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ChromaTalk Archives: October 2007

Fender/Chroma Music System

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Mon, 1 Oct 2007 09:04:42 -0700

New on the site this month: Fender/Chroma Music System outlines features of the ground-breaking Apple II software for the Chroma and Polaris.

Thanks to David Clarke [21030085++] for this information.

Dave Bradley [16330135] · Mon, 1 Oct 2007 12:32:35 -0400

I bought a brand new Apple IIe just to run this software. The Apple was a step back from (and considerably more expensive than) my then state-of-the-art Atari 800.

I even used it live a few times. Here's a pic.

Robert Kastler [21030157] · Tue, 02 Oct 2007 10:52:08 +0200

Thanks for the insight view into the past - the whole setup looks pretty expensive ...

BTW found more great pics on your webpage ... (I can't believe YOU carried all this stuff - including the trumpet ! ;-))

(Man, I don't have a single pic of me playing the Chroma live in those days - what a pity !)

Dave Bradley [16330135] · Tue, 2 Oct 2007 08:22:53 -0500

The only saving grace about carrying all that stuff was that I was not doing one nighters at that time. We were moving approx every two weeks. We did also carry a big 3 way JBL PA, and extensive lighting including fresnels, ellipsoids, and a follow spot.

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Wed, 3 Oct 2007 07:52:20 +0200

What band was this then? The hairstyle indicated it wasn't anything I'd normally listen to but anyway... ;)

Dave Bradley [16330135] · Wed, 3 Oct 2007 09:35:23 -0400

It was a very successful 60's band in Cincinnati called Runner. This would have been about 1983-1984. When I used the Apple onstage for special occasions, I would bring a friend's extra Chroma and sequence the orchestral ending to "Knights in White Satin".

The cassette deck you might see in the picture was used for playing the final gong sound, and the little round pad to the left was a Synare digital tympani which I played live during the sequence. I have a live tape of the performance laying around somewhere. I should dig it up and see if it sounds better or worse than my memory of it. LOL!

midi issue w/sibelius

Michael Salmon [21030155] · Thu, 4 Oct 2007 20:52:10 -0400

hi folks

i've been using my chroma w/cc+ for a while happily, but today i wanted to test sibelius 4 and have an issue. i use an m-audio usb/midi hub btw which the cc+ is plugged into, on midi ch1. midi output is being recorded in sibelius ok, but input back to the chroma (so i can hear the analog synth being triggered) isn't working. in sibelius there's a Playback devices setup and a midi test feature, which when I select on chroma channel, i see the LEDs blink (from PC->m-audio->cc+ -> chroma), but no audio comes out the chroma. actually now i test it once the test runs (verified through cc+ LEDs blinking), the chroma doesn't make any sound until i change programs.

in other words:

  1. test analog sound of chroma - ok
  2. press Test in sibelius, see cc+ LEDs blink - ok
  3. hear nothing out of chroma (analog 1/4" output 1 that was working at stage (a)) - weird
  4. have to change program on chroma to make analog out work again - weird

anyone have an idea what this could be? I was thinking maybe of capturing the midi communication Sibelius is sending also, does anyone know a free midi sniffer program?

Andrew Dalebrook [21010180] · Sat, 6 Oct 2007 09:24:08 +1300

Hi

If you are using a PC, MIDIOX is a great freeware MIDI utility.

Perhaps Sibelius is sending a rogue MIDI volume change to the Chroma? Can you use some other software to verify your MIDI is being received?

CC+ list update

Andrew Dalebrook [21010180] · Sat, 6 Oct 2007 12:02:06 +1300

Hi David/Sandro

I was wondering how many spaces are left to fill the next CC+ order?

Sandro Sfregola [21010294] · Mon, 8 Oct 2007 18:43:28 +0100

next CC+ batch

We already have some orders for the CC+ batch #4 but we need at least other 6 to start a new batch; so I would encourage all the "would be" users to contact David and me (David is out of reach until the 15th) as soon as possible.

Kind regards

Re: Chroma SPSU kit

Go to first message in thread, September 2007

Luca Sasdelli [21010226] · Mon, 08 Oct 2007 20:06:52 +0200

Hi Luca, any news about this?

