Blofeld love

_l · 2025-08-03T16:36:08.254Z

Nice! Was it difficult work?

I’m looking into the Blofeld now.

Is there anything that compares to it? It flew under my radar, getting mixed up with the Pulse 2 in my mind. The Blofeld seem like the most advanced small desktop synth available despite its age.

RadekPilich · 2025-08-03T18:28:22.289Z

It was quite easy actually, easier than soldering cables to LED strips or making your own audio cables. Those require more tools and skill.

I should have reviewed soldering tutorials on YouTube first though instead of the marathon afterwards

I am going to get some more soldering supplies in coming days, most of the soldering jobs is actually not difficult if you have a couple of tools and follow a couple of guidelines.

On the other hand, it’s extremely frustrating and pretty much impossible to do even a “pass” grade job intuitively without tools and knowledge.

RadekPilich · 2025-08-03T18:32:36.162Z

I guess synths such a Nord Rack or Access Virus are somewhat similar, although there are most likely closer substitutes.

_l · 2025-08-03T18:37:38.117Z

Thanks. That is comforting if I end up buying one.

I would love a Nord Rack but the prices! I found the access virus Ti snow which is nice and small, but I like the weirder sound I’ve heard from the Blofeld.

_l · 2025-08-04T00:46:43.608Z

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Does anybody know of a cheap inverted screen for the Blofeld? I see one for sale on reverb for $110. I bet I could l find the same one for $10 somewhere else

https://reverb.com/item/6657542-led-display-upgrade-waldorf-blofeld-pulse-ll-custom-white-on-black?hl=en-US

4Litre · 2025-08-06T21:55:31.973Z

It’s the same screen as the Korg Radias - and probably some other older Korg synths.

Do some research on German DIY sites and you should be able to find it. Or ask on Sequencer.de forums

_l · 2025-08-07T07:44:25.757Z

Thank you. Greatly appreciate the advice

avantronica · 2025-08-07T08:21:58.783Z

RadekPilich:

feels better than ever!

please link/share the encoder spec(s) here ftr, i’m sure some of us will find it elsewhere with a google search … i won’t be doing the fix for some time though, but the Blofeld is most certainly worthy of such TLC …

RadekPilich · 2025-08-07T10:02:41.039Z

Good point!

I have shared it elsewhere already when others were looking for parts - Waldorf has an international repair shop, where you can get almost anything.

Blofeld encoder set is available here for some 20-25 EUR Blofeld Encoder/Poti Set – repair-shop.waldorfmusic.com

winrow3745 · 2025-08-07T14:36:28.165Z

The problem with Nords and Viruses is the cost of them nowadays. Wow. The Blofeld seems like a bargain in comparison.

pmags · 2025-08-14T16:28:47.439Z

I don’t know why, but Amazon was clearing out brand new Waldorf Blofeld Keyboards (in white) for about $760 this morning, which seems to be cheaper than even used ones are going for on Reverb. Seems like they didn’t have too many at the price because I’m seeing them back up at the current $1299 price that seems to be common across retailers.

Funnily enough, I didn’t even realize you could still by brand new Blofelds until I saw it pop up. Kinda surprising how long Waldorf has kept this in production!

Hotstuff · 2025-08-14T16:56:57.164Z

I already have the desktop but still I wish I had room for that, especially if they have the white keyboard. One of the most attractive synths ever made imo.

2ndlayer · 2025-08-15T11:03:56.255Z

I saw a used one selling on ebay for 370 € a few weeks ago.

rob_lee · 2025-08-15T11:30:19.844Z

Brand new White Blofeld desktops for £349 at Andeton’s UK

WALDORF BLOFELD

GurtTractor · 2025-08-16T16:55:45.041Z

pmags · 2025-08-16T18:39:22.690Z

This can’t be coincidence can it? Is Waldorf making some sort of marketing push to revive interest in the Blofeld?!

obscurerobot · 2025-08-16T18:47:24.995Z

pmags:

This can’t be coincidence can it?

Since there is no DAW integration to maintain, Waldorf can keep selling Blofelds as long as parts are available to make them. It’s a good synth with some flaws and limitations, should be popular for a long time.

Edit: or they are building the last batch or already have and are closing out remaining inventory.

Edit2: Blofeld’s flaws and limitations are a nontrivial part of what makes it special. If the 303’s sequencer was a synth, it might be the Blofeld.

_l · 2025-08-17T01:15:58.079Z

I had a feeling sonic state noticed this thread

I couldn’t help but notice that encoder wobbling all over the video.
Still sounds amazing

ex · 2025-08-25T12:27:51.553Z

Do you guys fancy the band pass filter on the Blofeld? I want to make chord stabs utilizing it, but haven’t heard how it sounds anywhere. Would be nice to compare to Kyra’s filters too.

TheWhistler · 2025-08-26T07:32:49.463Z

That is so true. Never came to grips with any newer Roland synth, not soundwise, mind you, but the user interface is so distracting. A friend of mine got a SH4-d. It should pair wonderfully with any Elektron box…just doesn’t because it is so cumbersome to navigate (at least for me).