Vintage Synth Repair

Sounds like you need to get a copy of the service manual and go through that first. You don't really need a oscilloscope to make the adjustments, just a good ear and another well-tuned synthesizer as a reference.

Fortunately it sounds like you aren't having the "Crazy Source" problem, but you might as well look into that while you have it opened up. It's a bit like a can of snakes, so my best advice is to take good high-resolution photographs of the disassembly (or find  someone else's) and take it slow and easy.

The Source is pretty complex on the inside due to all the digital stuff they had to squeeze in, but it's all easily repairable once you figure out where everything goes. Calibration will fix your tuning problems, and possibly some of the other issues too. Once you get there, I'm sure you can get a lot more help on this list with whatever is left, and have enough experience with it to understand the additional advice you can get here.

Good luck and congratulations on getting such a classic synth! -pc

P.S. These will get you started:

http://thesnowfields.com/manuals/Source_Manual.pdf

http://thesnowfields.com/manuals/Source_Service.pdf


On Jan 11, 2013, at 8:01 PM, z z wrote:

> Hey guys. 
> 
> I picked up a Moog Source yesterday. And of course, it doesn't work properly. 
> 
> The synth is in perfect cosmetic condition, with a beautiful membrane panel. It's firmware 3.3.
> 
> The problems so far consist of:
> 
> Oscillator 2 works. Oscillator 1 does not. The waveform buttons for osc 1 make slight clicks, which seem to sort of change tone over time.
> 
> Also, the keyboard intonation is wacky. In order to get an octave, you basically have to play a flat 9. So in order to play C1, then C2, you have to play C1, then C#2. 
> 
> Suggestions? Opinions?
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> Jim