New synth - Korg MS2000R

The spending frenzy has not ended - I got a Korg MS2000R just to see if I like it - if not, I can always sell it again. I also got a spare Yamaha TX7, an RX21 drum machine and a MCS2 MIDI Controller. Oh, and a Simmons TMI, which I don't have any real use for, but it is Simmons.

More new synths - Korg Prophecy, Korg Poly 800 reverse keys, Yamaha TF1

I've been going mad buying things on eBay again. First I got a Yamaha TX rack with a single TF1 module for £45; not bad going, and it helps towards completing my TX816 rack. Then I got (another) Korg Poly 800 with reverse keys, for £70; so I can use it to refurbish my slightly wonky one, and sell what's left over. Then I got a Korg Prophecy, for £180; not cheap, but they're rarely seen much cheaper. This I'm really pleased with, as it seems like a good substitute for the MiniMoog I sold, as well as being a source of interesting acoustic modelled sounds (so much better than the Yamaha VL-70M, which I could never get anything useful out of). Now let's hope that's the end of my spending frenzy.

New synths - Kawai PHM Pop module, eKeys 37, TQ49

Another eBay goodie, a Kawai PHM Pop module. I was a bit disconcerted to find that it doesn't have a headphone output, but once I got a sound out of it, it turns out to have a nice mixture of K1-style pad sounds, FM-like tones and cheesy drum machine patterns. Not bad for £25-odd. I also got an eKeys 37, a useful sized USB keyboard - and for £5 from a charity shop, an old TQ49 USB MIDI keyboard, which I assumed would be useful, but it turns out it's so ancient that I can't find USB drivers for it. It powers up though, so I've been able to use it as a purely MIDI device, despite its lack of anything fancy like controllers or channel settings.

Powertran 1024 Composer

Yet another purchase from eBay - a Powertran 1024 Composer. I desperately wanted one of these kit-built CV/gate sequencers when I was young, as it was about the only available multi-sequence digital sequencer other than the unaffordable Roland Microcomposers. It was used by Joy Division/New Order, with the Powertran Transcendent 2000 synthesizer, which I used to have. I don't know what I'll use it with now, as it requires a synth with CV/Gate in and out - probably the Sequential Pro 1, though that of course has a built-in mini-sequencer. Anyway, I'm glad to have got this, and relatively cheaply too - and it's only the second time I remember seeing one on eBay.

More new gear - Kawai MM-16 and Kawai XD-5

Two more eBay purchases, hardly essentials, but nice additions to my collection of Kawai gear; an XD-5, a drum sound module which is essentially a K4R but filled with percussion waveforms; and an MM-16, a MIDI controller with various merging and processing functions. Complete with power supplies and manuals, so not bad buys, though what actual use I'll put them to is another question...

New gear - Nihon-Hammond DPM-48 drum machine

Another bit of gear I didn't really need but fancied having from eBay - a Nihon-Hammond DPM-48 drum machine (otherwise badged Sakata or Jugg Box). I used one of these many years ago. A bit untidy this one, but working well. Decent basic sounds, useful DIN sync, level mixers and multi outputs, though nothing fancy like velocity response; luckily this one came with the essential memory cartridge and manual. More gear to come soon...

Another visit from Boofums

Neighbouring cat Boofums (or that's what we call him) has been visiting again, and this time deigned to come in for a snack. He's still lovely and cuddly.