LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER Takes on the EMS VCS3 Replica – The Cloney Project

G’day, folks! If you’ve ever dreamt of owning a piece of synthesizer history, LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER has got you covered. In the video, he delves into the EMS VCS3 saga, starting with his love affair at Goldsmith’s Electronic Music Studio. This piece of audio magic is hard to summarize, as it’s like trying to pin down a kangaroo on a caffeine high – utterly unpredictable. The rarity of the EMS VCS3 is legendary, with original models reaching almost mythical status. Prices are bonkers, and the waiting list is longer than a month of Sundays. But fear not, there’s a glimmer of hope for synth fans! LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER introduces us to The Cloney Project, a fabulous German initiative recreating the EMS synthy with top-notch components. This replica is as close as you can get to the original without a time machine! It’s an opportunity to own a legendary sound machine without the wallet-busting price tag.

The excitement is palpable as LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER dives into the box of wonders that is the Cloney kit. It’s like opening a treasure chest for synth lovers, filled with all the bits and bobs needed to recreate history. The attention to detail is astounding, from the instruction manuals to the individually labeled components. You can tell this isn’t just a kit; it’s an experience waiting to unfold. The kit contains circuit boards, potentiometers, joysticks, and more – like a lucky dip of musical delight. Particular attention is given to the circuit boards, which come pre-populated if you’re lucky enough to get on Matt’s good side. The same quality is evident in the wood panels and metalwork – every part is as sturdy as a kangaroo’s kick. Each component is meticulously crafted to mirror the original EMS design. LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER is clearly impressed, noting the Cloney’s robustness and precision. It’s a rig that could withstand a dust storm or a wild outback rave without breaking a sweat. The project reflects a true devotion to the art of synthesizer building, echoing the past while forging ahead into the future.

With the kit unboxed, the real adventure begins. LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER is like a kid in a candy store, armed with soldering irons and dreams of electric sheep. He starts with the cabinet, ensuring every part fits together like a jigsaw puzzle that’s been scattered by a wayward breeze. His dry run is smart planning, ensuring no missteps tie him up later down the road. The glue comes out, and it’s a delicate dance of fitting dowels and panels. The Cloney really starts to come alive here, sticking together as fluidly as BBQ sauce on a summer’s day. Meticulously, LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER follows the manuals, though they do test his patience now and then with their complexity. Despite these challenges, there’s an infectious enthusiasm in his voice, as pieces click and lock into place, bringing a magnificent synth replica closer to reality. As we watch, it’s impossible not to feel the thrill of creation – each step is another stride towards harnessing the iconic soundscape of the EMS VCS3.

The time has come to inject some juice into the Cloney. It’s as daunting as setting a dingo loose in a paddock full of sheep, but LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER’s determination is unwavering. Power supply assembly is the next hurdle – a task likened to playing with a Meccano set, but on an epic scale. Mistakes are made, like wiring the rectifier backward, but quick thinking and a bit of wizardry get things back on track. If synth-building were a barbecue, this would be the moment where the sausages start sizzling. With every screwing and unscrewing, every solder touch-up, the Cloney nears its completion. It’s all a matter of lining up the voltage just right, fine-tuning the regulated power like a seasoned electrician. LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER showcases his soldering skills as he ensures every connection is spot on. The climax comes with the nerve-wracking smoke test – a rite of passage for any synth DIY enthusiast. And when the lights flicker on without a hitch, it’s like the sunrise after a stormy night, all made worth it by the magical hum of volts coursing through this plastic and metal dream.

It’s game day, mates, as LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER heads to Canterbury for a gig that will put the Cloney to the ultimate test. It’s the classic tale of last-minute soldering and racing against time, but with one eye always on the prize – a successful show. He candidly shares the trials and tribulations of live performance, from technical hiccups to the euphoria of live creation. Despite some late-night tinkering, there are issues to be dealt with. A filter gives out, and an oscillator plays up, but LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER isn’t fazed. It’s all part of the thrill, and he takes it in stride like a true showman. Even though this performance is a bit of a BBQ mishap, it shows the real-world possibilities of the Cloney’s capabilities. As the event unfolds, it becomes a showcase of not only a brilliant piece of kit but also of the creative resilience and improvisational spirit our host possesses. The Cloney – even when things don’t go perfectly – still managed to fill the air with its distinctive hum.

In the wrap-up, LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER reflects on what’s next for the Cloney and beyond. The project isn’t just a one-off; it’s a stepping stone to even bigger dreams. He’s got visions of building a VCS4 clone, adding a base station and a keyboard to this already impressive ensemble. With plans for tweaks and modifications, the creative journey is far from over. The beauty of the Cloney kit lies not just in its replication of a classic but in the freedom to innovate and expand further. LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER’s vision shines through as he outlines potential future projects, peppered with the characteristic passion and zest we’ve come to expect from him. The closure is as sweet as a summer’s breeze, with hints at even more exciting builds on the horizon. Victory might not be complete, as there’s still some ironing out to do, but the spirit is undaunted. As LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER waves his soldering iron valiantly, we know this isn’t the last we’ve seen of him or the Cloney.