love it. Have you got it without the commentary, music only?

[@jrodohio]

This brought tears to my eyes. Thank you Dave for sharing this.

[@macronencer]

What a horribly tough few years you've had Dave - my deepest sympathies. I lost my dad in September myself. It's vital to seize every single day and follow all the joy. Best wishes mate.

[@dryadmusic]

I've just repaired an OSCar for someone who found it at a recycling centre shop, being sold as non-working. At switch on it wouldn't do anything except illuminate the six octave lights, and no switching of the controls or buttons would do anything. However, I managed to repair it and having it back to full working order, so I am genuinely proud to have saved such an excellent and legendary machine.

[@Wagoo]

Our hearts went out to you Dave, when we heard the news about your wife - so it's great to hear from you again. This is a beautiful tribute to Chris and one of the wonderful machines he created

[@AndyVonal]

Oh heck, Dave, that was so moving. I know you've had a really tough time and it's great to have you back. What a splendid tribute to a splendid fellow who had such a massive impact on all of us - even those of us who never met him but who use his instruments daily. Simply wonderful. I need to find my tissues now. Sending you much love and Huge Hugz!

[@SteveCookeGB]

Thanks for sharing this, Dave. Wonderful to hear your memories.

[@rohosynth]

Extraordinary film and story; thank you, Dave. I worked in keyboard retail 1985 through 2001; we had a Wasp on the floor, took an OSCar in on trade (it was sold almost immediately), and of course, sold Novation synths (I own a Supernova II). This was wonderful to watch, and deepest condolences for the loss of your friend Chris Huggett and your wife.

[@alistairsteadman3765]

Who did you work for sir?

[@bitegoatie]

This is beautiful, Dave. Thank you for sharing all this. I knew things were up, and I knew about Chris and your connection to him, but I had no idea about some of the other things. Why would I? I have been in my own swamps of loss, plus massive illness. Please know your humor and insights have made a huge difference to a lot of us. Just hearing you nearly weekly on Nick's program, years back now, provided me with a sense of reassurance that some things were still right with the world at a time when my life was being turned upside down almost daily. Small things can be enormously helpful in such times. So thanks for being there, sharing opinions and music, for so many years. I hope the seas are growing a bit calmer for you now, or that soon they will, at worst. We keep our loved ones with us even when they stop tapping us on the shoulder, and their contributions follow us into our future joys. I hope you will keep getting out among us and keep participating in a community to which you have made lovely contributions. Thank you for all of it.

[@Jay_Bird333]

Thank you 🙏 so much for sharing, Dave. Keep up the amazing work- these docs are SO IMPORTANT!!! 😎👍👍👍👍❤❤❤

[@spencermartin467]

I didn't expect to be crying by the end of this Beautiful little documentary Dave thank you very much, i lost my music mate Ian Allen ( the Criminal minds, 1 dead jedi, 39 troop.) this year, we would knock around together talking about keyboards, samplers, cutting up breaks and doing live gigs at raves. and he stupidly had a heart attack exactly this time last year. since then i have moved onto a canal boat and have a small studio set up in the front cabin, he would of loved it and my GABBERDISCO project I'm working on...... all i know is i miss him and we are all in a way part of the OSCar story.

[@-CALC-]

This is one of the finest things I’ve seen in a long time, delivered by one the finest gentlemen in the industry. Much Love to you Dave and thank you for making this. I miss Chris H a great deal. We also shared some amazing times together. A great friend and true genius. (And the finest minesweeper of drinks I ever met!)

[@jimgiantomasi2121]

Very nice tribute Dave. GForce softsynths have always been favorites of mine, especially impOSCar, since the beginning. Thanks for all you do my friend.

[@trevcoult]

I was almost in tears watching parts of this. So wonderful and sad at the same time. I'll probably never own an OSCar even though I've wanted one since release. So Imposcar 1, 2 and 3 and a Bass Station II have had to be my Huggett substitutes, and worthy ones they are too. I'm happy so many people still have and cherish them.

[@davidgoodwin8232]

Lovely story, and a touching tribute. All the best Dave .

