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ChromaTalk Archives: March 2008

Dead Voiceboard?

Andrew Dalebrook [21010180] · Sat, 01 Mar 2008 16:15:39 +1300

I think one of my voiceboards has died. It produces squeals/wavering pitches/noise, similar to a dead Juno 106 voice. Is replacement of the CEM3350, CEM3360, or both necessary? If so, I might need Chris' chips!

David Clarke [21030085++] · Sun, 02 Mar 2008 13:43:11 -0500

While it's possible that one of the CEMs has died, it is often something quite a lot less expensive (op-amp, S&H cap, 4151, etc.)

The first step would be to shift the card around in the Chroma and make sure the problem follows the voice-card. After that, it is a matter of tracing the signal through the board to see where the 'badness' starts and to replace accordingly.

SPSU Kit

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Sat, 01 Mar 2008 10:18:12 -0800

This month's site update is dedicated to the SPSU kit by Luca Sasdelli [21010226], Sandro Sfregola [21010294], and Riccardo Grotto [21010249+]. Pictures and installation instructions are included. Another excellent upgrade for the Chroma: great work, guys.

Luca Sasdelli [21010226] · Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:47:16 +0100

First SPSU kit page corrections

See Switching Power Supply Unit Replacement Kit: Installation.

P.S.: Riccardo did not had any electrical shock ... just a more warning to be safe :-)

Herbie Hancock: Rockit

Go to first message in thread, February 2008

Jeff Bova [21030407++] · Sat, 01 Mar 2008 19:40:39 -0800

Here is a you tube video of Herbie with Quincy. The first thing herbie is playing is on the Chroma and expander.

Jeff Bova [21030407++] · Sat, 01 Mar 2008 20:08:38 -0800

Here is the proper link to the Herbie and Quincy Youtube video:

http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=n6QsusDS_8A

Herbie also jams with the Fairlight sequencer later on in the video

Re: SPSU Repairs/Replacement

Go to first message in thread, February 2008

David Clarke [21030085++] · Sun, 02 Mar 2008 13:38:36 -0500

Paul Tillotson wrote:

My Chroma started crashing and stopped booting some time ago. I really want to get it back up and address the power supply problems I've had almost the entire time I've had it. ... I've checked voltages from the big can type capacitor, ...I've read that this capacitor is often the source of boot troubles and it looks like the one thing I can swap out on the power supply...

If the part in the Chroma is the original blue Mallory cap, that it is likely due to replacement anyway.

In terms of a replacement for the big cap, there has been some discussion about this in the list [see I fixed it!!!, February 2005].

The specific part number mentioned there (P10074-ND) is no longer a standard stocked part by Digikey; however, as noted on their web site, it would be worth giving them a call. (Panasonic stopped making that specific part number at the end of 2005).

The other caps that also almost always start to cause problems are the ones which affect the reset signal to the CPU.

In terms of the reset caps - a search in the archives for C10 and C12 will provide some data.

All that having been said, 2.9V just generally seems low and likely indicative of something else other than just the cap(s).

Paul Tillotson [21030218] · Sun, 02 Mar 2008 12:01:25 -0800

Thanks for your informed response.

I did order a "super capacitor" that, while microscopic, is supposed to be an equivalent, I then got smart and ordered a SPSU replacement kit which I'm hopeful will get my Chroma back on track. I'm watching for both in the mail but will skip installing the super capacitor at this point. I've even printed up the instructions for replacing the power supply Chris recently posted to the site and have been studying them dutifully.

I imagine a bunch of us will be installing the SPSU kits soon at the same time. Any words of wisdom or needed clarifications to the instructions or tips for us?

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Sun, 02 Mar 2008 22:13:47 +0100

If the stuff is built and the instructions written as good as with the CC+ it'll be an easy job. I'm looking forward to mine (I hope you received my payment Luca?!).

I hope my Chroma will love the new PSU. At the moment she refuses to tune some voices from now and then, but it's never the same ones. *strange* I won't go tweaking any voice cards until the PSU is changed.

BTW, a _slightly_ related story; two weeks ago I went to my local recycling station to dump accumulated crap from my house. While saying goodbye to my old vacuum cleaner in the electronic/electric section I saw something large and tolex-covered in the corner of my eye...

