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| Make |
Realton |
| Model |
Variophon Gig, 10 carts,keys & wind |
| Description |
The Variophon is a kind of secret, little-known for being one of the finest wind synths ever built - and it's analogue! Invented at Cologne University, Germany in 1975 (and marketed in 1980), it uses a heavy, solid pulse-formation voice card for each of its highly expressive wind sounds, which once you get playing technique can sound remarkably like the real thing. Breath control (see the small breath controller laying on top of the keyboard) can affect volume, filter ('Spectrum') and pitch, to an adjustable amount. Six cards can be loaded at once and played in any combination. You can even transpose 3 of the 6 cards to produce harmonies. Each channel has 3-band EQ ('Partials') and level controls. This lot includes ALL the ten voice cards Realton produced (the legendary 11th Harmonica card has never been seen). Pink Floyd tried out a GIG (this actual one!) but felt it didn't fit their particular palette. Talk Talk, however, used one extensively on their album 'The Colour of Spring.'
EXTRA: The Sax type controller is also included as an alternative to the Keyboard/breath controller combo. Ideal for players of actual wind instruments (this controller produces a rather low-volume sound even with strong breath - it may need some adjusting - also it has one key missing, but the button under that key still works). ALSO the ultra-rare Variophon footpedal is included in this auction. It has a four-way movement (swivel left, swivel right, tilt forward and back) and was working, but has not been tested recently. ALL IN ALL this is a very fine chance to own a rare and more-than-complete example of the top-of-the-line professional model of the Variophon range in excellent working order and cosmetically very good! It even includes the original hard-bound German owner's manual (time to use Google Translate). If required, PDFs of schematics and further info can be sent. NOTE: the smaller SPOT model is also offered in a separate lot, from the same no-smoking, pet-free studio as this seller.
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| Age |
n/a |
| Weight |
n/a |
| Condition |
Very good |
| Location |
Japan |
| Vat |
Not from a VAT-registered business. But VAT / duty may be due if importing from outside your trade bloc. |
| Quantity |
1 item is available from the owner |
| Options |
User manual : Yes |
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Service manual : No |
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First owner : No |
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Original boxes : No |
| Plug type |
Europe standard plug |
| Voltage type |
Internal 220-240V power supply |
| Status |
Item has been sold or not sold in a previous auction |
| Sale type |
The item is on the auction rooms |
| Ending on |
08/11/2025 |
| Category |
Synthesizer (monophonic) |
| Serial number |
1505 |
| Sphere reference |
# 30499 |
| Statistics |
Created on : 07/11/2025 |
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Changed on : (Not updated) |
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Published on : 07/11/2025 |
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Displayed : 168 time(s) by members and guests |
| Safety |
All electrical items sold in VEMIA are deemed to be trade sales. No warranty of electrical safety is given or implied. Many items are vintage and would not pass current electrical safety standards. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that items are safe to use in their future environment - if necessary by using the services of a professional. |
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Prices and conditions  |
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The following section gives you the prices as well as shipment and payment conditions associated with the item. Payment is always requested in GBP. Converted price is shown for information and converted with Sphere standard currency rate.
Shipment and Payment links gives you access to an extended description of our rating :
| Start price |
950 GBP |
| Converted price (1) |
950 GBP |
| Shipment |
International or local shipment to pay |
| Packing costs |
0 GBP |
| Payment |
Full pre payment needed |
| Auction bid step |
20 GBP |
| Auction highest bid |
2540 GBP |
| Converted highest bid |
2540 GBP |
| Leader or winner |
tdkmax |
| (1) Currency conversion |
Note that conversion rates were last adjusted on 10th October 2025 at 14:22 CET. They are there to give you a rough guide to the bid price in your currency. Please check for a more up-to-date conversion at https://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html. The bid price will be the actual price in pounds (GBP) at the moment the auction closes. This will be roughly converted to your currency for your information.
For technical reasons, we are unable to update the conversion from GBP to Euro during the auction, although it may change at any time. If you are in the euro zone please check the current rate at https://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html
Payments must always be in GBP. For more info please see the FAQ about exchange rates.https://spheremusic.com/Winfaq.asp?Question=91. |
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