Hi Helmut and all,

we're quite ready with kits, just I'm awaiting for the final pricing of metalwork and shipping quotation.

Then I'll post the definitive kit prices and shipping conditions, different between European and USA destinations.

All interested customers will be invited to pay the kit in advance, thus allowing large items quantities purchase, to obtain a good quote for them. After that, a first batch of 30 kits will be set up and shipped.

Best regards
Luca and Riccardo

Go to next message in thread, November 2007

Phil Dodds has passed away

Dave Bradley [16330135] · Tue, 9 Oct 2007 17:00:44 -0400

The father of the Chroma, Phil Dodds, has left us.

[Obsoleted url removed]

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Tue, 9 Oct 2007 20:08:28 -0700

Sad news. While I never met him in person, I had the pleasure of "interviewing" him a few years back [see Philip Dodds/Tony Williams Interview]. His enthusiasm and love, twenty years on, for one of his projects, and especially the people involved, really struck me.

If it weren't for Phil Dodds, the Chroma would never have made it to production. He rescued the project from the bankrupt ARP and re-started it at CBS/Fender [see The Synth That Survived ARP's Fall].

Paul Hackett-Evans [21010094] · Wed, 10 Oct 2007 22:51:00 +0100

"The father of the Chroma, Phil Dodds, has left us."

This is very sad news, thanks for letting us know, Dave.

Only this evening, my daughter was asking me if she could use my Chroma for her music homework, because she finds the keyboard that Phil designed so nice to play.

He touched many lives, and he had the face of a good man, as seen in his appearance in "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind". I saw the movie as a child, and, years later, I thought it really cool that the designer of my favourite instrument turned out to have been the nice guy that played music to the Mothership.

Rest in peace, Phil, thanks for everything.

Jason Creek [21030668++] · Wed, 10 Oct 2007 22:36:21 -0500

His one line in "Close Encounters" was "What are we saying to each other?" It speaks volumes and volumes, and in all contexts. God rest you, Philip Dodds.

Fwd: synth music jam Hampshire, UK, Oct 19th 2007

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Mon, 15 Oct 2007 14:59:29 -0700

For those in the UK, this sounds like fun. (Via Analogue Heaven.)

From: "Norman Fay"
Date: October 15, 2007 2:34:35 AM PDT (CA)
Subject: [AH] synth music jam Hampshire, UK, Oct 19th 2007

I'm participating in this:

http://www.hampshirejamjam.co.uk/

...on Friday, there'll be a lot of analog(ue) synth action - I'm taking out the Wiard box, my Chroma and a Korg Lambda, I think there's going to be a guy with a Prophet 5? Another guy is def. bringing a bohm modular and a micromoog, it's going to be a blast, I think. There'll be 9 different performers, playing on a rota. It would be nice to see some AHers there?

Chromaface question

Rob Belcher [16330123] · Sat, 20 Oct 2007 15:20:05 +0100

Hi guys,

Will the JL [Cooper] Chromaface midi box run off the power coming from the Chroma computer interface port without needing to use an external 9V wallwart?

Thanks for the info.

David Clarke [21030085++] · Sat, 20 Oct 2007 12:31:12 -0400

It can, depending on what's been done with the box.

In the normal configuration, the external 9V supply powers an internal 5V regulator (7805) and the 5V power from the Chroma interface is a 'no connect'.

A modification is possible whereby the connection to the regulator is cut, and the 5V line from the Chroma is wired to directly power the Chromaface.

FS: Chroma Expander

Rob Belcher [16330123] · Sat, 20 Oct 2007 23:44:35 +0100

Hi guys,

I got both my Chroma Expanders back from service today. Serial number is 16310010 (the other doesn't have a serial number) Roy Paynter serviced both of them, he is a trained Chroma tech in the UK. I am selling one unit and keeping the other.

The unit i'm selling is in pretty good shape the front panel is nice and clean. It comes with a JL cooper midi interface and the user manual.

