Synth Wizards Episode 11: String Machine Madness!

The Synth Wizards chase down and compare a crazy number of string machines, including the groundbreaking Freeman String Symphonizer and an extremely rare Elkatwin 61, and take a look at the fascinating history of these instruments. But, the Freeman needs some restoration work before it can be delivered to an interesting buyer in Los Angeles.
00:00 - Introduction
03:03 - Atlanta String Machine trip
06:35 - The Chamberlin
08:25 - The History of the Mellotron
13:00 - Mellotron M400 demo
13:58 - The Freeman String Symphonizer
15:28 - Differences between Synths and String Machines
19:24 - Freeman String Symphonizer demo
20:05 - The History of the Arp Solina
21:50 - Dennis DeYoung (Styx) Interview
23:38 - Crumar Orchestrator
24:30 - Crumar Performer
27:24 - Arp Omni
28:04 - Elka Rhapsody
28:42 - Elkatwin 61
29:55 - Roland RS-101 & 202
30:15 - Multivox MX-202
30:32 - Roland RS-505
33:03 - Roland RS-09
33:12 - Roland VP-330 Vocoder
33:36 - Korg Poly Ensemble S
34:28 - Korg Delta
34:56 - Yamaha SK20
35:49 - Korg EPS-1
37:01 - Refurbishing the Freeman
41:55 - Delivering String Machines to Jason Schwartzman
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[@itsmemusic1013]

I just can't get over the fact that this is all completely FREE, thank you guys so much for making such a great show!

[@Syntaur]

Feel free to check out our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/synthwizards. If you like, you can help make it all happen!

[@MrEvanmartinez]

I agree these are incredible

[@Ni5ei]

You pay by watching ads or paying for YT Premium 😉

[@AlexBallMusic]

Massive congratulations, this was stunning! Can't believe all the period sets and costumes you used when recreating the history. So good I'll even forgive the cockney accent for the brummie Bradmatic guy. 😜 Jokes aside, top notch. Watched from start to finish. Huge congrats.

[@Syntaur]

Dang it, I knew we should have postponed the shoot when the dialect coach couldn't make it! Seriously, thanks so much, Alex - that means a lot.

[@robertsyrett1992]

By far the most cinematic episode.

[@anthonymiller4703]

Just absolutely epic documenting on the various 'strings n' things'!

[@walterkrankheit4965]

And thank you Alex Ball!!! I love your work.

[@sebastianflesjandersen939]

WOW, Alex Ball - I've watched practically all your videos 🤘😁🎹 - Awesome stuff mate🏆🥇🔥

[@Xandalfo]

This show is better than everything I can find on normal TV!

[@BridgetMShoup]

I appreciate you sharing the story of my Grandpa’s organ…. the Chamberlin!! 😊🙏🏻💜 Keep sharing your love for music with others. Hugs

[@LaSpatuleduFutur]

Easily your best video : - Classic Syntaur tone. - Lots of String Machines. - Storytelling, staging, production quality are top notch. - Jason Schwitchzermon. Quality content made by passionate people. A treat.

[@Veptis]

Who is putting all this filmmaking energy behind the passion for musical machines? It's outstanding content that is nearly unmatched on KZbin.

[@ohmgroan2363]

Making a show like that is a full time job, and yet you still have time for your regular work. Great show guys.

[@Syntaur]

It's why it took so long to get this episode finished, haha! But definitely a labor of love, and Lucas is DA MAN!

[@iannordin5250]

It's interesting how over time the inauthenticity of older Synth string sounds have become sought after as sounds authentic to themselves.

[@rachelar]

Simulacra theory by Baudrillard

[@marzzz1]

Had no idea Jason Schwartzman is into keyboards. Or that his mother is Talia Shire...nice job, Sam!

[@Skraboing649]

...and his uncle is Francis Ford Coppola.

