Farfisa Syntorchestra Analog String Machine

F

a

r

f

i

s

a

S

y

n

t

o

r

c

h

e

s

t

r

a

A

n

a

l

o

g

S

t

r

i

n

g

M

a

c

h

i

n

e

The Syntorchestra String Machine came onto the market in 1975, when Farfisa was already owned by the American company Lear Siegler. It combines polyphonic and monophonic sound generation. The instrument is also known as model 111220 and was used by Klaus Schulze and others.

The monophonic and polyphonic sound generation of the Syntorchestra can be operated in parallel. The polyphonic section is based on a frequency divider. The monophonic section works with a VCO and an AD envelope. An LFO enables vibrato and modulation of the filter cut-off frequency ("WahWah"). The synth has nine mono presets, four poli sounds. The temporary portamento with return spring can be used to play short glide effects when the permanent portamento is not activated. The poli and mono sections have controls for volume and brilliance (filter cutoff) and a vibrato effect with switchable delay function. The envelope modulates the amplifier and filter. In addition to the fader for the speed of the portamento and a pitch control, there is a switch to detune mono from poli by a third, a fifth or a sixth. (Source: Sound & Recording)