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ChromaTalk Archives: June 2007

RE: Chroma brass sound

Rob Belcher [16330123] · Fri, 01 Jun 2007 09:14:57 +0100

Go to first message in thread, May 2007

Hiya Paul,

Heh..heh... cool story. I've chatted to Roy quite a bit over the last few months, he's a lovely bloke. He has my Chroma Expander in for service at the mo, i'm having the CC+ and a switching PSU installed. Cheers for the info about the brass sound. Nice to know it was the Chroma, always loved that sound, i always thought it was an Oberheim. I'm looking forward to getting to play with mine, i have virtually zero experience with the Chroma, am very much looking forward to getting it back from Roy.

Mark David's Windows Interface

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Fri, 1 Jun 2007 08:41:44 -0700

Mark David has kindly contributed all the supporting materials for the work he did in 2000-01 on his "Windows Interface for the Rhodes Chroma." There is documentation on overall design, circuit design, server object library, Windows components for Chroma/computer communication, client design, and an FAQ, along with source code (see the Server Object Library page).

Mark writes, "I did this all when I had a few contiguous un-employed months in 2000, and I'm highly unlikely to be able to help answer any questions now - as those synapses in my brain have been re-purposed." Mark is making this material "freely available to whomever wants to make use of it."

Thanks, Mark!

See Windows Editors & Librarians: Windows Interface for a list of links to Mark's ChromaTalk posts related to the project.

controllers survey - who likes what?

Michael Salmon [21030155] · Fri, 1 Jun 2007 15:23:24 -0400

hi folks,

just wanted to know what midi controllers (like the doepfer drehbank and behringer bcr2000, novation remote sl-zero) people are using and how well they work with the chroma?

what im looking for ideally is roughly:

  • knobs with continuous/LED indicators, so i can change programs and have all the parameter values be indicated.
  • a knob for each parameter
  • a text description for each value might be cool, or an led display (basically write out what the parameter chart says). may be overkill...
  • midi operation so it can be used without a computer
  • lightweight and sturdy so i can play live with it
  • easy ability to change parameters and save the program
  • price, hopefully less than $250
  • tested and works well
  • for sale at a big music shop would be nice, so i could return it if it doesn't work well.

anyway i'm just looking for a list of options because it seems like lots of people are making lots of innovation in this area and i don't want to miss something neat.

thanks everyone

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Sat, 2 Jun 2007 06:51:00 +0200

just wanted to know what midi controllers (like the doepfer drehbank and behringer bcr2000, novation remote sl-zero) people are using and how well they work with the chroma?

I know I've kept going on about mine, but I thought I should answer your Q's anyway.

what im looking for ideally is roughly:

  • knobs with continuous/LED indicators, so i can change programs and have all the parameter values be indicated.

Not possible on the Drehbank, but I found it useful to click a parameter from now and then to see what I'm doing too. Most knobs aren't necessary, but "patch", "kybd alg", "mod select" and similar can be guesswork without it. But that can be fun too though. ;)

  • a knob for each parameter

Possible, it contains 64 knobs in two banks and after some testing I plan to send my settings as a Drehbank program file to the site. I't set up with bank 1 corresponding to edit A and 2 to Edit B. There is also room for pedals and switches to go via the Drehbank and also some external CV for really outworldly modulations...

  • a text description for each value might be cool, or an led display (basically write out what the parameter chart says). may be overkill...

Cool, but then you need to go costumised I think...

  • midi operation so it can be used without a computer

Amen! (drehbank does that)

  • lightweight and sturdy so i can play live with it

Check! The D-bank is approximately the same size as the right hand part of the Chroma panel.

  • easy ability to change parameters and save the program

Outside the Chroma? Otherwise there is now 200 memory positions in the Chroma, isn't that enough. ;)

  • price, hopefully less than $250

Drehbank cost me more than that, but not a lot more...

  • tested and works well

Yes...

  • for sale at a big music shop would be nice, so i could return it if it doesnt work well.

