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Description

The EDP Wasp is a classic synthesizer that has etched its mark in the history of electronic music with its unique sound and innovative design. Originally released in the late 1970s, this synth is celebrated for its distinctive digital oscillator configuration, which adds a unique texture to its analog synthesis core. The Wasp’s sound is both raw and edgy, making it a favorite among musicians who crave a vintage feel with a touch of unpredictability. This synth is particularly known for being user-friendly while offering a wide range of sonic possibilities, from fat basslines to screeching leads.

Equipped with a 25-key keyboard, the EDP Wasp is compact yet powerful, allowing for versatile playability in both studio and live settings. The synth's touch-sensitive keyboard and rich modulation capabilities provide an expressive playing experience, perfect for those who want to push the boundaries of their soundscapes. Its quirky design and portability make it a beloved piece for collectors and performers alike.

Whether you're a seasoned synth enthusiast or a newcomer looking to explore the world of analog synthesis, the EDP Wasp offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and functionality, ensuring it remains a staple in any electronic musician's arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Classic dual digital oscillator configuration
  • 25 touch-sensitive keys for dynamic performance
  • Comprehensive modulation controls
  • Compact and portable design
  • Unique vintage sound with modern usability

Product specs

Brand EDP
Model Wasp 25-Key Analog Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1978 - 1981
Made In United Kingdom
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Mini
Number of Keys 25 Keys
Polyphony 1 Voice

FAQs

Is the EDP Wasp synthesizer monophonic or polyphonic?

The EDP Wasp is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play one note at a time. This is typical for many synths of its era, focusing on rich, single-note sounds.

What type of keys does the EDP Wasp have?

The EDP Wasp features 25 mini keys, which are smaller than standard-sized keys and suitable for compact playability and portability.

What kind of sound generation does the EDP Wasp use?

The EDP Wasp uses analog sound generation, which is known for producing warm and rich tones typical of vintage synthesizers.

What are the filter options available on the EDP Wasp?

The EDP Wasp includes a switchable CMOS-based filter with low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass options, allowing for versatile sound shaping.

Is the EDP Wasp suitable for live performances?

While the EDP Wasp can be used for live performances, its mini keys and monophonic nature make it more suited for specific sound applications rather than complex live setups.

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

The WASP - A Very British Synthesizer

Video thumbnail for The WASP - A Very British Synthesizer by Alex Ball

The WASP - A Very British Synthesizer

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for EDP WASP SYNTH PRESENTED BY THOMAS P. HECKMANN by Telekom Electronic Beats TV

EDP WASP SYNTH PRESENTED BY THOMAS P. HECKMANN

Telekom Electronic Beats TV

Telekom Electronic Beats TV

Video thumbnail for EDP Wasp Synthesizer  [Sound Check] by いーえるP@TinySymphony

EDP Wasp Synthesizer [Sound Check]

いーえるP@TinySymphony

いーえるP@TinySymphony

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique raw analog sound with earth-shattering lows

  • Great sounding low, band, and high pass filters

  • Rarity increases its value over time

  • Excellent for vintage 60's and modern electro sounds

CONS

  • Brittle case prone to cracking

  • Basic sonic palette compared to other synths

  • Lacks MIDI and a proper keyboard

  • Keybed is not ideal for players

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Wasp's filter and noise generation are praised, but lacks manipulation options compared to similar synths.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to Neutron and Pro-1, Wasp is less flexible in modular capabilities but offers a unique "dirty, buzzing" sound.

    Source

Build quality

  • Original EDP Wasp had a plastic build with a printed keyboard known for sometimes missing notes.

    Source
  • Jasper synths are often sold pre-assembled with knobs, but some owners seek aftermarket knobs for customization.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners have a strong nostalgic attachment to the Wasp despite its limitations, highlighting its unique sound and character.

    Source
  • Owners express excitement and satisfaction with Jasper clones, noting their fun playability and impressive sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • When amplified through a hifi, the Wasp's sound is described as insectile, offering a distinct auditory experience.

    Source
  • Samples from Mars offers a 2.5GB sample bank of the Wasp, providing an extensive library for users seeking authentic sounds.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the Wasp's "coarse and growling sweep" sounds for unique tonal character in productions.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Michigan Synth Works offers clones of other EDP models like the Gnat and Spider, suggesting potential for expanding vintage EDP setups.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • "Da Hornet" VST is free but requires jBridge or Blue Cat's PatchWork to run in a 64-bit DAW.

    Source
  • jBridge wraps 32-bit VSTs for 64-bit DAWs, but is incompatible with macOS Catalina.