[@Watson221B]

He had music video Microphone where you see him use keyboard

[@colete888]

he has a recording project under the name of coconut records

[@Watson221B]

@@colete888 Yea I own one of the cd's which has acoustic and alternative versions

[@MrLeprachaun666]

@@Skraboing649 And Nick Cage is his cousin also

[@JorbLovesGear]

Absolutely in love with the filming and editing of this, incredibly classy. And loads of great information at that, wonderful work from the best in the biz!

[@budgetguitaristcom]

This is really, really great. LOVE it! Boy do these keys take me back. I used to gig with a Rhodes, a Mini-Moog, and an Arp Pro Soloist. Those were fun days.

[@stephenstogner2623]

You guys were already awesome and then you took it up a notch by adding Styx's 'Come Sail Away' and Dennis' commentary! Fantastic!!!

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

Dennis Deyoung (Styx) and Tony Banks (Genesis) were my two greatest inspirations for being a keyboard player. Loved the reference. I'd love to hear more from Dennis about his synths and a story about him and his synths which started in 1972 with the Moog 10 modular, then to the ARP 2600 & Pro Soloist, and finally to the series of Oberheim synths he used at the time of his greatest fame.

[@ryanphillips5412]

This is THE most definitive history of these glorious string machines. The historical details and production is absolute top notch. Well done!!

[@lostsignal1]

I'm floored- this video was a masterpiece!! Absolutely and completed loved the gentle Vangelis melody in the background at 14:00!

[@reedsutter8485]

This is quite possibly my favorite video I've ever encountered on KZbin. The history is fascinating, every time I think of a question, you begin to address it. The visuals, sounds, pacing, topic choice and coverage, technical descriptions. All just perfect. This is fantastic! I'm going now to tell my Crumar Performer all about his ancestry.

[@davidrhodes6413]

Outstanding production quality. String synths were what drew me to synths as a kid - so to get 50 mins of detailed history and practical demonstration has made my day. I will be rewinding and watching again...

[@PianistErikOsterberg]

Wait, this clip was 50mins long?! 🤯 I was completely captivated!

[@Standard.Candle]

This is the most under-rated channel on KZbin. If you're reading this viewer, you should share this link to 2 other people.

[@Peter_S_]

The Soviets copied the Crumar Orchestrator and produced a delicious string machine called the TOM-1501. The block diagram was copied including the ladder filter which Crumar licensed from Bob Moog, but they had very different chips available in the Soviet Union so the schematic is completely different and the circuits are "cousins" with the same front panel controls. The Soviet device is implemented in IIL or Integrated Injection Logic, a logic family that was quickly eclipsed by CMOS in the west although it got use in portable calculators for a few years. The keybed is garbage, but the sound is to die for.

[@user-jf9mw7uo3c]

Soviet Elektronika EM-04 looks like a clone of Wersi String Orchesrta also. I am not aware of the nuances of electronics, but sliders, switches and effects like "slalom" and "hawaii" looks the same.

[@therealniksongs]

Great episode! Really interesting stuff on these vintage beasts. Learned some things about the Mellotron I never knew. I also caught that RMI 300A "blue top" early in the episode (at 6:25.) My first pro keyboard was a '71 300B (on the B model they went to a black top) purchased new in January, 1972. I still have it and it still works. Would love to see you do an episode on RMI--the Electra Piano was widely used in prog (Rick Wakeman and Tony Banks used it extensively) and had an oscillator for every note. The RMI Keyboard Computer was arguably the first digital sampling instrument (the technology was developed by parent company Allen Organ in conjunction with Rockwell International--yeah, the guys who built the Apollo Command Module and the B1 bomber) and was pre-microprocessor--the sounds were stored on punch cards!!) The Harmonic Synthesizer was unlike anything else ever made--and a favorite of Jean Michel Jarre, who you mention in this episode. Their last instrument was the DK-20, a digital keyboard (hence the "DK") introduced at least a year BEFORE the Yamaha DX-7. If there's anyone who knows all there is to know about RMI it would be Clark Ferguson, who used to be their marketing director, and/or Tom Emerick, who was Chief Engineer. They're both retired now and hopefully still with us although I haven't seen them since the 70s when I used to make frequent trips to the factory in Macungie, PA. How about it, Sam?