...and 250 bucks, and controls for all. If you don't go the software way I think that's impossible.

anyway im just looking for a list of options because it seems like lots of people are making lots of innovation in this area and i dont want to miss something neat.

Good luck with your selection. If you want to test something out, the Doepfer Pocket Dial worked like a charm too and cost more like 100 USD on the second hand market. It has 4 banks with 16 knobs each, but if you set it ut to control the most useful and most "twistable" knobs; for example envelopes, pitch and cutoff.

Andrew Dalebrook [21010180] · Sun, 3 Jun 2007 10:25:35 +1200

I'm using the BCR-2000 with the orginal CPU (not CC+) and KMX interface

  • knobs with continuous/LED indicators, so i can change programs and have all the parameter values be indicated.

The BCR has continuous knobs and LED indicators (the Drehbank doesn't have LEDs?), which is good for seeing what you are doing. Currently the CC+ doesn't send patch changes when changing a program (i.e. sysex data for every paramater), but *fingers crossed* David and Sandro will design a firmware update sometime, if it is even possible.

  • a knob for each parameter

24 knobs + 8 x (4 "group") knobs in each "preset." 32 presets in all. The 8 group knobs also have buttons, plus an additional 20 switches.

I have the old CPU, so I can fit all the available parameters on the bottom 24 encoders. For the CPU+, you've got everything, so I though it might be useful to put the Mod x select and depth on the 8 group encoders (up the top) on adjacent knobs and have each section (pitch, cutoff, volume etc.) on seperate encoder groups. You could also use the buttons (which also light up) to switch say, filter type, glide shape or other things.

  • a text description for each value might be cool, or an led display (basically write out what the parameter chart says). may be overkill...

The LED displays the BCR preset number and the value of the parameter you are editing.

  • midi operation so it can be used without a computer

Yes, but I found it nesassary to make a MIDI map in MIDIOX, as the old interface accepts values that start at 64. So, resonance 0-7 = 64-71. This was usable, but annoying, so I "translated" each parameter (except bipolar ones, e.g. Mod depth) using a computer.

I also created a second map which would edit A and B together. I sent the files (map, sysex etc.) to Chris, but I can also email them to anyone who wants them.

It has USB, so I'm using it as my USB to MIDI box.

  • lightweight and sturdy so i can play live with it

Yep. Usually I don't go for Behringer on principle, but this doesn't make any sound, so it's okay. It doesn't seem likely that it would break, as there isn't much to it.

  • easy ability to change parameters and save the program

Currently, I have to edit on the BCR and save on the Chroma. Does CC+ alow for program saves via MIDI?

  • price, hopefully less than $250

$129 at Musicans friend; you could buy two... hey, that's not a bad idea...

I think you can slave a couple together via MIDI too.

  • tested and works well

Yep, fine.

  • for sale at a big music shop would be nice, so i could return it if it doesnt work well.

Yes. And I think the Drehbank has sold out, or is close to it.

Re: Factory sounds in wav format?

David Clarke [21030085++] · Fri, 01 Jun 2007 20:31:42 -0400

Go to first message in thread, May 2007

The only issue is that I am very unfamiliar with terminal in MAC OSX...

Heath - if you're more familiar with the DOS command-line, there was also an area for those tools on the same page that Chris mentioned (Patch Conversion Tools).

Also - on that patch downloads page, there is a pre-existing copy of the Factory Set 5 in .wav format.

I will also shortly e-mail Chris .wav format files for all the factory banks.

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Fri, 1 Jun 2007 19:43:31 -0700

Thanks David. The files are now available on the Patch Downloads page.

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Sat, 2 Jun 2007 09:13:12 -0700

... along with one of the Chroma Cult sets.

Polaris For Sale

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Mon, 4 Jun 2007 17:04:03 -0700

Polaris #301301, looks to be in great cosmetic condition. The owner, Dan Imeson, writes, "I would like to sell it for US$400.00 if the buyer is willing to pay for shipping; I would package it and ship it from Windsor, Ontario." [E-mail address removed.]

Chroma 21030789 For Sale

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Fri, 8 Jun 2007 18:21:30 -0700

Just added to the registry.

