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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
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Is the EDP Wasp synthesizer monophonic or polyphonic?
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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.
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What type of keys does the EDP Wasp have?
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The EDP Wasp features 25 mini keys, which are smaller than standard-sized keys and suitable for compact playability and portability.
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What kind of sound generation does the EDP Wasp use?
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The EDP Wasp uses analog sound generation, which is known for producing warm and rich tones typical of vintage synthesizers.
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What are the filter options available on the EDP Wasp?
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The EDP Wasp includes a switchable CMOS-based filter with low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass options, allowing for versatile sound shaping.
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Is the EDP Wasp suitable for live performances?
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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.
Videos
Alex Ball
The WASP - A Very British Synthesizer
Reviews
PROS
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Unique raw analog sound with earth-shattering lows
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Great sounding low, band, and high pass filters
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Rarity increases its value over time
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Excellent for vintage 60's and modern electro sounds
CONS
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Brittle case prone to cracking
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Basic sonic palette compared to other synths
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Lacks MIDI and a proper keyboard
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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
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The Wasp's filter and noise generation are praised, but lacks manipulation options compared to similar synths.
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Comparisons
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Compared to Neutron and Pro-1, Wasp is less flexible in modular capabilities but offers a unique "dirty, buzzing" sound.
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Build quality
User experience
Use cases and applications
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When amplified through a hifi, the Wasp's sound is described as insectile, offering a distinct auditory experience.
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Samples from Mars offers a 2.5GB sample bank of the Wasp, providing an extensive library for users seeking authentic sounds.
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Users appreciate the Wasp's "coarse and growling sweep" sounds for unique tonal character in productions.
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Mods and upgrades
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Michigan Synth Works offers clones of other EDP models like the Gnat and Spider, suggesting potential for expanding vintage EDP setups.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings
59
Weird and wonderful
This synth really has a great sound if you like old 60's and modern electro
Artist usage
Add artist
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.
In the YouTube video by Novation, Paul Hartnoll of Orbital discusses using the rare EDP Wasp synthesizer, seen at the 0:22 mark.
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.
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.
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.
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."
Album Usage
The EDP Wasp has been featured on the following albums:
PSG GANG
Whitehouse (2023)
Lexicon of Love 40th Anniversary Live At Sheffield City Hall
ABC (2023)
Small Moon
Chris Carter (2018)
Metamatic
John Foxx (2018)
Space Museum
Solid Space (2017)
Abyss
Chelsea Wolfe (2015)
The Terror
The Flaming Lips (2013)
Wonky
Orbital (2012)
Nights Out
Metronomy (2008)
Heartbreaker Vs Holiday
Metronomy (2008)
Hello America (2019 Remaster)
The Cassandra Complex (1986)
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics & Dave Stewart & Annie Lennox (1983)
Abacab (2007 Remaster)
Genesis (1981)
Duty Now for the Future
Devo (1979)
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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