[@suitandtieguy]

Dennis is an INCREDIBLE talker, very engaging. do an interview with him. he used to show up on Roe Conn's afternoon drive show on WLS back in the late 90s and i always enjoyed hearing him. great content as usual, guys.

[@christophermugno4593]

Literally just saw this pop up on my feed and was blown away. Incredible production quality, super informative , really really awesome show; thank you.

[@wallacebarnett9208]

Man listening to those string machines I can just hear the music playing in the background at the arcade in the mall in the late 70’s

[@fredh9808]

Dudes, the production quality is great. Keep on rocking

[@chrisjoseph9230]

Love the sounds of the those two synths and the Delta by Korg and SK20 by Yamaha

[@cortical1]

This is awesome! I love Jason Sinkorswim! He was great in Rushmore, one of my favorite movies, and it was filmed in Texas!

[@jonv2911]

This documentary on history of the string synth deserves a watching from start to finish. Brilliant! Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@TheRealJamoShingo78]

ARP Omni 2 - the greatest sounding synth to my ears that ever was ❤ stringers are the best!

[@TheArpomni2]

Agreed

[@richardhorry]

Absolutely worthy of of any comparison with even the best BBC4 Music Documentary (UK). And I would have to say, even easily beats them and truly transcends 'the pond' (Some USA YT videos don't work over here but yours are so natural, they are truly international). Truly professional with good humour and facts. Absolutely fantastic Sir. Oh sod it, enough of this 'blowing smoke', I have just got to watch it all.🙂 Thank You to one of the channels that has seriously got me through the last 2 years👍

[@RunOfTheHind]

String machines were all I was really into, vintage synth wise. Had the Solina, Korg Lambda, Hohner String Melody II. Hohner was my fave.

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

I have the Logan version. I almost parted with it but I can't. Add a Small Stone Phazer to it and it sounds incredible

[@Tonestronaut]

When I was a kid in 1983, I was fascinated by a six-episode PBS documentary about North American geology called The Making of a Continent. And not only was the geology fascinating, so was the soundtrack. It was a masterpiece of synthesized strings, horns, choirs, flutes, pianos, and percussion. I always wondered what synths they used. The Korg Poly Ensemble S you play at 33:36 was one of them, I remember it from the end of episode 4. Thanks for introducing me to these instruments and their unique sounds!

[@chriskelvin248]

An especially good installment. Probably the best so far. I was watching this on my TV and the second I heard you play the Solina I ran upstairs to the computer to comment- OMG, I'm floored. Instantly, I'm listening to Mr Roboto! And then you casually call up Dennis DeYoung on the cell..........I had quite the time finding the top of my head after you blew it off!!!

[@ineedstuff8286]

this just popped up for me... and i can't tell you how good it makes me feel, knowing the option is EASILY available to fix/modify or refurbish anything. I am new to the vintage synth realm though, so... but GREAT!! thank you!!

[@andik9222]

thank you uncountable times for this beautiful historic musical journey, informative and entertaining alike! Damn I'm really in the mood for Tangerine Dream now! Thank you :-)

[@LeakedKanye]

i only very recently discovered this channel, and was absolutely blown away. every episode has kept me interested and i’ve quickly lost track of hours of time just watching these episodes. i still can’t believe just how high quality every single one of these videos have been. keep up the great work!

[@JulesFox]

Truly a labour of love - what an outstanding episode. You are doing the world a great service. Thank you for your work in keeping our synths alive with your spare parts and discs as well. I've purchased a few items from you and you've always delivered!!!

[@Syntaur]

Thank you so much!

[@thebod1]

Great job on the video! I know it takes time and planning, but it paid off. This was very interesting and fun to watch.

[@Stazma]

Very interesting once again, thanks a lot for doing those !

[@Garflips]

I still own a working Crumar Orchestrator. Missing the pedals but otherwise it all works. Need to get back to sampling it as I've been doing with my Chroma Polaris.😎 Cheers!