Begin forwarded message:

Date: June 8, 2007 10:41:45 AM PDT (CA)
From: David Chaulk

Fender Rhodes Chroma for sale to the group first. Fender Rhodes Chroma for sale. The serial number is 21030789 If you are interested in this vintage analogue synthesizer then you already know what it can do. It comes from a recording studio I worked for in the 80's and has been in storage for about 10 years (no case with this). I do not remember what we bought it for except that it was a lot! It is in great shape. It powers up fine, sounds fantastic and as far as I know it still has the factory presets. It comes with the brass dual pedal and the trigger pedal. There is no case, no manuals with this unit. The B key below middle C does not work but can probably be fixed by some knowledgeable person. There are a few dings and nicks in the casing but nothing major I cannot tell you anymore about this unit technically except that the studio bought it, I obtained it when the studio closed and I have only powered it on a few times and played it. I would be willing to consider offers on it and I would ask that the buyer pays shipping from my location in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada N7S 3C1. Please contact me for pics and info at [e-mail address removed]

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Tue, 19 Jun 2007 08:14:23 -0700

Now on eBay. Item #160129243346, starting bid US$1700, reserve not met, no bids yet, ends June 24.

CC+ list

Andrew Dalebrook [21010180] · Tue, 12 Jun 2007 18:06:36 +1200

Hey list/David/Sandro

I was wondering when the next batch of CC+ boards were being made and roughly how long they take to complete. With the NZD:USD quite high at the moment, now seems like a good time to buy, and I probably have a friend coming over for Xmas, so that would take care of the postage.

Go to next message in thread (July 2007)

Chroma 21030016 Back on eBay

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Tue, 12 Jun 2007 23:29:44 -0700

Was for sale in April on craigslist and eBay (Chroma 21030016 on craigslist). Item #120130719140, Buy It Now price of US$3498 (Best Offer also available), one offer with pending status. Ends June 17. See the registry entry.

Arp Odyssey vs Chroma

Rob Belcher [16330123] · Wed, 13 Jun 2007 14:21:44 +0100

Hi there,

I'm sorta kinda lusting after an Arp Odyssey.. That's right i'm starting to get GAS again...

Especially after seeing that Dr. Who BBC workshop video on Youtube, showing the guy playing the Odyssey on the lead line on the theme tune such a raw sound, especially the lead sounds... (Like to see a VST sound like that!)

I've yet to play either of my Chromas as they are still being repaired, expecting them back at the beginning of next month...

I guess i was wondering if the Chroma can do those classic raw Odyssey leadlines with the same timbre and character, i guess i'll find out the beginning of next month, but just thought i'd ask... :)

How do you guys think they compare sonically, can you dial in most the Odyssey mono stuff on the Chroma authentically or does the Odyssey cut through more?

Andrew Dalebrook [21010180] · Thu, 14 Jun 2007 10:15:41 +1200

Odyssey Sounds

I haven't heard a 2600 live, but assume the filters at least can make the really vocal ARP sound found on the Odyssey and 2600.

Rob Johnson · Thu, 14 Jun 2007 18:58:20 -0700

I have had 3 different Odysseys in the past (1 orange + 2 black/ gold). I don't have any right now... but still have my Chroma. That's not to say I don't like the Ody... I just had TOO MUCH GEAR. I would have to say they sound much different than the Chroma. To my ear the Chroma has a much more refined and classy (whatever that means) sound than the Ody. The Ody is much more raw. The filter allows for more resonance on the Ody than the Chroma. If I remember right the filter will self oscillate with the resonance set to just above "half" on the Ody... similar to the Pro One (but sounds nothing like the Pro One).

I much admire the lead, bass, and S&H sounds you can get with the Ody. You "might" be able to argue it cuts through more than the Chroma but that would be limited to those sounds the Ody does well... which are not all sounds. Chroma is much more versatile and capable of making realistic sounds as well as synthetic ones. An Ody would make a great compliment to your Chroma.

