REPOST: ESQ-1 vintage synthesizer

bassteban · #1 09-29-2009, 05:41 PM

On a quest to replace one of my two vintage synthesizers w/something more modern, I've decided to throw the ESQ-1 back up FS/FT. Prior sale thread here: Ensoniq ESQ-1 vintage synth $300
I'm bumping the price up to $400, having had the unit serviced at Rainbow electronics in Sacramento(cost me $125); I have the receipt/work order. I'd prefer keeping it local if possible but will drive a bit to meet. Ideal trade would be for a Novation X-Station or similar(at least 49 keys). Comes w/manual & receipt for recent servicing.

bassteban · #2 10-13-2009, 10:10 AM

Not that anyone is knocking down my door for this, but I do need to state that I'm not getting access to all the sounds in this thing; I'm reading the manual & trying to figure out how to reprogram the memory cartridge(my guess as to the problem). I'll update as I make progress. Feel free to post any applicable info- I'd really like tp play w/this beast before dumping it.

bassteban · #3 10-23-2009, 09:40 AM

Bump- no progress on reloading the memory cartridge, but again- the synth itself has had the internal battery replaced & been serviced(I have the receipt).

ric stave · #4 10-23-2009, 04:17 PM

I'll pose a question to you, and I'm not familiar with all the operating procedures of the Ensonique synths......

What is the 'memory' problem you are having? Is it that since the battery was replaced the original sounds aren't there?

Many synths had an internal or disc available default set, meaning, that when it dies and comes back to life (so to speak) the original factory programs are what's left, or can be reset from internal memory.

But alas, not all synths are the same - I have a Korg Wavestation SR rack module - excellent synth, but I hadn't used it in many years, and a few months ago when I pulled it out to find a place for it, I started getting messages that the battery needed replacing. I purchased a battery, but (luckily) before I attempted to install it, I found out that that synth HAS NO INTERNAL DEFAULT! If you don't save the memory before taking out the battery, or if the battery dies completely, all sounds are lost, and you will have to reload from an external source, or it will be blank. Luckily, I contacted Korg and they sent me the default settings via email, so now I just need a midi interface to my computer (this synth doesn't have USB) and then I can reload the sound banks.

Is it possible that yours is doing a similar thing?

~ric

bassteban · #5 10-23-2009, 04:38 PM

Hey, Ric- thanks for posting. I guess it could be a similar issue to what you've described, although most of the sounds are there. I've read a bit about these units(the ESQ-1 specifically)but I'm *that guy*, needing someone to hold my hand & slowly walk me through this stuff. At this point, I just want to get this thing salable.

ric stave · #6 10-24-2009, 05:47 PM

Hmmm. OK, I'm stumped. Maybe it could be a partial lost from the battery reset/death. Try to contact Ensoniq (I have no idea if they're still around) or some website.usergroup that has the original preset patches, and try a reload.

Good luck!
~ric