[@n8goulet]

Great video as always. I was shocked see the segment on my favorite band, Styx, and interview with my favorite rock keyboardist/synth player/lead vocalist Dennis Deyoung. When he mentioned the ARP Pro Soloist (I owned one and had him sign it at one of his shows in front of the audience) I assume he was referring the short synth solo between the first & second verse. The main solo I assume to have been the Oberheim Four Voice (you should do a feature on that incredible synth!). The repeating synth pattern before the main synth solo doesn't sound like the Pro Soloist, I was never clear what he used for that. Like Styx, my guitarist covers that part in our band. Love the little movie about what led to the Mellotron. You should also check out the use of the Solina String Ensemble by the band Kansas, and Pink Floyd's "Welcome to the machine". I'd love hear about more about the Elka string machine used on Supertramp's "Fool's Overture". I picked up on you playing "All of my love" from Led Zeppelin. I'd imagine that was the huge Yamaha GX-1.

[@Datachrome]

the production in those documentaries is incredible!!! Great video full of interesting infos.

[@ChrisFeeney]

This should be on regular television, what an absolutely outstanding KZbin channel 👍🏻👍🏻

[@alexrusso401]

This series is always great but you really knocked it out of the park with this one! Keep up the good work!

[@temporoboto]

So cool, thanks for sharing.

[@MattPicsET]

Simply incredible. Indebted to you guys for this invaluable content!

[@DarkSideofSynth]

Amazing machines, such lush and uncanny sounds, and what an amazing docu, too. Well done!

[@cyborgmetropolis7652]

Love the history and hearing samples of famous phrases those instruments made.

[@shaboogen]

This is unbelievable content. The love you have for this stuff is so clear, well done.

[@georgereasonproductions]

awesome sounds

[@MisterRorschach90]

Oh wow man I am so glad I was recommended your channel. This is awesome!

[@MerrickGuitar]

Love the amount of work you guys put into these videos!

[@synthsei]

Great episode! One of the best ones yet! It was great hearing the history and great production value on all of the historic scenes and costumes. It was great to hear from Alex showing his respect for all your hard work. Both channels are some of my favorites ones watch. It is such an amazing synth community out there on KZbin. It truly makes the world a richer and better place! Thank you.

[@thaJeztah]

You really outdid yourselves on this one; amazing video!!

[@dave_s_vids]

Absolutely loved all the old-timey sections with you appearing in them. Awesome work!

[@gabesickler3692]

so glad to see this series really getting some traction, I hope you can start producing more of them, its such a good show that I love watching.

[@mikewilkinson4588]

The soundtrack to Clockwork Orange is one of my favorites......

[@Neuri]

this was amazing. The effort is much appreciated

[@grahamjeffery]

What an extraordinary level of work you've put into this - just brilliant. really enjoyable viewing

[@victorsantoni8351]

Whoa guys ! Congratulations for the quality of your new video, that's good work !!!

[@MysticFrequencies]

AWESOME as always! Love it!

[@alistairsteadman3765]

The RS 505. Lush Gorgeous and Beautiful, like you man!

[@t_n8435]

This is really great production value!! Love it

[@mrlionel1965]

Best video I have seen in a long time. I love the sounds coming out of those things.

[@macronencer]

Absolutely magnificent episode guys, thank you so much! The perfect blend of documentary and pure fun :)

[@BaconFire]

This video answered a lot of questions for me as I am fairly new to string synths. Amazing video, well done! Loved it :)

[@Kung_Fu_Jesus]

Everyday is a learning day. Thank you for your dedication to the cause of synthology.

[@sundown798]

Wonderful content here you definitely put the time to put out brilliant historical information you might find in rare musical books! Please keep your channel going what a treat!

[@MacLamar]

What an unexpected departure from “regular” YT videos. This fabulous piece of work was more like a documentary film. I loved every second of it. Don’t know if it qualifies for something like the the Cannes Film Festival but considering the enormous amount of time and work y’all put into this it should get recognition from every angle possible. Making a personal delivery to Jason was like putting fresh strawberries 🍓 on top of a huge pile of cool whip. Yes I said that cause I don’t know a synth guy out there that does not love sweets. Anyways, congrats on a job well done. Hope you make many more videos like this one. I’ve lived in Texas for 70 years so I’m gonna come visit y’all and maybe bring a piece of music history home with me 👍

[@EmilSaks]

Woooow, this video is on such a higher level than expected. Thank you so much and bravo!