Cutting a long story short (which includes a kind employee looking the other way so I could snatch the bargain) I came hope with a fully functional Yamaha CP35 which sounds neat and old school and simply dwarves the Chroma when entering the studio. I never thought I'd see something like that happening. ;)

Go to next message in thread, March 2009

SPSU replacement

Kevin Kelley [21030491+] · Tue, 04 Mar 2008 18:31:39 -0800

when will the next batch become available [see SPSU Replacement Kit]? I would like one please put me on the list.

Luca Sasdelli [21010226] · Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:50:32 +0100

Hi Kevin and All,

actually I have to complete and ship the first batch. At the moment you're #6 of next batch requests, therefore when I'll collect at least 10 kit requests, an expected date will be available.

Matt Thomas [21010021] · Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:26:22 +0000

SPSU Kit

Hi,

I've just rejoined the list after an absence of a couple of years. My Chroma has slowly degenerated to the point where a power supply replacement is imperative, so I was pleased to see the news of the SPSU kit being offered. I'd like to add my name to the list. Luca's email has been removed from the post in the archive – could someone please forward it to me so I can contact him about ordering?

Also – I think a trip to the legendary Roy Paynter may be in order – what's the best way to contact him currently?

Luca Sasdelli [21010226] · Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:29:54 +0100

Re: SPSU Kit

Hi Matt,

I'll add your name to the waiting list; at the moment, you're #9 of expected 10, so I hope you don't have to wait that long for the kit. Currently I'm completing the first batch and I hope to begin working on the second one within April.

As soon as the waiting list will be processed, I'll give information on the ChromaTalk list.

Paul Hackett-Evans [21010094] · Tue, 18 Mar 2008 22:00:03 +0000

Re: SPSU Kit

Matt, I'll send you a personal email with Roy's number - I don't have his permission to post it publicly on the web.

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Tue, 18 Mar 2008 22:07:07 -0700

Re: SPSU Kit

Luca's email has been removed from the post in the archive – could someone please forward it to me so I can contact him about ordering?

Just a reminder that e-mail addresses are not posted in the archives, in order to maintain privacy and reduce spam. Order information is included on the SPSU page.

NOS Power Transformer Board on eBay

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Wed, 05 Mar 2008 22:58:07 -0800

Item #130203616143. Starting bid US$10, ends March 12, no bids yet. From the description: "Rhodes Power Transformer board for (from what i can tell) the Chroma Model. If anyone can tell me what it is please email me."

Picture from the auction:

Later re-listed as item #140215373399.

Paul Hackett-Evans [21010094] · Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:57:54 +0000

Aren't those transformers part of the balanced outputs circuitry, rather than power-related?

Also, there are some AC inlet sockets for sale from the same seller - "NOS Fender Rhodes CHROMA AC Socket w/Line Filter" eg item # 140212793122

Similar to NOS Chroma AC Sockets on eBay, February 2008. Picture from the auction:

These were listed again later in the month as items 130207168132, 150227165431, 150227164588, and 150227164987.

Rhodes Chroma Spotted

Matrix [21030220] · Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:47:26 -0800

http://matrixsynth.blogspot.com/2008/03/rockets-future-game-1982.html

Rockets - Future Game (1982)

Matrix [21030220] · Fri, 07 Mar 2008 23:25:46 -0800

Actually, I took that link down because I realized I already put it up previously:

http://matrixsynth.blogspot.com/2007/03/rockets-future-game-1982.html

or Rockets: Future Game (YouTube)

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Sat, 08 Mar 2008 11:15:55 +0100

Just need to say this: amazing synth - amazing band!

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Sat, 08 Mar 2008 08:52:31 -0800

This video was posted previously [see rockets and chroma, March 2007], but was removed from YouTube for terms of use violations. So if you want to see it, I'd take a look as soon as possible.

I think it's hilarious — at least in part unintentionally.

FS: Chroma Expander restored with CC+

Rob Belcher [16330123] · Sun, 09 Mar 2008 10:50:27 +0000

Hello guys,

I'm reluctantly selling my Rhodes Chroma expander. I had it restored late last year by Roy Paynter the super cool UK Chroma trained tech.

It's had a new switching PSU. I've also had the top and back panel resprayed black and a new solid wood case built for it. It also has the CC+ midi board installed with the midi breakout box. It's in really great shape, i've put a lot of time and effort into this unit. I really think you'd be hard pressed to find a nicer expander. I'm asking £2450 for it. Would consider best offers, but am not looking for any trades. Just thought i'd offer it on this list in case anyone wants an Expander! It's also up on ebay with some pictures:

http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQsassZrjb303 [Item #110231625003]

Please feel free to email me if you'd like any more information or pictures etc..