Now this might be going against the grain but I much prefer the non-moog style filter for the Ody. Yup no "white face" for me. The Arp filter has a certain appeal all to itself. Synths with the "moog" filter are a dime a dozen... well maybe not that cheap but you know what I mean.

Doug Terrebonne [21030114] · Thu, 14 Jun 2007 19:05:58 -0700

Now this might be going against the grain but I much prefer the non- moog style filter for the Ody. Yup no "white face" for me.

Jeez, if I had a nickle for every time this comes up... The white-face Ody does NOT have a "Moog" style filter. It has a 2-pole filter where you don't lose volume as the resonance is increased so it is more similar to the OB SEM and OB-X. I've had all Ody revs and the white-face is the only one I have kept...

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Fri, 15 Jun 2007 08:40:53 +0200

There is a reason (at least for me) to own both a whiteface and an Avatar since the filter is very different. I'm a 12dB-man myself and love the filters in Roland's, my Oberheim SEM, OSCar, EDP and the Whiteface. The moogish "brick wall" is often too much...

But, to get back to the Chroma-related stuff, I think the Odyssey works splendid with the Chroma, but you shouldn't think of the C as a polyphonic Chroma. Then you'll end up disappointed of both. It's not like SEM relates to a 4-Voice or Pro-One is related to Prophet 5 for that matter. Remember that there was a decade between the two darlings to start with. The Chroma is CEM-based and the overall architecture of a polyphonic synth often adds other features (like velocity, split functions etc) than the modulation mayhem of a advanced monophonic (I'm not counting the Mini with the "advanced" BTW).

electronically yours, jesper - who for once feels allowed to join a comparison debate since I've got the mentioned machines myself ;)

Questions on External Display for CC+

See The Chroma CPU Plus (CC+): Alphanumeric Display, added to the site in August 2010.

David Clarke [21030085++] · Mon, 18 Jun 2007 21:33:16 -0400

As we've discussed in the past on the list, one of the features possible with the Chroma CPU Plus (CC+) is an external alphanumeric display.

As quite a few people now have the CC+ installed, Sandro [21010294] and I have started to seriously consider the logistics of this option.

Since it will be you (the current and would-be users of the CC+) who will use the display, we thought it best to solicit your opinion in terms of what you'd want/expect.

A specific question we have is what do you think you would want/need in terms of the display housing?

On one end of the spectrum, we could just provide the raw electronics (i.e., unmounted display and accessories - such as cabling).

On the other end of the spectrum, there's a complete kit (i.e., display + full, finished display enclosure.)

In the middle there's a complete kit - but with a very basic display enclosure.

The big trade off is cost, and logistics for the housing.

As a general rule, pre-housed displays tend to be quite expensive (e.g., the Dell Retail Select LT9900UG Customer Table-Top Display) and the housing may not be to everyone's liking. Unhoused displays will be less expensive, but may then require the end user to develop their own enclosure.

To help determine which way we should be thinking, it would be appreciated if you could let us know your general opinions on the subject.

Specifically - would you prefer

  1. Non-housed (cheapest, but would require user arrange a housing);
  2. Basic housing (mid-priced, with a functional - although perhaps not excellent mounting); or
  3. Fully housed/pre-housed (most expensive, but is fully complete 'out of the box').

Also - on a related note - if you perhaps know of a good housed unit (or might be interested in building housings), that would also be good information to have.

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:35:53 -0700

While I would like to be able to choose my own housing, I would probably go with a fully housed version, simply because of (my own) time and effort. I wonder if there might be two groups here: those who are relatively non-technical who desire something that runs out of the box; and those who have the time and skill to do their own custom work. If so (based on whatever other responses you receive), would it be cost-prohibitive to offer two options?

Riccardo Grotto [21010249+] · Tue, 19 Jun 2007 01:57:09 -0700

Until I will still be owner of a Chroma (mine are for sale), I would go for solution number 3.

Rob Belcher [16330123] · Tue, 19 Jun 2007 09:59:34 +0100

Hi David,

Just a thought and do feel free to mail me back to tell me to go jump off the nearest tall building or something heh..heh... :)

But wouldnt the coolest thing for the Chroma to have a new front panel UI. Although i realise it would be an involved process designing the panel, that would just be the coolest thing ever. :))

Swap the old one out and put a new one in.

