OSC Oscar - is it a classic and if so why?

[knolan]

Hi -

I'm curious on whether the OSC Oscar is regarded as a classic and if so why? Personally I've never knowingly heard the synth, wouldn't know what it sounds like and if its actually good, and wouldn't know what famous hits its been on or who has used it.

So to my mind while it look great and is no doubt a robust synth, I'd be delighted to hear why it's got such seemingly classic status.

cheers,
Kevin.

[calyx93]

There is so much information about this synth and the VST recreations of it that you should have NO problem finding this information out for yourself. A little bit of poking around yourself would be much more helpful than expecting it all to be served to you on a plate.

Simply type in: OSCar synth classic

That should get you started.

You're welcome.

[JMP]

Here you go:

http://www.soundclick.com/util/getplaye ... 52785&q=hi

It's one of few vintage monosynths that has memories, band pass filtering and MIDI in the last version released. Will probably bounce too if you drop it, no others can do that. Used by Ultravox in the past.

[sensorium]

Younger Brother used it all over their most recent album (which is awesome if you haven't heard it). Most of the main synth lines on this album are the OSCar.

[monolith]

Younger Brother used it all over their most recent album (which is awesome if you haven't heard it). Most of the main synth lines on this album are the OSCar.

Younger Brother are amazing. Perfect music for inner space.
I always wondered what they used on on that album.
The guy I bought my FR Revolution off of had an OSCar w/MIDI. He said he hasnt really used it for years. I should try convince him to part with it.

[Automatic Gainsay]

I suppose what defines the word "classic" is probably different for people, but I wouldn't consider this a "classic" synth. A classic synth was groundbreaking when released, used by many celebrities and other musicians alike, held its value after it went out of style, defines or helps define a number of genres, and has continued to be a useful tool through a variety of years and genres.
The OSCar didn't sell well at first... it was a last stab at monosynth right when polysynths and MIDI were breaking the market, was expensive, and while it was used by some celebrities (a celebrity keyboard player having used one is not the same as every celebrity keyboard player having to have one... one of the defining characteristics of "classic"), it never seemed to corner the market like other synths called "classic" did.
It's also somewhat rare.

[shaft9000]

the filter alone makes it classic. nothing else responds like the OSCar.

To bad they're rare as Paris Hilton's Virtue in these parts, though.

and yes, Younger Brother's 'LAST DAYS OF GRAVITY' is without any shadow of a doubt one of the very best albums of the new millenia.
'Happy Pills' alone is an all-time top-notch electronic composition; packed with intense feelings.
As an aside, they played and recorded this stuff as a band - no hacked-together disparate bits of 'death-by-MIDI' nonsense. It's integrated, organic, real music played by real people not machines.
If you haven't heard it yet - than you are in for one heckuva treat!

[sensorium]

Agreed. Simon and Benji are finishing a re-mastering of the new Younger Brother album as we speak. Can't wait!

[monolith]

Agreed. Simon and Benji are finishing a re-mastering of the new Younger Brother album as we speak. Can't wait!

[knolan]

Thanks to everyone except Calyx93 for the insight. I must check out that album you mention.

cheers,
Kevin.

[nvbrkr]

There is so much information about this synth and the VST recreations of it that you should have NO problem finding this information out for yourself. A little bit of poking around yourself would be much more helpful than expecting it all to be served to you on a plate.

I thought discussion forums existed for discussion.

[Hybrid88]

The filter alone makes it classic. nothing else responds like the OSCar.

Absolutely, I own one and have to say it has the widest ranging ridiculously huge sounding filter I've yet heard - I'd be surprised if the 303 can match it really (and the only synth I have tried that does not lose bass response when the resonance is up high).

Perfect for basslines, along with the mini this synth is *the* bass machine

If you have to ask if it's a classic you need to try one, - seriously just try one

[CapnMarvel]

There is so much information about this synth and the VST recreations of it that you should have NO problem finding this information out for yourself. A little bit of poking around yourself would be much more helpful than expecting it all to be served to you on a plate.

Simply type in: OSCar synth classic

That should get you started.

You're welcome.

If you're saying such things at 287 posts I hazard to think how much of a crank you'll be after a few hundred more. I didn't know much about the OSCar and was happy to get the opinion of people here. Maybe you need to go get some fresh air or something.

[sam]

I am going to restore mine soon..As said the filter is very interesting and pwm on both osc is a nice detail.

If you want a classic sounding mono with the power of a mini but with more extras..

If it works ok...Buy one.

[seamonkey]

I suppose what defines the word "classic" is probably different for people, but I wouldn't consider this a "classic" synth. A classic synth was groundbreaking when released, used by many celebrities and other musicians alike, held its value after it went out of style, defines or helps define a number of genres, and has continued to be a useful tool through a variety of years and genres.

I think you are in the minority with your opinion on this one Marc, and yes, while the term may be different for different people, most I believe put this in the "classic" category.

I don't think a synth had to be groundbreaking when released, if it had it's own unique sound, creative engineering and ingenuity then it set itself up for later "classic" status. Even guilt by association can qualify a synth for classic status, and I mean by that, the synth having been used on classic songs.
The number of units produced and present availability can also qualify a synth as classic.

The Oscar has often been described as a poor man's Odyssey, yet, it had it's own sound.