A brief power-on test shows this to not be running.
It's yet to make its way onto the repair bench for more diagnosis and potential refurbishment.
Everything seems to be there and it seems to be in serviceable enough shape to make into a nice collectors piece again.
The Crumar DS-1, released in 1978, is a monophonic analog synthesizer featuring two digitally-controlled oscillators (DCOs), which provide greater tuning stability compared to traditional voltage-controlled oscillators. It offers a 44-key keyboard and a relatively straightforward subtractive synthesis architecture, making it easy to use while delivering classic analog tones.
The DS-1 is equipped with a 24dB resonant low-pass filter, providing rich, expressive filtering options. It also includes dedicated ADSR envelopes for both the voltage-controlled filter (VCF) and voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA), giving users full control over the shape of their sounds. Additional modulation capabilities are provided by an LFO (low-frequency oscillator), allowing for modulation of pitch and filter parameters. The unit also features glide (portamento) for smooth transitions between notes, adding to its expressiveness for lead lines and bass sounds.
Although it is relatively rare today, the DS-1 has a cult following among vintage synthesizer enthusiasts due to its robust build and unique sound. It is often compared to other monophonic synths from the same era but stands out with its dual DCO design and versatile sound-shaping capabilities.