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Average Price: $2,369
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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
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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
Joe mount used the Edp wasp on the first two Metronomy albums it is visible in some pictures and in the video for "holiday"
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
EDP Wasp is included in the list of synths at Daniel Miller's home studio.
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.”
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.'"
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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