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ChromaTalk Archives: March 2006

International Musician Review

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Wed, 1 Mar 2006 07:48:47 -0800

This month's addition to the site is Paul Fishman's quirky review from the January 1983 issue of International Musician.

Chroma on eBay

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Wed, 1 Mar 2006 07:52:43 -0800

Item #7394900002. "Buy it now" for US$2495 or "submit best offer." No pictures. From the description:

"You are bidding on a rare Rhodes Chroma Analog/Digital vintage synth in MINT CONDITION. This auction includes the world renouned [sic] 'Anvil' hard case and an AC power cord. I am the original owner, and it has never been out of my smoke free studio. Cosmetically it is in excellent condition, and it is in perfect working order. It also includes a "data" cassette of the original, and second generation of presets for this amazing synth. Perfect condition."

Martin Pavlas · Fri, 3 Mar 2006 23:52:34 +0100

Hi,

does anybody know more about this chroma? I tried to contact the seller but no response coming back.

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Fri, 3 Mar 2006 17:39:45 -0800

I sent him a note asking for the serial number, but also received no reply.

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Sat, 4 Mar 2006 12:30:53 -0800

The seller has added pictures. He writes, "I just got in and have another 147 e-mails to answer back."

Martin Pavlas · Fri, 3 Mar 2006 23:52:34 +0100

got reply, S/N is 21030821

This instrument was re-listed later in the month: see More eBay Activity below.

Re: Chroma Spotting (Herbie Hancock)

Go to first message in thread (February 2006).

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Sun, 5 Mar 2006 14:48:13 -0800

On 6-Feb-06, at 6:37 PM, Jack Colburne wrote:

Was featured prominently on his cover photo on a 198x Keyboard mag. ... boy... I swear I have that issue somewhere around here. I think it was the one with the Chroma review ... could be mistaken.

Jack forwarded me a scan of the February 1983 cover, which shows Hancock and his arsenal of synthesizers, including the Chroma.

Paul Hackett-Evans [21010094] · Sun, 5 Mar 2006 23:36:01 -0000

Nice picture. Is there anything of interest to the Chroma community in the article inside the magazine, Jack?

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Sun, 5 Mar 2006 17:59:29 -0800

Here's a transcription of the Chroma-related bits. (The "Imagination Unleashed" ad appears in the middle of the interview.)

What are your thoughts on the Chroma?

To me, it's the best of the analog synthesizers in terms of the way it sounds and how flexible it is. It's sensitive, and it feels good. What you do is what you get. In other words, when I want a certain sound, my finger will do something, and I get what my finger does. I hear what I expect to hear. There are not that many touch-sensitive instruments, and on the ones I've had contact with, I may not always get back what I hear in my head when I try to execute it.

So you're really in favor of touch sensitivity?

Absolutely. I'm so spoiled by the Chroma that it really pains me to play instruments that aren't touch-sensitive.

Have you heard any of [Oscar Peterson's] synthesizer music? We keep hearing that [he] is about to do a synthesizer album, but it never quite happens.

I haven't heard any of it. I don't know what his plan is. But he's had synthesizers for a number of years now. He's got a Chroma and a Synclavier, and I think he's got some kind of Oberheim. He's got about four or five things. He seems to know what they're about, because we talk about them. He talks about synthesizers like a synthesizer player.

Is the Rhodes action your favorite, then, aside from acoustic piano?

I like it the best. I hear that the Chroma and the Rhodes have the same action, with weights instead of springs. That's much better. Maybe it's because of my training as an acoustic piano player that I'm used to the weight rather than to the spring.

Tom Klepacki [21030025] · Sun, 05 Mar 2006 20:59:13 -0500

Have you all noticed the factory recommended 'Radio Shack' cassette recorder at the top left of the Chroma, for patch storage/ retrieval?

Jack Colburne [21030142+] · Sun, 5 Mar 2006 22:29:57 -0500

I did notice that, and had to laugh because one of the things I just found (along with the box of Keyboard, Electronic Musician, and earlier Polyphony magazines) is my old TRS-80 data cassette recorder. ... with one of my Chroma data tapes still in it.

I guess I never get rid if anything...

... maybe if I keep looking long enough I'll find that $100 bill that I lost on the way home from a gig in 1987.

Jerry Leonard [21030100++] · Sun, 5 Mar 2006 19:57:26 -0800

Look to the left of "Hancock". Looks like that piece of wood showing could be an expander, it's the right size. What do you all think?

