Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $90

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Crumar Performer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Step back in time with a modern twist—the Crumar Performer. This vintage-inspired virtual synthesizer channels the spirit of its 1979 hardware predecessor, delivering authentic sound and unmatched versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a synth enthusiast, this instrument offers a unique journey through soundscapes that combine nostalgia with cutting-edge technology.

The Crumar Performer boasts a 49-voice polyphony, ensuring each note is as rich and full-bodied as the last. Its intuitive control panel mirrors the original design with a brass section on the left, strings in the center, and a modulation section with volume control on the right. This thoughtful layout provides not only ease of use but also an immersive experience that invites creativity.

For those who crave customization, the Performer offers a choice between Rev.A and Rev.B filters, alongside a "Sustain Modification" feature that allows for further sound sculpting. With built-in reverb and chorus effects, along with pedal effect simulations such as graphic EQ, phaser, flanger, and analog delay, your sonic possibilities are nearly limitless.

Seamless integration into any setup is a breeze with its MIDI-Learn feature and MIDI map import/export capabilities, making it a versatile addition to both live and studio environments. The Crumar Performer doesn’t just replicate the past—it reshapes it, offering a timeless sound that’s ready for today's music landscape.

Key Features:

  • Replica of the full polyphonic hardware synthesizer from 1979
  • 49-voice polyphony
  • Authentic simulation of the original hardware circuit
  • Control panel with sections for brass, strings, and modulation
  • Options for Rev.A and Rev.B filters with "Sustain Modification"
  • Internal adjustable reverb and chorus effects
  • Pedal effect simulations: graphic EQ, phaser, flanger, and analog delay
  • MIDI-Learn and MIDI map import/export features
  • Bank and program import/export options

Product specs

Available since June 2021
Single/Bundle article Los artikel
Akustik Keys/Pianos No
Beat production / Drum machines No
Wind Instruments No
Cinematic / Effects No
Chorus / Vocals No
Drums / Percussion No
E-Pianos No
Ethno / Folk No
Guitars/plucked instruments No
Loops/Construction-Kits No
Orchestra Instruments No
Organs No
String Bass No
Sampler No
String Instruments No
Synthesizer Yes
Vintage Instrument Yes
Hardware Controller No
Download 1

FAQs

Is the Crumar Performer synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?

The Crumar Performer is a polyphonic synthesizer, allowing you to play multiple notes simultaneously, which is ideal for creating rich, layered sounds.

What standout features does the Crumar Performer offer?

The Crumar Performer is known for its vintage analog sound, particularly excelling in string and brass synthesis. It features a simple interface that makes it easy to dial in classic tones.

Does the Crumar Performer integrate easily with modern DAWs?

While the Crumar Performer is a vintage-style synthesizer, it can be integrated into modern setups using MIDI interfaces, but it does not have built-in USB or DAW-specific integration.

What kind of sounds can I expect from the Crumar Performer?

The Crumar Performer specializes in lush string and brass sounds, offering a warm, classic analog tone that's ideal for vintage and retro music styles.

Is the Crumar Performer suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Crumar Performer is well-suited for live performances due to its robust build and straightforward controls, making it easy to adjust settings on the fly.

AnalogAudio1

AnalogAudio1

CRUMAR PERFORMER String Machine 1979 | HD DEMO

Video thumbnail for CRUMAR PERFORMER String Machine 1979 | HD DEMO by AnalogAudio1

CRUMAR PERFORMER String Machine 1979 | HD DEMO

AnalogAudio1

AnalogAudio1

Video thumbnail for CRUMAR PERFORMER (1979) by Synthesizer Home

CRUMAR PERFORMER (1979)

Synthesizer Home

Synthesizer Home

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Crumar Performer.

Build quality

  • Some Crumar Performer units suffer from broken potentiometer shafts, though they are generally reported as functional besides scratchy pots.

    Source

User experience

  • It's noted that finding vintage synths like the Crumar Performer in dumps or recycling centers is surprisingly common, despite potential minor damages.

    Source
  • Owners describe the high strings as transformative, elevating tracks into "magical territory," highlighting the Performer's impact on music production.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Later models with a transpose switch are challenging to repair due to fragile boards and rare parts, requiring expert-level skills.

    Source
  • After-market replacement faders are in demand, but sourcing original ones is often necessary due to a lack of new alternatives.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing socketed 4558 op amp chips can resolve issues like volume dropouts and malfunctioning brass sections, offering a straightforward fix without soldering.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Brass section issues could be due to dirty interconnects, a common problem noted by owners.

    Source
  • The Performer lacks a CV input, but its gate output can trigger effects like LFO reset on analog rack flangers, enhancing its versatility in vintage setups.