[@christopherkahn6522]

Now I know why the Imposcar sounds so good: you put your heart and soul into it. I picked up my first copy of the software roughly twenty years ago and, after picking my jaw off the floor, always wondered why Gforce as a company seemed to languish. Over the last few years, with the resurgence of the website and introduction of many new incredible soft synths, I feel like it was worth the wait because each one is truly amazing in its own way. Imposcar was the first soft synth I ever bought in 2007 and still my favorite, especially in its third amazing incarnation. Thanks for putting your heart and soul into recreating and improving legends beyond what is physically possible. The result truly sounds great!

[@EannaButler]

Ah Dave, that's such a lovely set of stories. So sorry for your losses... Long-time fan of ImpOSCar - that, and Absynth, were what switched me onto software synths back in the day. All the best from Ireland...

[@peterjames-stephen]

Thanks Dave ! What a wonderful tribute to Chris and his brillient Oscar ! (I'm so glad I now have the PWM Mantis!)

[@magikmoment]

This video has made my year. Soooo good to hear someone sing the praises of an unsung British genius. I never met Chris but I've had 6 Oscars and every single one of them has been slightly different. A unique creator.

[@BOOelectric]

Thank you for the beautiful memories Dave. We're sending you our love. xx

[@hawk194]

Dave, this is a wonderful emotional story. Thank you for sharing and keep the faith.

[@PerChristianFrankplads]

Thank you so much for sharing this journey, and opening up about your losses. My deepest condolences for all of them, and I hope you know about us fans and how much your work means to us. ❤

[@ikarugamoo]

Had me in tears before you even mentioned the passing of your wife. Having watched you for almost 10 years on Sonic State - like everyone in there - I feel a connection to the hosts and that news which I wasn’t aware of made my heart break for you & trying to imagine just how you feel by thinking of the same thing happening to me. Unthinkable. A lovely video which I hope bought you some joy to produce as it did for me & others to watch. Take care.

[@cyberamus]

Dave - thanks so much for sharing a very personal tale filled with some lovely anecdotes. You've done the Oscar proud with your version, so thanks from me. I'm very sorry for your losses. Best, Jon

[@regplasma7906]

Thank you Dave for a great 15 minutes.I have a Bass Station 2 and have just purchased a Jasper ,not quite a Wasp ,but still a classic synth .Chris will live on through his legacy and reputation.

[@andreievkalupniek5717]

Touching tribute. I really appreciate the love, care and attention to detail you guys at GForce Software put in your instruments

[@SRDhain]

I'm sorry to hear about your losses, Dave & i hope you're well. I can remember imposcar vividly, as Kent & Richard made a controller for it, which i refused to take on the grounds that they were up to their eyeballs in making them. As always, i believe that music has and always will carry us through life's journeys, pitstops & destinations, sometimes providing us with ample time to reflect along the way. Thank you for uploading & sharing 🌅 Shekhar.

[@FrankyGun]

What a beautiful heart warming story ❤ Thanks for sharing this with us 🙏 So much beauty and tragedy all interwoven to something beautiful and profound 💕 I appreciate my Summit even more now ❤ Love and light from Thailand 🇹🇭 ❤

[@markpeters284]

Great stories and your journey through time. I am a lucky owner of an OSCar which I purchased new in May 86 for £375 from E&MM magazine. Used it live and in the various bands i was in for the rest of the 80’s and into the 90’s. I got it out of storage a couple of years ago, replaced the flat battery, cleaned the pots and switches and it again works as good as the day it was new. A truly classic synth made in Great Britain. RIP Chris.

[@wphmusic]

What a beautiful film. Much love to you Mr Spiers.

[@0richbike]

Thank you! That was profoundly inspiring and uplifting despite the sadness you're had to endure. Cheers rich

[@raymondfranklynDJ]

Dave we love you. Thank you.

[@a100user]

Wonderful film Dave, thank you for sharing

[@willjdeanie]

I’m very sorry for all of your losses, your friends, your wife, i can’t imagine how sad you must be but that was a wonderfully positive tribute to the joy your friend bought to so many people, not least of all you.

