EMS Synthi Hi-Fli Clone?

[ZiggyZipgun]

Has anyone looked into what it might take to clone such a thing? 

It was designed in 1971 by David %^&*erell, who not only designed the VCS3 and Synthi-A, but also designed the Small Stone phaser and the MicroSynth (both based on the Hi-Fli) as the Chief Design Engineer for Electro-Harmonix (and also the Electric Mistress, and more recently the Stereo Electric Mistress, POG, HOG, 2880...he is obviously Jesus). 

Jürgen Haible has built a clone of at least the phaser portion, but other than that, I haven't seen anything else.

Judging by the other things %^&*erell designed around that time, how close of a clone do you think someone could build?

Here's an old pamphlet describing the controls, functions, and whatnot: http://www.thesynthi.de/data/hi-fli.pdf

[frequencycentral]

Well here's my EMS Synthi A clone - so anything is possible.

[slacker]

[ZiggyZipgun]

Gotta admit, that is pretty sweet.  Nice work on the joystick and the dials, especially.

Any clue where to track down schematics for the Hi-Fli?

[frequencycentral]

Gotta admit, that is pretty sweet.  Nice work on the joystick and the dials, especially.

Any clue where to track down schematics for the Hi-Fli?

Actually - all credit to my brother who built it and another identical for himself. I just sourced service manual and the hard to find parts such as the joystick, verniers etc. And layed out the front panel.

I bought the Synthia A service manual from EMS directly about 15 years ago - everything you need to know to build one. It's possible that they will do the same for the HiFli - if they still have it. Robin Wood is a nice guy and very helpful.

http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk/

[ZiggyZipgun]

How would I go about asking for one?  When there's only 300 or less of the product in existence, and they probably know who owns most of them, wouldn't they ask what I wanted a service manual for? 

[frequencycentral]

How would I go about asking for one?  When there's only 300 or less of the product in existence, and they probably know who owns most of them, wouldn't they ask what I wanted a service manual for? 

Well I phoned Robin Wood and asked nicely. I assured him I was not going into production, was just an enthusiast planning to build a couple only. I paid £30.00 for the service manual. The Synthia A was and is still in (very limited) production. I guess he thought there was little chance of the project ever getting finished. I know of about half a dozen Synthia A clones, including Jürgen Haible's - there are some schematics out there, but nothing as complete as the service manual. Give it a try (if it stil exists) you might get lucky! You should phone though - much more up close and personal than email - just be your charming self.

[ZiggyZipgun]

Being my charming self isn't a problem; calling across the pond from Pennsylvania might be.  I'll have to do some mental time zone math and call (very early) Monday morning.

[charmonder]

Well here's my EMS Synthi A clone - so anything is possible.

HOLY! sorry to dig up an old thread but,( first off this is amazing!! )  what on earth did you use to clone the patch matrix?

I really want to throw all my favorite pedals in a box with a matrix.

[frequencycentral]

It's perf board and SIL strips. The pins are resistors soldered to SIL strips. Still working fine after 15 years........

On the subject of synths, just yesterday got the enclosure for next year's 'pet project' !! So excited! :mrgreen:

[egasimus]

It's perf board and SIL strips. The pins are resistors soldered to SIL strips. Still working fine after 15 years........

Care to elaborate? Maybe a close-up pic of the patch bay?

[frequencycentral]

[DavenPaget]

That is quite a big toroid for a synth ... Why the size though ? Didn't have another toroid of voltage requirements ? 

[charmonder]

THANK YOU!

I could never picture in my head how that patch matrix is made, totally building one this break.