Footswitch and More Sockets on eBay

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:27:16 -0700

Four more AC sockets (see NOS Chroma AC Sockets on eBay, February), item numbers 130205315420, 140214823822, 150224823109, and 150224823123, all no bids yet with a starting bid of US$7 and ending on the 18th.

Also, a footswitch identified as being for a Polaris, but if I recall correctly the Polaris pedals are labelled "Chroma" whereas this one has a Rhodes logo like mine (my Chroma came with two, for some reason). Item #150225157380, buy it now for US$35, ends May 17.

NOS Cheek Blocks and Footswitch on eBay

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:08:03 -0700

Music Parts Guru, which has had a number of NOS Chroma items on eBay recently, has put a pair of cheek blocks up for auction. Item #150227877165, starting bid US$10, no bids yet, ends March 27.

Caruso Music found an apparently brand new footswitch: "came upon this pedal while I was sorting through our warehouse where it has probably been since the mid 80's. It was (in [seller's] opinion) never used." Item #160220913136, current bid US$29, ends March 27.

Pictures:

Syntech/Chroma Cult MIDI Kits Available

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Fri, 21 Mar 2008 10:08:39 -0700

I heard from Ken Ypparila [21030229] who tells me he still has "a bunch" of Syntech/Chroma Cult MIDI kits available. Ordering info is on the MIDI Retrofits page.

SPSU installed

Anders Elo [21010104] · Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:25:08 +0100

I'm happy to inform that chroma #21010104 now has the new SPSU and it's still alive! It took about 2hrs to complete the installation all in all. In retrospect I would've arranged for more workspace and have better lighting conditions.

Thank you Luca, Sandro and Riccardo for the excellent work with this kit.

May the chroma now live long and prosper. :)

Luca Sasdelli [21010226] · Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:32:56 +0100

Hi Anders,

glad to read it. Thanks! :-)

BTW: I'd like to have some info by users with Chroma non-CC+ (i.e. with the original CPU), to know the +5V digital current drawn; this could be easily read without interrupting any wiring, with a clamp amperometer.

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Fri, 21 Mar 2008 23:49:17 +0100

Good to hear Anders... I'll get to mine one of these days, I picked up the SPSU today at my local post office. :D

Mal Meehan [21010182++] · Fri, 21 Mar 2008 23:25:15 +0000

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Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:25:24 -0700

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld

Maybe it's time to get an iPhone. :)

Rolling your own SPSU aux board

Mark Smith [2103-PT-002] · Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:58:44 -0700

Here's a parts list and a board layout from the photographs in the Sandro Sfregola [21010294] write up [Switching Power Supply Unit Replacement Kit]. I built the board and it works fine.

Mean Well Parts List for Aux. Board

2/08 mlsmith

Quan. Resistors — 1%, ¼ watt, metal film in ohms
1 191
1 715
1 301
1 500
2 1K
Quan. Capacitors
1 0.1 50v, type Z5U, bypass, multi-layer, ceramic
2 10uf, 16v+, tantalum drop
1 25uf 105*, std. electrolytic
Quan. ICs
1 LM317T with mounting kit (T220 style)
2 MC34064
Quan. Trimmer
1 100 ohm, 10 turn, cemmet
Quan. Transistors
1 BC550C
1 BC560C
Quan. Other
1 red LED
1 momentary switch, small
1 pc fab, 1/10 in. spaced holes, 4" x 3"

Need a Chroma expert

Mark Smith [2103-PT-002] · Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:18:36 -0700

My Chroma won't boot. It's been asleep for two years now and I really miss it. Does anyone know a great shop in the Portland, OR area? I would even consider a Seattle, WA shop if they were the right place.

Doug Terrebonne [21030114] · Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:44:18 -0700

Did you take the batteries out before putting it to sleep?

Michael Welch [21030384] · Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:41:30 -0700

Mark,

I had a non functioning Chroma in December '07. I worked with two service centers to get it operational. First, CAE Sound, which was very expensive (exorbitant really) with staff a bit rude to deal with (Peter Miller, the owner, is a gem though). Later, I dealt with Greg Montalbano.

Greg truly enjoys working on Chromas and knows them inside and out. He works quickly, efficiently and honestly. He works from his home and does not have much overhead. I trust him and endorse him without reservation.

