Analog Keys Question/French 79 performance

Elektron Gear Analog Keys/Four
#1

Hi all,

I’m new to the forum, but currently own a Digitakt, Digitone, and Model; Cycles (all purchased new). As of a couple of hours ago, I just purchased an Analog Keys off of Reverb, and am very excited. The one I bought was one of three listed on Reverb as being in “Mint” condition. The seller has a high rating, but isn’t exactly what I’d call super communicative or friendly. The photos of the unit look immaculate, however, so I took the plunge and already plunked down the $1,000.00.

My question is; after reading about things like paint issues on the first models, and problems with the potentiometers, I’m a little worried because I don’t know how to check the serial number (assuming he responds to my request asking for him to supply it) to see how old the unit I’ve bought is. Also, because this thing is analogue, my tendency to worry about getting a “bad copy” with a lackluster sound is nagging at me.

1.) Does anyone know where I can look up the serial number and see approximately when in the production cycle my unit was made?

2.) Can anyone recommend a way to check the tone quality once it arrives, or am I just worrying unnecessarily because Elektron wouldn’t make a “mediocre/poor” copy of a synth?

3.) Aside from the pots, the display and possibly the paint, are there any other issues I should be looking for once the Analog Keys arrives?

(I’ve sold a dozen or so things on Reverb and have a perfect record of satisfaction, but this is the first time I have ever bought a used synth in my life. Please forgive my ignorance about how to vet a used instrument like this. I know to test all the pots, check the display, but that’s about the extent of my knowledge.)

(As an aside, the main thing that sold me on getting an Analog Keys was French 79’s performance “French 79 dans Passengers ARTE Concert” available in ultra high quality on YouTube. If you own an Analog Keys, I strongly urge you to check this out - especially the tracks “Remedy” and “Hometown”. The performance is shot inside a large observatory tower in Nice, France with no audience. It completely made me fall in love with the Analog Keys (and the DSI Prophet '08 he’s using sounds good too!)

Thanks for any suggestions!

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#2
  1. The label on the bottom has the serial number and manufactured date on it.
  2. Make sure the firmware is up to date.
  3. Mechanicals are always things to watch on older equipment. So pay attention to the keys, joy-stick, encoders and buttons. The keys in particular.

Great synth ! Enjoy yours.

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#3

The pots can lose precision but are fairly easy to fix (well on the A4 anyway…not sure what you need to take apart on the Keys!).

I have had an issue with the sound output which was resolved by pushing in the ribbon connector cable internally. Most of the issues that come up with the A4 are pretty easy to fix. Mine’s getting on to 7 years old. I can’t imagine you’ll have too many issues.

#4

This is quite a robust synth.
My Analog keys might have 7 or 8 years.
Let it on for 24 hours to be sure the display look nice, mine has some mark on the display which disappear after one or two hours of use.
Yes, check keybed, knob, joystick and if everything seem to work fine.
And then enjoy :slight_smile:
It is a quite complicated and long synth to master, but really rewarding, and you can pilot your Digitone with it quite easily.

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#5

As on all Elektrons, you can run test mode holding Function before power on.
Run test with trig 1.

Then you can check the screen more easily pressing trigs 1/2, leds…

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#6

I’ve been hammering on mine for years, it’s never given me a bit of trouble. It’s one of the most solid digital devices I’ve ever owned.

Welcome to the club, for many it’s a never-sell synth.

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#7

(and @psychetropic may have one of the most used AKs of all time :slight_smile:)

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#8

You are worrying unnecessarily because the analog circuitry in the A4/AK is built from modern components and should be good for decades.

I bought my AK from a guy who looked like he just returned from a musical camping trip, and it was fine. No noticeable sonic differences from my old Mk1 A4.

#9

Will do all of those. Thanks! Much appreciated!

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#10

Thanks - I’m probably over-stressing because, as I said, this is my first ever used synth (and first ever instrument out of production.)

#11

Didn’t know about the test mode - that is valuable info! I’ll do that first thing. When you said “pressing trigs 1/2” that confused me a bit - are you saying I press them down halfway? Not sure how to interpret that. Could you please clarify?

Thanks!

#12

Very reassuring to hear! Thanks!

#13

That is exactly the sort of thing I was hoping to hear. And you’re right; I often DO worry unnecessarily about analogue gear. Here’s an example of why: Last year, I bought my “dream amp” for my bass - An Aguilar DB-751 tube amp. This thing is a big, 45lb monster that many consider the best amp available for bass. I bought mine from a reputable dealer, new, and when it arrived, it had a fan noise that was very… “wrong”. I returned it to the manufacturer - which cost me $180 because of the weight, and they said it was working as intended. Well… it wasn’t. I know because my friend has the same amp, and I played one at a shop. They don’t make this metal to metal fan noise. So, they sent my amp back, and I was stuck with it. $2900.00 for a piece of kit that I can’t bear to play because of the maddening issue. It’s a lemon, and the manufacturer doesn’t want to acknowledge it. So… it’s upstairs, in a closet, brand new, and my only option is to pay a tech about $300-$400 to put in some sort of aftermarket fan which will then void any warranty.

So, I’m probably in sort of a paranoid head space at the moment. I am excited though. I think I’ll love this thing. I’m just curious why they didn’t offer the Mark II in a keys version.

Thanks again!

#14

Great to hear! I have a feeling I will be keeping it around for a long time! (Bo Beats just posted a vid saying it’s his “desert island” synth that he deeply regrets selling.)

Thanks!

#15

1 and 2 ! :content:
One trig is full white screen, the other is full black. On my AR MKI having a slight display problem, it was more obvious with this screen test procedure, also common to all Elektrons.

Every button press should correspond to a different led combination.

On newer Elektrons you can also test all leds colors, Encoders…

#16

Link for the curious (don’t think new members can’t post links)

It is lovely stuff - didn’t know they used an AK! I’ve listened to their album Olympic to death.

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#17

Ahh! OK. Yes, that makes sense! One of the first things I will do. Thank you!!

#18

That’s the one! Thank you! (One error I made was thinking that he performed “Remedy” in that session - he doesn’t. It’s definitely worth checking out separately, though!) He does do a fantastic version of “Hometown” in that session, however!

#19

Concerning French 79 performance:
Impressive. Not what I’d listen, but really good live performance, with also very impressive light show, camera movements…

Major caveats: not enough time / focus to check all the gear used…:pl:

#20

this perform is the best with the AK