The WASP - A Very British Synthesizer

The WASP is an iconic British synthesizer designed by Electronic Dream Plant in 1978.
EDP were Adrian Wagner (yes, he was a relation of Richard), Chris Huggett and Steven Evans. They only traded until around 1982, but that wasn't the end of their synth story. Chris Huggett in particular has had a prolific career in the industry, founding the Oxford Synthesizer Company in 1983 and releasing the (also iconic) OSCar and subsequently (after work with Akai), he joined Novation, who are still trading to this very day.
Back to 1978, the concept of the WASP was to build a powerful, low cost synthesizer. That seemed to have worked as one of the original reviews I found uses the headline "The Synth we can all afford" but still dubs it a professional instrument.
I also found a Moog price list dated June 15th 1978 and it lists the Minimoog as $1,995, the Multimoog as $1,495 and the Micromoog as $895. Assuming they sold for about the same in the UK, the equivalent prices would be approximately £1,090, £820 and £490 respectively. The aforementioned WASP review also states that an Odyssey is still over £1,000 in 1978, so with the WASP priced at £199 this demonstrates what a bargain it was at the time.
In fact, I had a brief conversation with a friend who remembers running out to buy it the moment he heard about it in 1978 and he still has his. It was also the first synth of Dave Stewart and Nick Rhodes among others.
In this video I breakdown its features and use it to make a short track.
0:00 - Intro
0:42 - The WASP
2:07 - The Keyboard
2:59 - The Oscillators
3:40 - Noise
4:03 - The Controller Oscillator
5:06 - The Filter
6:08 - The Envelopes
6:30 - LINK
7:11 - Internal Speaker
7:32 - Demo Track
9:21 - Outro
Gear used:
EDP WASP (1978)
Simmons SDS-3 (1978)
AMS DMX 15~80S (1978)
Roland CR-78 (1978) samples
Some original brochure scans stolen from the wonderful Retro Synth Ads blog:
retrosynthads.blogspot.com
Social:
/ alexballmusic
/ alexballmusic

[@VeitchyVeitch]

I bought an LP of wasp field recordings once. Took it back to the shop as I thought it didn't really sound right. Imagine my embarrassment when the shop owner pointed out I'd been listening to the Bee side!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Take a bow.

[@iHawke]

Very nice

[@namelessendless5115]

Nice one sir.

[@PocketSunlight]

Hive a feeling he waz joking, honey

[@DeconTheed92]

booooooooooo 🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅 get off the staaaaaaaaaaaaaage

[@Thatkidwithacamera00]

3:45 I was expecting the intro for GTA San Andreas to start playing 😂

[@bmhater1283]

He has to cover the theme song, he does, I will give him a golden medal for that.

[@KirbyCurbwhy]

RIP the creator of this synthesizer Chris Huggett. An absolute synth legend!

[@olivere5497]

I heard it took 24 police officers to take him down.

[@ComsiCaterpillar]

No, like every synth it's a Behringer. Soon the textbooks will be rewritten and Behringer Cooperation will be the creator of all synth as well the universe at large.

[@Beebo]

Me: Mom, I wanna get a Moog synth! Mom: We have a synth at home. *Synth at home*

[@AlexBallMusic]

🐝🎹

[@axelfiedel3793]

I'm a gen Z who enjoys synthesizers and in the future might actually become a musician.

[@antongracon3345]

I recommend a Yamaha PSR-S970 to you.

[@axelfiedel3793]

@gridsleep Well I plan to be another player against mumble rap.

[@maxhult830]

@@axelfiedel3793 Noble task, you have chosen wisely.

[@buttguy]

It's like the synthesizer equivalent of a Sinclair ZX81...except it produces something you don't HAVE to own British rose-tinted glasses to enjoy. Unbelievable sound. I want one!!