[@kvfive]

Great insight - Thanks for sharing, clearly very personal to you. ❤

[@carlbdfrd]

Lovely Dave. Thank you

[@tobbirk]

Thank you very much for this special and emotional video. All the best.

[@simoningate2056]

Beautiful story Dave - thanks for posting.

[@lucasnicholls7840]

Lovely film. Thanks for sharing it. 😊

[@StevenClements]

Simply beautiful Dave. ❤

[@tonalaxis_AXiS_MODULAR]

Thank you Dave. ❤❤

[@isoldeisobelle552]

A wonderful story, well told. Keep on, keeping on Mr. Spiers.

[@ohmgroan2363]

Beautifully done. Best wishes Dave.

[@mikemmartin]

Thank you for sharing Dave, a touching tribute.

[@waheex]

Proud OSCar owner. They look amazing and sound very interesting. Excellent video.

[@SidneyBCommercialista]

A great, misunderstood by many, synth. Thanks Dave for the touching story.

[@deanie321]

What a lovely poignant recalling of a bit of synth history. Heart goes out to you for all friends and loved ones mentioned. I love all the stuff you and your company produces!

[@mattevans7884]

Just wonderful. Thank you Dave

[@Create-n-fix-with-Nick]

Dave meeting you and Chris (the other one 😊) at NAMM was always my high point of that show. I have very fond memories of hanging out with you guys and nick b. Sorry for all these losses, we are of that age one supposes. Anyway lovely vid, thanks for sharing this.

[@Reg-Edit]

So sorry to hear of your loss 😢 But thank you so much for your work ❤

[@mafvosburgh]

Thanks for making this, Dave.

[@MrDFaraday]

A wonderful tribute to friends and OSCar

[@danielpirone8028]

Thanks for sharing your his and all your fantastic products.

[@Dan_Stopani]

That is a fantastic story, very well told and you have my deepest condolences Mr Spiers. impOSCar was my foray into the VST world and it's still one of the first plugins I install when I move to a new computer.

[@benzarges]

Thanks for sharing Dave.

[@dcpno]

Hi Dave, thank you for this lovely video. I still have my Supernova which is still a great synth. In fact all my Novation synths are excellent, testament to the work of a great engineer and designer. Sorry to hear about your loss. I love string synths and was looking to try and get some old machines until I heard VSM. This purchase opened me up to wonderful soft synths at Gforce. I sometimes feel a bit nerdy when friends ask me why do you need more than one synth. I then realise I am blessed to be able to appreciate the little things that make up the character of a creation that someone has sweated over. Keep up the good work, it's really appreciated.

[@andrewgarley1400]

Lovely tribute. I don't have my OSCA now, but I do have V3 I Love it, thank you.

[@EarmonkeyMusic]

An inspiring video on many levels Dave. I always enjoy how well you present. Your passion for synths and life itself always comes through.

[@alistairsteadman3765]

Dear Dave. It’s been a while. I’m so sorry to hear what you’ve been through mate. I had no idea. I quit social media a few years ago. You’ve played a huge part in keeping the OSCar name alive and it’s through total passion for the instrument and that should be the way. Not riding the original designer’s coat tails to make a buck (you know who you are) but instead taking Chris and his instrument into a new age where ‘in the box’ is the medium for so many great and budding artists. It’s a cracking synth, no question. My first encounter. I remember being in Bootleg Music in Epsom in mid 85 poised to buy my first synth, a Korg Poly 800. And my Dad asked Ian who owned the shop whether he could buy anything British. They had a used OSCar. I panicked 🤣and we left with the Korg because you could play chords on it. I’m on my second OSCar now but you could call it my third, as you might remember I accidentally ended up with Underworld’s in a mix up after a service. I happily played it for a few days until the jungle drums made it clear that Rick wanted it back and pronto 😁. I’m thinking of you mate. All the best. Alistair

[@hiltoniusmusic]

what a moving and wonderful tribute to a few instruments, sure, but to your friend chris most of all. i'm welling up......

