Welcome to the Vintage Synth Explorer
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
PAiA Stringz 'n' Thingz
The PAiA Stringz 'n' Thingz is a kit made string machine. At the time it was released in 1978, it was the largest kit to come out of PAiA. It was also the first PAiA kit to come pre-assembled as an alternative option to building one yourself. Read the full review...
Korg R3
The R3 delivers sophisticated virtual analog power in a compact yet sturdy package with 37 full-sized, velocity-sensitive keys and four assignable knobs. A lightweight yet flexible performance instrument for shaping classic modeled sounds and vocoding; the R3 has what it takes to rock the stage! Read the full review...
Lennar Digital Sylenth1
A masterfully created VST/AudioUnit synth with a sound quality that can compete at the same level as hardware synths! The entire premise of the instrument is to combine intuitive hands-on editing and sound design with exceptional sound quality, warmth and clarity. Read the full review...
Philips PMC 100
From the designer of the SFX peripherals for the Commodore 64, came this curious little box. It's got a Yamaha two-operator FM chip, a membrane keyboard and a built-in cassette deck. A great curio to have in any synth collection. Read the full review...
Quasimidi Technox
Quasimidi's Technox was a follow-up to the Quasar. There's a ton of good sounds in the Technox, and it is still very useable in many electronic music genres. Read the full review...
Davoli Davolisint
This was Italy's first analog synthesizer. And while it may be a historic instrument in terms of Italy's contribution to synthesizers, the Davolisint is actually kind of awkward and may leave some people scratching their heads. Read the full review...
Syntauri alphaSyntauri
Twenty years before soft synths became commonplace, the Syntauri Corporation had the idea of using a personal computer to handle its processing and functionality. Billed as the first affordable digital synth (around $1,500, Apple IIe not included). Read the full review...
Wersi Bass Synthesizer
Billed as two instruments in one: an Electric Bass Guitar and Synthesizer, this compact light-weight instrument from German organ builders WERSI is a monophonic analog synth with funky controls, decent sounds and a unique character. Read the full review...
Percussa AudioCubes
The AudioCubes are an electronic musical instrument for professional musicians that are smart light-emitting blocks able to detect each other's position, location, and sense distance. Read the full review...
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- What Others Are Saying
"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.
"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.
"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.
- AudioFanzine News Links
How to Choose A Hardware Keyboard (05/01)
Win a Rhizome LE (04/05)
Video Trautoniks Trautonium @Musikmesse (04/01)
Korg Monotribe Review (04/01)
Video Eowave Magma @Musikmesse (03/26)
Video Beat Kangz Electronics Beat Thang @Musikmesse (03/26)
Video Clavia Nord Electro 4D @Musikmesse (03/25)
[Musikmesse] Yamaha Tyros 4 10th Anniversary (03/25)
