The 1978 Oberheim OB-1 - An Underrated Enigma.

It’s incredible that the Oberheim OB-1 has remained under the radar for so long. The Oberheim OB-1 holds a special place in the history of synthesisers. Launched in 1978, it was the world’s first programmable monophonic synthesiser. Designed by Tom Oberheim and his team, this revolutionary instrument brought the power of preset memory to the world of analogue synthesis, allowing musicians to easily store and recall their unique sounds.
Despite its groundbreaking features and historical significance, the OB-1 has remained somewhat under the radar compared to other classic synthesisers like the Minimoog. However, those who have experienced its capabilities know that the OB-1 is a true gem. This instrument delivers a sound as beefy and robust as the legendary Minimoog, yet it can get as aggressive as the MS20. It strikes a perfect balance, sitting sonically between these two icons.
In a superbly crafted documentary produced and narrated by the esteemed Dave Spiers, the history and uniqueness of the Oberheim OB-1 are brought to life in a way that is both enlightening and deeply engaging.

[@AlexBallMusic]

What's not to love about Dave taking us through a vintage synth? Wonderful.

[@AndyVonal]

Ditto!

[@GForceSoftware]

👋Hello Alex, thank you!

[@Dremix73]

I can already smell a VST version coming up 😇

[@GForceSoftware]

😇

[@prodby430]

of course - why should they otherwise make a video about it ?

[@st0rmchild]

@@prodby430 He did make epic videos about the Jupiter-8 and CS-80 though. (Hope they're working on those too!)

[@GForceSoftware]

​@@prodby430 We love synths!!! You might also enjoy our videos on the Yamaha CS80, Octave Cat, and Roland Jupiter 8. Additionally, we highly recommend exploring our "Bright Sparks" series, which delves into the lives and innovations of pioneering synth creators.🙂

[@soriacx]

Yeeees, makes someone wonder..... But this is clearly just some coincidence, right.... right?? 😆

[@DaveG207]

I love that the same simple sequence plays for nearly 10 minutes, but takes us on a journey as the instrument is explored and by the end feels like a piece in it’s own right.

[@simonlegrec]

Amazing synth

[@InsidesAndOutsides]

An elegant synth for a more civilized age.

[@dnalord77]

Loved the loop. For some reason, that specific note sequence just gave me a lovely feeling of nostalgia that I have not felt for a while. Thanks :)

[@B.W.A.E.M]

Thank you Team

[@AdamBorseti]

The only use of the OB-1 I know of was by Geddy Lee of Rush for the synth sequence "The Spirit Of Radio". I love the sound of this thing though with its wave morphing VCOs.

[@SRDhain]

A lovely demo. One of the few synths that until now, I'd never seen or heard anywhere 'in the field'

[@msld_sound]

That was a brilliant exposé of a classic synth with which I was totally unfamiliar before today. Great work, Dave!

[@GForceSoftware]

Thank you @msld_sound 🙂

[@Eimost]

Anyone remember Chase Musicians? Remember playing the black version of this in their Manchester store in either late '78 or early '79, lovely thing. Still can't believe what they had in that store - ARPs, Moogs, this OB-1 and an Oberheim 4 voice (!). Remember them doing open nights with Moog, ARP and Yamaha (where they 1st showed the CS80)

[@apislapis]

Great to hear Dave back.

[@Siete7Black]

I have one, I really love it ❤

[@ExpectResistance]

I was watching this video thinking it’s such a shame this isn’t a vst, and then i realised who the channel is. Can’t wait to make music and a video using that resonance. Very exciting.

[@GNeuman]

The Force is strong with this one.

[@mikemorrisonmusic]

Yesssss - can't wait for this VST!

[@drsamurai009]

In the late 80's there was a music store that had yearly special sales where they would clear out their warehouses and get rid of big overstock (and some really old) gear. Being a young poor musician, they had a Moog Prodigy for $60 and an OB-1 for $80. I got the Moog because it was a little cheaper and I love it, but man I would have loved to get both, though the quirky memory and controls would have taken me a while to figure out without a manual (or the internet to find out the quirks.)

[@jymmccullough]

I walked by one in a music store leaning against the wall in the early 90's with a price tag of $75! I kick myself for not buying it but yeah, money was tough when I was young!

[@GEOSynths]

Cracking Video, sounds great :)

[@GForceSoftware]

Thank you @GEOSynths happy you like it ❤

[@popfortyfive]

The king is back

[@johnwilliams-ih3pv]

What a beautiful sounding synth 🙏

[@fallingmanuk]

Very interesting video with fab sounds - and that sequence is soooooo mesmerising!

