This week’s find is the Jasper, a highly sought-after clone of the legendary EDP Wasp synthesizer. The original Wasp was designed and manufactured by Electronic Dream Plant back in the '70s, and while it might have looked like a kids' toy, it was actually a serious synth that was widely used among musicians of that era.
The Jasper clone kit was once available as a DIY option, but it's now a rare find. The source of this kit leads back to an avid poster on the popular synthesist message board Mod Wiggler who goes by the name of jasonl. Unfortunately, his website to purchase the synth kit appears to be no longer active, making Jasper all the more coveted.
Despite its small size and somewhat unassuming appearance, the Jasper packs a punch. It is monophonic and powered by two digital oscillators supported by analog filters, envelopes, and controls. One of the standout features of the original Wasp was its multimode analog filter, which made it a favorite among musicians for creating unique sounds and patches. And while the Jasper may share its quirky, kid-friendly exterior, it too stays true to the original Wasp's design, utilizing similar circuitry.
The keybed is capacitive touch-based, meaning that it is sensitive only to your electro-static touch, which adds to its unique appeal, but with the addition of a MIDI PCB board to connect to other controllers, the touch-based keybed becomes optional based on your playing preference.
If you're looking to add a unique synth to your collection, the Jasper clone should certainly be on your radar. At its current price of $775, it's a steal that won't stay on the market for long.