Most unoperational Chromas are impacted by their poorly designed power supplies. Greg's recommended approach is a swap out to modern componentry. CAE Sound, on the other hand, recommended a complete rebuild of the original analog power supply (cost over $1000 - ouch!).

Greg can be reached via email at [address removed].

Hope your Chroma is humming soon!

Jerry Leonard [21030100++] · Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:19:51 -0700

Mark,

I live in Seattle and talked to a guy (in Seattle) who repairs electronic keyboards. I haven't taken my Chromas to him yet but I plan to in the near future. His name is Kevin and the website is www.solidrepair.com His number is [removed]. It might be worth your while to give him a call and check him out.

René Hatt · Sat, 22 Mar 2008 06:53:55 +0100

What if he didn't? I'm asking because I've got a Chroma laying asleep in my studio that was put away with the batteries in it, and it doesn't boot. But on the other hand that's why I didn't have to pay anything for it...

But it would be great to hear it making sounds some day. So what's the first place to look at if it doesn't boot with the batteries still in?

Michael Welch [21030384] · Sat, 22 Mar 2008 01:44:20 -0700

Chromas have batteries to preserve settings and presets. They eventually corrode and leak. Due to their placement, the battery leakage can do much damage to the circuitry.

I recently had a Chroma renovated that had been in storage for many years. Amazingly, the battery still had charge (although it was very low), had not leaked, and therefore had done no damage.

I would open the Chroma to inspect the battery. See if it has any corrosive residue around its casing that may have damaged the circuit board.

It seems that, aside from the batteries, the power supply is the most common point of failure on older Chromas. Next would be malfunctioning voice cards.

Once operational, it is an amazing instrument, quite unique in its sound, and very inspirational to play. Good luck getting yours back to playing condition!

Luca Sasdelli [21010226] · Sat, 22 Mar 2008 12:01:13 +0100

Hi René,

I think the best way to bring the instrument back to work is to replace CPU board with the new CC+ and PSU ass'y with SPSU kit. CC+ is excellent because of total absence of batteries, low power consumption, 200-preset memory space and embedded MIDI interface, SPSU kit is good for low power dissipation, low weight and it solves common age problems on old PSU.

Anyway, as a rule of thumb, I suggest to proceed as follows:

  1. clean battery holder (and around if needed) and fit new batteries in it
  2. dismount all voice boards, clean all connectors with some contact fluid and mount ONE voice board ONLY, in any slot
  3. carefully check all connectors around, detach and clean them, then reconnect
  4. if possible, take all wooden keys apart, vacuum clean the chassis and clean each key felt one by one; then reassemble them
  5. once checked all connections again, power on the instrument
  6. all LEDs should blink for a few times, then you should see a number within the big display
  7. check PSU voltage as per Don Tillman's Upgrading the Rhodes Chroma Power Supply
  8. if everything is okay, connect an audio amp to either low- or high-level jack and try to play some key

Service Diagnostics [from the Service Manual] helps you in fault finding.

This just for the basics. If you can have your Chroma as per above, please let us know on this list, so that we can guide you thru voice board adjustment and more voice board insertion. Have a look at Schematics and Drawings just to get a bit more familiar with the instrument.

KMX/Syntech MIDI Interface

Ken Ypparila [21030229] · Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:33:06 -0700

Hi Everyone, Sorry I've been out of touch for awhile. I just wanted to let everyone know that I still have eight of the MIDI interfaces left from my last production run several years ago. After these are gone that's it, so if you think you might need one let me know. I will sell these last ones for $100 each plus postage. Paypal is the most convenient payment method as it let's you use a credit card. I also have one spare dual channel voice card and two Chroma to Expander cables if anyone is interested.

Thomas Story [21030352] · Fri, 21 Mar 2008 20:32:21 -0700

I need a voice card, one's out on mine, how much are you asking?

Bob Brenenstuhl [21030894] · Mon, 24 Mar 2008 21:47:00 -0400

Hi there Ken. If you still have a syntech MIDI interface left I'd be intersted in purchacing one. If so, let me know where to Paypal, and how much for postage to 12094 Thanx much!

Ken Ypparila [21030229] · Tue, 25 Mar 2008 22:26:14 -0700

The paypal address is [removed], shipping is $9 priority mail.

SPSU kit status

Luca Sasdelli [21010226] · Sun, 23 Mar 2008 19:39:15 +0100

Hello all,

I'd like to update about SPSU kit status and (small!) production.

A first sub-batch of kits has been shipped last Monday; all recipients have been contacted individually with the shipping references; therefore, my mail with references is the only information that can confirm the shipment. Some requesters have already received the kit, and some other not yet; the shipping mode is the same for all, and its times could vary with the country, therefore ... please wait a bit more for the kit delivery :-)

I plan to ship all remaining purchased kits within the end of this month. The first batch still has some requesters whose fee it hasn't yet received; I'll personally inform them about payment and, in case someone should go back, his kit will be allocated to the next requester in the waiting list; remember that first-batch production costs Euro 100,00 each kit instead of Euro 120,00 of next one. Second batch production will have some minor improvements, according with the first installation feedbacks; the updated pictures will be published as soon as the first PCB will be available.

The waiting list for the second batch now counts 10 requests, therefore I confirm that they will be released; for the moment I can't state the exact date for production, because the kit creation is a quite time-consuming task and it is subject to my other personal and professional needs. Sorry about that ;-)

Åke Danielson [21010068] · Sun, 23 Mar 2008 19:48:51 +0100

Hi Luca,

My kit has arrived and been installed. Thanks to the instruction update I got it all to work.

One problem: When I boot the Chroma it will start with the sustain pedal reversed. Set Split 50 will solve it but it is not the way it should be. Any idea what would be the cause of this? Anyone?

Luca Sasdelli [21010226] · Sun, 23 Mar 2008 19:51:55 +0100

Hi Ake,

thanks for your feedback, and glad to read it. About the sustain pedal issue, a couple of questions:

  • it is the original one?
  • did it even with old PSU?
  • what if you press the Reset button on new PCB?

Åke Danielson [21010068] · Sun, 23 Mar 2008 19:59:54 +0100

  • It's the original dual pedal
  • It worked with the old PSU
  • Have not tried it. Do you think that could help? I will have to open up the Chroma to try :-(.

Luca Sasdelli [21010226] · Sun, 23 Mar 2008 20:04:20 +0100

Hi Ake,

the test with reset button is just to check that all reset circuitry works as it should do. Anyway, I think that should the reset circuitry not work, the instrument could not boot up properly (Sandro could be more detailed in this topic).

A more test; try to hold down the sustain pedal and power-up the instrument, then release the pedal. Does it change something?

Åke Danielson [21010068] · Sun, 23 Mar 2008 20:23:11 +0100

No. Pressing the sustain pedal during boot does not change anything.

Luca Sasdelli [21010226] · Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:33:25 +0100

Hi all,

a number of SPSU kit requesters have mailed me asking why their kit has not been yet delivered, and maybe I've been unclear in my previous update. The FIRST batch is still under production, therefore ALL users that have already bought the kit are being serviced; the delay is only due to long time required for assembling and preparation. The just shipped batch is just a PART of the total.

About the waiting list, it is now enough for a subsequent batch to be created; all upcoming requests will be added to that batch, but ONLY when the first batch will be completed and fully shipped (and I hope to finish the first one within the present month).

This to avoid any worrying :-)

I apologize for any misunderstanding about this; anyway, feel free to contact me for details. ALL serviced users will be informed with a direct mail, with shipping infos.

And like my english teachers were used to say during long software loading: "have a cup of tea" :-)

Service Manual on eBay

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Sun, 23 Mar 2008 13:00:31 -0700

Item #270222085916, starting bid US$99 (!), no bids yet, ends March 27. From the description: "Rhodes Chroma svc. manual in good to exellent cond. It was new when I recieved it. It is detailed and has fold-out schematic pages. I have not seen a Chroma in years. Return your Chroma to 'OriginalStatus'."

It looks like either a photocopy or the original ARP Service Manual to me, as the title page is not yellow card and the schematics are black and white.

Of course, the whole thing is available online here.

Picture from the auction:

Registry Approaches 500 Instruments

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Sun, 23 Mar 2008 16:38:28 -0700

The instrument registry has made a giant leap from about 230 Chromas and Expanders to 493! This is thanks to Ken Ypparila [21030229], who sent me a printout of Fender's warranty registration information based on owners who mailed in their warranty cards. (Bonus points to anyone who can send a scan of the warranty registration card. [Later found: see Warranty Card.])

I've included only first name and last initial for these owners, and omitted city, as the information was obviously not volunteered. I've made a few exceptions for instruments registered to institutions and notable industry people (Joe Sample, Paul DeBenedictis of Opcode Systems, Steve Grom of Fender/Rhodes, and Kevin Laubach, author of ChromaGraph).

There are some interesting tidbits which arise out of this.

Several current owners already in the registry are also found on the warranty list:

There are a number of instruments which were already in the registry whose original owners are now known:

If these people are curious, I'm willing to communicate directly the original owner's city. With a few exceptions, they're in the U.S. (I bought my Chroma in Canada, and returned my warranty card to Tartini Musical Imports, which imported all Fender instruments into the country at that time. Perhaps there were similar arrangement in European countries and in Australia.)

There are also a few instruments in the registry that have been for sale on eBay, which have now been matched with original owners.

There are several women listed as owners in the warranty list, while as far as I can recall we have never had a female member of this mailing list, nor any women listed as owners in the registry.

We have a large number of additional serial number overlaps between models now; check the Registry index for these.

A 21010050 was registered with Fender; this is much higher than the previous high number for that model, 21040016; perhaps it should have been 21030015. However, if we total up the highest numbers from each range:

— we have a total possible instrument production run of 1446, assuming all serial numbers were used. Throw in the few instruments with unusual or absent serial numbers and the total is probably still less than 1500. This would mean we now have in the registry over a third of all the instruments produced.

Finally, we have a new model number from the Fender list: 1611 was the computer interface card for Apple II. I will put together a registry page for this. [See Instrument Registry: Model 1611 (Computer Interface).]

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Mon, 24 Mar 2008 01:23:09 +0100

Chris Ryan skrev:

The instrument registry has made a giant leap from about 230 Chromas and Expanders to 493! This is thanks to Ken Ypparila, who sent me a printout of Fender's warranty registration information based on owners who mailed in their warranty cards. (Bonus points to anyone who can send a scan of the warranty registration card.)

Great news - this is really strengthening the chroma site's position as number one among the dedicated model site on the web!

There are a number of instruments which were already in the registry whose original owners are now known:

  • 21030017 (Johan Ekelund, current owner)

Is Johan on the list? It would be cool to hear some Chroma stories being one of those with a bunch of his releases in my record collection. :D

[...] country at that time. Perhaps there were similar arrangement in European countries and in Australia.)

I guess there were, but probably based at the distributor's HQ or similar. It would be nice if such an archive surfaced too even though I have a pretty good history to go with my machine.

There are several women listed as owners in the warranty list, while as far as I can recall we have never had a female member of this mailing list, nor any women listed as owners in the registry.

Any celeb's? It was an expensive machine and I imagine some of the girls bought it and made more pro use of it. Men have a tendency to collect expensive toys in a different fashion... ;)

And... an entry such as "21010067 P. G From warranty card info returned to Fender. ", does this mean they only signed P. or is it someone famous enough to ID from the first name? Just curious! :D

Those names sure gets imagination rolling in some cases.

A 21010050 was registered with Fender; this is much higher than the previous high number for that model, 21040016; perhaps it should have been 21030015. However, if we total up the highest numbers from each range:

Or 21010005 maybe?

-- we have a total possible instrument production run of 1446, --- This would mean we now have in the registry over a third of all the instruments produced.

Amazing work - especially since we know from numerous ebay auctions that many Chromas have been butchered for parts...

Amazing work Chris (& Ken)!

Ken Ypparila [21030229] · Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:58:42 -0700

In case anyone is interested, I remember Steve Grom [21030502+] telling me there were around 1200 produced.

Ken Ypparila [21030229] · Sun, 23 Mar 2008 18:06:46 -0700

I also noticed Ian Underwood [21030288] on that list. I was always a big fan of the Mothers of Invention while in high school.

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Sun, 23 Mar 2008 18:08:37 -0700

On 23-Mar-08, at 5:23 PM, jesper wrote:

Is Johan [21030017] on the list? It would be cool to hear some Chroma stories being one of those with a bunch of his releases in my record collection. :D

He's not on the list. I just sent him a reminder about it. Do you have a URL for his site or some recordings? I couldn't find a decent page on a quick Google search.

Any celeb's? It was an expensive machine and I imagine some of the girls bought it and made more pro use of it. Men have a tendency to collect expensive toys in a different fashion... ;)

And... an entry such as "21010067 P. G From warranty card info returned to Fender. ", does this mean they only signed P. or is it someone famous enough to ID from the first name? Just curious! :D

No, I didn't recognize any of the other names. There may be some that were not obvious to me. The only musician I recognized was Joe Sample. Regarding "P. G", I abbreviated all last names and the first name for that entry was just a single letter ... and the last name wasn't "Gabriel." :)

There were a few, however, that were findable on the Web; I didn't look for that many but may try to follow up with a few of the original owners if I can find contact info.

