Sequential Circuits Piano Forte

This is an odd one. It's a late 70's all analog, pre-midi electric piano. There are 10 presets to choose from, with some interesting choices! You can't do any editing and I bought it without a manual. Seriously though, you really need a manual for this thing.

It seems it's completely polyphonic (i've never laid across the keys). The action is great! 72 Keys.

It has nice sounding tremelo and chorus effects. It has an input for a 2 button footswitch. I ended up making my own DIY footswitch box and it works awesome, it controls sustain and chorus on/off. The sustain pedal is a must-have with this keyboard!

There are stereo outs which make the effects even better. You can control the pitch and volume, as well as "bass" on/off. The bass switch turns the lowest octave (and a half?) into a really nice bass sound, with it's own volume, while retaining the chosen preset across the rest of the keys.

The bass sound is my favorite part of this thing, it sounds awesome through effects pedals as well. I am working on modifying this thing to accept another footswitch to control bass on/off and tremelo on/off.

It also has a headphone jack as well as 10 preset sounds to choose from.

I wonder how possible it is to add MIDI - because this would make a KILLER controller!!

This an analog attempt at making piano sounds without being mechanical - so the sounds are pretty unique and not realistic at all. It's not a synth and it's not a keyboard with 500 digital effects.

I would say it sounds very Lionel Ritchie. I can't describe the sounds after the "electric piano" preset... It definitely has an old school sound. Using the chorus on/off while playing is great for expressiveness - if only I could control bass and tremelo in the same fashion!!

I have used it live many times and on recordings. It's not the lightest thing ever... Actually it weighs a ton!! Along with that though, it's built in the Sequential Circuits style - Beefy, heavy duty wood and metal with a hinged lid for easy repair.

I can't begin to imagine this thing breaking... Where would I find a backup? I've never seen another one of these!

Long gone my friends...

If it were lost or stolen... I don't know what I would do. I would try to hunt one down - but I assume I would have to give up and buy something else. These things are quite rare in the US.

I own 7 keyboards/pianos/synths and this thing is truly unique! Nothing comes close to the odd sounds this thing makes. I've been making music since I was 13 (now 30).

I really like the fact that it's basic - just sit down, choose from 10 sounds, add an effect or two and start making some music. No programming or a million knobs to surf through.

The fact that it's analog and unique equals a perfect value for me!

the last of a breed, the piano forte' has electronic sounds, even the piano preset sounds electronic, but all sound great.. 10 presets unalterable unless run through effects, but the real thing none the less..I can't imagine a manual it would have to be 2 pages long

polyphony seems unlimited, all 72 (F to E)keys feel solid and the piano forte' has tremolo and chorus..a must have in an electronic piano
it is pre midi with no sequencer..but,,, has a mean bass switch which takes over the lower octave and a half with a very cool slap indeed

nothing realistic here, except electronic piano, it's best for jazz, I think !...the 2 effects mentioned above are very good and reacts positively to my playing.....enjoyable yes, yes, oh what a thrill
a tuning knob on top in the effects section whatta' concept

built like a mack truck, solid, heavy, never failed...I'd gig it anywhere, anytime and not worry,,,,,,,

sequential's gone and this was built by SIEL anyway,,,,soooo parts will have to come from pure luck if I ever need 'em

if stolen I'd be pissed,,,