Tom Klepacki [21030025] · Mon, 06 Mar 2006 00:02:40 -0500

I just foundmy old TRS-80 data cassette recorder. ... with one of my Chroma data tapes still in it. ... maybe if I keep looking long enough I'll find that $100 bill that I lost on the way home from a gig in 1987.

I still have my TRS-80 cassette and cables, too.. As for the $100 bill, (as the joke goes) you probably 'left it in your other pants'!

When I performed out with my Chroma, I sat it atop a leslie 145, used as a keyboard stand(with a second leslie 147 on the other side of the stage). I programmed my organ patches into output #3 (if memory serves), so that they all routed directly into a double Leslie chrome adapter box, which fed the leslies, in pseudo-stereo, just like a mono Hammond B-3. Very convincing in the stage mix. The other patches went out in mono, via output #1,to other amps/ PA. Stereo never seemed to work well in a quartet/ Top-40 situation.

I put a Mini-Korg II atop the Chroma, and kicked left-hand bass.... Fed into a Fender Dual Showman, into 2 cabinets (4 JBL D-140f's) (as well as the main PA) spread across the stage.

Layered organ/ string patches, would come out of two leslies, one monitor amp, and the main PA. (Plus the bass rig! A lot of sound from a keyboard man!)

I used to love 'winding up' a couple of tube Leslies... VERY cool. Old school, I guess. I miss the old days...

Tom Klepacki [21030025] · Mon, 06 Mar 2006 00:14:00 -0500

Look to the left of "Hancock". Looks like that piece of wood showing could be an expander, it's the right size. What do you all think?

Due to the fact that it's sitting on a shelf attached to an 'Ultimate Support Systems' 'A-Frame' stand, there is not enough room for an expander, which would take up the whole width of the Ultimate stand. As pictured, it is taking up maybe 15 inches....

My take is that it is an Oberheimdrum machine. (Maybe)

Along with an ARP AXXE, a Fairlight, and a Clavinet. And other stuff.

Lars Johansson [21030632] · Mon, 6 Mar 2006 08:13:38 +0100

Looks like the Linn LM-1 to me ( one which is coming my way soon ;-) )

Jack Colburne [21030142+] · Mon, 6 Mar 2006 13:27:55 -0500

I think you're right. The front edge looked small for an Oberheim or LM-2 but I couldn't figure out what it was. Good eye.

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Mon, 6 Mar 2006 21:17:21 +0100

You should see LJ's studio... but amazing he spotted something that was _NOT_ blue-painted german steel! ;)

Fwd: Early Chroma (21010022 - almost an ARP!) on sale at VEMIA

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Tue, 7 Mar 2006 19:10:44 -0800

From: "Peter Forrest"
Date: Tue, 7 Mar 2006 11:06:39 -0000
Subject: Early Chroma (21010022 - almost an ARP!) on sale at VEMIA

Hi Chris and all,

A very early Chroma mentioned in the instrument registry, number 21010022, is up for sale in the VEMIA auction at www.spheremusic.com, finishing March 18.

It's not cheap, but given that it is one of only very few known examplesof the first 50 'Philip Dodds' instruments, and has been fully serviced by Roy Paynter, who is widely praised by UK members of this list, I think1000 uk pounds is a reasonable start price. When it originally sold in VEMIA ten years ago I think it actually went for 2000 uk pounds.

If it doesn't sell it will be re-entered at a lower start pricefor 'Second Chance Sunday' finishing March 19.

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Tue, 7 Mar 2006 19:21:24 -0800

The Chroma doesn't seem to be in the auction list, but is listed in the download catalog. Here is the description:

****SERIAL NUMBER 21010022 - BELIEVED TO BE ONE OF THE FIRST FIFTY CHROMAS MADE, BY THE ORIGINAL EX-ARP TEAM UNDER PHILIP DODDS.*** This is a famous Chroma, originally owned by Ken Freeman, who used it on a lot of his 80s recordings. Then it was sold at the first VEMIA auction in 1995 to Global Communications. Now that they are dispensing with real instruments and/or emigrating, it is up for sale. It is currently being repaired and serviced by the best Chroma tech in the UK - Roy Paynter . This may take some time, but Roy's work is highly recommended. It comes with a huge amount of original literature: the Chroma Performance Manual, the earliest version of the fold-out Parameter Chart (in faded and worn condition), the Interface Manual, the Programming Manual, and, best of all, the Chroma Service Manual - the Preliminary one, in which the schematics all have the ARP logo. The case wood could probably do with re-finishing; the Chroma has clearly been gigged or at least moved regularly, and the wood has some dents and discolourations; but the overall condition is very decent. Payment to be made immediately the auction ends, and then collection as soon as the servicing is completed. Money-back guarantee if for any reason servicing can't be done to 100%.