[@alanip]

Thank you for sharing this heartfelt story. My deepest condolences for your loss. These people and the Oscar hold such a significant place in synth history. ❤

[@_fig.8]

lovely piece, tender and passionate. thank you for sharing

[@spengellymusic]

What a great story. Thank you.

[@solon_music]

Really interesting to hear the human story behind your connection to the Oscar… and very moving. Thanks for sharing. It sounds like you’ve been navigating a lot there last few years. Hang in there 👊.

[@robg904]

I fell in love with the Peak many moons ago. Still saving for one. These boxes of joy wouldn't have existed without freaks like you lot. Hats off to you all.

[@MarkCeeney]

Amazing tribute to an incredible designer.😎🎹

[@issiewizzie]

The most valuable thing is the meetups and listening to the guys remenise about their time. I[m in my 50s and value time shared with friends /family ... it can also become overwhelming when we start to lose loved ones

[@zerfranzt]

Thank You 🙏🏻

[@badinibeats5939]

sorry to hear about you losses i cant imagine how hard that would be i lost my parrot last year and nearly had a breakdown i couldnt imagine. great to see your back at it with the videos your funny af genuinely laughed out loud belly laughed over the years with some of your comments on sonicstate and these videos are as good as it gets. really wish you all the best

[@polydata]

Lovely, thanks for sharing this story.

[@jeredorsey]

Since I watched this gift of a video about 12 hours ago, it has been on replay in my being. You have my sincerest of condolences, Dave and also my deepest gratitude. Thank you for doing what you do and being who you are. I love the ImpOSCar and it means so much more to me to know about the journey, your friendship with Chris Huggett and others and the kindness and intuition of your wife. Without each, and very importantly you, we wouldn't have the joy of digitally enjoying the ImpOSCar. And it is a joy. It can never replace the experiences and lives around it but it can have meaning. Also I don't think I have ever been as struck by a lead kicking in like I was by your piece at the end. It both broke and filled my heart.

[@electronictiger]

Lovely video Dave, and sorry for your losses. Thanks for many synth stories over the years. And the fantastic soft synths.

[@bosonbreeder]

Your insightful, crazy ambitious and impressive videos are amazing Dave! Top tier. Never stop. 😊 I'll just keep buying your great software in the meantime.

[@nicholasbaines7868]

What a lovely video. A little broken synth and a love of electronic music has brought all these amazing experiences and treasured memories. Thank you for sharing this. A real privilege to hear ❤

[@FuturCrayon]

When someone dies, all he can hope is to have a friend as dedicated, faithful, humble and loving as you are. OSCar is untouchable but this is the real legacy. Thanks and take care.

[@MPHORROCKS]

What a wonderful and heartfelt tribute! Thanks for sharing and for continuing to make wonderful products that allow so many of us to connect with the rich history of synthesizers and their brilliant creators!

[@nickdestruct]

😣😢 😭 thanks for sharing the story. 🖤

[@MrMallum]

You have encapsulated why we all love music and synthesis so much. It's sooooooo much more than just some sounds and being in bands or DJ's. Sorry to hear for your losses but I also want to thank you for your GForce company that I use products from every single day. Having worked in a music shop in Oxford myself, I know the very pub you mean ✌♥🎹

[@martinholmberg1920]

Thank you for sharing your story! Love and respect!

[@Psychlist1972]

Beautiful video, Dave.

[@jvburnes]

Thank you for the privilege of sharing such a beautiful and personal journey. Oscar is unlike any synth I've used before or since. I can see how the soul of that new machine must have embodied Chris himself. I've been a friend of Oscar since impOscar 1 was released, so I really enjoyed this.

[@midierror]

Superb video and a fantastic story! Thanks Dave, I hope you're well sir

[@JayKaufman]

This is an absolutely beautiful ode to a synth and the people who helped build the memories that surround it. By all accounts, the world is less of a place as a result of your recent losses. My condolences to you Dave. May your memories long continue every time you fire up the OSCar.

[@jamied6166]

I thoroughly enjoyed that Dave! Must catch up soon.