    Source
  • It's noted that the gate output is labeled with a negative sign, sparking discussions about its compatibility with CV systems and triggering setups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The audio output can connect to a Moog Model D's External Input, allowing polyphonic sounds to be processed through Moog's superior filter and envelopes.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A user reported acquiring a Crumar Performer in perfect condition for $200, suggesting that deals can be found with patience.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Crumar Performer by Crumar - Sample Library Review

samplelibraryreview.com

Crumar Performer is a vintage synth enthusiast's dream, offering a faithful recreation with a rich, warm analogue sound. The clear GUI and easy programming make crafting your own presets straightforward and enjoyable. While it could use more presets for beginners, the ones included are filled with authentic character, ideal for retro 80s compositions. Its compact design and built-in effects enhance its playability and creative potential. Overall, it's a must-have for those seeking the nostalgic charm of classic synths.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 11 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
pausetc

Provides Useful Perspective on the Heritage of Polysynths

Many of my favorite analog synth sounds are some combination of sounds that were originally intended to emulate brass or string instruments. While early synth-using piano players who wanted to compose brass or string parts might have been disappointed in the accuracy of these emulations but I'm grateful for the result of these inaccuracies. I play with the Performer as an homage to that history, but also because on the Performer, there's nothing in the way of achieving a simple resonant-filtered mishmash of inaccurate brass and string sounds, which is essentially what we all mean when we say "lush pad". Bonuses on this machine: it's easy to open up and work on, and there's a separate output for the brass sound.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Nick Rhodes uses Crumar Performer

Nick Rhodes

Keyboardist

Duran Duran

...
Verified via Isatellite

Nick Rhodes used it to good effect in Duran Duran and described the sound as "plasticky".

See how Roosevelt uses Crumar Performer

Roosevelt

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

He uses Crumar Performer on this video clip. One can tell that the strings in the song Montreal are coming from this vintage guy.

See how L'Impératrice uses Crumar Performer

L'Impératrice

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live L'impératrice performance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sELxgrgaQUk you can see the beign used by Charles de Boisseguin

See how Detroit Swindle uses Crumar Performer

Detroit Swindle

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

Detroit Swindle showcases their Crumar Performer synthesizer in an Instagram post by damswindle, captioned, "Slowly but surely we're expanding the HQ... What will be the next addition?" This highlights the duo's ongoing commitment to enhancing their studio setup.

See how Darius uses Crumar Performer

Darius

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Darius played with the crumar on a instagram video

See how Max Graef uses Crumar Performer

Max Graef

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:55 in the interview Max says: "I mostly work with the Crumar" plus it's visible throughout the video, most notably at 2:00.

See how Gerald Woodruffe uses Crumar Performer

Gerald Woodruffe

Keyboardist

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via YouTube

At 4 minutes and 38 seconds into the YouTube documentary titled "The Secret Keyboardist of Robert Plant & Black Sabbath: Jezz Woodroffe" by JCM - Led Zeppelin Stories and more, it is shown that Gerald Woodruffe used a Crumar Performer on his solo album "Opposite Directions," confirming his use of this specific music gear.

See how Jeremy Lutito uses Crumar Performer

Jeremy Lutito

Drummer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "EPIC HOME STUDIO SETUP 2022 | Jeremy Lutito (studio tour)" by Andrew Masters, a Crumar Performer analog synthesizer can be clearly seen at 0:03 on a shelf within Jeremy Lutito's studio.

See how Alan St. Jon uses Crumar Performer

Alan St. Jon

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

In a Crumar advertisement from 1982, Alan St. Jon is mentioned as using the Crumar Performer.

Album Usage

The Crumar Performer has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Crumar Performer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
nsaityiofficial

nsaityiofficial

Gear IQ 114

More Crumar Synthesizers

Sequential Prophet-6

$3,329.47 - $3,499.99

# 1

Rank

Kevin Parker Thom Yorke Trent Reznor
168 artists using
Moog Grandmother

$999.00 - $1,084.00

# 4

Rank

Dominic Fike Deadmau5 Martin Garrix
51 artists using
Korg Minilogue

$411.00 - $699.99

# 10

Rank

Aphex Twin King Krule Misha Mansoor
132 artists using
Moog Subsequent 37

$1,492.89 - $1,899.00

# 14

Rank

Skrillex Neil Halstead Charlie Puth
68 artists using
Arturia MicroBrute

$303.44 - $652.00

# 15

Rank

John Dwyer Adrian Utley Noisia
64 artists using
Korg MicroKORG

$389.00 - $538.00

# 16

Rank

Kevin Parker Frank Iero Joe Duplantier
324 artists using
Yamaha Reface DX

$279.00 - $449.99

# 19

Rank

Mac DeMarco Aphex Twin Taylor Swift
34 artists using
Korg MS-20 Mini

$500.33 - $899.99

# 20

Rank

Kevin Parker Mike Shinoda Deadmau5
92 artists using
Roland AIRA SYSTEM-1

$225.00 - $1,763.18

# 21

Rank

Nick Reinhart Porter Robinson Liam Howlett
53 artists using
Yamaha Reface CS

$79.99 - $495.44

# 22

Rank

Mac DeMarco Fred again.. Justin Vernon
48 artists using
Moog Matriarch

$1,709.10 - $1,948.00

# 24

Rank

Thom Yorke Fred again.. Kurt Vile
39 artists using

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    morse
    morse

    Gear IQ 41