SIEL Opera 6 vintage synth | Can she be saved? PART 1/3

[@LFOSyncToo]

An idea regarding the rusted case... maybe you could try some automotive products like rims cleaner spray. Smells horrible but it is concieved to disolve the rust and corrosion without to much damaging the remaining paint/silkscreen all the while. Some youtubers have used this product on old rusted PC metal cases with relative success. I've tried it myself and I can say that it works pretty well. But this case is really rough, so I don't how it would turn out...? Anyway I wish you the best with this repair/restoration, and would like to ask again, like I did in one of your previous video, if you could turn KZbin's CC on for us non-native speaker. Thanks!

[@waheex]

Hi Thanks for this idea. I have some harsh alloy wheel cleaner that I could try. I never thought to try that. I also have some rust cure products that might work. With regard to the CC. I'll try and enable it. I did try before but I ended up having to manually type the translation which was a lot, so will try and get the automatic system going Thanks again

[@LFOSyncToo]

@@waheex As an alternative product you could also try evapo-rust, safe on paint as well and not acid-based, but quite costly...

[@chriswareham]

I have the keybed out of a Sequential Prophet 2000 that I stripped for spares (allegedly a touring keyboard from Spandau Ballet at one time). It looks to be the same as the one in the Siel, so I could send you the keys to replace the broken ones if you need them.

[@waheex]

hi there, that would be cool. They're style 48u I think. Drop me an email on quad303@ntlworld DOT COM and we can work something out. Many thanks

[@PWMaarten]

I feel you with the battery rant. What a terrible design that was. And so common!

[@waheex]

yes for sure. It does give us a challenge

[@richardsmith4992]

What you have there is a Ship Of Theseus...well 2 ships of theseus. Hopefully part 2 has a happy ending.

[@waheex]

haha yes, I have part of part 2 done, so i'll keep you all posted

[@SacSynths_Jack_Z]

I saw someone already offered keys from a Prophet 2000 (if they are the same). However, if they are not, I have a parts Opera 6 that I acquired in even worse condition than this one. It has already helped me turn a couple of DK600s into pristine working units; I would be happy to help restore another example! LMK if you cannot source keys or any other components (like the switch!). Keep up the great work, I know first hand how difficult it is to remove that heavily corroded solder from those tiny vias on these old Siels! Love your content!

[@waheex]

hi, thanks for this. Ig you had a spare switch, that would be amazing. It's one of the big holdups now as I can get a whole panel but not just a single switch. If you don't mind dropping me a message

[@SacSynths_Jack_Z]

@@waheex Yes I have a switch. How should I message you?

[@waheex]

@@SacSynths_Jack_Z thats' great. Drop me an email on quad303@ntlworld dot com and I can pick it up. You can also get me on my webshop contact page at www.mindburner.co.uk/ many thanks

[@waheex]

@@SacSynths_Jack_Z hi I think KZbin has deleted my contact details, Can you message me on my web shop. Mindburner dot com. many thanks

[@PWMaarten]

That’s one rough synth! You are a braver man than me. TL084 has a higher bandwidth and is faster than the 074. Might not be critical in these applications. Also, is that synth chasers’ OpAmp tester?

[@waheex]

hi yes I have used the 74 in my other Opera 6, so it seems ok in this use. It's been quite enjoyable thing to sort out all the issues. Solving one, then finding another. I got the tester on ebay several years ago. It's a really brilliant piece of kit.

[@PWMaarten]

@@waheex I find fault finding and fixing a enjoyable process but what are you gonna do about the case? The only way to fix it is sanding it down and repainting it seems. Patiently waiting for the next episode!

[@waheex]

@@PWMaarten hes yes. It has been fun and THB I took it on for fun and for the sake of it. I had some great steps forward only to find the next day it would no longer turn on. One learns a lot and improves repair technique although I am an amature. The case is rough as you ca see. I did price similar synths and their case restoration but looks around 600£ plus. So I may sand it down a bit and patina it. I actually tried some satin lacquer on a similar piece of rusted metal and it came out really nice. The missing numbers etc on the pad though are an issue. Plus mechanically, the key bed is missing a stop so the key just points upwards.

[@PWMaarten]

@@waheex is the Siel MIDIfyable? Maybe a 19” rack mount with a new frontpanel is an option? Probably cheaper then a professional repaint.

[@waheex]

@@PWMaarten hi yes that's a option, it would work too as i'm running short of space. I got a definite no when looking to expand my collection into other parts of the house

[@Pamberjack_]

What IR camera do you have?

[@waheex]

it's the little SEEK Thermal Compact IR cam for my android phone