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ChromaTalk Archives: March 2004

Chroma For Sale

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Sun, 7 Mar 2004 19:01:16 -0800

Here's an opportunity to pick up a Chroma for parts or repair.

Begin forwarded message:

I am not a keyboard player. But I have a friend who left me his Rhodes Chroma electornic keyboard with a custom made hardshell case. It looks like it's in very good shape but I don't think it works. (I plugged it in - it lights up - but no sound comes out) I would like to just get what is reasonable, as there appears to be somewhat of a cult following for this instrument.

Please post this for me on your ad board, or maybe you or someone you know might be interested in giving me a couple bucks for it.

Thank you-

Lou Francavillo
[contact info removed]
Endicott, New York

Chroma 21030023 For Sale

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Sun, 7 Mar 2004 19:14:37 -0800

A rare find ...

Begin forwarded message:

Chris, I love your Chroma site! And I hate to do it, but it's time to say goodbye to an old friend. Please place the following classified ad for my dear, sweet Chroma:

One of the very first Chroma's off the line, this original Model 2103 woody is serial# 0023! One owner since 1982. Comes with original ATA case (needs new foam, of course); factory voice sets; manuals; dual foot pedal; power cord; JLCooper MIDI interface modified with channel select knob, interface cable, interface power supply. No volume or sequence pedal. CONDITION: In full working order; keys slightly yellowed with age; case shows signs of wear. $1,150. Buyer pays shipping, insurance required, from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Email me (Michael Christopher) at [e-mail address removed].

Thanks!

Michael Christopher

A note of Interest on the Chroma

Larry C [21030864] · Tue, 9 Mar 2004 10:50:41 EST

Hi all:

I would like to thank Chris for all of the work he has done on this site. Recently I came across an ARP 4 Voice electric piano, yeah I realize its a dog ! but after taking apart my Chroma years ago and re-finishing it ( it was attacked by the dreaded case foam disease), I remembered the wooden actuator key assembly. I took this ARP 4 voice apart and lo and behold, the key assembly is almost the same. Could I have a prototype ARP 4 Voice or could this be a source for anyone out there who may need replacement keys ?? If my recollection is correct I think the 4 voice came out roughly the same time as the chroma.

Best Regards,
Larry

David Gowin [21030611] · Tue, 09 Mar 2004 11:02:47 -0500

I believe the ARP 4 and 16 voice Pianos came out just before the Chroma but used the same keyboard design and components (Pratt/Whitney???). Alan Pearlman seemed to be a great believer in using common components when possible.

Fwd: Chroma for sale

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Tue, 9 Mar 2004 22:30:33 -0800

Begin forwarded message:

From: Kevin Bayer
Date: March 9, 2004 6:38:34 PM PST/> Subject: Chroma for sale

It's time for me to get rid of the Chroma. I've owned it for about 7 or so years and it's in pretty good shape. I don't have the case for it anymore. I use it in conjunction with a Kurzweil K2000 Rack Sampler which I am also looking to get rid of. I've also got the Chroma Interface Manual, Chroma Performance Manual, Chroma Programming Manual, and a copy of the Chroma Service Manual that will be included. The Chroma is working great with the Kurzweil. I never have used it as it's own synth so I'm not sure about it by itself. When you turn it on, it blinks for a little bit, and says "err 036" which I believe means 3 out of 6 voice cards are erroring. I'm looking for a reasonable price. For the Chroma, $700US + shipping. I'm trying to get rid of this quick so I may take to a few places around town soon as well. If you're interested in the Chroma and Kurzweil, we can talk about the price. Kevin Bayer, [e-mail address removed], Tucson, AZ, USA

Chroma - unused and quiet...

René Hatt · Wed, 10 Mar 2004 17:47:57 +0100

Hello

I'm glad I've found your site, which seems to be made with deep love...

I've got a problem: I've got a Rhodes Chroma, it was a gift, but the former owner just said that it did not work the last time he turned it on. He did'nt play the Chroma for several years, so I think the battery will be down and all the memory is lost. Any recommendations what to do to get it running again?

Thank you René

David Clarke [21030085++] · Thu, 11 Mar 2004 20:47:34 -0500

René,

if you're confortable in opening up electronic equipment, I would suggest that you do so (at least for a brief look).

The sevice manual provides disassembly instructions. Specifically, I would recommend removing the screws identified in Figure 3-1 and Figure 3-2 of the manual (I wouldn't bother removing screw #10).

With the keyboard as shown in Figure 3-3 take a little look around inside for anything 'out of the ordinary' (things missing, cables disconnected, corroded batteries, etc.).

The batteries (2 AA type) are located just about where the "Computer Board" arrow is located in Figure 3.3. You can take a peek there to see if the existing batteries have leaked.

If the batteries look Ok, another no major pieces look missing, then I would close the lid and return the cover and then try to power it up.

If you're not comfortable in opening the unit, then you may just want to try to power it up as-is to see what happens.