While i've tested the unit i'm keeping (it has CC+ midi installed, so i could hook it up over midi) i've not been able to pass any audio on this Chroma i'm selling- as like i mentioned before, i haven't been able to get the JL Cooper interface working.

This Chroma lefts Roy's workshop yesterday with a full bill of health, so i've no doubt it works perfectly, indeed i've powered it up and it's booted up with no error messages, all the front panel buttons work fine etc, but i'm just making the point that i've not been able to pass audio due to not being able to get the JL kit to work... This unit is sold with a 90 day warranty from Roy, running till end of January 2008. Roy is listed in the service centers on this site.

Simply selling as like i mentioned i have two Expanders and always planned to keep one and sell the other.

I'm not sure exactly what these units are worth, Jupiter 8/ Oberheim and Prophets regularly sell these days for over £2000 on Ebay UK, Chroma Expanders are really rare and sought after and this unit has just been serviced, so i'm looking to sell for £1750.

Please email me offlist if interested. Thanks for the bandwidth...

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Fri, 26 Oct 2007 08:21:12 -0700

Expander on eBay

Item #110183708284. "Buy It Now" price of £1950.00. This is Rob Belcher's unit he posted about on October 20 (serial number unknown). "This unit has just been fully serviced (October 2007) and been given a full bill of health by Roy Paynter, an Arp trained Chroma repair expert in the UK. As well as being serviced the internal PSU has been also replaced with a modern switching unit improving long term reliability and also makes the instrument a lot lighter!"

One of the pictures from the auction:

Jimmy Moyer [21030184] · Fri, 26 Oct 2007 17:10:32 -0400

Re: Expander on eBay

I see it has had a fan installed. That worries me a bit. I wonder why someone thought that was necessary, especially given the power supply was replaced with a switcher.

(I don't have any other instruments with fans. I'm very happy that after replacing the power supply in my Chroma, the buzz of the original is gone. I go to great lengths to put together a quiet PC for the studio.)

Rob Belcher [16330123] · Fri, 26 Oct 2007 23:40:31 +0100

Re: Expander on eBay

Hey peeps,

Yes, its my Chroma expander. The fan was installed by the last owner- before the PSU was changed by Roy. I actually have two Expanders, mine has a CC+ installed and this one (on Ebay) has a JL cooper interface. Btw, the fan has been disconnected- so there is no noise. Its actually in pretty nice shape and has just been fully serviced. I will knock £100 off the ebay price if anyone on the list wants it.. Might be open to trades too, try me!

Rob Belcher [16330123] · Sun, 28 Oct 2007 21:22:31 +0000

Hey peeps,

Ive lowered the buy-it-now to £1750 for my Expander, pics up on the Ebay auction: [item 110183708284]

Fully serviced Chroma expander with JL cooper midi and manual.

Rob told me in 2012 that this unit was sold.

another chroma on ebay UK

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Mon, 29 Oct 2007 10:37:03 +0100

[Item 220163752858]

Not the best rep around the seller AFAI can remember though... 750 GBP.

Description said in part, "Not working, good project for someone, all parts there (I think)." Contacted the seller for serial number information; no response.

Rhodes Chroma Voice Board Test Controller

Matrix [21030220] · Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:04:47 -0700

Not sure if this has been mentioned before. Check out the device Dave Wilson of the New England Synthesizer Museum created to work on Chroma Voice boards in this video:

It's about 3:35 into the video.

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Tue, 30 Oct 2007 07:35:47 +0100

that videoclip mentioned

Cool box! I bet all the techs here would want one... But it hurts me to see rare istruments standing on the endcheeks like that.

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:24:55 -0700

Re: that videoclip mentioned

Cool box! I bet all the techs here would want one...

I've asked him if he has any plans or schematics.

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Tue, 30 Oct 2007 22:49:23 -0700

Re: that videoclip mentioned

I've asked him if he has any plans or schematics.

... coming soon to a Rhodes Chroma site near you.

See Voice Board Test Controller.

Fwd: [AH] WTB: Memorymoog LED display

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:32:03 -0700

Anyone know the answer to this question from Analogue Heaven? The parts list doesn't seem to help — or maybe it's just that I don't know my electronics components.

