Welcome to the Vintage Synth Explorer

Share |  
The Vintage Synth Explorer
Find us on Facebook Subscribe to our RSS News Feed

Since 1996, the Vintage Synth Explorer has been providing a fast and easy way to learn about vintage synthesizers. We have grown to include modern digital synthesizers, analog emulators, soft-synths, plug-ins, and other forms of electronic musical instruments.

Go to the "SYNTHS" menu above to start exploring our library of over 750 synths, samplers and drum machines!

Here you will find detailed descriptions and reviews, pictures, audio and video samples, technical specifications, lists of famous users, links and more!

LATEST ADDITIONS

Steiner-Parker Minicon

A very rare mono-synth with a single analog oscillator that actually sounded thicker and was incredibly stable too, a very important feature compared with some of its more popular competition. Read the full review...

Yamaha ED10 Drum Synthesizer

A very affordable and accessible way to add some analog flavor to your recordings and live performances. The ED10 consists of a sizable, velocity sensitive rubber pad and a small built-in synthesizer. Read the full review...

BOSS DR-110 Dr. Rhythm Graphic

In 1980, Roland introduced their first simple and affordable drum machine to bear the BOSS Dr. Rhythm brand (the DR-55). It was followed by the Dr. Rhythm Graphic (DR-110) in 1983, which offers a wider selection of sounds, preset patterns and more. Read the full review...

SoundMaster Memory Rhythm SR-88

The SoundMaster Memory Rhythm SR-88 is a programmable drum machine with four analog sounds. It has much in common not only with the BOSS DR-55 Dr. Rhythm but also with a number of other simple drum machines that proliferated around this time. Read the full review...

EKO EKOsynth P15

A very rare Italian made preset-based synthesizer, circa 1979. An analog mono-synth that offers 15 preset sounds with basic synthesizing capabilities housed in a rugged road-worthy case. Read the full review...

Casio HT-3000

A very interesting group of Analog/Digital hybrid synthesizers produced from 1987-1991. They use a very specific form of sound generation called "SD Synthesis". Read the full review...

Waldorf Microwave - Revisited

We take another look at the Microwave mkI and mkII, clearing up any confusion and dedicating completely new reviews to each model. Read all about the original Microwave here. Then move on to read about the good and the bad of the Microwave II here.


Alesis Fusion

The Alesis Fusion is a somewhat underrated synthesizer workstation packed with features for the modern keyboardist. Four synthesis engines, multitrack hard disk recording and more! Read the full review...

EMS Synthi Sequencer 256

Forty year old vintage technology, the Synthi Sequencer 256 was an all-digital stand-alone three-track, 256-event sequencer using control voltage and gate signals, able to interface with any analog synth! Read the full review...

  • Visit the VSE apparel shop!

  • We now offer a full selection of shirts, sweatshirts, hats, stickers, mouse pads and more! Show off your love of vintage synthesizers & keyboards with VSE apparel. Start shopping!

  • Donate to the VSE

  • Is vintagesynth.com a valuable resource to you? Help us keep it online with a small donation? More details.

    Donations received: 100%
    Goal for January met.
  • What Others Are Saying
  • Keyboard Magazine

    "Many sites attempt the same thing, but Vintage Synth Explorer is among the largest and the best designed... to help you find that rare beast."

    Top 25 Music Websites, Jan 2000.


    Electronic Musician

    "The Vintage Synth Explorer is a valuable resource for any musician working with electronic instruments... Be prepared to stay awhile."

    Website of the Month, June 2001.


    Future Music

    "A great site which tells you more or less everything you need to know about classic synths... a real techno time traveller's dream come true."

    Featured Website, Dec 2000.