MPC Electronics MPC-1 Music Percussion Computer

Superb analogue drum machine dating from c1983. In excellent condition and full working order.

This is the second time we've had this machine. It survived being transported across the Atlantic (twice) only requiring a basic second service (cleaning pots and switches brought it back up to standard - plus some careful testing of course). Given the amount of work it took to get it right in the first place it is great to see that it has been stable since then.

These are uncommon in any condition, but this only the second example we've seen that works as it should. It's a ground-breaking historic analogue drum synth with onboard sequencer, designed to link up with either a Sinclair ZX81 (UK) or Timex 1000 (USA) personal computer to provide computer-programmed beats for the first time ever.

CONDITION: Excellent - it has a few minor scuffs and dings as you would expect but it is looking great for its age.

Functionally it's in great working condition and it's wonderful to finally be able to program one of these machines - we've had several over the years, but most fail to retain programmed sequences for more than a bar or two before crashing. We must add the caveat that as this machine is based on ancient computer technology, we can only offer limited guarantees as to its future operating state: it works now, but we can't offer any extended warranty beyond a guarantee that it will arrive in working order.

Capable of a range of quality analogue drum synth sounds and, being one of the less-common and seldom-used drum synths, it immediately has an appeal if you're looking to stand out from the crowd.

This English drum synth/computer, designed in 1981 by Clive Button and launched to great acclaim a year or so later, was revolutionary but alas very short-lived; there are few surviving examples to be found in any state, let alone good working order. Originally used by Depeche Mode, the MPC-1 failed to replicate their successes and hit the big time and sank without trace, unlike its later namesake - Roger Linn's famed MPC series (no connection). It has an 8 bit processor and a massive 4kb of onboard memory to store programmed beats - these can be loaded/dumped via the tape in/out interface (not tested).

In the past, I've heard them likened to an 808 sonically and it certainly has some low end heft, but I think its appeal is that it isn't an 808 - it's a great-sounding analogue drum synth in its own right, and a less-used one at that. It has a unique physical presence and serious wow-factor. Individual outs also make it very tweakable mix-wise, as do the various onboard tweaks for individual sounds.

It comes in its original custom flightcase with leather handle which is in very good order, though the foam in the lid has degraded - it's been removed but there is residue still coming off in the case. The case has a stand mount in the base for mounting on a mic/drum stand (not included). The drum pads all work fine, and all rotary pots are functioning well: the mix out and individual outputs all pass signals as expected.

It's a 240v machine. It will require a step-up transformer for use on 110/120v supplies; we definitely recommend avoiding using a cheap, generic transformer with this - after the work it is taken to get it working we'd hate to hear of it getting fried.

From the original US ad:

"MPC Electronic Drums. the MPC (Music Percussion Computer) interfaces with a Timex-Sinclair 1000 computer and links up with any TV set to read out a graphic display of the rhythms programmed.

The MPC master module consists of eight touch-sensitive pads of ABS plastic, which you can play with your hands or with sticks. Each pad is spring-based to simulate real drum heads. the pad arrangement has two options - bass drum, snare, open hi-hat, closed hi-hat, and four descending toms, or bass drum, snare, open hi-hat, closed hi-hat, two toms, cymbals, and a handclap.

All the voicings have individual level and tone controls, with an over-all mute button for dynamics. there is a 16-key on-board computer processor to record, play back, control tempo, bar length, and time signatures, program sequences, and add accents where needed.

The performer may also play along with the sequence as it plays back. All programming is done in real time. Once link-up to the Timex Sinclair has been made, more complex programming and storage is available. While the on-board computer sustains four channels of 2-bar groups with up to 16 beats per bar, access to the T-1000 opens up 26 different bars of rhythm, each containing up to 20 beats.

Both systems can arrange their bars into sequences to play back songs with up to 199 variations and infinite repeat capability. A tape sync input/output allows for loading and dumping of programming and synchronization with pre-recorded tracks.

Measurements are 25-1/4"x7"x13-1/4", and weight is approximately 20 lbs. Price is $1,299.00. The software interface is $129.00"

Some of our gear will have VAT at 20% added in the UK/EU, but a lot of it won't. This should hopefully clarify the situation but if you have any questions then please get in touch.

ITEMS WITH VAT:

• These items will have two prices visible: with and without the tax.
• If you are buying in the UK/EU you will receive an invoice showing the tax component.
• If you are buying these items outside the EU when you get to the check out and enter your shipping location you will be charged the ex-VAT price.
• VAT-free sales are also possible to businesses within the EU with a valid VAT number. You will need to contact us in order to buy via this means.

ITEMS WITHOUT VAT:

• Much of what we sell is classified as "Second Hand Goods" and so while we still pay some tax, there is no recoverable/deductible component for sales to any part of the world.
• So, the price you see is the price you pay wherever you are.

ALSO NOTE:

• Shipping charges are also subject to VAT at 20% within the UK/EU - this is included within the prices you see for shipping to those areas - it is not shown separately in the cart but will be shown on the VAT invoice you receive with your goods.

We are very experienced at packing and shipping valuable and sensitive gear worldwide. Binson Echorecs, large valve amps, vintage synths, rare racks, and even a CS-80 or two - you name it, we've sent it and it has arrived in one piece and ready to play.

SHIPPING DISCOUNT ON MULTIPLE ITEMS:

We keep it simple: if you buy more than one item you only pay the shipping on the item that has the highest shipping cost. This is the same no matter how many items you buy together (so the more you buy together, the bigger your shipping discount). If you check all the items out all together this will be calculated automatically at checkout. However, if you make an order and then wish to add to it before it ships please get in touch and we will refund the shipping on the item(s) that are cheaper to ship.

Note that this also allows you to purchase add on items such as transformers and other accessories, and also t-shirts and other merch, without paying any extra shipping on them.

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CAN I COLLECT MY GEAR (and save on shipping?)

Yes! If you want to use this option either get in touch before you purchase, or contact us afterwards and we will just refund you the shipping. Note that collection is by appointment only and only during weekday office hours.

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MORE SHIPPING INFO:

The shipping prices for our gear vary considerably depending on the type of gear, value and destination. To see shipping costs put the item you are interested in the cart and then either use the shipping estimator or go into the check out process. Or just contact us and we'll tell you what you need to know.

It is a fact that, with vintage items, there are going to be times when gear arrives in need of some adjustment or calibration, and some times a piece of gear that was working 100% just chooses the day after arriving for a new fault to develop. However, having been working with sensitive vintage gear for many years, we are very experienced at dealing with these occurrences and will always work with you and get the problem solved as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Note that we have have not entered automatic shipping for every country. The countries we ship to most often will have shipping rates and we are in the process of adding more shipping fees to the check out process. But if you are looking at an item that doesn't have the fee information you need then please use the contact page or call on +44 1773 856475.

Which carriers do we use?

We usually use Royal Mail, UPS and DPD/Interlink - it depends on the item and destination as to which is the most economical. If you have a preference then we should be able to accommodate it (but we may need to pass on any additional costs) - just let us know what you need.