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Sat, 11 Mar 2006 13:36:34 -0800

More info has been posted:

  • Age: n/a
  • Weight: 35 kg
  • Condition: Good
  • Location: UK
  • VAT: No vat to pay
  • Quantity: 1 item is available from the owner

Options

  • User manual : Yes
  • Service manual : Yes
  • First owner : No
  • Original boxes : No
  • Plug type: United Kingdom standard plug
  • Voltage type: Internal 220-240V power supply
  • Status: Item is still available
  • Bargain type: The bargain is on the auction rooms
  • Serial number: 21010022
  • Sphere reference: #4428

See spheremusic.com (click on "buying and selling," the "auctions," then "auction rooms").

Brochure on eBay

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Thu, 9 Mar 2006 22:19:57 -0800

Item #7397027389. No bids, starting bid US$5.00. Ends March 13. From the description: "Vintage Rhodes Chroma 1982 Advertisement - its [sic] in nice shape and is a good piece of history."

See Product Brochure for complete images and text. Here is the picture from the auction:

Voice card on eBay

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Mon, 13 Mar 2006 08:11:48 -0800

Item #7397764332. No reserve. Ends March 17. From the description: "This Rhodes Chroma Voice Board has no pulled chips. That means there are 2 CEM chips and 4 Tempco resistors on this board."

Picture from the auction:

More eBay Activity

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Fri, 17 Mar 2006 19:46:02 -0800

A couple of instruments have been listed on eBay recently with only the "buy it now" option (no bidding). I wonder if this is a trend, and what the reasons might be.

Item #7399128224 has very little information and no pictures, but I wrote the seller and he replied [see 21030052 in registry for seller's description; and Chroma 21030052 thread below].

I asked him what model number but have not received a reply. It seems that several of the early Chromas had unknown or unspecified model numbers.

Item #7398939093 is a re-listing of item #7394900002 [Chroma 21030821] from earlier this month, with the same "but it now" price of US$2495.

Both listings end March 25.

Paul Hackett-Evans [21010094] · Sat, 18 Mar 2006 12:36:29 -0000

The seller describes it as "MINT CONDITION" and that "Cosmetically it is in excellent condition" but if you look at the photos, the Chroma clearly has foam-rot contamination of the wooden strip above the keyboard, and of the strip at the rear of the top panel above the serial number label. The photos don't show any other areas of the wooden parts of the case, but it would be unlikely for the top strips to be as badly contaminated as these look without the other wooden panels being contaminated too. If you bought this Chroma, you'd have to be prepared for a substantial clean-up and probably re-varnishing the case.

If this is the seller's idea of "cosmetically excellent", then I'd have to wonder what he means when he says "it is in perfect working order".

Of course, it might be working perfectly, I don't mean to denigrate the seller at all, but the case, at least, doesn't appear to be "mint" to me.

Caveat Emptor.

Paul Hackett-Evans [21010094] · Sat, 18 Mar 2006 12:52:04 -0000

I just noticed something else. I really don't mean to have a go here, but the ad just isn't accurate - it says "extensive midi capabilities" but there's no mention of whether it has a MIDI converter of any description.

"Side panels are in rosewood". So has he replaced the Chroma's original cherry panels?

Also, this Chroma apparently "has 76 full wooden keys". If that's true, this is a totally unique instrument, since every other Chroma was manufactured with 64 keys!

Program Printout PDFs

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Sat, 18 Mar 2006 11:29:28 -0800

Mike Jaynes [21030638+] scanned the program printouts for factory sets 1 through 5; they're now available from the Manuals page. Thanks, Mike!

Mailing list looking for a new home

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Sun, 19 Mar 2006 12:35:24 -0800

Unfortunately there have been some problems with the list in recent months; I don't think it is currently possible to sign up or sign off. Neil Bradley, who has so kindly hosted it since 2000, has not been answering my e-mails. So I think I need to find a new home for ChromaTalk. Does anyone here know of a service that I can use? I don't want a Yahoo-type list; I guess I prefer majordomo because I know it. Something free or of minimal charge would be best.

I/O Board on eBay

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Thu, 23 Mar 2006 19:31:24 -0800

Item #7401532549. First bid US$50. Ends March 30. Sold as is.

Pictures from the auction:

Sebastiaan Barends [21030917] · Fri, 24 Mar 2006 12:36:58 +0100

I don't think it's a voiceboard. Look at the second picture: it has the dataslider and readout and the numeric display.

