The Elka EH 105 is a reminder that musical value isn't always measured in polyphony counts or gigabytes of samples. It is measured in inspiration. Whether it's the nostalgic glow of its wood panels or the haunting swirl of its ensemble effect, the EH 105 continues to be a relevant and soulful tool for the modern musician.
: It is surprisingly well-equipped for a consumer unit of its time, featuring: MIDI connectivity for integration with other gear. Footswitch and external amplifier outputs. Internal speakers for portability.
The original may have been "105 eh elka" → reversed is "akle he 105" → "Akle he 105" ? No.
"elka eh 105" → reversed is "105 he akle" (doesn’t work) But if you reverse the letters of each part: elka eh 105
To understand the EH 105, one must first look at its parent company. Elka, based in Castelfidardo, Italy, was a powerhouse in the global instrument market. While they became world-famous for the massive Synthex polyphonic synthesizer, their bread and butter often lay in portable organs, string machines, and home entertainment units. The EH 105 was born into this culture of accessibility and robust build quality. Design and Build Quality
The EH 105 is immediately recognizable by its classic Italian aesthetic. Housed in a durable, often wood-grain or high-impact plastic casing, it was built to withstand the rigors of both home use and light touring. Unlike modern, featherweight plastic keyboards, the EH 105 feels substantial. The layout is intuitive, featuring tactile buttons and sliders that allow for immediate manipulation of sound—a far cry from the menu-diving required by modern digital workstations. Sound Character and Features
Analog Warmth: The internal components provide a natural saturation that sits perfectly in a mix without much processing.Modification Potential: The relatively spacious interior and analog circuitry make these units favorites for "circuit bending" or adding modern features like MIDI control.Historical Value: Owning an EH 105 is owning a piece of the "Marche" region's rich musical history, alongside brands like Farfisa and Crumar. Maintenance and Modern Use The Elka EH 105 is a reminder that
Here is an article covering both, with a primary focus on the musical instrument.
The Synthex was one of the first synthesizers to feature MIDI (on later models). Today, original units are rare and highly sought after. Because authentic hardware is scarce, the Synthex was recently reissued as a limited-edition boutique hardware unit, and software emulations (such as those by Memorymoon) are popular for capturing its specific "Italian analog" flavor.
The Elka Synthex secured its place in synthesizer history largely due to Vangelis . He used the Synthex extensively for the "Blade Runner" soundtrack. The famous "Brass" sound heard in the main titles is widely cited as being created on the Synthex. The synthesizer was also used by Stevie Wonder, Prince, and Jean-Michel Jarre. : It is surprisingly well-equipped for a consumer
The is a vintage Italian portable keyboard (arranger) from the 1980s, primarily known for its "lo-fi" charm and its role as a precursor to more advanced home keyboards. While it wasn't a professional synthesizer, it has gained a niche following among collectors and circuit benders for its unique, warm analog-digital hybrid sounds. Key Features and Sound
The Elka EH 105 represents a fascinating chapter in the evolution of electronic musical instruments. Emerging from the legendary Italian design houses of the 1970s and 80s, this instrument is more than just a piece of vintage gear; it is a testament to an era when analog warmth and innovative engineering defined the sound of contemporary music. The Legacy of Elka
The Synthex is celebrated for its lush, powerful analog sound. Unlike many of its competitors (such as the Roland Jupiter-8 or Oberheim OB-Xa), the Synthex used Curtis chips (CEM 3374 VCF/VCA and CEM 3372 VCO) which gave it a distinct, creamy yet punchy character.