From: Scott Metzger
Date: October 30, 2007 12:29:35 PM PDT (CA)
To: Analogue Heaven
Subject: [AH] WTB: Memorymoog LED display

Hello everyone! I have a tech working to bring my Memorymoog back to life. (I was swindled via eBay) I am in need of the LED display, part number LT 1604. If you know where I can find a replacement, please let me know! Is it possible that a Fender Chroma has the same part?

Thank you!

-Metzger

Go to next message in thread, November 2007

Programming Manual on eBay

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Tue, 30 Oct 2007 22:38:45 -0700

Item #280168100494. Looks like it's in good shape (better than mine, anyway). But then, who needs a printed copy? ;)

Pics from the auction:

David Gowin [21030611] · Wed, 31 Oct 2007 09:00:42 -0400

Like so many ebayers these days, only ships within the US. (Gee, there is a world outside your borders guys!)

James R. Coplin [16330036] · Wed, 31 Oct 2007 09:29:36 -0500

We are well aware that there is a world outside our borders. However, as my experience has shown, as regards ebay sales and the like, that world is often out to steal and defraud us. Our geographic distance from the buyer makes any chance of recover about 0. It's not that we are xenophobic; we just don't like being ripped off. On the other hand, we are only talking about a manual in this case...

Dave Bradley [16330135] · Wed, 31 Oct 2007 11:31:28 -0400

Ditto.

I still ship my bits for sale to Canada and Europe, but one day I am sure I will get ripped off. All the buyer has to do is claim they never received the items, and reverse the charges. Impossible for me to prove, since none of the carriers offer delivery confirmation services for international shipping.

The only thing I can do is try to mitigate my risk by only offering items for sale on my regular internet lists, but any community can have a bad apple.

Werner Schöenenberger [21010114] · Wed, 31 Oct 2007 19:18:02 +0100

Hi all,

I completely agree - basically it is the same risk shipping from US to Europe or vice versa (too much fraud). Ebay might be ok for cheap items, but far too risky for expensive ones. I prefer to rely on direct contacts.

Cheers
Werner
(Switzerland)

David Gowin [21030611] · Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:28:34 -0400

And, one can be ripped off/defrauded just as easily with a state to state, city to city ebay transaction (within your own country) as could happen internationally.

Heath Finnie [21030175] · Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:33:12 -0400

I don't really believe thats totally true. In the US you can take some precautions like delivery confirmation, tracking with signature verification etc. Everytime I've sent something to Europe I have to trust that they will be honest since I can't track that far (without paying A LOT extra). Usually if they say they never got something, I have no way of proving otherwise.

James R. Coplin [16330036] · Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:04:53 -0500

I've had this happen to me as well. I called the local police who promptly intervened and I got a full recovery of my gear. I doubt I would get the same response calling another country as the internationality of it removes the case from local jurisdiction.

Daniel Benoit [21030109] · Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:17:13 -0500

Okay I have to say something about this

If you are buying something expensive from anyone, this personcould be american, canadian, chinese, french, italian english or from any place on the planet (even from a neighbore) There is now way you can be shure of anything.

Most indiviuals are honest persons. Some countries, can have reputation of being protective, invasive...honnest, festive cold or any kind of other quatliy that one can think. I have bought and sold expensive pieces of equipement to south korea, china, england, France, Usa, CANADA and other countries. You have to use your jugement and a few rules

Profile the person you are buy from, is he a regular seller, I would be carefull of buying expensive items from someone that as no previus sells Get in contact, email first. and the by phone if comunications are not flowing easily, this could be a sign If you realy want the piece of equipement AND are insecure, use the ESCROW service that ebay offers, I have used it and it's the only way you can have a secure transaction but you have to pay a fee, It's worth it for items over $500.00. http://pages.ebay.com/help/tp/payment-escrow.html

The real only problem with buying far from you, is the shipping fees and delay on shipping(when you use surface transportation to save on shipping...)

again use escrow if not sure

PS:I have sold my Yamaha CS-80 a few years ago to a fellow in Norway, every thing went smooth. then again I'm canadian ha! ha! ha!

Go to next message in thread, November 2007