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Fri, 24 Mar 2006 14:34:34 +0100

Most interesting that it's a NOS [New Old Stock]. I wonder where that has surfaced from?! And it sure is the programming board. I've never heard of one failing though (this far) which might explain the NOS. ;)

David Clarke [21030085++] · Fri, 24 Mar 2006 21:38:58 -0500

I don't think it's a voiceboard. Look at the second picture: it has the dataslider and readout and the numeric display.

This appears to be the main I/O board for a Chroma (the one the tapper normally sits at the edge of).

While the board is essentially the same between a Chroma and an Expander, this specific one (based on the quantity and location of the LEDs) appears to have been set up for an Expander.

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Tue, 28 Mar 2006 18:52:00 -0800

I asked the seller where he got it, and he replied, "I purchased it from a company in Chicago that used to be called smart parts."

Chroma 21030052

Ron Joseph [21030042+] · Sat, 25 Mar 2006 03:48:02 +0000

Picked up Chroma #21030052. Currently in the registry under unknown [now moved to the Model 2103 page]. The owner was asking $1400 on Ebay [see More eBay Activity above] but since it was local I asked to come over and take a look. The exterior was in crummy shape with a severe case of case rot. The parameter select component was disconnected from the main board and quite a bit of dirt seeped in. The electronics looked like they were in pretty good shape but I'll know more in a week or two. One voice card failed autotune several times. I moved it from one holder to another just to make sure it was the board. Several keys weren't triggering, why I'm not certain.

Oddly enough it is one of the first fifty. Typical characteristics: No vent on top, Poly/Mono for parameter #2, White voice boards and the still a mystery to me ivory colored keys except for the last "G" which is white. This is the third Chroma w/ serial # in the first 50 (21030011-21030060 [reference: Field Change Notice FCN2-001]) w/ this particular key color issue. Anyone have any ideas as to why this might be so?

This one has had a couple of keys replaced w/ other ivory keys (there's a doubling of certain #'s on the keys themselves). Also, no midi and no pressure option or other mods.

I'm going to try and bring this one back to life, wish me luck. I'll wait for the new CPU card instead of trying to add midi.

The seller also had a black ARP Odyssey model 2800. Also had severe case rot as well as vco issues; a Chroma Polaris and a DX-7 which was buried under a pile of what looked like plaster dust. Sometimes you just don't know what you'll find.

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Wed, 29 Mar 2006 12:02:36 +0200

AFAIK the key issue (white top key) is on many chromas, my 21010135 is also like this...

Ron Joseph [21030042+] · Wed, 29 Mar 2006 18:10:35 +0000

Chroma 21030052/21010135

Jesper,

There goes part of my Theory :). Since there were three different keybeds on the Chroma: Kimball, Pratt/Reed and whoever they used after Pratt-reed went under I assumed only the earlier models would have the kimball keybed. Still don't understand the top white key. My current theory is that the entire keybed was once white but discolored as it aged (like other types of plastic).

Jesper, What does your parameter #2 say Poly/Mono or FSW? Any grills? What color are your voice boards?

My programming manual, Revision 1 for Chroma software Revision 10 (dated 1982) still has parameter #2 as poly/mono. I found a Chroma fact sheet on the web that has quite a number of alterations on the front panel. This predates the chroma's release so I'm not sure there's any like this in existence. I'm going to contact Mr. Wilson at the New England synth museum. He has Chroma #001a. Perhaps he'll be willing to take digital pictures of the Chromas he has so we can see the differences.

Thanks for the information!

Does anyone know if Andy Beit's halloween Chroma [21030620] has a differnt parameter set on the front panel? just curious.

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Wed, 29 Mar 2006 20:21:32 +0200

Re: Chroma 21030052/21010135

Hi Ron & the rest!

There goes part of my Theory :). Since there were three differnt keybeds on the Chroma: Kimball, Pratt/Reed and whoever they used after Pratt-reed went under I assumed only the earlier models would have the kimball keybed.

I _think_ I've seen this on other units... But it could also just mean that the keybed is older, not the serial...

Still don't understand the top white key. My current theory is that the entire keybed was once white but discolored as it aged (like other types of plastic).

My theory is that there were no square key of the same plastic type and as you said, they were discoloured by age and the top key (of a different kind of plastic) survived better... (or worse if you count esthetics! ;) )

Jesper,What does your parameter #2 say Poly/Mono or FSW?

FSW

Any grills?

Yes

What color are your voice boards?

I hate to admit this, but I haven't opened mine... Knock on wood but I have had not need to... *bad Jesper, bad*

Does anyone know if Andy Beit's holloween Chroma has a differnt parameter set on the front panel? just curious.