On a related note, I fired off an e-mail to The Thrift Store Cowboys the other day. This article mentions that they have a Chroma: Carbondale welcomes cowboys of a different kind.

Amazing work - especially since we know from numerous ebay auctions that many Chromas have been butchered for parts...

It would be interesting to know how many instruments are still in use. I would suspect that almost all of the registry entries I've received directly (about 230, not including the Polaris) are active instruments. Many of those that were initially registered with Fender may long be out of commission, used for parts, or just sitting in melting foam in basements here and there. But I regularly hear from new owners or people who hadn't come across the site in the past, so over time we'll have an increasing number in the registry.

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:17:50 +0100

He's not on the list. I just sent him a reminder about it. Do you have a URL for his site or some recordings? I couldn't find a decent page on a quick Google search.

I don't know what he's up to these days but the early 80's is my thing. Here's his band at the time; http://www.discogs.com/artist/Ratata from the splendid Discogs site. I think I even contributed some of those 7" singles...

After the 80's they broke up and Mauro (the vocalist) continued solo. See YouTube video Mauro Scocco - Jackie (live) with Johan joining Mauro in a more recent live situation to perform one of their best known tracks (Johan on the far right).

Search YouTube for "Ratata" to see some hilarious clips from the early 80's. I haven't seen any Chroma in them though 'cause it was more fashionable to hide behind a guitar. ;)

No, I didn't recognize any of the other names. There may be some that were not obvious to me. The only musician I recognized was Joe Sample. Regarding "P. G", I abbreviated all first names and the first name for that entry was just a single letter ... and the last name wasn't "Gabriel." :)

OK... :D I found Gregory A. and Michael B. close to eachother and I know for sure Gregory Alan FitzPatrick and Michael B. Tretow (both living in Stockholm) would be very likely candidates.

It would be interesting to know how many instruments are still in use. I would suspect that almost all of the registry entries I've received directly (about 230, not including the Polaris) are active instruments. Many of those that were initially registered with Fender may long be out of commission, used for parts, or just sitting in melting foam in basements here and there. But I regularly hear from new owners or people who hadn't come across the site in the past, so over time we'll have an increasing number in the registry.

...which is very cool indeed. Especially after Ken mentioning the 1200 figure. Maybe half of the Chromas are up there in a year or two...

Peter Forrest [21010096] · Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:37:22 +0000

Thanks Chris (and of course Ken Ypparila)! Fascinating stuff.

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:11:11 -0700

OK... :D I found Gregory A. and Michael B. close to eachother and I know for sure Gregory Alan FitzPatrick and Michael B. Tretow (both living in Stockholm) would be very likely candidates.

I certainly don't want to start a guessing game here, but it's not them. I included first name(s) and the first letter of the last name.

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:10:03 +0100

I certainly don't want to start a guessing game here, but it's not them. I included first name(s) and the first letter of the last name.

OK, guessing game is over for my part! :D

Ken Ypparila [21030229] · Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:32:29 -0700

I asked Steve about Expanders and he thought 50 or maybe 60 tops.

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:42:01 -0700

On 23-Mar-08, at 5:58 PM, Ken Ypparila wrote:

In case anyone is interested, I remember Steve Grom telling me there were around 1200 produced.

On 25-Mar-08, at 12:32 PM, Ken Ypparila wrote:

I asked Steve about Expanders and he thought 50 or maybe 60 tops.

Taken together, these estimates aren't too far off the approximation of 1446 based on the highest serial numbers in the model series. I think we can be pretty certain at this point that any claims of production numbers greater than 1500 are probably inaccurate. If the previously accepted figure of 3000 affected the value of the instruments, then this information can only increase their worth, due to increased rarity (I wonder how this number compares, say, to the number of Oberheim OB series synths). The registry is nine years old, and has about 200-230 active keyboards. Even if there are twice this many working instruments, it's a pretty rare item. But there are hundreds of instruments whose current whereabouts are still unknown; they can't all have been parted out or trashed. I suspect there are many Chromas sitting in attics and garages and closets around the world. But if their owners have not found the site yet, it's increasingly possible that they're either not on the net or have forgotten about their keyboards. Watch those estate sales.

