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The day has arrived...searching for a JP-8


RoccoD

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I've convinced myself (and my wife) that I am going to take the leap and get a JP-8 if I can find the right one, and I know this may take some time. I've always wanted one and I'm kidding myself to think that I don't want one and that I'm happy with sonically coming close with my current synths blah blah blah. >. I'm a little nervous since I haven't owned a vintage analog of this magnitude since my Memorymoog in the mid 80s (which I sold when the DX-7 first came out).

 

Does anyone have any advice in finding a good one? 12 bit vs 14 bit? I have been playing electronic keys for 25 years and have owned quite a few boards over the years, so I know that these beasts can be fragile in their old age. I'm an electrical engineer by profession, so I'm not adverse to doing some work, but wouldn't mind taking a recommendation on a JP-8 tech specialist or any advice you may have (good or bad).

 

Thanks in advance.

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They do pop up on eBay every now and then --- just save the search word and wait...

 

Service techs: he was recommended to me and I can also recommend Greg Montalbano at http://analogsynthservice.com - he worked on my jp-8 and prophet-5 and the service was great, priced fairly, and with very reasonable turnover time.

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Thanks for the info. I'm sure getting parts is a pain in the @ss. I'm going to try to search for a tech in the NYC area since shipping could be risky. I'm also going to hold out for a unit that is in pretty good cosmetic condition (longer wait). Even though it will only see studio duty, this is one case where I would want to get one in best condition possible.

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Just kidding before ...

 

I recently was in a position similar to yourself ...

 

made the jump ... Now I have JP-8 in my studio ...

 

Mine does have some a small droning oscillator "problem" --- though it's kind of soothing/energizing in the background; never sounds bad or gets annoying amazingly -- that I'm going to have remedied soon ...

 

I'd think it would help to know seller -- like I did in my case ...

 

It's a big jump ... Is it worth it ... ??? I think so ...

 

Is it the only synth you'll ever need ... Probably not ... Will it be the most powerful and lush-sounding, feature-rich vintage analog with an awesome control surface and a physical presence that beguiles the serious performance synthesist ... Yes ...

 

As for the price ... Maybe there is a bit of insanity regarding JP-8 ... Maybe not ... But as the prices of all analogs continue to rise, so will JP-8 ... because it really is one of the best ...

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Thats allright, I was going to put a bag over her head...

 

IMHO, nothing comes close for warm, stringy, deep, lushness.

 

Other analogs I currently own:

 

Andy (I can get it to come close, but it still has a sonic "edge")

Prophet 08 (interesting, brassy, but not in the same league)

Matrix 6 (satisfies my need for OB brashness sounds, if it only had knobs...)

 

Also tried the Arturia soft synth version and I tried to like it, but it just plain sucks in comparison.

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You should check these guys out. They always seem to have lots of vintage gear. Send them an email and have them contact you when they get another Jupiter 8 in. I noticed they have a Jupiter 6 and maybe a 4. I do believe they're located in NYC also. Happy hunting! You won't regret it.

 

 

http://tonetweakers.com/usedgear.htm

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Be patient and get a good one in great condition, It sounds silly but the cosmetic condition most of the time tells about the life the keyboard had.

 

For a invesment this big (to me at least) be patient and get a nice minty one, dont settle for less.

 

OFM.

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huh? you're joking right? I don't think anyone at Roland would know what to do if they had real Jupiter 8 in front of them! Let alone repair one...
:facepalm:

 

I wouldn't necessarily expect anyone on Roland's staff expect to be able to service one, though you never know. I'm sure Roland has connections to people that can service their older equipment. Sorry, I just thought I heard that Roland (or a Roland contractor) would service a JP8.

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I wouldn't necessarily expect anyone on Roland's staff expect to be able to service one, though you never know. I'm sure Roland has connections to people that can service their older equipment. Sorry, I just thought I heard that Roland (or a Roland contractor) would service a JP8.

 

 

aw man don't be sorry. I was just giving you a hard time. I've never heard about anything involving Roland and servicing their vintage gear. There are however a few skilled independent techs out there who would gladly service them.

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Be patient and get a good one in great condition, It sounds silly but the cosmetic condition most of the time tells about the life the keyboard had.


For a invesment this big (to me at least) be patient and get a nice minty one, dont settle for less.


OFM.

 

++++1

 

I look at the condition some of these vintage synths are in and can't believe the state that their current and past owners have left them in and without any repair work. Some of them look like they have been using them as urinals in the public rest room at the subway station. I know some boards see a hard life on the road but....:freak:

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huh? you're joking right? I don't think anyone at Roland would know what to do if they had real Jupiter 8 in front of them! Let alone repair one...
:facepalm:

 

That's because all of their engineers are diligently working on the next OS upgrade for the V-Accordian.:facepalm:

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huh? you're joking right? I don't think anyone at Roland would know what to do if they had real Jupiter 8 in front of them! Let alone repair one...
:facepalm:

 

Maybe, but its like a modern Ford technician being asked to fix a 65 Mustang , bet he'd roll up his sleeves and get all nostalgic and feel priviliged to be able to work on such a highly regarded classic.

 

They'd probably go out of their way to be of help. (At least I would)

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