Rhodes Chroma Polaris

> From: Bob Grieb
>
> The Polaris looks like a great analog synth with lots of
> sound flexibility, two
> oscillators per voice, and good MIDI control.
>
> I am considering trying to buy one, but some of the ones
> on offer have already
>
> started to lose membrane switches, so I am wondering if
> replacing the membrane is still an
>
> option, and if so, what is the cost. Also, does the membrane
> only fail where the
>
> "tails" bend and plug into the connectors? Or do the
> switches themselves sometimes
> fail? In other words, if I reinforce the tails and replace
> them 30-gauge wire soldered
>
> to the conductors, would I be good for a while, or would
> other parts of the membrane
> start to fail later.
>
> I think I can handle other needed repairs to a Polaris
> but the membrane is a little
> scary, so any insight would be much appreciated.

They're $180 a set, plus shipping. I ship insured Express Mail, and accept
PayPal payment. If you give me your address, I can give you an exact quote.

Replacing the membrane panels isn't very hard, if you're careful. Lots of
people have managed it. Full instructions are here:

http://www.rhodeschroma.com/?id=polarismembranepanelreplacement

It's pretty rare for the switches themselves to fail. But you can't solder
to silver ink on Mylar (or whatever crappy plastic Fender of Japan chose to
use). People have managed to coax a little more life out of their tails
through various means, but then one day they fail again. Whether avoiding
that is worth a couple hundred bucks is your choice.

--

Ciao, Paul D. DeRocco
Paul mailto:pderocco@...

Bob,

You have a good eye for vintage synths. My brother and I both own one each.

Don't let the issue with the panel connectors steer you away. These are fixable or replaceable through Paul's great work.

I can tell you from owning a bunch of vintage synths that the Polaris is superb and hassle free. Once sorted out, turn it on and go. Nothing in comparison to owning vintage Oberheims and the sheer number of caps and components that can go wrong or need replacing.

From a tone standpoint, I think the Polaris has a great analog vintage flavor. I like it's character far better then my prophet 08 and it is the only synth I own that and hold its own with the OBX-A for pads, brass, and strings. Plenty of tricks in the sound shaping department. Can sound discreet at times, but does have a unique take on the CEM sound.

Put into perspective, vintage VCO analog polyphonic synths are already rare but few hung onto nor have the full compliment of control and features of the Polaris so late into the game.

James

Sent from my iPad

How about a nice Polaris for the holidays?
- - - - - - - -
Chroma Polaris 2123, serial# 301474
One-owner unit in good condition. Its only modification from original is the painted over rear logo.
Both L&R touch panels are newer replacements with extremely little use. Wooden end blocks have a few minor dings, metal trims above and below keyboard are somewhat chipped and worn.

Includes original Owner's and Service manuals, and IEC power cable (if you really need another IEC cable, I'll send two! ;-)

$800 US, or best offer, + shipping from Oregon.

Larger and additional photos are available upon request.
Contact Dave Blees, dblees@...