My 30 year journey with OSCar - Dave Spiers

[@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

[@jrodohio]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@novachord1]

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?

[@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!

[@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

[@bjh3661]

Thank you! OSCar is unique. I have one since 100 years ago.

[@Music-tg5is]

impOSCar will keep his spirit alive. Wonderful instrument and a wonderful man.

[@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 🎹

[@-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!)

[@davidgoodwin8232]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@wphmusic]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@xeractus]

I didn't know Dave had lost his wife, so when he mentioned it in this video paying tribute to Chris it felt like I'd been punched in the stomach. I'm so, so sorry for your loss. What you've done with GForce over the years has been fantastic and this is such a wonderful heartfelt tribute to your late friend. I wish you only the best and happiest times possible for the years ahead.

[@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.

[@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.

[@SidneyBCommercialista]

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

[@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...

[@ProckGnosis]

Bumped into Chris at Superbooth in 2018 or 2019, but I didn't know who he was. A cohort had to point out he was the man behind the Oscar, a synth I had long admired. The Novation room was pretty crowded, but he seemed happily in his element. Thanks for the nicely produced video to help recognize him. It's great to know there are folks out there who really just invested themselves through a genuine love and interest in what they were doing.

[@Jay_Bird333]

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

[@hawk194]

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

[@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.

[@peterjames-stephen]

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

[@mafvosburgh]

Thanks for making this, Dave.

[@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.

[@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.

[@andreievkalupniek5717]

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

[@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.

[@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 🇹🇭 ❤

[@thomasyon4332]

Good to hear you, Dave. Best wishes. From a sonicstater, with respect (and a hug).

[@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.

[@isoldeisobelle552]

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

[@crhkrebs]

A truly beautiful story and commemoration to your friend.

[@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.

[@andrewgarley1400]

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

[@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

[@friendwithin]

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

[@StevenClements]

Simply beautiful Dave. ❤

[@hiltoniusmusic]

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

[@mattevans7884]

Just wonderful. Thank you Dave

[@MrDFaraday]

A wonderful tribute to friends and OSCar

[@underwatersunlight3795]

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. 💙

[@Reg-Edit]

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

[@lucasnicholls7840]

Lovely film. Thanks for sharing it. 😊

[@realestatecult3105]

So sorry to hear about your losses, Dave. It's perhaps a cliche but hopefully you have many happy memories of your wife and friends. I was lucky enough to spend an hour with Chris in 1984 when I bought my OSCar directly from him. He was clearly very busy but still found time to demonstrate just how versatile it was to an idiot 19 year old. Perhaps my proudest memory is that hour.

[@zerfranzt]

Thank You 🙏🏻

[@TheMaartian]

I will never be able to look at impOSCar (now) 3 without thinking of your story. Sharing your sadness, but also your joy.

[@faylonbiryani]

Oh wow, what a really lovely and moving tribute. Sending you my very best wishes Dave. X

[@0richbike]

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

[@tonalaxis]

Thank you Dave. ❤❤

[@tobbirk]

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

[@kvfive]

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

[@mikemmartin]

Thank you for sharing Dave, a touching tribute.

[@_fig.8]

lovely piece, tender and passionate. thank you for sharing

[@Psychlist1972]

Beautiful video, Dave.

[@simoningate2056]

Beautiful story Dave - thanks for posting.

[@Death_By_Media]

Just came home after losing someone close and dear and this was in my suggestions . Cheers Dave .

[@DavidGilden]

Thanks for sharing the backstory. Love the Gforce ImOSCar!

[@SteveClark-rl1cm]

Thanks for this great video, Dave. It was moving to hear the story. OSCar was my favourite synth, too, I was lucky to own one for many years - and thanks to you, ImpOSCar has carried on that tradition - it is still my favourite instrument now that I only have virtual instruments and no longer have my hardware synths.

[@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 ✌♥🎹

[@spengellymusic]

What a great story. Thank you.

[@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!

[@carlbdfrd]

Lovely Dave. Thank you

[@vegansynths7757]

Oh Dave. I had not heard that you’d lost your wife. I’m so incredibly sorry. Thank you for being such a bright spark yourself.

[@ohmgroan2363]

Beautifully done. Best wishes Dave.

[@marcpinion]

Thank you so much for a fantastic video.

[@MrDavidka91]

Thanks for letting us know this story. Now I also look at ImpOscar with a heightened respect

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@benzarges]

Thanks for sharing Dave.

[@AlainHubert]

Thank you for a great video-though an emotional one. I offer my sincere condolences on your losses. The outro music is great.

[@MichaelCosta_]

Beautifully conceived, written and spoken.

[@timweinheimer1]

Dave Spiers you are class act. Last year at N.A.M.M. I got play the Mantis at the show so I think Chris's Legacy lives on thru others. Nice Tribute to Chris.

[@midierror]

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

[@electronictiger]

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

[@maro_from_germany]

Dear Dave, thank you for this insightful and moving story. Obviously the OSCar is intertwined with your own biography, and speaking about those connections gave more weight to the video. I've played an OSCar a couple of times and was always impressed how it had a very unique sound unlike any of his contemporaries. Of course I own the impOSCar (and other GForce plugins) but I'm a hardware guy at heart. Somewhere in my basement lie the sad remnants of an OSCar that was passed on from tech to tech (and lost parts in the process) until it ended up with me. It's probably high time to revive it...

[@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.

[@jezpower]

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

[@Kittyspit562]

This is such a lovely story Dave. I am sorry for all your losses as well 🙏🏼. LONG LIVE THE OSCar!

[@nickdestruct]

😣😢 😭 thanks for sharing the story. 🖤

[@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

[@HANGINGOUTWITHAUDIOPHILES]

Teared up at this. You’re a soulful one ❤

[@adambillingham9571]

Very touching. Thanks for sharing.🫶

[@Reg-Edit]

A truly beautiful instrument ❤

[@TheRealSasquatch]

A beautiful story. Thanks Dave.

[@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 🙏

[@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.

[@Phil-1]

Touching memories, beautifully told. I played a floor model of the Oscar at Sound Control in Edinburgh in about March 1985. Unfortunately never bought one though.

[@mattbrown-mb]

Thanks Dave for sharing such a great story ❤‍🩹

[@johnpaulpatton9786]

Beautiful video! Thank you for sharing.

[@KoshDukai]

Thank you.

[@garyhoffman1]

Ha! The Mac 7100 was my first Mac, switching from the Atari 1040st. Love the impOSCar! I bought it when you first released it and still use it often. Brilliant! Beautiful tribute to an amazing engineer.

[@seahawkdan]

Excellent tribute to friendship and musicianship!