[@testohtoby]

"Bzzzzzzzz bzzzzzzzz" Alex Ball, 2020 CEO of synths demo

[@AlexBallMusic]

🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

[@mikabreto]

Buzz buzz, buzz buzz in the eardrum

[@seanluke3052]

Many synth users don't know it, and it seems Alex may not, but "Q" (for Quality) is in fact the standard unit of measure for resonance in a filter in the electrical engineering world. --- Wait, there's no special discussion at *all* of the Wasp's famous dirty filter? It's *the thing* that makes this synth famous. The filter has been cloned many times (see for example Doepfer module A-124).

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks for the information. "Q" is the standard term on most EQs I've used, so I assumed it meant the equivalent thing on a filter (which is obviously very closely related to EQ). I demonstrated filter modulation and all three filter modes, I think that speaks for itself but I probably could have made more of it, fair enough. Doepfer - yep, seen those. Along with the Jasper clone and of course the Behringer. Shows how impressive the filter was on such a cheap instrument.

[@seanluke3052]

@@AlexBallMusic Right. EQs are basically banks of bandpass filters, so yes, Q in fact means the same thing there too. As to the filter: it's not normal sounding, as you can hear. It is weird and aggressive and dirty, and this unique sound has made it rather famous.

[@awesomeduder]

I applauded at the "used by these artists" joke, well done.

[@AlexBallMusic]

;)

[@josephwright5921]

Yes, he sounded like he was holding back the laughter on that one!

[@bauhnguefyische667]

Clever, lol

[@danpreston564]

Also used by B-Witched, the Beatles, Beyoncé, the Macabees, the Bee Gees and of course, WASP.

[@quasarulas3968]

That one flew over my head as they say!

[@blahblah606]

All I can think about when I hear this synth is Robert Rental and the Normal, and Thomas Leer. Such a classic and groundbreaking board in the post punk world.

[@Twinthumps]

We still use these in our band. Thanks Chris Hugget and RIP for EDP, your genius lives on... You can’t beat the original EDP WASPS... We are lucky to own two original WASPS

[@pat2rome]

That list of artists who used it... I didn't realize what was going on until The Buzzcocks hahahaha

[@Apg002]

It was subtle and wonderful.

[@Stibsyt]

I got mine new from a music shop actually in Oxford, still have it now. The keyboard as Alex describes was the issue despite the powerful oscillators. I remember doing a few outdoor gigs where the humidity affected it to the extent where the proximity of your finger sounded a note if it got to within an inch or so of the control surface. Trouble was it wouldn't necessarily be the note you were trying to play. We used to cover 'Hymn' by Ultravox and one particular outdoors night that became rather evident in the big solo section. I still wince. But a remarkable little machine and genuinely innovative. In fact I once played it in a folk club resting on my lap using its batteries and the internal speaker. That ruffled a few feathers. Never saw a Caterpillar but nearly bought a Special. Story of my life. Yet another great review from the genius that is Mr Ball.

[@user-yc5um2pl5v]

>We used to cover 'Hymn' by Ultravox Great story, and what a fine taste! What else did you use to play?

[@fjfrancois]

Владимир Круглов nice cover of Ultravox

[@DaveG207]

One of the first synths I saw in the real world, and wow that thing has a surprisingly good sound!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Guess it's better to look cheap and sound great than the other way around. 😀

[@mikemnemonic311]

Loved the 3rd oscillator comment. Though not fully intentional, I use my garden shed as a sub-bass resonator. Works quite well .. less than 90% THD

[@klinkske]

RIP Chris Huggett... You are a hero to me.

[@gmarquisuk]

My first synthesizer, that and a Jen SX1000. Man do I wish I still had that little beauty.

[@Infamousuk]

There is a freeware version of this thing called the hornet which is pretty close to the hardware version if you want to fiddle with that

[@adamsmith7058]

Plus it's polyphonic. Not quite the same in terms of sound, but ball park. Used it in a couple of tunes.

