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$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 Will Gregory uses EDP Wasp

Will Gregory

Music Producer

Tears for Fears

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"There's also a bit of EDP Wasp, and I always go back to the Wasp. You can double high string lines with it and that just kicks them out of the ordinary somehow. Alison also jams on the Wasp and other things too, but it's usually what is currently being plugged in and played."

See how Rick J. Jordan uses EDP Wasp

Rick J. Jordan

Keyboardist, Composer

Scooter

...
Verified via YouTube

This video at 2:59 minutes Rick shows Electronic Dream Plant (EDP) Wasp

See how Chris & Cosey uses EDP Wasp

Chris & Cosey

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In the Sound on Sound article titled "Chris & Cosey: 2 Unlimited," the EDP Wasp synthesizer is listed as part of Chris & Cosey's gear collection.

See how William Bennett uses EDP Wasp

William Bennett

Singer, Music Producer

Whitehouse

...
Verified via Discogs

Total Sex CD information says that EDP Wasps were used on recording

See how Larry Steinbachek uses EDP Wasp

Larry Steinbachek

Keyboardist

Bronski Beat

...
Verified via Muzines

"I've always been interested in electronic instruments. The first synth I got was a Wasp, and I've always liked experimenting with tapes and multitracking, so for me the direction of our recording has always been electronic multitracking rather than guitar-based things."

W

Wesley Eisold

Singer

Cold Cave

...
Verified via reverb.com

Wesley Eisold, performing with his band Cold Cave, was seen using the EDP Wasp synthesizer on November 6, 2018, at Urban Spree in Berlin, Germany. This is corroborated by a listing on Reverb.com titled "Electronic Dream Plant Limited, England Wasp Owned by Cold Cave."

See how Neil Arthur uses EDP Wasp

Neil Arthur

Singer, Keyboardist

Blancmange

...
Verified via The Quietus

"Yes, in a kind of a mental sense I carry ‘Sad Day’ with me everywhere I go. It’s a template actually. Quite often when I start off putting things together, I don’t know that I’ve got it until it’s done. With ‘Sad Day’ this process was so minimal. Mark Cox who was in the 4AD post punk band Rema Rema lent us a Korg Mini-Pops and then Laurence Stevens [graphic designer and early Blancmange drummer] lent us a WASP Synthesizer. So, I’m playing the bass on the WASP and Stephen has his keyboard and then my £18 Toledo Gibson SG copy doing the guitar! It was two guitar parts – the melody and that Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! And I still play guitar like that and if I can get away with playing one string, I definitely will."

D

Daniel Goldstein

Singer, Keyboardist

Solid Space

...
Verified via Discogs

The Wasp is amongst the synths Dan Goldstein used during the making of Space Museum.

See how Rodney Orpheus uses EDP Wasp

Rodney Orpheus

Singer, Keyboardist

The Cassandra Complex

...
Verified via The Cassandra Complex

Rodney Orpheus is confirmed to use the EDP Wasp as it is listed on his gear page, "Gear – The Cassandra Complex," authored by Rodney.

S

Stephen Walker

Keyboardist

Modern English

...
Verified via Photo

The back of this first single by Modern English mentions Stephen Walker using a WASP synthesizer.

D

David Ferguson

Keyboardist, Composer

Random Hold

...
Verified via Archive

David Ferguson (keyboards): Korg 800 DV, Micro Korg, Mini Korg, Logan String Melody, Wasp synthesiser, Roland 101 Echo, Stylophone, Yamaha 100W amp, Roland rhythm box, Coloursound fuzz, MXR blue box, Boss 6channel mixer and many tapes and tape loops.

S

Stephen Singleton

Composer

ABC

...
Verified via ELECTRICITYCLUB.CO.UK

In this article, Vice Versa discuss using the WASP synthesizer on their cassette, 8 Aspects.

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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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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