Interesting projects for music synthesizers and now perform specialised restoration work in Cheshire, UK.
Oberheim OB-X
We are delighted to show some of the epic journey we have been on, refurbishing an OB-X Polysynth that was used by Supertramp in their live events in the 80’s. It was special enough to create some projects around it too.
Refurbishment & Tuning
Memory Replacement
Exponential Converter
Simmons SDS7 & SDS6 Memory Cartridge
For a few weeks I have been working with Alex at Plasma Music to design a memory expansion pack for the SDS7 and SDS6. Alex decided to call it AMEP – Advanced Memory Expansion Pack, it fits neatly to the back of the unit without protruding far and keeps clear of sockets.
The original cartridge, “Simmons Memory Cassette” and replacements have horrendous reliability issues because of an insecure logic design and short life rechargeable battery. They were large and didn’t have any support behind the main unit, giving issues if you wanted to leave it installed.
I came up with a prototype one weekend and proved the functionality on Alex’s Simmons SDS7 before embarking on an interesting case-less design for the PCB that does not foul connectors and sits in a small space immediately behind the SDS main unit. I decided to use a Lithium back up battery as well as a super capacitor to give an extra layer of security. Looking at the logic design in the SDS, I noticed that memory could be accessed in a more robust way and regenerated memory logic signals to enhance security of data storage and retention. We are really pleased with the results and users now have a means to backup their valuable data with much reduced risk of losing it.
These vintage drum machines are fabulous when working correctly and therefore worth this kind of attention. There is a still a huge community of users and enthusiasts. It was interesting to be part of that world for a while and I gained exclusive access to schematics and build data for the original equipment. You can find a lot more detail on this project on Alex’s site here.
Alex has made these available to buy ready made and they can be found here.
Nigel Hopkins
Over the Christmas break I was delighted to meet the incredibly talented and experienced professional musician Nigel Hopkins. I fitted a JD800 replacement keyboard PCB for him.
Nigel has owned the JD-800 since 1991 that had a Roland replacement keyboard assembly in 2013. The type 2 PCB had started to fail with one key not working, but plugging in a keyboard tester revealed higher than normal resistance that could impact the response. This JD has been heavily used on tours, subject to various accidents and on one occasion fell 8ft off a stage when part of a rig collapsed during disassembly. Internally and sound-wise, the JD is in perfect shape. Outside, the paint finish reflects it’s heavy use.
Nigel has a very strong bond with the JD-800, not just sentimental, but patches developed over his career form a special part of his sound when he’s composing and arranging his craft.
Once up and running, it was great listening to Nigel playing pieces of music using his favourite sounds. It’s not often I get to witness an experienced pianist, playing my most favourite ever digital synth.
If you want to discover more about his work, you can find his website below with links to bandcamp and fan page.
https://www.nigelhopkinsmusic.com/
Blast From The Past
I have had a Powertran Transcendent 2000 since 1995 and it was time to get it out and write an article on it, hunt down and collate web resources and calibrate it. Had immense fun tuning and playing this unusual synthesizer. In fact with a bit of teasing at the controls, it is very capable for such a minimalist design approach. It has that 70’s synth grunge!
Alex’s Aftertouch Strip for JX-8P, JX-10, D-50 & Alpha Juno 2
I just picked up my JX-10 that I loaned to Alex of Plasma Music to develop an exciting new product. He has developed a new aftertouch sensor strip that simply reinvents the expressiveness of the keyboard. Simply put, I am so happy with this upgrade!!!
Alex is working on a series of instruments and the D-50 is next.
So we had a celebratory launch moment with my JX-10 in his fabulous workshop.
After checking out the technical aspects using the diagnostic menu, I started working through patches. Some non-factory patches need some adjustments in the patch menu, there are three settings for aftertouch: Vibrato, Brilliance, Volume – plus the sensitivity slider.