I was thinking the new front panel could have a full set of knobs instead of rows of buttons and also incorporate a bigger display... While having a break out box for a display and a breakout box for a knobby interface having a new front panel would be a very cool thing indeed...

Im sure lots of folks would be interested and would pay a good price for it. The front panel and firmware could be designed and the rest could be DIY maybe with a parts list so youd have to mount all the pots etc..

Surely its not that unthinkable is it? But as i mentioned feel free to mail me back and set me straight lol :)

I know you guys have the skill to do such a thing!

Luca Sasdelli [21010226] · Tue, 19 Jun 2007 11:55:57 +0200

Hi David,

surely it would be a great feature implementation. About the housing, I suggest to look for a thin display, to be installed on the actual panel; the display could cover both current display holes, whose functions should be redirected on new device.

The only disadvantage I see is their thickness, sometimes exceeding 25mm; we can consider a way to cut out the panel, so the display could be mounted in-dash. If needed, the PCB behind it could be installed with longer spacers, to allow enough room for the display unit. The parameter slider and LEDs should be also re-positioned, perhaps with a dedicated mounting plate.

Here some cheap units: Matrix Orbital Serial LCD & USB LCD modules, Serial Graphic LCD Interface, Serial VFD & USB VFD modules, Serial PLED & USB PLED displays and Parallel LCD displays

What about the software? Which infos would be displayed? There will be some patch naming etc?

Dave Bradley [16330135] · Tue, 19 Jun 2007 08:42:46 -0500

Forgive my ignorance. Although I own a CC+, it is awaiting installation until after I can bring my IO board back to life.

What drives the need for an external display? Is the operation of the CC+ so complex that this is needed?

Randel Osborne [21030467] · Tue, 19 Jun 2007 10:03:32 -0400

David-

Thanks for considering this noble project, and for asking our opinion.

My preference would be to purchase the display driver hardware (PCB, interface to CC+) from you, and fabricate my own enclosure for it to reside in.

This would offer me the flexibility of constructing a device that was in keeping with the industrial design of the Chroma, as well as allowing me to choose the size and type of the display (LED, Vacuum flourescent, etc.)

Although an added engineering challenge, it would be useful to configure the display board to interface with multiple display hardware configurations. In its basic state, perhaps a 16X1 matrix of carachters would be appropriate, but if that same hardware could interface with multiple 16X4 displays, and minimize the need to "page" between displayed information, that would be very exciting indeed.

Please keep us informed of the status of this project, and if there is anything we can do to help.

Thanks!

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Tue, 19 Jun 2007 17:23:05 +0200

Non-housed for me please! :)

Jimmy Moyer [21030184] · Tue, 19 Jun 2007 13:24:15 -0400

I'll presume (correct me if I'm wrong), an external display is meant to solve one of the major problems with the original display, that is that parameter names are not displayed, only numbers. A new display eliminates the need for the fold-out chart.

I would say that the other failure of the original display (and most synth displays in general) is that they only show a very limited number of parameters, usually just one. The sorts of displays proposed here wouldn't provide a solution to this.

The cost of the example of a pre-housed display is more than that of a garden variety 15 inch LCD PC monitor. I'd expect that the CC+ wouldn't have any way to generate video and so would require the not-so-elegant solution of using an intervening PC to drive a monito. That kind of display solution doesn't really need the CC+ to do anything special at all, as it can already be done via MIDI.

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Tue, 19 Jun 2007 20:25:34 +0200

Just a thought and do feel free to mail me back to tell me to go jump off the nearest tall building or something heh..heh... :)

But wouldnt the coolest thing for the Chroma to have a new front panel UI. Although i realise it would be an involved process designing the panel, that would just be the coolest thing ever. :))

Swap the old one out and put a new one in. [...]

For a badly battered toured chroma this might be an idea, but I'd hate to put the chainsaw to the girl like that...

