Here’s another nearly forgotten piece from the early 2000s: the Vestax Faderboard, a truly unique electronic instrument unlike anything that came before or after it. Developed in part by Korg, it combines sampling, effects and synth capabilities with its unique mixer-style design.
Swiping its faders sends a gate signal that can trigger samples and even play them chromatically across three octaves. Similar to a DJ mixer, faders can be adjusted with distinct response curves and reverse settings. There’s a broad selection of tones, from bass patches to organs and synth sounds on-board powered by chips from Korg's early Electribes. When playing synth sounds, you have full control over setting the root key and a selection of any of the built-in scales for optimal chromatic playback. The Faderboard also offers a wide array of effects that can be utilized on input sources, ranging from reverb to delay and distortion—giving you a highly capable lo-fi sound processor that can simultaneously function as a phono preamp.
Japanese hip hop artist and turntablist Shing02 is credited for pioneering the concept of the Faderboard. After obtaining help from Vestax and Korg, they successfully crafted an instrument tailored to DJs and producers alike who have used the fader on a DJ mixer as part of their creative process. Unfortunately, this device failed to capture the attention of its intended consumers, thus only about 500 units were produced. However, this concept proved to be more useful for ambient electronic artists, such as the YouTuber and rare gear aficionado Hainbach, who covered it in a video which you can check out below.
This listing is from the renowned Plain Store Gear Outlet in Kawasaki, Japan, and presents itself in very good condition despite some minor signs of wear. This rare piece of hardware can be yours for $1800 plus shipping, but they're open to offers as well! Now's your opportunity to own a near-extinct piece of Vestax legacy.