The Soloist 505 is a very simple monophonic synth. Its look reminds one of a Roland SH-1000, but with its controls on the front. To make the organ-look complete it has a really ugly sheet-music stand. The sound is very clear and clean like many Italian cousins (Siel). There is a preset section but the waveforms can also be modified in 'free' mode. Don't expect any huge sound experiences out of this heavy thing. But the keyboard is good and there are some presets such as the sax and trombone which have some power worth exploring. It's cute and slightly rare - but don't pay any big money for it. No MIDI or CV here.

7 VISITOR COMMENTS

jensomatic

September 10, 2011 @ 7:30 am

Well, I have the Elka 707 and it's very limited monosynth seriously does some amazing stuff. As always, get rid of your prejudice and explore. You will find great, fat and very classic Jungle-Bass sounds on this, that easily compete with very expensive gear in terms sound quality and they sit perfect in the mix. Big minus, you have to do all playing and filtering in realtime, no cv or filter ADSR. I didn't come across any outstanding leads, and worst, it wheighs a ton. But the Bass on this is simply "right", the filter has a juicy growl and it has loads of character for little $.

Salta

January 5, 2011 @ 4:15 am

Dont let the pricetag fool you... this beauty may easily be tamed and gift your setup with soundscapes suitable for vintage music, italo, funk, disco etc. from the early 80s.. With proper fx routing, to some extent, useful in more up-to-date genres too eventually...

Izera Stephen

March 21, 2010 @ 7:48 am

I could be wrong but this looks to be the same thing built in to the Elka X705.
If it is then its a beast.
It just needs to be used in the right context.
It certainly wont sound like anything else you have heard before but if you want to sound ballsy, aggresive and different then go for it...
I love it !!!

JFB

December 1, 2009 @ 7:52 pm

I borrowed one of these back in 1979-80 when my Octave Cat was in the shop and found it very difficult to get a decent lead patch out of it. The controls are very rudimentary.

Mac

August 23, 2009 @ 8:57 am

No more than a toy.. Very poor sound.

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