[@KozmykJ]

Stinger VSTi plugin from Krakli/IanWebster is based on the Wasp www.krakliplugins.co.uk/Plugins.aspx It's 32bit so depending on your DAW/Host you May need to use a Bridger to Wrap it for 64bit. I do cos I'm using Presonus Studio One. ymmv

[@CS-sf1rz]

@@KozmykJ thx .. damn u 32 bit

[@KozmykJ]

@@CS-sf1rz JBridge is the app I use to run 32bit plugins in Studio One. It works very well, almost perfect. Just rarely a plugin won't work with it. One or two plugins I found to be unstable. For the most part I get rock solid stability. Four or five dogs out of over a thousand isn't bad ...

[@RedMeansRecording]

Ace. That jam is raw and good.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Jeremy. :)

[@Mistymisterwisty]

Hard agree

[@arnoriva]

Bass sequence at beginning of "Kids in America" Kim Wilde was made with WASP.

[@NAANsoft]

Got to listen to that now, thx !

[@AdamBorseti]

No shit? I never would have thought that!

[@tranceemerson8325]

but the music video clearly shows it's a Prophet 5. not sure why the bass is at the top of the keyboard, may be because of the OSC tuning though.

[@InFamousProductions]

@@tranceemerson8325 I think it's because the prophet looks big and pro

[@jamesmeeker6933]

Well, it was written using a Wasp. The actual recording? Maybe it is a Wasp. Not verified to my knowledge.

[@vinylarchaeologist]

“STING, the BEE Gees, the BUZZcocks, the HIVES” - took me a few seconds to realise you weren‘t being serious.... ...or WERE you? 😱

[@AlexBallMusic]

Think Buzzta Rhymes used it too.

[@ozzy3933]

@@AlexBallMusic oh come on now

[@magicspiral3323]

I believe the Beestie Boys, Mudhoney and even W.A.S.P. used it as well.

[@6581punk]

Duran Duran were a famous user too.

[@WilliamBurnett]

@@AlexBallMusic I heard Yellowjackets too.

[@mattkaz9604]

They sound great - the combination of great mod sources and a squelchy filter make it sound pretty great.

[@MarshalArnold]

Gotta say, I'm quite impressed with this little bugger 😃

[@AlexBallMusic]

Looks and feels like a toy but sounds fantastic.

[@t55a2]

@@AlexBallMusic Have one here, nice wee thing

[@dukeofpearl]

Trololo Inc ® Bees

[@dr.feelicks2051]

If the envelope is looping, is it a nested loop? ... You know like a wasps🤕🗞🏳

[@modularmountain3910]

I was hoping there would be a sample pack of this. Your sample packs are amazing.

[@themetamorph]

Absolute genius demo of a fascinating instrument!

[@LouisSerieusement]

Thank you Alex, your demos are the best of all of them (I really mean it !) I love the architecture and design of this synth, didn't knew it sounded so great and unique...plus the english humor surrounding this synth is a very nice touch :p

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you. Yes, a very peculiar and distinctive bit of synth history. Really sounds great.

[@lavrentii]

This channel is pure love, 10x!

[@hArtyTruffle]

Legendary synths and cheesy jokes? Subbed 👌🏼

[@AlexBallMusic]

🎹🧀

[@teknozem23]

Another great one Alex!! Really enjoy your vid's; keep them coming :)

[@davida5296]

A wonderful combo of history and demo. if all music product videos were like this, the world would be a better place

[@peikhollander1020]

Amazingly well-produced content, Alex! Been following your stuff ever since seeing the EPIC "Land of the Rising Sound" documentary. Looking forward to educating myself further through your content :)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you

[@richardalldredge9129]

Great to see a new vid on this pleasant Sunday afternoon! I’m always surprised! Thanks for researching and sharing your knowledge on all these synths and giving some of the best demos! You could’ve been one of the best synth salesman back in the day with your ability to make grooves and music with all this gear! Never disappoints!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

I'd have lost a lot of sales due to weak puns though. 😉

[@richardalldredge9129]

Alex Ball 😂😂

[@rars0n]

Now THIS is what I've been looking for to hear from the Wasp! Thank you!