Don't know, but I'll trade mine for that any day - it's sooooooo beautiful! But I think mine is the only Chroma you can actually _hear_ on the site [see Synthesizer von Gestern]... since I bought it from Matthias Becker (of Vintage Synths fame)

Paul Hackett-Evans [21010094] · Thu, 30 Mar 2006 00:22:41 +0100

Re: Chroma 21030052/21010135

Jesper, you wrote:

But I think mine is the only Chroma you can actually _hear_ on the site...

You can hear mine, too, for about 6 seconds! Here... [see Patch Downloads: Paul Hackett-Evans]

I'd love the Halloween Chroma, too!

Andi Beit [21030620] · Fri, 31 Mar 2006 08:56:20 +0200

Re: Chroma 21030052/21010135

On my programming handbook ( in German ) >switch 2 is labelled as " Poly/ Mono", but on my Halloween chroma, the switch is labelled "FSW Mode ", just curious !

Ron Joseph [21030042+] · Fri, 31 Mar 2006 21:47:39 +0000

Chroma 21030052/21010135

Hello all,

Andy,if you could post close ups of your program select/Parameter select part of your Amazing Chroma I'd appreciate it. ( With the possibility that I'll suffer severe envy as a side effect :) )

Does anyone on the list have a Din/audio cable they'd be willing to part with? Also, I'm looking for a cassette copy of any of the factory patches. The 21030052 doesn't have midi and I'd like to load some patches.The factory patches would be best as I have a printout of all the values on all five banks.There are currently no patches in the machine.

Third, could any of the more tech savy readers tell me what Z19 and Z20 slots are for on the computer board on the right side of the Chroma? How necessary are the chips?(mine are missing) Would changing the power supply make these unneccesary?

Finally, Chris, maybe we could post comparisons of the front panels somewhere on the site.Currently there are at least 3 variations w/ the possibility of more.

Thanks to everyone for their help...Ron

Go to next message in thread (April 2006)

David Clarke [21030085++] · Fri, 31 Mar 2006 20:13:37 -0500

Re: Cassette Interface, etc.

Does anyone on the list have a Din/audio cable they'd be willing to part with?

Ron, there's a couple ways you can address the DIN cable shortage.

First, you can make your own one from scratch, if you like. The details can be found in my post Info on Chroma Cassette Cable (January 2001).

Another approach would be to get a semi-complete cable by getting something like a DIN-5 to RCA cable - such as the one seen here:

http://store.a2zcable.com/avb55-6.html

You can then add on your favourite Radio Shack adapters to convert the RCA jacks into something appropriate for your audio source (cassette, stereo, mixer, sound card, etc.)

Actually - if you wanted to go super lo-tech (and you were only looking to get patches into the Chroma), then you could just stick wires into pins 2 and 5 of the connector on the back of the Chroma (per the cassette cable info above).

Also, I'm looking for a cassette copy of any of the factory patches.

You can get the factory sets (possibly in 'cassette format', or convert to cassette format) from the Patch Downloads page.

Third, could any of the more tech savy readers tell me what Z19 and Z20 slots are for on the computer board on the right side of the Chroma? How necessary are the chips?(mine are missing)

If installed, these would be RAM chips; however, these locations are normally empty on all standard CPU boards.

Ron Joseph [21030042+] · Sat, 01 Apr 2006 01:34:21 +0000

Re: Cassette Interface, etc.

David,

Thanks for the tutorial. I'll probably go route #2. I've been thinking about making my own cables but figured that there was a better place to start :) Also, thanks for relieving the worries about the ram.

I'll look into downloading in Cassette format off the site. Once again the amazing chroma community comes through!

Go to next message in thread (April 2006)

Front Panel and Voice Card on eBay

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Mon, 27 Mar 2006 22:53:31 -0800

Front panel: item #7402515394. No reserve, ends April 2. "This Rhodes Chroma Complete Front Panel has all associated PC Boards included. No pulled parts. That means the complete ROM set is included. Membrane appears in great shape. Contains complete ROM set. Comes with all knobs (some missing in photo but they will be included). Membrane ribbon appears to be in great shape. Functional when removed 12 years ago. No warranty implied or offered."

Voice card: item #7402494813. No reserve, ends April 2. "This Rhodes Chroma Voice Board has no pulled chips. That means there are 2 CEM chips and 4 Tempco resistors on this board. Contains 1 CEM3360 dual VCA. Contains 1 CEM3350 dual VCF. 4 1.87k Tempco's. Could be used as a replacement or spare for your Chroma. No warranty implied or offered."

Items sold by Analogics. Pictures from the auctions: