What it is and what it was built for
A 1979 analog semi-polyphonic string machine and synthesizer built as a slimmed-down, budget alternative to the Korg Trident. Designed as a hybrid string/organ instrument, it prioritises immediacy and physical control over flexibility or recall.
How it works, in terms a player would use
It splits into two independent sections: Strings and Synth, each with dedicated outputs. The String section uses two pitch sliders (16’ and 8’), Bass/Treble tone controls, and variable Attack/Release. The Synth section uses four pitch sliders (16’, 8’, 4’, 2’), white noise, a multimode 24dB/oct filter (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass), and full ADSR. A joystick handles pitch bend and modulation. CV/gate ins and outs are present, but no memory, no MIDI, no presets.
What it does better than anything else
It delivers a classic layered string-and-synth sound with full 49-note polyphony—no note starvation—and separate outputs for clean mixing. Its simplicity forces direct, tactile decisions, yielding characterful results despite limited sound range.
What it does badly
Its ‘unlimited polyphony’ is misleading: pressing multiple keys does not apply independent envelopes to each note, causing unnatural attack behaviour when layering. The filter is described as bland. The keyboard is fragile. It has no patch memory or MIDI.
What people made with it
Layered string-and-synth pads and drones—especially where full polyphony and separate outputs enabled clean blending in live or studio settings. Its character comes from juxtaposing basic string textures with raw synth tones.
Who should use it, and who should not
Players who value tactile control, discrete signal routing, and vintage analog texture over programmability or reliability. Not for those needing stable per-note envelopes, preset libraries, or MIDI sync.
Is it worth your time
Yes—if you want hands-on, immediate layering of string pads and synth tones in a compact, robust analog unit. No—if you need per-note envelope control, patch recall, or modern integration.
