The EMS Synthi A was a portable analog synthesizer made by Electronic Music Studios (EMS) in 1971. The Synthi A was basically the same as a VCS 3, rehoused in a Spartanite briefcase. The synthi A was modular, but instead of using patch cables to route signals, it used a patch matrix with resistive pins.

In 1971, EMS put out an ad for the Synthi A which proclaimed “Every nun needs a Synthi”. Click the image for a larger version:

The Synthi was used by many acts of the day who were into electronic sounds… who could afford them. It was used on Pink Floyd’s “On the Run” from Dark Side of the Moon, and was also used by artists like Klaus Schulze and Tangerine Dream.

EMS still makes the Synthi A, but there is an 18 month wait (or more) for a new unit. The original, vintage units are rare and fetch upwards of $7500 to $12,000. If you’re lucky, you might be able to find a vintage synthi A with our auction finder.

• The EMS Synthi Mk 1 AKS
• DJ Machine controller