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

Very intresting mini beast. I didn't realise it was so small. Seems to have enough functionality to keep you busy. Nice one Alex, look forward to more vids.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yes, looks and feels like a toy. Certainly doesn't sound like it though...

[@markusfuller]

Hi Adamski. I have a Jasper ( kit build of wasp ) unmade would you like it as you are a budding electronics synth fellow :-) theres 2 boards and a few hard to get components but the rest of components have to be sourced yourself, I think they are easily available. Theres a list of parts and build instructions with it to complete it. I got it years ago and never found time to start it. yours free just message me through my website markusfuller.com if you want it and I will post it to you.

[@jkuebler89]

@@markusfuller all my fav synth diy heads in one spot! Are these boards available anywhere online?

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

@@markusfuller Hey Markus . I would love it .Thanks so much for your generosity. I have contact you via your website. Many thanks Kind regards

[@moogdome2562]

Wow. I never expected them to sound this Good. Reminds me of an ARP synth. Loving your vids and humor Rumour has it, Kim Wildes 'Kids in America was written on one. Wish I had bought one when I could. Prices have skyrocketed..

[@returnofthenative]

Do yourself a favour, get the Behringer instead.

[@martinheath5947]

Sounds amazing - and with midi - Wowee! Brilliant demo 👍 👍

[@bobz1736]

Awesome as always. Thanks for sharing. I remember seeing one in a shop window in the late 70s and dreaming...

[@GrumpyTim]

Brilliant video - I bought an Electro Harmonix Mini Synthesizer in the 1980s which has a similar membrane keyboard - the keyboard was always a bit of a problem on mine and time definitely hasn't been good to it - got it out recently to shoot a video and spent so much time fighting the bad contacts on the keyboard that I gave up. Love the sounds from the Wasp, that thing is streets ahead of the Electro Harmonix.

[@MythicalVigilante]

Once again, fantastic video. Never heard of this synth before. Quirky little thing.

[@timtrzepacz3452]

I really liked your demo track! It makes me totally want to sing synthpop!

[@natbvm1880]

That song was so dope dude! Also great video. Subscribed

[@grahamphillips3099]

Wasn't expecting a little electropop treat this Sunday morning, nice one as always

[@remynettheim4918]

that is possibly the best filter I have ever heard

[@charlesfichter68]

I was just thinking it sounded so good

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah, pretty tasty.

[@StephenMcLeod]

This is great. Thanks for sharing it!

[@DouglasRosser]

How can you only have 70K subs??!! OMG you are a treasure.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Wasp related puns are a niche interest. 😉

[@Metamerist625]

Sounds absolutely stunning!

[@olivierrossi5295]

best WASP video, ever best synth video, ever best video ever, in fact what a good job you've done here, THANKS !

[@AdamBorseti]

My God, have you seen his other videos? If you liked this, boy you're in for a treat!

[@mpingo91]

What a great video! I liked this synth.

[@RockSolitude]

Oooooooooooh that intro was just an explosion of retro '80s futurism

[@christofferainek]

Haha, you just made my day 😆 - and as always that track is pure fire! That bassline is just awesome 🤘

[@kaiwetronic]

Very very funny and informative at the same time... You've got the perfect formula and, of course, the mojo to produce the perfect synth review videos... Thanx for sharing your talent...!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks :)

[@EpicSymphonicRock]

"Demo Track" is the best part of the video.

[@micooms]

The 'cheap build, great functionality' business model is echoed in other companies Sinclair and Amstrad. British indeed!!! You made the WASP shine like a fire-fly, like you always do. Great video!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yes, those products mirror each other somewhat in that regard. Better than 'great build, cheap functionality' for sure.

[@kkygeek]

Absolutely love the sound of this!

[@davidgoode7416]

Great video, thanks man 👊

[@71shartman]

Great job Alex... Love that synth. Up there with OSCar...

