Synths When

Synths When Specializing in vintage synthesizers and vintage musical electronic equipment repair. By appointment only.
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We get a fair number of GR-700s in through the shop (a guitar synth, for the uninitiated), and our most recent repair re...
06/12/2026

We get a fair number of GR-700s in through the shop (a guitar synth, for the uninitiated), and our most recent repair required a little extra TLC. The memory cartridge slot assembly had broken apart in a way that left the socket's PCB floating without support. Ergo, trying to load a cartridge would just push the PCB loose, further into the unit.

Enter: our beautiful 3D printer we got for just such occasions. It only took one rev to get a handy piece of plastic ready to pull the whole thing together.

We're lucky to have our talented head tech, Jay, who knows not just how to repair all kinds of synths, but also how to design custom components that help repair synths.

In an ideal world, every repair would follow this simple path:1. We triage all issues in the instrument2. We update the ...
06/05/2026

In an ideal world, every repair would follow this simple path:
1. We triage all issues in the instrument
2. We update the customer with our estimate for repairing said issues
3. We have access to all parts required and complete all accepted repair work
4. Everybody wins!

However, this road to recovery is very often plagued with bumps.
→ Solving one issue may allow another to rear its head.
→ The schematics don't match what we see IRL.
→ And sometimes, a repair goes smoothly, we complete reassembly, and then notice that the display is now missing a column of pixels...

The truth is, we can't always see what problems lurk under a stone before we turn it.

So, we shrug it off, mutter "That's repairs", and keep working ⚙️

(If you've got a crystal ball, we'd be very interested in renting it! 🔮 )

When instruments come in with missing hardware, replacement parts are usually either tricky to find or cost-prohibitive....
05/29/2026

When instruments come in with missing hardware, replacement parts are usually either tricky to find or cost-prohibitive.

Luckily, we work right next door to the metalworking geniuses at !

Recently, we needed some replace TR-808 battery covers. Turns out, when that cover goes, there truly is no replacement. Thankfully, we can call on our neighbours to give us a hand. They created these elegant, brass replacement covers, so we're never up the 808 creek without a cover.

Lisa and Kelvin have helped us out of countless binds over the years, and we can't thank them enough for their generosity and good humor!
Check out their page for some of their amazing pieces.

Keeping things original matters where it counts, but not where it doesn't.If your vintage Sequential Circuits Pro One is...
05/21/2026

Keeping things original matters where it counts, but not where it doesn't.

If your vintage Sequential Circuits Pro One is clacking like crazy, let us know!

This replacement keybed kit from utilizes a modern Fatar TP/95 semi-weighted keybed that is buttery smooth, and super quick to install.

Even when original keybeds are fully re-bushed and contacts are cleaned, they are less reliable in the long run and aren't quite as silent!

Canada is blessed with passionate synth repair folks, and the city of Vancouver is lucky to have at their beck and call...
05/08/2026

Canada is blessed with passionate synth repair folks, and the city of Vancouver is lucky to have at their beck and call. We finally met Dan, who we've known from afar for a while, and traded parts with. If you're ever in Toronto, Dan, come drop by the shop!

Whenever we travel we make a point of visiting other synth repair co-conspirators, and Vancouver was no different! It wa...
05/01/2026

Whenever we travel we make a point of visiting other synth repair co-conspirators, and Vancouver was no different! It was super fun to finally meet Dave and the team at who we've worked with over the years. Great to make connections across the Canadian synth scene. Nice to meet you, Dave!

What's one thing a good dog and a good Rhodes have in common?They both have a good bark!
04/15/2026

What's one thing a good dog and a good Rhodes have in common?
They both have a good bark!

Always floored whenever takes a moment to shout us out. If you haven't seen his latest studio tour with , you might wa...
03/31/2026

Always floored whenever takes a moment to shout us out. If you haven't seen his latest studio tour with , you might wanna check it out!

We love the work, and we guess it shows! Bring us your oldies and goodies (and baddies) and we'll bring them back to life.

The shop's partially closed this week! Jeremy and Lori are holding down the fort, but the techs are all out. When the ca...
03/16/2026

The shop's partially closed this week! Jeremy and Lori are holding down the fort, but the techs are all out.

When the cats are away, the mice will play (synths).

Any emails or questions, send em in. We're here to help!

Happy 303 Day!
03/03/2026

Happy 303 Day!

Address

74 Wade Avenue
Toronto, ON
M6H1P6

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