Mike Jaynes [21030638+] · Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:34:04 -0400

David; I am in the camp of #1, making it fit with my own housing. I am not adverse to buying one already made if that is what's available.

Thanks for doing this work, it is appreciated.

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Tue, 19 Jun 2007 20:41:02 +0200

I've run mine a couple of weeks and since you can tweak one set of voices at a time (A vs B i mean) it can be hard to know what you're doing. On top of this comes those control which isn't 0-7, 0-15, 0-31 or 0-63 but have different settings available. This goes for patch and all the mod select knobs. So either you need to know the girl by heart, have a sheet beside you or a good display.

I love going by ear too BTW... and no, I don't think it's a must. But a neat addition though.

Did anyone here snatch the disgustingly cheap drehbank at ebay.de last sunday? I was too busy to send the link... *sorry*

Rob Belcher [16330123] · Tue, 19 Jun 2007 20:22:53 +0100

Don't forget there is a proper UI editor for Cubase... Very nice too :)

I assume my idea of a *NEW* replacement redesigned front panel for the Chroma with knobs is not a sensible one lol..?? :)

Werner Schöenenberger [21010114] · Tue, 19 Jun 2007 21:44:49 +0200

In my opinion, you should start with option 1. Building houses inspires people and after a couple of month, you will have a lot of ideas and solutions and maybe a partner to build option 3 for further customers.

David Clarke [21030085++] · Fri, 22 Jun 2007 20:13:16 -0400

Thank you to all for your replies.

To answer a few questions/comments that came up - the original/main intent of the external display was to help decode the sometimes cryptic data readout on the Chroma itself (i.e., to convert something like "Patch 3" into something more user-friendly). That would likely be the first thing we'd like to implement. Of course, if the CC+ community later decided together that it would be better to have something else, then at least the hardware infrastructure would be in place to support that.

There would be a possibility of flexibility in terms of the types of displays which can be supported (e.g., LCD, VFD, etc.); however, there may need to settle on some specific requirements (such as the number of characters per line, the number of lines, the character sets supported, etc.) so that the code will not have to cater to too many special cases.

The intent of the current display discussion is to try to add functionality in a way which doesn't directly impact on the Chroma itself - but instead adds some functionality in a cost effective way.

It is certainly technically possible to create more involved configurations (such as replacement Chroma panels or mounting behind the current Chroma Panel), but I think fewer people would be interested in those options vs. a quick/straightforward display. (If the folks here disagree with this - please let me know).

Based on the replies received it seems that the that majority (2:1 or so) would prefer to make their own display, but there are still a few who would prefer to have a complete unit.

What do you think about perhaps delivering the unit unhoused - but perhaps identifying one or two commercially available housed-units that could be certain to work with it?

Perhaps a wood-working enthusiast on the list would perhaps be interested in making a display housing for a standardized display unit?

Jeffrey D. McEachin [21030073+] · Fri, 22 Jun 2007 19:04:48 -0700

It is certainly technically possible to create more involved configurations (such as replacement Chroma panels or mounting behind the current Chroma Panel), but I think fewer people would be interested in those options vs. a quick/straightforward display.

I agree.

What if you fabricated a new panel for the levers, with a 2x16 LCD above the levers? It should be fairly inexpensive to make, and easy to match the original.

Swapping it with the original should be fairly straightforward, especially if the levers are connectorized. And if you had to sell the synth to a damned collector, it'd be easy to swap the original back in.

I don't know if there's room, and it would definitely raise the cost, but replacing the levers with lit wheels ala the Moog Voyager would be very cool.

Jeffrey

PS I'd prefer a red on black LCD, to best match the LEDs.

Luca Sasdelli [21010226] · Sat, 23 Jun 2007 09:44:41 +0200

Hi David,

I agree with you; perhaps it is advisable to have both an unhoused and an housed kits to choose from, for maximum ease of implementation.

About the display, the standard serial connection allows several different display types to be used by the proud DIYer, so this is surely a good design choice.

The Jeffrey proposal, to include the display within the lefthand block, is interesting and I'll look into further. The only limitation IMHO is that in this way, the display must be very small and difficult to read in a live set.