[@llmmnnppqq]

hi dave! happy to hear you

[@RJJNY]

Great video, the waveform modulation options were unusual at the time I think. On an unnervingly long list of synths I once owned and regret selling.

[@GForceSoftware]

We feel you 😧

[@VIC-20_Synthwave]

My wallet is ready Mr. Spears! Thank you for putting this video together.

[@charleslee1879]

I LOVE IT!!

[@Wagoo]

Lovely synth & demo, Dave 🥰

[@HububkiFilms]

You’ve taken your first step into a larger world.

[@polydata]

Very cool!

[@GForceSoftware]

Glad you like the documentary @polyata 🎶

[@mariusleicht]

Another awesome synth video! Love these.

[@GForceSoftware]

♥ Thank you @mariusleicht

[@thaexception3406]

Insightful

[@gianfry1980]

Hi Dave thank you for all the love and passion you put into your products. I love your work, keep it up

[@gianfry1980]

When will available a software version ❤?

[@AndyVonal]

Lovely! Thanks you, Dave!

[@coolwav]

Great overview of the OB-1, cant wait to see GForce do their magic with this!

[@DavidGilden]

Welcome back, Dave

[@MarkyGoldstein]

Analog sounds great

[@loweroctaves]

So bummed thought this was your new VST i immediately looked on sweetwater then pressed play on this video💔💔💔

I had one that got stolen. I absolutely loved tne bender. The best I’ve ever seen!

[@FailedMuso]

Political chaos? War? England doing shite in the Euro's? Don't worry. Dave is here to soothe your soul with some synth history... ☺

[@GertBoers]

Oh Rob, really? Hear? Do I, as someone to whom English is a second language, have to correct you? 😅

[@chrismacleodgforce59]

* here 🙂

[@DRP6812]

I cannot wait for this to come out if it does. I own everything of Force. GIVE ME MORE!!!

[@MultiPetercool]

OB-1 Kenobi.

[@lance134679]

So, is this a history lesson or preview of the next OB emulation? Either way, thanks. 👍

[@tendingtropic7778]

looking forward to the vst. also would be awesome if you could find an official collab with sequential, we need a good vst of the sequential pro one!

[@mightywiz]

Today 7/23/24 I worked on one with serial number of 00046. Friend of mine called me over and asked me to come over and help him diagnose it.

[@bongle2481]

Next up for GForce? It sounds lovely and different enough to make it stand out.

[@polarxta2833]

And... Launched today the VST :) Yay Is this patch on the VST Dave ?

[@antgreen3254]

whens the plugin dropping? i love your synths!

[@isingthebodyelectrick]

Cue multiple star wars and jedi puns...

[@georgesoros7849]

Next pls Polivoks emulation. Great synth with almost no recreations as VSTI

[@DeepSpaceus]

I want this in VST!

[@soriacx]

..and with the usual touch-ups. The video already talked about some of the limitations of the original, it should be a sure bet that the gforce guys are going to "enhance" this synth a bit. The most interesting question: will it include a polyphonic option?

[@daledavidson8242]

This would be a fantastic initial IOS offering by GF.

[@alandeacon1988]

Nice fat oscillators, reminds me a little of SH-2, quite different sounding to SEM stuff... . Are G-Force planning on modelling it?

[@Mark-ec3lp]

Help me OB-1

[@davideseveri9854]

Hello there

[@jvburnes]

How would the sound differ from the OB-E?

[@GForceSoftware]

Different filters and Env, OB-1 has OSC waveshaping, it's quite unique and different sounding than the Oberheim SEM/8 Voice :-)

[@Phil-1]

Ooh. Guess what's coming next from GForce!

[@GForceSoftware]

🤔

[@TheFjMartinmusic]

Ok,another GForce gem soon,next please CS80

[@annother3350]

I thought he was going to reveal the vst!

[@soriacx]

Maybe he did... 😁

[@glenesis]

So can we call it Old Ben?

[@johnsavard7583]

Ah. This synthesizer dates from 1978 or 1979... but it was exhibited in June 1977? Okay, that's after May 25, 1977. So they should have known better...

[@KlemenKotar]

Crap. Now I want one in software form.

[@n.oneimportant5]

Oberheim's followup to this should've been called "The Kenobi." .... ..... .... .... That's funny, right? 😐

[@GForceSoftware]

The Ken-OB 😉

[@n.oneimportant5]

🤯

[@bmaier490]

Just release the obxa already

[@Emiel1983Schoonoord]

Man, have some decency. They don't owe you one thing.