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Average Price: $601

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$500

$1501+

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Description

Dive into a world of sonic exploration with the Jen SX1000 Synth, a classic choice for musicians seeking both vintage charm and modern versatility. Known for its monophonic architecture, this synth provides a lush, warm analog sound that has been a staple in studios across the globe. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned professionals, the SX1000 offers a tactile experience with its intuitive interface, making it easy to sculpt and shape your own unique tones.

The synth is equipped with a 37-note keyboard, ensuring a compact yet effective layout for live performances or studio sessions. It features a single VCO with square and sawtooth waveforms, providing the building blocks for rich and diverse soundscapes. The built-in LFO, filter, and envelope controls allow for detailed modulation and dynamic expression, enabling musicians to craft everything from subtle pulses to sweeping leads.

The Jen SX1000's simplicity does not compromise its depth; it is beloved for its ability to deliver vibrant sounds that can stand out in any mix. Whether you're composing for a film score, jamming with a band, or creating electronic tracks, this synthesizer has the tools to enhance your sound palette.

Key Features:

  • 37-note keyboard for compact and efficient playability
  • Monophonic analog synthesis for authentic vintage sounds
  • VCO with square and sawtooth waveforms
  • LFO, filter, and envelope controls for dynamic sound shaping
  • Intuitive interface suitable for all skill levels
  • Ideal for live performance and studio use

Product specs

Brand Jen
Model Sx-1000 Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1980
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 37 Keys
Polyphony 1 Voice

FAQs

Is the Jen SX1000 Synth monophonic or polyphonic?

The Jen SX1000 Synth is monophonic, meaning it can play only one note at a time, which is ideal for lead lines and bass sequences.

What type of synthesis does the Jen SX1000 use?

The Jen SX1000 uses analog synthesis to generate its sounds, providing warm and rich tones typical of vintage synthesizers.

How many keys does the Jen SX1000 Synth have and what is the key size?

The Jen SX1000 Synth features a 37-key keyboard with full-size keys, offering a comfortable playing experience for performers.

What is the action type of the Jen SX1000 Synth's keyboard?

The keyboard of the Jen SX1000 Synth has a synth action, which is generally lighter and faster, suitable for quick playing styles often used in electronic music.

What are the standout features of the Jen SX1000 Synth's sound engine?

The Jen SX1000 Synth's sound engine is known for its classic analog character, providing rich and warm tones with simple yet effective controls for shaping sound.

AutomaticGainsay

AutomaticGainsay

The Jen SX1000 Part 1

Video thumbnail for The Jen SX1000 Part 1 by AutomaticGainsay

The Jen SX1000 Part 1

AutomaticGainsay

AutomaticGainsay

Video thumbnail for JEN SX1000 - Cheaper than a Korg, but is it any good?! by THIS MUSEUM IS (NOT) OBSOLETE

JEN SX1000 - Cheaper than a Korg, but is it any good?!

THIS MUSEUM IS (NOT) OBSOLETE

THIS MUSEUM IS (NOT) OBSOLETE

Video thumbnail for JEN SX-1000 SYNTHETONE Analog Synthesizer 1978 | HD DEMO by AnalogAudio1

JEN SX-1000 SYNTHETONE Analog Synthesizer 1978 | HD DEMO

AnalogAudio1

AnalogAudio1

Video thumbnail for DEMO JEN SX 1000 ITALIAN ANALOG SYNTHESIZER by PianoVintage

DEMO JEN SX 1000 ITALIAN ANALOG SYNTHESIZER

PianoVintage

PianoVintage

Video thumbnail for Synthesizer Test Drive: Jen SX1000 by Syntaur

Synthesizer Test Drive: Jen SX1000

Syntaur

Syntaur

Video thumbnail for Jen Synth SX1000 by 1heUndertaker

Jen Synth SX1000

1heUndertaker

1heUndertaker

Video thumbnail for JEN SX 1000 SYNTHESIZER // MAKING AN INDIE POP SONG USING ONLY THIS QUIRKY 80'S SYNTH. by Matt Mink

JEN SX 1000 SYNTHESIZER // MAKING AN INDIE POP SONG USING ONLY THIS QUIRKY 80'S SYNTH.

Matt Mink

Matt Mink

Video thumbnail for Vintage Jen SX1000 synthesizer clean up and demo by Ian Dixon

Vintage Jen SX1000 synthesizer clean up and demo

Ian Dixon

Ian Dixon

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Jen SX1000 Synth.

Features and functionality

  • The Jen SX1000 has a distinct character, offering "instant Boards Of Canada vibes" but may not suit those seeking an acid mono synth sound.

