70s Synth Strings from Italy - The Crumar Multiman-S

Today we take a look at the Crumar Multiman-S, an Italian string synthesizer from 1977.
We also look at the concept of a string synthesizer in general; an instrument that served as a stop gap, but that forged its own identity due the distinctive sound and the records they were used in.
Originally conceived by Ken Freeman, others saw the impending gold rush and got their instruments out. When I say there was a "string synth heyday", I'm not exaggerating. Here's a list of just some of them:
ARP Omni / Omni II
ARP Quadra
Crumar Multiman
Crumar Multiman-S
Crumar Stringman
Crumar T3
Crumar Performer
Elka Rhapsody
Elektronika EM25 / 26
Eminent / ARP Solina String Ensemble
Eminent String Synthesizer
Eminent 310U
EKO Stradivarius
Farfisa Syntorchestra
Farfisa Soundmaker
Farfisa Polychrome
Farfisa String Orchestra
Freeman String Symphonizer
GEM PK4900
Godwin String Concert
Godwin Symphony 249
Hohner String Performer
Jen SM2007
Korg Poly Ensemble 1000 / 2000
Korg Delta
Korg Lambda
Korg Symphony 03
Korg Trident / Trident II
Logan Big Band
Logan / Hohner String Melody
Moog Opus
Polymoog
PAiA Strings
Roland RS-101
Roland RS-202
Roland RS-505 Paraphonic
Roland RS-09 Organ/Strings
Roland VP-330
Siel / ARP Quartet
Siel Cruise
Soltan Programmer 24
Wersi String Orchestra
Yamaha SK-10
Yamaha SK-15
Yamaha SK-20
Yamaha SK-30
Yamaha SK-50D
Yamaha SS-30
0:00 - Opening demo
0:35 - The String Synthesizer
2:44 - Paraphony
4:11 - The Crumar Multiman-S
4:32 - Basic Strings Demo
5:42 - Low Strings Ensemble Demo
6:07 - Phased Strings Demo
6:34 - Brass
7:46 - Piano
8:17 - Clavichord
8:31 - Bass
9:01 - The Multiman
10:11 - Outro Disco Bonanza
Gear used in this video:
Crumar Multiman-S (1977)
ARP Avatar (1977)
ARP Odyssey 2813 (circa 1976 - 77)
Roland SH-1000 (1973)
Roland System 100m (1979)
Roland Juno-6 (1982)
Roland CR-78 (1978)
Simmons SDS-3 (1978)
Ibanez RM-80 (early 80s)
Seekers Voice Spectra Vocoder (circa 2000)
Hylight Phazer Mk II (2019)
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