Can anyone tell me something about the OB-12. I first saw an ad for it in Keyboard Magazine somtime back in 2000. I did not here too much about it. But it looks like a rather neat synth. I have heard it by downloading a MP3 song from the OB site. I wanted to know if anyone has any information on it? It seems like it came and went alomost over night.

It's made by Viscount in Italy , that's why it didn't sell . Most people will not touch a synth made in Italy , mostly because no one wants to repair them . It had some problems , the wave morphing feature never worked properly and the OS was shakey . It's a VA synth , not a real analog . Not that it bothers me , I like VA's . The Oberheim was not a good one though . However ! It does have a nice sound .

thanks 800! I was just courious. BTW how did Viscount wind up with the Oberheim name anyways?

The name Oberheim was sold to Gibson originally who then sold it to Viscount.

Thank you Nigel!

Oberheim would have had a much better time if the OB-12 was made in Japan or Taiwan . When a synthesizer has the name of an Italian manufacterer , it's the kiss of death .

I read that one should stay away from synths like Crumar, Elka and Siel. If you find one that is dead, expect it too stay that way. Well the Japaneese certianly know how to build synthesizers. I guess thats why KORG, ROLAND and YAMAHA sell so well.