Hohner EK4 E4 string and brass ensemble

valvusmusicus · Joined: Nov 06, 2009 Posts: 56 Location: Bournemouth. UK

Hi All
My EK4 has a duff string section-but the brass works fine-sort of!!
The string section just produces an extreemly low level distorted sound-and the vib on the brass only works when the strings are switched off, via the front panel
Checked all the obvious, dry joints, power rails, dodgy connectors
Does anyone have a schematic please-or is there another synth its based on that I could look for
Uses TDA1008 dividers, a master osc for the strings, I think-or does this produce the brass sounds as well please?

Thanks in anticipation

have lots to swap

Oskar · Joined: Jul 29, 2004 Posts: 1714 Location: Norway

Interesteing question! However, the subforum's name, "Strings and things," refers to actual stringed instruments like guitar, bass, cello, violin etc. I'll place this thread in a more suitable subforum, as your chances of getting the right people to read it will be better.

valvusmusicus · Joined: Nov 06, 2009 Posts: 56 Location: Bournemouth. UK

Sorry about that
Thanks for placing it in the correct forum
Rolling Eyes

Oskar · Joined: Jul 29, 2004 Posts: 1714 Location: Norway

Nae problemo! And welcome to the Madhoos! salut

Oskar · Joined: Jul 29, 2004 Posts: 1714 Location: Norway

*bump*

bunker · Joined: Mar 19, 2009 Posts: 52 Location: Manchester, UK

My Hohner Stringvox is actually an Elex design. Most, if not all the PCB's have Elex on them and Hohner were renownd for 'badge engineering' a lot of their keyboards (the venerable Logan String Melody appeared as a Hohner if I'm not mistaken.) Have a look around for other Italian ensemble keyboards of the era; chances are your E4 was originally sold as something else like a Jen etc.

Hope this helps..

Although they don't have the E4 listed you could always try Bill/Nigel over at WD Greenhill. Super helpful and a real mine of information...

http://www.wdgreenhill.com/

bunker · Joined: Mar 19, 2009 Posts: 52 Location: Manchester, UK

Did you manage to get anywhere with your Hohner? I saw this whilst having a look around. Seems to back my theory up

http://analogue-heaven.1065350.n5.nabble.com/Hohner-International-EK4-td38991.html

In the article it mentions the EK4 as being called 'Stringer'. There was a Jen Stringer that originated in Italy, my guess is they are the same instrument. I didn't think the EK4 (K4) had a brass section? Confused

I've got a feeling your brass section is just the string section with the ensemble switch off. If so my first port of call would definitely be the switch itself. The tend to connect one or several sub circuits to ground when they are switched in. All sorts of craziness can (and will) happen if these contacts foul up or break (been there, done that). Id advise a very close inspection, a good spray with some contact cleaner and a few operations of the switches. After that you might want to check the connections into and out of the ensemble board as its effectively placed into the signal path by the switch. I doubt you've got a fault on the ensemble PCB but it's not impossible. If you're handy with a multimeter AND WITH THE POWER OFF! you could check the continuity of the switch and associated wiring. Sorry to if I sound like I'm telling you to suck eggs; I'm a qualified electrician so I know how to work safely and I therefore don't advocate risk taking by the uninitiated!!

Let us know how you get on. I can always dig my Stringvox out and run through the internals if it'll help?