The factory patches have some really great settings for aftertouch and others just need a simple adjustment. Clearly the old strips didn’t work for very long because users who created and distributed patches didn’t configure Aftertouch parameters. As I worked through patches and editing settings, I breathed new life into them and I couldn’t help smiling as I played.
Repeat 9th July 2023: Alex did it again for the Alpha Juno 2, such a sublime upgrade because the synth is such a lovely sounding and traditional polysynth (less is more)……a great Aftertouch performance really makes it shine expressively. I have spent a lot of time with it, enjoying the synth in a new way. Shame I have to hand it back 😁
If you are interested in one of these fabulous kits with an extremely long life modern sensor, then check out Alex’s site pages: JX-10 , JX-8P & Alpha Juno 2.
Bring the expression back into your Vintage synthesizer.
SuperJX Replacement VFD Run 2023
July 2023: We have 12 VFD display kits and have secured 10 more parts sets for 2024-25. It’s great news as we had thought that the project had to come to a final close due to electronics supply shortages and obsolescence. We have also secured around 2 years worth of stock of OLED.
You can see our availability on Products. page, we have parts for nearly everything, so can make much of it to order if quantity of ready to ship stock is zero.
Roland U-20 & D-5 Keyboard Flexi Replacement
Finally, a solution to fix the Roland U-20 and D-5 keyboard flexible circuit.
The kit uses a transition board and flat cables to attach the signals to the mainboard. It does not require soldering skills.
See page Roland U-20 Keyboard PCB Installation for full details.
Presentation: New Years Eve 2021
What fun we had in 2021 designing, funding and testing this challenging flexible PCB. It would not have happened without Jonathan’s persuasion and push to get it into production to provide to the community.
I presented Jonathan (left) with a small token of appreciation: Big thanks for providing instruments, test feedback, funding and friendship. We shall continue to investigate solutions to keep these classic synthesizers alive….. and of course increasing in value.
A massive thank you to all the early adopters and testers who paid for and entrusted me between March to October 2021, to provide early samples, test them out and feedback their experience so that I could perfect the fitting instructions to help others achieve the best performance possible.
Roland Keyboard Flexi Replacement
With donor instruments and assistance from Jonathan Williams, a replacement JD-800 & U-20 keyboard flexible PCB has been designed and is now available for the JD-800.
- Achieve the very best performance possible
- High conductivity allows use of cleaned old rubber contacts
- Straightforward fit, detailed instructions & minimal soldering
- Full support to get your keyboard working
- Opportunity to fix Aftertouch
- Keep instrument original
For details check out Roland Keyboard Replacement PCB.
To buy, see Products page for availability, pricing and how to contact me. I offer a personal and fully supported service, so prefer email to establish contact and make sure you have a successful install.
If you do not wish to do this yourself and don’t live nearby to us in UK. We also have a growing page of restorers that have specific experience with Super Synth Projects upgrades and installations.
Check out our Keyboard PCB Resources page that shows what tools are needed and where to obtain spare parts for your rebuild.
Installation of Vecoven Digital PWM Modification
Fred Vecoven has released a new version of the PWM modification for the SuperJX that is based on the JX8P PWM modification. It is obviously audibly identical to the Analogue variety but doesn’t require extensive wiring but de-soldering instead. As well as a neat fit, it reduces current consumption significantly meaning that the instrument runs much cooler. See the fitting guide inside the maintenance section.
Roland JX8P Replacement Display
To celebrate the 5th anniversary of SuperSynthProjects, we have launched!
A fabulous OLED display that replaces the old VFD in the Roland JX8P. When used with the Vecoven SuperJX Flash, it enhances the function with a intuitive 2 line display that helps guide you through the new features of the plug and play flash module.
The two line display set with Vecoven firmware so far implemented is shown below:
A detailed set of instructions are now available that also show the history of the project.
This beautiful enhancement helps extend and breathe new life into this fabulous instrument. Some further improvements have been made to the SuperJX OLED module on the back of the JX8P code base and all displays continue to be developed and improved with easily downloadable updates.
