Crumar Stringman (1974)
At 42 pounds, it's a backbreaker to haul - but that weight is the first clue you're dealing with serious, voice-by-voice analog architecture.
Overview
The Crumar Stringman landed in 1974 as one of the earliest dedicated string synthesizers, arriving alongside the Eminent Solina String Ensemble. It gave keyboardists a practical alternative to hiring an orchestra. String textures were otherwise out of reach for touring bands and studio musicians on a budget, and the Stringman was a self-contained answer with genuine analog depth. It wasn't a true polyphonic synthesizer in the modern sense. It was a "string machine", a specialized instrument built to emulate the swell and chorus of a string section using divide-down oscillator technology. Later, more integrated designs did it differently. The Stringman relies on discrete oscillators for each note, a labor-intensive and component-heavy approach that added to its heft and complexity.
Owners report a rich, organic sound, particularly in the 4-foot violin register, with layers that can stack 16, 8, and 4-foot tones. The pitch control allows subtle tuning adjustments or expressive bends, though not full-scale modulation. The 61-note keyboard gives it a standard five-octave range, which makes it practical for live use despite its bulk. Inside is a maze of discrete parts - resistors, capacitors, and transistors - packed densely across multiple boards. The SAJ110 divider chips generate the lower octaves from the master oscillators, and they are socketed, a small mercy for servicing. These chips are reportedly finicky. Collectors note they can work in one unit but fail in another, even when swapped. Replacement with SAJ210 equivalents is a known workaround, and a small ecosystem of specialists now supports repairs.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Crumar |
| Product type | string machine |
| Weight | 42 Lbs |
| Oscillator type | Discrete oscillators for each note |
| Uncommon chips/modules used | TCA350X BBD, SAJ110 Dividers |
| Polyphony | Polyphonic |
| Keyboard | 61 note keyboard |
| Tones | 16, 8 and 4 foot tones |
| String section | 4 foot violin |
| Features | includes pitch control |
Historical Context
The Crumar Stringman emerged in 1974 as part of a wave of string synthesizers designed to bring orchestral textures to pop and rock musicians without the cost of live strings. Alongside the Eminent Solina String Ensemble, it was among the first commercially available instruments in this category. It competed in a crowded field that included the Eko Stradivarius, Hohner Stringvox, Logan String Melody, and Roland RS101 - each offering variations on the same divide-down, BBD-chorused formula. The Stringman's discrete oscillators per note put it on the heavier-built end of the engineering spectrum, though its complexity made it less reliable than the more integrated designs that followed.
Collectibility & Value
Today the Crumar Stringman is sought after by string machine collectors, with serviced units reportedly listing for as much as A$3,288.66. Value depends heavily on condition. Units described as "serviced & fully working", with all sliders, switches, and jacks operational, command a premium. The most common failure point appears to be the SAJ110 divider chips, which are known to be temperamental and may need replacement with SAJ210 equivalents. Tuning instability after transport is a frequently mentioned issue, and it calls for recalibration before performances. Replacement parts are available through niche suppliers. Lorenzo at Vintage Synth Parts offers knobs at 6 euros each with quantity discounts, while Sound Doctorin' stocks SAJ210 dividers and used sliders. Service manuals, including schematic diagrams (Version with MK50240P), are available through archival sites. Aftermarket MIDI retrofit kits, such as the Vitalka Custom MIDI kit, are available for modern integration.
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