If they keyboard does power up OK (i.e., all the LEDs flash 16 times and then you get numbers in the big and small seven-segment LED displays), then you're all set to see if there are any patches still installed and/or to reload the factory set.

If the keyboard does not power up properly - let us know what you see when you try to turn it on. Also, if you give us an idea of how comfortable you are in terms of probing inside the keyboard with a volt-meter or an oscilloscope we can try to provide some troubleshooting assistance.

If possible, it would be good to know a bit about the keyboard so we can add it to the registry. Specifically, we'd be interested in at least the serial number as well as information about its configuration (e.g., whether there's a MIDI interface or not, etc.)

Welcome to the group,

David

René Hatt · Fri, 12 Mar 2004 20:10:06 +0100

Hello David

thank you very much about all this information. I think I will first replace the batteries and see if it powers up correctly. I just wanted to know if there are any specific issues I have to be aware of, and I was so happy to find your site... But if the batteries are down, the memory will be lost, won't it? And yes, I will enter my Chroma on your list as soon as there is time to do so.

Thanks again
Best wishes
René

David Clarke [21030085++] · Sat, 13 Mar 2004 10:54:15 -0500

...But if the batteries are down, the memory will be lost, won't it?

Yes, that's correct. All of the original patch information may be lost - but the keyboard itself should boot OK.

If all the patches are gone, it might be possible to reload them via the MIDI interface (if there's one on this particular Chroma) or they can always be reloaded via the cassette port (ref: Patches).

Even without reloading nice-sounding patches, the Chroma also has the ability to create a "scratch patch", just so you can be sure that it is working OK.

Best regards,

David

Olli [21010284] · Sat, 13 Mar 2004 21:54:50 +0100

hi rene

i'd recommend you download the sevice manual on the site and to do all the trouble-shooting starting with setting up the famous scratch patch. keep us updated on the results.

olli

David Clarke [21030085++] · Sun, 28 Mar 2004 10:52:07 -0500

René - just checking in on your Chroma ... Have you had an opportunity to power it up, to see if it is going to be OK?

René Hatt · Sun, 28 Mar 2004 20:54:44 +0200

Hi David

thank you for asking! No, not yet, but I bought new batteries, and I will check it with those in it. I tried to open the Chroma Factory and Cult presets from your site on my Mac G5, but it failed. There was a message that an ending was missing or so. The only one I could open was the Eimer presets. But I don't know yet if I can get tape out signals from that sysex.

At the moment I replace my whole digital setup as well as the mastering tape machine in my studio, and there are three customers parallel, so I'm quite busy trying to keep the business running...

But the Chroma is high on the list! I'm too curious about the first sounds that will come out of it.

Thank you for your support - I will surely post the results (or new problems...) on the Board!

Best wishes
René

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Sun, 28 Mar 2004 23:49:30 -0800

On Mar 28, 2004, at 10:54 AM, R.Hatt wrote:

thank you for asking! No, not yet, but I bought new batteries, and I will check it with those in it. I tried to open the Chroma Factory and Cult presets from your site on my Mac G5, but it failed. There was a message that an ending was missing or so.

Could you tell me what browser and what decompression software you're using? I've never heard of anyone else having a problem, and I created the site on a Mac, so it should be a simple problem to solve. The StuffIt archives will probably be easiest for you.

The only one I could open was the Eimer presets. But I don't know yet if I can get tape out signals from that sysex.

Do you have a MIDI retrofit?

Chris

René Hatt · Mon, 29 Mar 2004 10:05:20 +0200

Hello Chris

I downloaded the files on a PC, and I've got a Mac G5 OS X.3 in my studio. Maybe my PC didn't download something the Mac needed. As mentioned, my Stuffit was able to open the Eimer presets, but not the Factory and the Cult. I will download those again and see if it works this time.

I don't know when there is time to try to convert those files into tape signals to load it into my Chroma, but I will tell you if it works asap. Unfortunately, I do not have a MIDI retrofit. This would make things easier... Is such a retrofit still available, and what does it cost?

Best wishes
René

René Hatt · Mon, 29 Mar 2004 10:11:06 +0200

well, just took a look at your Site and my questions about MIDI retrofits are answered...

Thanks!
René

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Mon, 29 Mar 2004 08:08:43 -0800

On Mar 29, 2004, at 12:05 AM, R.Hatt wrote:

Hello Chris

I downloaded the files on a PC, and I've got a Mac G5 OS X.3 in my studio. Maybe my PC didn't download something the Mac needed.

The resource forks of the StuffIt files were probably lost when you transferred via PC. Download directly from your Mac, or use the zip files.

Chris

XLR out - pin 2 or 3 hot?

Tom Moravansky [21030431] · Mon, 22 Mar 2004 04:38:40 -0800

Wiring up some cables in the studio and I was wondering if the Chroma XLR output was pin 2 or pin 3 hot? Anyone know? I didn't see a mention in the text portionn of the manual. Scanning the service docs doesn't give me a clear indication.

