EEH / SSB Banana 6-voice Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer 1983-1985 - Extremely Rare
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In near mint condition, with factory MIDI. Voice boards and PSU recapped, calibrated. The autotune function has been deactivated because we have calibrated the filters to be able to self-oscillate and apparently that is incompatible with the autotune check on startup, but the synth is fully tuned. Copy of user manual (in german), schematics and docs included. 220V version.
The Banana is a 6-voice polyphonic synthesizer that, in terms of design, strongly resembles the famous Oberheim OB-Xa, but it is not an OB-Xa clone. It features an OB-Xa-like voice architecture with two CEM3340 VCOs, a switchable 24dB lowpass/highpass filter based on the SSM2044 chip, and CEM3360 VCAs and CEM3310 Envelope Generators for the six voices. This provides a rich, warm analog sound that is still relevant in modern music productions. The Banana allows for sound editing with the versatile 2 ENVs (envelopes), similar to those found in the OB-Xa, making it a powerful instrument for both complex soundscapes and powerful leads and basslines.
The Banana was produced in West Germany by Electronic Engineering Hoffmann (EEH), in collaboration with Synthesizer Studio Bonn (SSB), and it is the only synthesizer ever released by EEH and distributed by SSB. In 1983, Electronic Engineering Hoffmann (EEH) completed the development of the Banana in collaboration with Synthesizer Studio Bonn (SSB), the world’s first specialized synthesizer store, located in West Germany. SSB had already made a name for itself by creating custom sequencers, including the Synthorama, which was used by Kraftwerk to control their Minimoogs on the legendary Trans-Europe Express.
Production of the Banana ran from 1983 to approximately 1985, after which the synth was discontinued. Only 100 to 300 units were made. This makes it a particularly rare model for collectors or musicians looking for a unique synth.
This model offers a unique opportunity for the serious synthesizer enthusiast or collector who is searching for a rare instrument with historical value.
Don’t miss out on the chance to own a piece of synthesizer history!
This item is sold As-Described
This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.
| Listed | 5 months ago |
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| Condition | Excellent (Used) Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.Learn more |
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