[@VintageMusicGearTV]

On the fly swat!! Brilliant love your vids

[@Error6503]

I remember in '81 the EDP tour bus parked outside my school during the middle of O-levels; I skipped revision to go and play on their synths.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Excellent choice. Amazed they had a tour bus! How cool is that. I guess there wasn't any internet promotion back then.

[@jamesbtex58]

Very cool video, playing and humor! It amazes me that even now Behringer continues to produce excellent products at much lower costs then other manufacturers both in keyboards and Eurorack modules.

[@Beaufort-Wes]

Nice Track ant the end, gave me flashbacks to LCD Soundsystem's "Dance Yourself Clean" used in that Ski movie, with the dude skiing through a small town.

[@jonathanredman8497]

Another cracking video Alex!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you sir.

[@lundsweden]

Great sounding synth! Osc/Filters sound so gritty!

[@alexmolina115]

Mmmm, such a tasty filter! So many of my heroes have played this badboy. It was their first synthesizer for many of them. I remember Alan Wilder saying that he used it for the bassline on Never Let Me Down Again(aggro mix).🔊🎶

[@TheDeedeeFiles]

Wow that sounds amazing my friend. Have a good day.

[@TheLoneWanderUK]

You played the brown note about 46 times in this video and that’s how many times I shat myself, great video!

[@AlexBallMusic]

🐝💩

[@bigjd2k]

What a catchy demo tune - thanks! 😃

[@tedmuss]

I didn't realise wasps could roar! Great video man, keep them coming! 🙂

[@georgeray3492]

Loved the WASP. The negative and positive modulation depth to the filter are another unique aspect of the voice. Has a sound all it's own. Unfortunately, no PWM. You can manually change the pulse width, but it isn't a destination for the control oscillator or envelope. Well done!

[@theworldsworstperson]

Just picked up a Microfreak and I thought the keyboard was space age but now I see it's old news.

[@MJanovicable]

I'm enjoying my affordable Behringer clone that sounds exactly the same.

[@peter-utrblk]

Wow, what a monophonic beast, or beest. A+ demonstration and cool track as well. Thank you Alex.

[@AlexBallMusic]

"beest" - stealing that.

[@joshwizinsky1979]

I remember there being an Interview with Devo on were Jerry Casale tried to use one live in the 1981 tour, but the stage lights kept overheating the touch pad and making it glitch out so he had to switch to a different keyboard for the rest of the tour

[@AlexBallMusic]

I've heard the same problems described by others, yes. I think the trick is to get midi installed and just not use the original keyboard.

[@joshwizinsky1979]

@@AlexBallMusic you'd still have to find a way to keep the actual unit's ribbon touch pad cooled down though right??? Just because its midi'd, dosnt mean the touchpad is still active

[@JR-nm3xj]

@@joshwizinsky1979 when you connect via the original DIN interface, the keyboard is disengaged. Can sometimes disengage permanently if you control externally for an extended period (have experienced this with two different Wasps that were being controlled via a Kenton converter).

[@trevord9811]

That sounded sooooo good. I want, I want.....Another one to add to my ever growing wishlist. Is the Behringer Wasp a decent option? Thanks for another great video BTW.

[@geraldtir]

If I’m not mistaken this was also the first since that Nick Rhodes from Duran Duran also had..

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yep, his first synth.

[@beloyaraistov8007]

Demo track totally amazing.. incredible.

[@abrasionequation4632]

Like your shirt! I live in Portland, Oregon. Love your videos too!

[@synth4ever]

Thanks for the demo Alex, really like the sound of the Wasp as it has its own "gnatty" retro tone I haven't heard from other synths. :) Have never seen one pop up locally in all my years, seems pretty rare these days. If you have a chance to compare it to the Behringer Wasp, would be interested to hear your thoughts!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Think they're quite rare outside of the UK. A curious bit of Brit synth history really. Same with the OSCar that my US friends say they never see. Yep, would definitely be interested to compare with the Behringer clone, particularly the filter.

