Dave Formula's Yamaha SS-30 - Sold on ebay

This was a month ago, but I just spotted that Dave Formula sold his SS-30. He seems to have been selling off all his old keyboards (and a motorbike) over the past few years.



This the eBay link (for as long as it lasts)  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/-/291879123496?roken=cUgayN

Auction blurb

And this is what he has to say in the auction.

Yamaha SS30 String Synthesiser - with a unique & collectable provenance

The SS30 was renowned as one of the most sophisticated of the 1970's string machines and the selling price at the time reflected this. It wasn't produced in large numbers and therefore has something of a cult following among collectors and connoisseurs of this period.

It is a remarkably versatile string machine, as the recorded examples below will demonstrate, with the ability to transform a track, when used as a full section, or as individual instruments: the cellos are particularly effective, solo, when used in staccato fashion. All in all, it records beautifully!

I've had this keyboard since late 1978, and as the photos show, it's in very good shape. I've just got it back from a thorough inspection and service and it's working as well as the day I bought it.

Although I toured extensively, the keyboard was expertly cared for by my keyboard tech throughout that period.

This would be perfect for both the player who wants to utilise the sounds of this unique instrument and/or a collector who 

would appreciate the increasing value of this vintage, investment classic.

I used the SS30 on a range of hit albums and singles by Visage and Magazine, including;

Visage

Visage         

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKeGSxUrKPk - SS30 used throughout

The Anvil   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0YbPX2BWgg  -  SS30 used throughout

Magazine 

Secondhand Daylight  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KHEZirNWYQ - listen to the SS30 cello patch on

The Thin Air(around 23mins) as well as the rest of the string sounds on the other tracks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KHEZirNWYQ

The Correct Use Of Soap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzkZy7J9-mo     - SS30 used throughout

Magic Murder and The Weather

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AdYroYSW6k - SS30 used throughout

I also used the this Yamaha SS30 on Magazine's reunion tour in 2009, both on the live dates as well as TV shows, Later with Jools Holland and the BBC Electric Proms.

It sold for a handsome £934, which seems fair considering it's "unique & collectable provenance" and great condition. 

Blurb thoughts

Let's look at some of the sales pitch.

"renowned as one of the most sophisticated of the 1970's string machines"

  Well, of course. It's clear from my researches that, along with the Solina, the SS-30 was the professionals choice of stringer.

"It wasn't produced in large numbers and therefore has something of a cult following among collectors and connoisseurs of this period."

It doesn't come up very often, that's true. And there are no doubt Ultravox, Visage and Magazine fans who would love to their hands on one. But the serial number 2137 has been for sale for quite some time on eBay. There's a general point here about the claimed rarity of items that's not worth labouring.

"It is a remarkably versatile string machine".."with the ability to transform a track, when used as a full section, or as individual instruments: the cellos are particularly effective, solo, when used in staccato fashion."

It's very interesting to see that comment about the staccato action. Normally stringers are considered more for their pads. With a MIDI interface the possibilities for staccato playing or sequencing would be more obvious still.
 He's not wrong about the transformative power of the sound either...

 "I've had this keyboard since late 1978"

 Late 1978 and serial number 3020. Therefore by late 1978 Yamaha had made over 3000 SS30s. I've been keeping track of the SS30s that come up for auction and this is the highest serial number so far. Alas my SS-30's serial number was missing in action when I got it. Hmm!

"I've just got it back from a thorough inspection and service and it's working as well as the day I bought it."

Good to hear! Mine has been through a lot in it's nearly 40 years, not least living in an out-house for many years. The fact that it works (almost) perfectly despite being nothing but a pile of boards and wires is a testament to it's quality.

"I also used the this Yamaha SS30 on Magazine's reunion tour in 2009, both on the live dates as well as TV shows, Later with Jools Holland and the BBC Electric Proms."

This is a minor point but I did wonder about this. In this post from the Ultravox forum in 2009 Dave's Keyboard tech is looking for an SS-30 to take on tour. I guess they wanted to have a spare.