A quick run down of the display when used with a Vecoven flash module is shown in this video. Note that it’s slightly different to the PWM version.
Synth Display Upgrades
Display upgrades other than for our much loved Roland JX instruments, showing details how it is done and what the pitfalls are.
Roland Super JX Replacement Display
Check out the Super JX Replacement Display, specially designed to fit inside the magnificent Roland MKS70 and JX10 synthesizers. To learn more about its development take a look at the design engineering page.
Aurora MKS80 Replacement Power Supply
Designed specifically for the Roland MKS80. A spin off upgrade project inspired by the replacement SuperJX replacement power supply. Take a look at Aurora here.
Covering Unsightly Rack Rash
Here is an article for covering rack rash, in this example we sort out an MKS70 that is already in pretty good shape but has a few complex scratches and dents.
Recording the Dark Angel Symphony
A fabulous day out in July 2019 witnessing the recording of Tomb Raider : The Dark Angel Symphony. Composed by Peter Connelly and Arranged by Richard Niles.
Here is a write up and video taken from the control room.
MKS70 OLED Module
A specially designed OLED display replacement for the MKS70. Using a low width 40×2 character module, it is a simple fit with prepared wiring that only requires the Display Board to be removed and drilled. A very neat and high precision installation is achieved by use of the original VFD fixing pins.
OLED improves on LCD by having high contrast ensuring a clean display and gives enhanced functionality that the Vecoven software exploits for the VFD update using just a 40 character by 2 line display. Like all other displays, works with original Roland software in single line mode. Availability is shown here.
JX10 Stormtrooper
Fabricio Cantoni has put in a huge number of hours and dedication to create this fabulous looking JX10 all in white. The attention to detail on the new silk screen is stunning. It is running Roland firmware, contains a replacement display whilst being controlled by the iPG800 iPad App.
Here are more pictures showing how perfect the detailing is in the artwork in this unique looking instrument.
Replacement SuperJX & JX8P Power Supply
A DIY solution for a burned out transformer or power supply board. Design information, bill of material and a bare PCB available.
Replacement JX10/MKS70 Power Supply
Power Supply Rebuild
Written for amateur and beginners in mind, explaining the reasons and techniques used to sort out the Roland SuperJX power supplies once and for all!
Covers “Recapping”, transistor replacement, resistor upgrade and dry joint repair. All you need to know for both JX10 and MKS70 with parts lists too!
80’s Magic With JX10
A song created by Thomas Östberg using the JX10 for all sounds with exception of the drums and a small number of effects. The link below takes you to the SuperSynthProjects google drive and plays in Chrome.
A Song For Guy – Thomas Östberg
It is pure JX10 80’s magic. Somehow, Thomas has rolled so much of that era into the melodies and arrangement. After listening all the way through, one is left with a head full of classy riffs and different ideas, with the meticulous arrangement being kept together with an underpinning melody.
Thomas produces and plays keyboards for the band “Urbanish” and “Benzin” based in Stockholm. Check out links to Benzin.
MKS70 Switch Replacement
Ever felt daunted at the prospect of removing solder from 120 joints and replacing the switches for new on an MKS70? Here is the most efficient and least damaging way of doing it! MKS70 Replacement Switches
JX10 Encoder Replacement
Here is a guide to replacing the encoder in the JX10 with a modern Bourns version that costs very little and gives similar performance.
MKS70 Noise Reduction Modification
Check out this page for new routing of cables to achieve the lowest noise possible from your MKS70. This is ideally done when performing PWM or display modifications.
Vecoven PWM Modification
The Super Synthesizer Projects page now has details of a fitting method for the Roland MKS70.
Roland JX10 Replacement Key Contacts
Believe it or not, there is an original Roland rubber key contact part available for another instrument that fits in the JX10. Check out this page JX10 Replacement Key Contacts, for what part you need to buy and how to fit it. The final result is impressive, super fast response ….and reliable!
Copyright © 2023 Super Synth Projects, Guy Wilkinson
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