[@minisynthcollective7822]

Had the original. What a great synth. Thanks for this.

[@llllbserkllll]

Really sounds amazing.

[@theironlydreams]

That was a dope track you made with it

[@regplasma7906]

Love that demo.

[@dfreeman120]

Brilliant sound

[@meowcula]

Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran mentioned this in an interview... seems it was the starter synth for everyone back then. Not too shabby either.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yep, was his first synth. Dave Stewart too I believe.

[@Ronno4691]

Nick Bates

[@davidhughes1461]

It’s shares a design aesthetic with the Sinclair ZX80. It definitely embodies electronic gear from that time 👌🇬🇧.... itching to make a Jasper now!

[@aftertheendtimes]

This is the best wasp demo👍🙏❤️

[@angaudlinn]

One of the best synths ever built! Great demo and neat to see another cameo of my Deluxe there too. (@9:23) :D

[@AlexBallMusic]

Is that your Deluxe? The only decent photo I could find of one. Very rare. Do you still have it?

[@angaudlinn]

@@AlexBallMusic Yes, it's mine and it's still here. :) I recognized it because of the modifications (speaker kill switch) and factory installed joystick (with kill switch). I bought it from a former employee of EDP.

[@StanwaxLaser]

Fab sound - I remember these looked so space age and futuristic to a young teen me and I wished after one....Still never even had my hands on one. Maybe one day :) How super appropriate that you include the SDS3 on the track too. Love it!

[@utilars]

@StanwaxLaser - You probably already know this, but I think the patents ran out so Behringer made a clone of this instrument. You can find it on Sweetwater, Musicians Friend (or similar). I hope I'm not saying anything off here, but I think Behringer and Electronic Dream Plant should pay Alex for making this video 😀. I think @Infamousuk also said there are software clones of this instrument. My only caution would be to verify that the patents actually have ran out and there aren't any licensing issues... @Alex Ball has the REAL DEAL in HIS studio 😁 so he doesn't have to worry about any of that.

[@StanwaxLaser]

@@utilars Yeah I did know about the clone, funny as right after watching the vid I looked at the prices of the Waspinger :D

[@Cobwobbler]

What a fab bit of kit

[@adamsmith7058]

They had a bunch of these at my old school in the music block. My first introduction to synthesis. Never looked back. Love these weird little freaks.

[@AlexBallMusic]

We just had Casios and beat up classical guitars in ours.

[@imothy]

FUN FACT: Did you know that in 2019, Behringer released a remake of the WASP synth called the WASP DELUXE! This has created quite a "BUZZ" in the synthesizer scene and a re-discovery and interest in the synth. Hence people making documentaries about it like this one! WOWEEE YAY BEHRINGER!

[@waedi73]

Great sound !

[@chadwixom]

Alex Killah Bees Ball in tha house. Sick color profile on this. I've always love the design of the WASP. I so badly want to animate those bees flying around you playing.

[@Ninosmusic]

Every piece of gear becomes even more interesting after you demo it

[@freeelectron8261]

Great little synth and aptly named too.

[@steveg219]

Sounds really good!!

[@KnightMirkoYo]

Wow, such a cool synth! I wish I had one right now :3

[@supersteveworld]

Played one in a shop in Rochdale in about 1980! I was out with my dad…we’d just early been to Oldham and played on an MS20 (which was perched on top of a Fender Rhodes). The WASP is brutal. It kind of scared me back then, so in your face. Makes me think that this should be the sound of Judge Dredd…don’t know if that makes sense, but it does to me! 😂 Sounds great.

[@AlphasysNl]

Sounds surprisingly good for its looks. Gosh, I think I just fell in love.

[@evilscientistrecords]

Amazing sounding synth

[@stevepowell6671]

Nice video. I remember reading about Dave Edmund's owing a Wasp before he broke with the Eurythmics. The new Stylophone Gen R 8 reminds me very much of wasp. A real beastie and yes I owe one.