[@underwatersunlight-music]

Wow, what a story. Thanks for sharing it, Dave! I‘m so sorry for your losses. I wish you and your family and friends the strength to continue with whatever you decide to pursue in the future and to enjoy each other’s company. 💙

[@adijames]

That was inspiring, touching and mostly just a wonderful video 🫶

[@jezpower]

A Beautiful story, I purchased one of the first Oscars, a Great Unique Sounding Synth , Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@michaelfeiner]

Lovely to hear about your beautiful journey and tribute of the OSCar ❤ Having many synths, unfortunately I’ve not had the pleasure of a owning a real OSCar. But I love the impOSCar plugin and I remember when I first bought the plug in and fired it up - it really was the reason me and my friend recorded and released a song 20 years ago (which turned out to be quite successful on Swedish radio), so huge thanks for that and for all your amazing work Dave 🙏

[@steveglossop]

That was fascinating and, at times, sad to watch. You've always been an absolute inspiration Dave. impOSCar3 is an incredible instrument and never ceases to provide endless ideas for music creation. An amazing legacy and I wish you and the GForce team nothing but the best for the future.

[@1881Gordon]

Beautiful, touching & heartwarming story. As an end user I never heard the stories behind the creation of this synth beast until now.. Decades ago, as a struggling student putting together his pennies for a monosynth I really wanted an OSCar, or Moog Prodigy, but could only stretch to an SH101. Damn!! Thank you for sharing this quality history lesson with us. Very much appreciated.

[@marcpinion]

Thank you so much for a fantastic video.

[@halloweenlisteningparty]

Great storytelling! And a lovely surprise with the music at the end.

[@gianfry1980]

your video touched me, I am 55 years old and many things said here reflect the love I have for synthesizers and the people who gave them importance from the builders to the musicians to the lovers. Thanks again for this wonderful opportunity to know a small but important piece of your life. Thanks Again

[@gregsLyrics]

I'm speechless with goosebumps!

[@alandeacon1988]

Thanks very much for this, Dave, and for the superbly modelled impOscar... Brought back fond memories of driving to deepest Oxfordshire on a couple of occasions to pick up a pile of tapes that Adrian Wagner had kindly copied for us: He was working on the Greengate Sampler and the Wasp at the time... Unfortunately, I'm one of those who went the Juno route when spending my pennies at Rod Argents...

[@nicogrubert]

Thanks for sharing and I wish you all the best, Dave. I buy all VST instruments from GForce and the impOscar 1 was the synth which I used to make my first vinyl release back in the days. All VST synths you make - dear GForce guys - are top notch!

[@wellenstrom]

It is always very pleasant, touching and enriching to listen to Mr. Spiers and to work with his products. There is a lot of heart and soul in it. It is not just business, but passion for music, people and synthesizers. Thank you very much, sir.

[@friendwithin]

Wow, such an emotional story. Thanks for sharing, Dave. I wish you all the best.

[@prebenraunsbjerg]

Wonderful!

[@BrucePercyPhoto]

Dear Dave, you might not remember me, but when you first started out, you bought a photo print from me. It was a very kind gesture from you and also even had my website as a link on the GForce website. I am huge fan of Karl and Rick and have all their Freur records also. I just wanted to drop a note to say how much of a gentleman you are, and also, so sorry to hear about the losses you've experienced this past few years. I too have experienced loss, and have found the past 5 years or so very difficult. I know we are not alone as it has been very tough on many people. I just wanted to send you my condolences and also, to say how beautiful this video is, and so heartfelt. It was very inspiring. With greatest respect and love to you and your family, Bruce

[@DavidHodkinson-ps1cb]

Sorry for your loss Dave .......... I have also owned an Oscar for over 30 years and it is the most special synth I have still relevant today ........ I found you story looking for servicing tips on how to keep it in tip top shape ...... It's a small community as only 2000 ever made I believe . And probably not that amount remain ...,.. I also remember the wasp .🐝but didn't know about the gnat or spider ......everyday a school day 🎹🎶😎 God bless my oscar mate 🎹