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$500

$1501+

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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 Joseph Mount uses EDP Wasp

Joseph Mount

Singer, Guitarist

Metronomy

...
Verified via YouTube

Joe mount used the Edp wasp on the first two Metronomy albums it is visible in some pictures and in the video for "holiday"

See how Chris Carter uses EDP Wasp

Chris Carter

Keyboardist

Throbbing Gristle

...
Verified via Discogs

An EDP Wasp was used on the album Small Moon, according to the liner notes.

See how Sonic Boom uses EDP Wasp

Sonic Boom

Guitarist, Composer

Spacemen 3

...
Verified via Sonic-boom

Included on Sonic's equipment list

See how John Foxx uses EDP Wasp

John Foxx

Singer, Keyboardist

Ultravox

...
Verified via The Quietus

On June 5th, John Foxx will be taking his group The Maths to the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm London for a one-off performance of his classic album Metamatic. Now, after our feature on Benge's synths was such a hit with you lot, we thought that some of you might like to get warm under the collar and quivery of the finger tip to learn what John Foxx will be packing in the back of the van for the Roundhouse show - please check out the mouthwatering list below, and have a look at some John Foxx & The Maths on YouTube while you're at it. Find out more about this incredible event (which also features a DJ set by Gary Numan and Ade Fenton) at the Roundhouse website. John Foxx'Metatronic best-of is out now.

Synthesizers:

ARP Odyssey x 2, ARP Sequencers x 2, Crumar Multiman, EDP Wasp, Korg MonoPoly, Korg 700, Logan String Machine, Moog Mini x 2, Moog Modular plus Sequencers, Moog Opus 3, Roland Modular System 100m x 10 Modules, Roland SH2, Roland SH-101, Roland Juno 60, Sequential Circuits Multitrack

Drum machines:

Amdek Percussion Synthesiser, Boss Dr Rhythm, Linn Drum, Klone Drum, Roland CR78, Roland TR808

Effects & Processors:

Boss Chorus, Boss Flanger, Boss Phaser, Electro Harmonix electric mistress Flanger, Furman Spring Reverb, Ibanez AD80 Analog Delay, Maestro PS-1 Phase Shifter, Mu-tron Phasor, MXR Phase 100, Roland Space echo RE-201

Other Equipment

Tascam & Revox Analogue Reel to Reel Tape Machines

See how Daniel Miller uses EDP Wasp

Daniel Miller

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

EDP Wasp is included in the list of synths at Daniel Miller's home studio.

See how David A. Stewart uses EDP Wasp

David A. Stewart

Singer, Guitarist

Eurythmics

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Mentioned by Stewart in this Sound on Sound "Classic Tracks" interview about "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)".

On the same trip, in a hotel room in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Stewart began playing around with EDP’s Wasp synthesizer, accidentally stumbling upon the future, more electronic direction that he and Lennox were to pursue as Eurythmics. “I could actually get some interesting things happening,” he says. “Y’know, like, sequenced little sort of random hold patterns that sounded very exciting to us, even though it was just coming out of the plastic speaker in a crappy hotel room in Wagga Wagga. We weren’t even writing songs, I was just messing about on it.”

(...) Soon after, Lennox travelled to her native Scotland to visit her parents, leaving Stewart with time alone to further his experiments with the Wasp, pairing it with EDP’s matching proto-sequencer the Spider, and a TEAC 144 Portastudio. “I kind of voraciously learned how to use that really quickly,” he says of the latter, “and I realised it was little miracle. I had done things before, even before I met Annie actually, where I’d managed to get my hands on a Revox tape recorder, and I’d bounce things in a really crappy way, back and forth, and make a kind of montage of stuff.

“But with this Portastudio and the Wasp and the Spider sequencer, and then the [Roland TR-606] Drumatix, in one way or another I managed to manipulate the drums and the sequenced keyboard together. Then I was able to choose which sections I’d sequenced and sort of fly them over and bounce them. So I’m recording on track one with the sequencer, but then I’d sort of send it to track three or four and then I could switch it in and out when I didn’t want it. I could drop in if I wanted to change to a different chord or note or sequence. So I kinda built a track, kept bouncing back and forth. Some of them became the actual tracks on the Sweet Dreams album.”

See how Graham Massey uses EDP Wasp

Graham Massey

Guitarist, Keyboardist

808 State

...
Verified via 808state

EDP Wasp is included in the equipment list.

See how Varg2™ uses EDP Wasp

Varg2™

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

can be seen @1:14

See how Masonna uses EDP Wasp

Masonna

Composer, Music Producer

Acid Eater

...
Verified via Photo

A EDP Wasp can be seen in this gear photo posted to Maso Yamazaki’s Instagram

See how Gerald Casale uses EDP Wasp

Gerald Casale

Singer, Bassist

Devo

...
Verified via Tape Op Magazine

During an interview with Tape Op magazine in 2010, Jerry states; "We loved the sound of the Wasp and we were so excited about the Wasp that, in a suicide move, we used them onstage during the Duty Now for the Future tour. As soon as any drip of sweat from my head or hands hit this thing, it'd go 'Bleewwwdawablawdwa!' I wouldn't be touching it, and it would be playing. Everybody on stage would be looking at me and I'm like, 'But I'm not playing it.'"

See how Bon Harris uses EDP Wasp

Bon Harris

Composer

Nitzer Ebb

...
Verified via YouTube

in this video, Bon sites the Wasp as his first synths when he sold his BMX bike !!!

See how Paul Hartnoll uses EDP Wasp

Paul Hartnoll

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this vídeo at 1:36 is possible to see na EDP Wasp in Paul Hartnoll studio

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.

Roland SH-101
Roland SH-101 Synthesizers
4
ARP 2600
ARP 2600 Synthesizers
4
Akai S1100
Akai S1100 Audio Samplers
3
Casio CZ-101
Casio CZ-101 Synthesizers
3
EMS Synthi AKS
EMS Synthi AKS Synthesizers
2
Korg MS-20
Korg MS-20 Synthesizers
2

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