Ken Ypparila [21030229] · Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:01:20 -0700

Just this last week I have been calling friends who I know have Chromas or Expanders and have been telling them to drag them out of the garage and clean them up. JL mentioned to me that they have been selling in the 2000 to 2500 dollar range. That seemed kind of high to me but I haven't really been paying attention. Don't be surprised if a few come up for sale soon.

Go to next message in thread, April 2008

Midi controller for Chroma

Richard Willoughby [21030348] · Tue, 25 Mar 2008 03:09:18 -0700

Is anyone using the Behringer BCR 2000 Midi controller with the Chroma, or anyone have any other controller recommendations ? I'm curious as to recommendations as I just ordered the CC+.

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:56:09 +0100

I've mentioned this numerous times before [see for instance setting up midi control, April 2007; and midi moron report, May 2007], but since you ask; Doepfer Drehbank is a great tool with the Chroma CC+

Richard Willoughby [21030348] · Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:26:41 -0700

Yes, that's the first thing that came to mind. (you mentioning the Drehbank) .....I've looked around on Ebay for one recently and havent seen anything. Don't want you to think I overlooked your posts. :)

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:27:26 +0100

They pop up quite frequently on german Ebay. ...and I still have to send the file with my settings to Chris. *hmmm*

Andrew Dalebrook [21010180] · Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:06:24 +1300

Hi

I've got the BCR-2000. I haven't quite hooked it up with the CC+, but I did have it going with the Syntech interface. It is different to the Drehbank, as each encoder has LEDs around it which light up as the knob is turned. You can program each knob's data (channel, CC/note number, etc.) and range individually.

See my post in the MIDI Controllers thread, April 2007, for some work I did a year ago.

The shape of the Drehbank, and that it has 64 knobs, probably makes it a better fit with the Chroma. But it's discontinued, right?

If anyone was interested in building a custom MIDI controller for their keyboard (or whatever) may I suggest http://www.uCApps.de for some excellent projects. Try MIDIBox64E.

Richard Willoughby [21030348] · Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:08:23 -0700

BCR-2000 looks pretty cheap pricewise....just wondering if something like this would do the trick with the Chroma. I really want to use something in more of a stand-alone fashion (for the most part) with the Chroma, as my computer isnt even in the same room as my music gear. Some of the Novation stuff looks nice, but is a bit priceier...

I'm practically drooling waiting for the CC+...

Thanks for the info.

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:10:33 +0100

Richard Willoughby skrev:

BCR-2000 looks pretty cheap pricewise....just wondering if something like this would do the trick with the Chroma. I really want to use something in more of a stand-alone fashion (for the most part) with the Chroma, as my computer isnt even in the same room as my music gear. Some of the Novation stuff looks nice, but is a bit priceier...

All these midi controllers probably work good - but what you should spend an extra thought on is how many controllers you need. Sure, just four knobs would get control over filter and similar, but if you want to program new patches too few knobs would be messy.

I tested the CC+ in my Chroma with a Doepfer Pocket Dial. That one has 16 knobs and four banks. Good enough for most applications and a lot cheaper than the Drehbank. But I decided to go for as many as possible so I would have hands on control of everything.

Just my two swedish ören,

Richard Willoughby [21030348] · Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:30:24 -0700

ahh yes....foolish me, I missed those posts on the Chroma forum....amazing what the Search engine can turn up when you use it. :) I have a BCR2000 on the way now......$85, not bad....

CC+ European 4th batch update

Sandro Sfregola [21010294] · Sun, 30 Mar 2008 04:40:09 +0100

For the CC+ 4th batch European customers, here is an update of the current status:

For those customers that have ordered the CC+ upgrade without the interconnection kit:

I will ship your CC+ upgrade(s) next week; I will contact each customer by mail with details about the shipment (date, tracking number, inventory of parcel content etc.)

For those customers that have ordered the CC+ upgrade and the interconnection kit:

While the CC+ boards are ready, unfortunately the interconnection kits are not yet: I need some more time to complete the job; I really apologize for this; obviously there are several explanation for this delay and the most relevant are: problems with the components supply (the electronic components market is ever changing), more upgrades to build (15 CC+ and 11 interconnection kits) in respect to the previous builds (an average of 10 CC+ per build), illness (the classical seasonal flu), problems with my day job. I think you will surely understand.

Anyway, I will do the very best to finish as soon as possible and I will keep you informed. Please be patient, you will have your CC+ upgrade very soon.