Anyone know for sure?

thanks

Enrico Dibennardo [21030494] · Mon, 8 Mar 2004 05:23:01 +0100

I'm not a technician but I don't think in the USA there's ever been a pin 3 hot, this is typical UK or Roland at some point so I'd go for 2+
Enrico Italy

Joyn Leimseider [21030434++] · Mon, 22 Mar 2004 08:29:40 -0700

Since they are transformer balanced, it won't matter as long as they are all the same, and you're only using the balanced outs. If you're using balanced and unbalanced, try the 2 together. The right configuration will add instead of cancelling. J.L.

Edwin van der Heide [21010103] · Mon, 22 Mar 2004 23:20:20 +0100

If you want to use the output unbalanced you will have to connect either pin 1 and 2 to each other and use pin three for the signal or connect pin 1 and 3 to each other and use pin 2 for the signal. Both works but do the same for both outputs.

best,

Edwin

Tom Moravansky [21030431] · Tue, 23 Mar 2004 04:55:04 -0800

I appreciate the wiring tips and the general idea that it doesn't matter to use pin 2 or pin 3, but I am concerned about the absolute phase of the signal. Here's a simple example why:

suppose I'm synthesizing a kick drum sound and decide to layer another synth with the Chroma to make my kick. If the Chroma phase is opposite of the other synth, the overlapping frequencies will tend to cancel out instead of adding and it will cause the drum sound to thin out.

If my Chroma was 100% functional, I'd just power it up and scope it, but it's pretty much out of commission for a little while.

Since I decided to run all my synths to a rack of SynthDriver modules, they will all appear to be balanced when the hit the mixer/patchbay.

Joyn Leimseider [21030434++] · Tue, 23 Mar 2004 08:05:42 -0700

The audio signal from the Chroma wouldn't be in phase with any other signal anyway. If you were using it with a second Chroma signal (in link mode, or just polyphonically not linked), it would still probably be not in phase, unless by total coincidence it was briefly. All the oscillators, and the envelopes also, to a lesser extent, are free running. The envelopes may be triggered together, but there are delays involved that make the absolute phase relationships quite vague. If it was truly digital, there might be consistency, but luckily, it's a Chroma instead... J.L.

Tom Moravansky [21030431] · Tue, 23 Mar 2004 07:38:43 -0800

Ahh - good point. For some reason I was thinking that the oscillators would always be starting from the same point, but of course you're right about the free-running nature.

(I've been dealing with some digital gear and effects units and didn't change my mindset sufficiently).

thanks folks. Now to repair the battery leak damage (previous owner), voice card problem, and update the power supply....

Chroma For Sale

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Sat, 27 Mar 2004 21:20:36 -0800

A good chance to pick up a Chroma for a reasonable price. A Harrington [e-mail address removed] writes:

i intend to sell my chroma. i'm not doing anyhting with it and it makes no sense to keep it. i have the original anvil case it came in and two pedals. one pedal is the double with the two brass pedals on one foot. i'm in washington dc. the chroma is in excellent physical condition all of the keys and hardware are pristene. it has two pedals one is a double pedal with its own housing and nothing written on it and it is self contained in a medal casing with two brass pedals and a plug in jack, the other is just like a volume pedal i guess, bulky and heavy it has no writiing on it. there are several cords but they are generic cords. when i turned it on last time it came on and then stopped. but it has not been used in years just stored in the case. it has its own black anvil case in which some of the foam has sort of melted but it came right off of the wood when i cleaned it so the case may need new foam but that's cheap. i am certain from reading about it and the enthusiasts who still have them on the net that the right person would be thrilled to get this. my keyboard player friends all want me to keep it but none of them have the room for it now so i am not inclined to do this. i have to clean out my house to renovate it and the chroma has to go. anyways i have a baby grand and other boards so i want to sell it asap. i want to sell for about 500.00 to a thousand dollars. it is in pristine condittion as far as the housing goes. and i am not prepared to ship but will deliver in the washington dc area.

Olli [21010284] · Sun, 28 Mar 2004 11:00:17 +0200

too bad he doesn't want to ship :-) i feel like repairing another Chroma ...

David Clarke [21030085++] · Sun, 28 Mar 2004 11:41:53 -0500

There's always the $300 chroma on the 'ads' page (it nags me every time I see it ... it is priced low enough for me want to buy it - but I couldn't fit another Chroma in here without knocking out a wall! :->)

Olli [21010284] · Mon, 29 Mar 2004 08:53:53 +0200

are you sure, it is still there? the ad is from january 2003! :-)

olli

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Sun, 28 Mar 2004 23:37:43 -0800

I e-mail the owners from time to time to ensure the units are still for sale. I have pinged Ken again, as it's been a few months.

Chris

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Mon, 29 Mar 2004 08:09:31 -0800

On Mar 28, 2004, at 10:53 PM, Olli wrote:

are you sure, it is still there? the ad is from january 2003! :-)

Ken's Chromas are indeed still for sale.

Chris

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