[@BuzzieBee77]

Such a great watch... Thanks a million for this episode... Awesome work Syntaur Team!

[@CB-fd4xu]

You all rock! Thanks for putting the time into productions like this one. I am jealous for all the amazing history you get to put your fingers on and bring back to life. At least your videos are so good I sometimes feel like I'm there playing myself. :-)

[@basem7365]

wow this video is fantastic, good work whoever made it happen! Really went the extra mile with production quality!

[@chrishack6825]

Another great vid, love the windshield sine wave on the synth mobile. Cracking! 😂

[@audiodood]

That Freeman is a work of art. What a captivating sound

[@amplifier2]

Extremely well done. Thank you!

[@AdrianGeorges]

Absolutely stunning. The passion for those sound machines is awesome. Thanks for this beautiful memories and the deep knowledge sharing to the viewer.

[@bbellefson]

You guys hit this one outta the park! THANKS!!!

[@MichaelRohaly]

That was excellent and thank you.

[@anthonymiller4703]

What a beautiful Strings-Synths Documentary, I'm so moved.

[@jooch_exe]

Wow, what an incredible documentary. And so very well put together, the emotional and detailed story telling really got to me. It made me feel feelings.

[@MrJackal43]

It’s great that you folks exist, people that own vintage gear must REALLY appreciate you guys.

[@emdotambient]

I've always been a sucker for stringers. Great video! And your observation on the Crumar Performer is spot on. That 3-band EQ makes a good string machine a superb one. I've owned a Performer since about 1983 and I love the thing ... but it's kinda dead now. I also have a Roland RS-202 which is awesome in a different way. I lust after all of them of course. There's magic in that cheese!

[@longfade]

Outstanding. I loved your explanations of divide-down and BBD technologies.

[@MarkSoutheron]

Excellent, I learnt a lot. Thanks

[@comradecam]

Such a well made and entertaining video!

[@Septienjr]

Great video!!! Thank you for sharing!

[@sadalite]

Wow! Amazing video! I have been waiting for this even before I could have imagined it (because I never realized strings have been my favorite synth sound until you separated it from the others). Thank you for so much wonderful information about this!! Very professional and well done!!!

[@TheArpomni2]

At last a video dedicated to the history of the String synth thankyou

[@eldjmasterfreddy3094]

Great Show and glad to have found this company.

[@markotten1755]

Guys this is amazing work, I can’t believe how much effort you’ve put into this, very impressive and educational. Much appreciated, bless you!

[@jimthesalad]

These really are so good. Can't wait for the next one!

[@JoaoRelego]

Awesome! thank you!

[@RolyBotha]

This is all I need in my life. Thank you ❤️

[@chiefbucknell]

You all really outdid yourselves with this one! Very well done, & much appreciated! Thanks for all the new-to-me info; here, I thought the Dave Spiers, et al. videos had taught me all there was to know. 😄

[@lazlomattachine8334]

Love your channel! Endlessly fascinating and so cool that you talked to Denis Deyoung himself to get the skinny on how he used these killer instruments.

[@dodgingrain3695]

Great video guys, love these old things.

[@grahamauld8894]

Beautifully done.

[@fjfrancois]

A Masterpiece thank you guys for the video production, BTW I'm happy with my VC-340

[@FifthCornerRecords]

Oh cool, I just ordered the parts for my microkorg from you guys and didnt know yall had an awesome channel with knowledgeable videos, nice!

[@framzoid]

I was thoroughly enlightened AND entertained. Great vid. I miss my Elka.

[@GroenalundMusic]

Wonderful historical overview over all the nice stringers. We have a RS505, a Lambda, a RS 202. a SK30 and a VC340 in our studio and we love all of them.