Werner Schöenenberger [21010114] · Sat, 23 Jun 2007 12:41:22 +0200

I agree.

What if you fabricated a new panel for the levers, with a 2x16 LCD above the levers? It should be fairly inexpensive to make, and easy to match the original.

Swapping it with the original should be fairly straightforward, especially if the levers are connectorized. And if you had to sell the synth to a damned collector, it'd be easy to swap the original back in.

I don't know if there's room, and it would definitely raise the cost, but replacing the levers with lit wheels ala the Moog Voyager would be very cool.

Jeffrey

PS I'd prefer a red on black LCD, to best match the LEDs.

Jeffrey, this idea is genius....

Mal Meehan [21010182++] · Sat, 23 Jun 2007 13:05:55 +0100

Are we not getting carried away a little?

I personally don't want to modify my Chroma at all.

The way I see it is a display like on the PPG/Matrix12... a long 2 line backlit unit in a small upright black plastic housing (not much bigger then the display), which offers you a good length on the cable so that you can either place the display loose, on the program/parameter select panel or on another keyboard in your stack at eye level.

The base and back of the housing could be metal and magnetized allowing you to "stick" the unit on a metal surface such as a knob box or additional synth, and in the kit there could be rubber feet and a velcro strip for different means of attachment.

The housing could be made so that it would be possible to remove the back plate and reposition the ribbon so that it comes out of any side through purpose made recesses.

And for those that like the vintage look - triangular hardwood end cheeks could be fashioned to allow the unit to freely stand up on the top of the Chroma.

I think simplicity is the best.

Mal

P.S. Sandro, any news on the CC+ shipping dates?

parts available

John Leimseider [21030434++] · Tue, 19 Jun 2007 07:51:19 -0600

Cantos Music Foundation just purchased the Chroma stock from MusicTek Services, where I previously worked. There are 2 carcasses that I'm planning on restoring. I'll submit the serial numbers soon. The important thing (from my point of view, anyway) is that I have a bunch of Chroma and Expander membrane switches available. We haven't figured out the price yet, but it's great news for those who need them... If anyone is looking, please let me know. We also have overvoltage protectors, which I think are unnecessary if you have the 16 volt filter cap, and a bunch of other parts. Again, if there are specific parts you need, please drop me an Email and I'll see what we can do. Thanks... JL

Robert Shanks [21030301] · Tue, 19 Jun 2007 10:42:22 -0400

Any Polaris membrane switches?

John Leimseider [21030434++] · Tue, 19 Jun 2007 10:40:14 -0600

There may be a few Polaris panels... I'm not sure yet. I'll let the group know.

Polaris 302589 For Sale

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Fri, 22 Jun 2007 20:26:17 -0700

See the Ads page for contact info.

I ran across your web site for the Fender Chroma Polaris. I have one, model# 2123, serial# 302589, that I purchased around 1986 I think. I played it extensively for many years, and the keyboard action is still excellent. Almost all of the solenoid switches for programming and patches still work, and the MIDI output is still working, but sadly I don't have the knowledge/skill to repair it myself and need to let it go. I am willing to sell it for a reasonable offer plus shipping - if any of your readers are interested it would save me the trouble of fiddling with eBay, and I would know that had found a home with someone who appreciates the unique vintage aspects of this fine instrument.

Cubase Chroma Expander Editor

Rob Belcher [16330123] · Sun, 24 Jun 2007 16:28:25 +0100

Hi there fellas,

I cant get the Cubase3 Chroma editor to work? What am i doing wrong??

David Clarke [21030085++] · Sun, 24 Jun 2007 15:18:19 -0400

Rob - can you share any additional info like what you see/don't see, what (if anything) works, etc. Does the control panel appear?

Rare silver Chroma on the bay, $4300

Dave Bradley [16330135] · Mon, 25 Jun 2007 23:48:14 -0500

[Item #290132922367]

Hah, made ya look!

Picture:

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Tue, 26 Jun 2007 07:24:03 +0200

I wonder what Fender has to say about the use of the name!