Partita by Willy Van Buggenhout

EMS VCS 3 MK1 'The Putney'

The EMS VCS3, also created by Electronic Music Studios in 1969, is even more iconic in the world of synthesizers and slightly more common than the EMS Synthi AKS. Here's an overview of its usage and ownership:

Original Production Numbers: Only around 600 to 800 VCS3 units were produced between 1969 and the early 1970s. Like the Synthi AKS, this limited production means it’s rare but, due to its history, it holds a significant place in electronic music.

Professional Musicians and Collectors: The VCS3 became a popular choice for pioneering electronic musicians and was famously used by artists like Pink Floyd, Jean-Michel Jarre, and Hawkwind. As a result, most VCS3 owners today are either professional musicians, synthesizer collectors, or studios specializing in analog synth sounds. Many also seek it for its historical value.

Current Usage: While the exact number of active VCS3 users is difficult to determine, it’s likely that a few hundred people worldwide still actively use the instrument in music production or sound design, either due to their long-standing ownership or by acquiring it second-hand. Many VCS3s may also sit in collections or be used sparingly due to their fragility and vintage status.

Reissues and Demand: EMS has reissued small batches of the VCS3 due to sustained demand, with the reissued models also being highly limited and expensive. This has kept the active user community relatively small, mostly comprised of dedicated analog enthusiasts.

Given these factors, there are likely around 500 or so people worldwide who own a VCS3, with an estimated few hundred using it actively in musical projects. The VCS3's impact on music, especially in genres like rock, experimental, and electronic, keeps it in steady demand despite its age.

Tracklist

1.	Partita	21:51

Credits

released October 1, 2021

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