    Source

Critic Reviews

EDP WASP

chriscarter.co.uk

The EDP Wasp, despite its toy-like appearance, boasts impressive sound capabilities for its price range, delivering dynamic acid and techno tones that rival more acclaimed synths. However, the instrument's reliability is a major concern, with fragile plastic casing and a sensitive keyboard often leading to technical issues. While its unique design and cult status make it a tempting vintage piece, potential buyers should be wary of its durability and the difficulty in finding functional units today. Overall, the Wasp is a quirky yet capable synthesizer that is not without its flaws.

Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
d42mkmxoq

Exelent little mono synth

if you don't mind the lack of MIDI or a proper keyboard then this is an excellent little monophonic synthesizer.

jedeyetown

Weird and wonderful

This synth really has a great sound if you like old 60's and modern electro

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Parker uses EDP Wasp

Kevin Parker

Singer, Guitarist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen in the background throughout video.

See how Flux Pavilion uses EDP Wasp

Flux Pavilion

Music Producer

...
Verified via reverb.com

According to Flux Pavilion's official Reverb shop, this instrument was listed among the items that were used to him and subsequently were sold afterwards.

See how Orbital uses EDP Wasp

Orbital

Music Producer

Orbital & Angelo Badalamenti

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video by Novation, Paul Hartnoll of Orbital discusses using the rare EDP Wasp synthesizer, seen at the 0:22 mark.

See how Chelsea Wolfe uses EDP Wasp

Chelsea Wolfe

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Picture from the studio recording "Abyss"

See how Tony Banks uses EDP Wasp

Tony Banks

Singer, Keyboardist

Genesis

...
Verified via YouTube

Tony Banks has not publicly confirmed the use of the EDP Wasp synthesizer. While it appeared on a compiled list of his gear around 2001, there is no direct evidence of its use, such as video footage or studio photos. The synthesizers predominantly associated with the "Abacab" album include the Yamaha CS-80 and the ARP Quadra for live performances. Until Tony clarifies this, the connection remains speculative.

See how Alan Wilder uses EDP Wasp

Alan Wilder

Drummer, Keyboardist

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Alan Wilder is noted for using the EDP Wasp synthesizer, as mentioned in the equipment list for his project, Recoil, in Sound On Sound's "Unsound Recordings" article.

See how Nick Rhodes uses EDP Wasp

Nick Rhodes

Keyboardist

Duran Duran

...
Verified via Duran Duran

The first synth I ever owned was an EDP WASP.

See how Mark Mothersbaugh uses EDP Wasp

Mark Mothersbaugh

Singer, Guitarist

Devo

...
Verified via YouTube

In this 1979 video, Mark (in costume as Booji Boy) plays a Wasp during "The Words Get Stuck In My Throat". This Wasp was later used by Jerry Casale for synth bass on the Duty Now For The Future tour.

See how Roger O'Donnell uses EDP Wasp

Roger O'Donnell

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Cure

...
Verified via Rogerodonnell

this is listed 3rd down in roger keyboards list

See how Wayne Coyne uses EDP Wasp

Wayne Coyne

Singer, Guitarist

The Flaming Lips

...
Verified via MusicRadar

In interviews about the making of the album Flaming Lips album The Terror, Wayne Coyne, Steven Drodz and producer Dave Fridmann were each asked about the ESP Wasp.

Interviewer: Can we also detect the distinctive tone of a beautiful old EDP Wasp analogue synth in places?

Wayne Coyne: "We're so much the slaves to sound that we're almost always looking for a new sound to use. We were at Sean Lennon's studio a little while back and we saw the Wasp, played it, loved it and, at the end of the session, Sean gave it to us. When we took it back to Dave's studio it was almost all we played for a while. That's the truth about how music is, really."

Interviewer: ...and not forgetting Sean Lennon's Wasp?

Steven Drodz: "[laughs] I think he just saw how into it we were and gave it to us and we've ended up using that on most of the album.

Interviewer: Wayne told us of his love for the old EDP Wasp synth. Was there a conscious decision to go more analogue on the new album?

Dave Fridmann: "I wouldn't say it was a conscious decision but what was a conscious decision was to make things more variable and random and seize the moment.

"There's a couple of tracks on the album where the click-track is a noise the Wasp was making when it was broken and we just kept it in the song. So, there's a sort of organic element to most of what happened on the record where it's continuously variable and interesting moment to moment."

See how Scooter uses EDP Wasp

Scooter

Music Producer

Dance United

...
Verified via YouTube

In this youtube video at 2:54, the EDP Wasp can be seen in Scooter's keyboard rack.

See how William Orbit uses EDP Wasp

William Orbit

Music Producer

Torch Song

...
Verified via Muzines

In this article, William Orbit mentions owning a EDP WASP synthesizer.

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 EDP Wasp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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3
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Roland System 700 Modular Synthesizers
2
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2
Korg MiniKorg-700s
2
EMS Synthi AKS
EMS Synthi AKS Synthesizers
2

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