Oxford Synthesizer Co....Oscar

[Richards]

Hi there, I would like to know if anybody can share there experience playing a Oscar
synthesizer. This synth was around from 1983-1986 approx.
How do/did you like its overall sounds/features?
How do rate this synth overall?

Thanks for your time . Richards

[JMP]

Probably almost at the top of the vintage monosynth ladder for me, likely topped only by a Minimoog if I ever get one... The OSCar has a great sound, great filter, memories and an arp with duophonic capability (although a bit c**p in this area). Midi comes with later models and it looks wierd with big rubber end panels that come in handy if you ever drop it.

I have an audio demo of the one I used to have here:

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

[syncretism]

Nice demo reel, JMP. That sequenced/arpeggiated bit starting 'round 30 seconds in is just perfect new wave.

Edit, damn it, now I want one again.

[JMP]

Cheers, a few have come on Ebay now and again. Usually around the £900-£1,100 mark.

[iProg]

I must recommend GMedias plug-in version called impOSCar. Kick a*s sound!

[Richards]

Thanks JMP for your opinion, and everybody else, I just purchased one and I don;t really know what to expect fully. The one I purchased is
the very last version made with the 1500 step sequencer, midi capabilities. The best selling feature, is that I bought it off the original owner, he bought it new in early 86 and has had since. No issues and its in mint condition.

Thanks , I will keep you all posted!! Cheers, Richards

[mooghappy]

So are you the one that won this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/OSCar-SYNTHESIZER-R ... 1|294%3A50

Went for a ridiculous high price, but the new condition does look amazing!

Hope you enjoy it and treat it well!

[Ambient Version]

So are you the one that won this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/OSCar-SYNTHESIZER-R ... 1|294%3A50

Went for a ridiculous high price, but the new condition does look amazing!

Hope you enjoy it and treat it well!

Do you know how much it went for?

[anoteoftruth]

These things sound amazing. If I had the funds I would try my best to grab one.

[Hybrid88]

So are you the one that won this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/OSCar-SYNTHESIZER-R ... 1|294%3A50

Went for a ridiculous high price, but the new condition does look amazing!

Hope you enjoy it and treat it well!

Do you know how much it went for?

I'm very interested also, does anyone know, listing's timed out?

Anyway, I am the owner of a very nice OSCar too. The last version seems to be most reliable, I have yet to have any problems whatsoever with mine, which is crazy as people always say how bad they are in this area, and almost all of my other synths are either completely busted or have something wrong with them.

oh, and best part of the OSCar is the phenomenal filter, it has a range to it that would put any 303 to shame

[Nils]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum.

OSCar is my all-time favorite monosynth. I had three of them (for polyphonic action etc) for 15 years. I'ts an excellent and unique sounding synth. Someone already mentioned the dual filters that can be overdriven, with separate resonant peaks. I also think its digital capabilities are worth mentioning. With programmable additive synthesis, it can do sounds I've never heard from any other synth. It can certainly do your "standard" analog stuff, but always with its own characteristic stamp on it. It has a solid, deep low end, but the envelope attack times are more similar to an Odyssey than a Mini.

Also worth mentioning are its "modern-day" features, like the MIDI interface; syncable arpeggio and sequencer (with clock divider), sysex dumps, filter cutoff control over MIDI etc. (I've never seen an OSCar without MIDI btw). You can also use it as a MIDI keyboard for other synths, though it lacks basic stuff like velocity sensitivity. The arpeggio and sequencer are also syncable with analog clock (in & out).

Stability? All three I've had have been "acting up" from time to time, probably due to a fragile construction, and lack of use. OSCar relies on a rechargeable battery to work well, and if left unused for a longer period of time, it will need recharging when put to use again. The battery does not reside on the main board, and disconnection between the boards will make it lose everything that's stored. I guess I got used to their temperament over the years.

The VST version is superb, and catches most of the original's character, though it slightly lacks the grit and dirt of the original's sound.

I sold the my third OSCar a couple of years ago, and now the time has come for nr 2 to go. I haven't gotten around to list it yet, but will do so in the near future.

Cheers,
Nils (Norway)

[iProg]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum.

OSCar is my all-time favorite monosynth. I had three of them (for polyphonic action etc) for 15 years. I'ts an excellent and unique sounding synth. Someone already mentioned the dual filters that can be overdriven, with separate resonant peaks. I also think its digital capabilities are worth mentioning. With programmable additive synthesis, it can do sounds I've never heard from any other synth. It can certainly do your "standard" analog stuff, but always with its own characteristic stamp on it. It has a solid, deep low end, but the envelope attack times are more similar to an Odyssey than a Mini.

Also worth mentioning are its "modern-day" features, like the MIDI interface; syncable arpeggio and sequencer (with clock divider), sysex dumps, filter cutoff control over MIDI etc. (I've never seen an OSCar without MIDI btw). You can also use it as a MIDI keyboard for other synths, though it lacks basic stuff like velocity sensitivity. The arpeggio and sequencer are also syncable with analog clock (in & out).

Stability? All three I've had have been "acting up" from time to time, probably due to a fragile construction, and lack of use. OSCar relies on a rechargeable battery to work well, and if left unused for a longer period of time, it will need recharging when put to use again. The battery does not reside on the main board, and disconnection between the boards will make it lose everything that's stored. I guess I got used to their temperament over the years.

The VST version is superb, and catches most of the original's character, though it slightly lacks the grit and dirt of the original's sound.

I sold the my third OSCar a couple of years ago, and now the time has come for nr 2 to go. I haven't gotten around to list it yet, but will do so in the near future.

Cheers,
Nils (Norway)

Welcome to VSE. Please PM me if you're selling it. Shipping it to my town is cheap too!

[Nils]

Thanks! PM sent.