    Source
  • Originally, the Jen SX1000 included paper overlays to serve as presets, which is a characteristic feature of its vintage design.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The clock divider chip and noise chip are crucial yet difficult to replace, with the clock divider being particularly hard to source.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • MIDI retrofit is available but expensive; it can also replace the M110 oscillator if it fails.

    Source
  • Suggested upgrades include replacing the pre-filter 1uF capacitor with 10uF, adapting noise gen levels, or adding a sub oscillator for enhanced sound.

    Source
  • Some users have integrated a beefy pre-filter overdrive, opto-coupler tremolo, and variable filter tracking to modify the synth's sound without altering the housing.

    Source

Build quality

  • The colored knob tops often come off due to age, making it difficult to find a unit with all original knobs intact.

    Source
  • Original knobs share design with EMS synths, and sourcing replacements is particularly challenging due to their distinctive style.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite some high listings on Reverb, realistic selling prices for the Jen SX1000 range from £250-400, according to recent market activity.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners mention that modifying the synth can be a rewarding project for those interested in analog circuit building.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Jen Synthetone SX1000 [Retrozone]

soundonsound.com

The Jen SX1000 Synth is a quirky piece of synth history that offers a mix of charm and limitations. While its simplistic design and lack of frills may not impress the modern musician, it holds nostalgic value for its clean sound reminiscent of the Korg 700. The synth's unique oscillator and pulse-width modulation are highlights, but its limited modulation capabilities and multi-triggering mode are drawbacks. Despite these flaws, its affordability makes it an intriguing option for those looking to experiment with vintage sounds on a budget. Overall, it's a niche find for synth enthusiasts with an appreciation for retro charm.

3.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Madlib uses Jen SX1000 Synth

Madlib

Rapper, Music Producer

Madvillain

...
Verified via Future Producers

Madlib mentions in this interview that he uses the 'Jen SX-1000'

See how Caribou uses Jen SX1000 Synth

Caribou

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 5:10 you can see the Jen SX1000 in this YouTube video. Dan says that it was the first synthesizer sold at Woolworths so it is probably a much older models then the one pictured above. 🖖

See how The Future Sound of London uses Jen SX1000 Synth

The Future Sound of London

Music Producer

Vangelis & The Future Sound of London

...
Verified via Muzines

Future Sound of London equipment list from the August 1992 issue of Music Technology Magazine:

Instruments

Akai S612 Sampler + MD280 Disk Drive Akai S900 Sampler Akai S1000 Sampler w/8Mb memory E-mu Proteus/1 w/Protologic board Jen SX1000 Synth Roland D110 Synth Module Roland JX3P Synth Roland MC202 Monosynth Roland MKS50 Synth Module + PG300 Programmer Roland TB303 Bass Synth Roland TR606 Drum Machine Yamaha DS55 Synth Yamaha TX81Z

Effects

Alesis Quadraverb (x2) Alesis MIDIverb II BBE 422A Sonic Maximiser Bel Electronics BD80 Digital Delay Drawmer DS201 Dual Gate Fostex 3070 Compressor/Limiter Ibanez DM1100 Digital Delay Korg DRV1000 Digital Reverb Yamaha SPX90 Multi effects Processor

Recording

Aiwa HDX1 DAT Recorder Atari 1040ST Computer w/C-lab Creator software Fostex B16 Multitrack Groove MC2V MIDI/CV Converter Korg KMS30 Sync Unit Nakamichi 480Z Cassette Deck Sony DTC1000ES DAT Recorder Soundtracs CM4400 Mixing Desk Technics SL1200 Mk2 Turntable Yamaha NS10M Monitors

See how Shigeto uses Jen SX1000 Synth

Shigeto

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

can be seen in this post from September 21, 2012

See how Broadcast uses Jen SX1000 Synth

Broadcast

...
Verified via YouTube

This clip of Broadcast on 'Later With Jools Holland' shows them using the Jen SX-1000 monosynth at about 2:43 (the characteristic big rotary knobs are visible here).

See how Plaid uses Jen SX1000 Synth

Plaid

Music Producer

...
Verified via Tapeop

the Jen SX1000 can be seen in the second image on this page

See how Mark Bell uses Jen SX1000 Synth

Mark Bell

Music Producer

LFO

...
Verified via Muzines

As listed in this vintage interview on the Music Magazine Archive

See how Baltra uses Jen SX1000 Synth

Baltra

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

The British SX1000 borrowed for this Against the Clock session is name-checked @16:00 and seen throughout.

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 Jen SX1000 Synth, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

C-Lab Creator
C-Lab Creator Music Software
2
Roland TR-505
Roland TR-505 Drum Machines
1
Akai MPC60
Akai MPC60 Production & Groove
1
Roland AIRA TR-8
Roland AIRA TR-8 Drum Machines
1
Yamaha FS1R
Yamaha FS1R Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
Roland D-110
Roland D-110 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1

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