Buchla Easel Command Module 208C

[Ichor&Gore]

Would love a suitcase for the 208c (command) and 218. With ports routed for the back.

[s3mcoe]

Has anyone ordered their 208c directly from Buchla since the summer? Just curious how accurate the 90-day fulfillment dates have been, anxiously awaiting mine since ordering in early September!

[RickKleffel]

I am new to Buchla (other than the OB-MX, which doesn't really count), and have an idea that the Easel Command Module or the BEMI Music Easel might fit perfectly with my workflow (improvised synths & sequencers, mildly synchronized). I'm definitely not a modular fellow, thus Easel. The BEMI suitcase format is alluring; what sort of advantages does it offer versus the Command module+Sensei+Digitakt(for example)? Looks like you can order the Command module now from Buchla, not the BEMI at present. I came very close to buying a BEMI from Reverb, but it was almost twice the cost of a Command Module + Sensei. Is that true for the new BEMIs (assuming they are made) as well? Is direct from Buchla the best way to go if one is in California?

I almost started a Beginner Buchla Easel Thoughts thread and will if the thought is that would be a better place; I've been lurking here for a while trying to grok just how to even ask the correct questions.

[mdoudoroff]

The BEMI suitcase format is alluring; what sort of advantages does it offer versus the Command module+Sensei+Digitakt(for example)? Looks like you can order the Command module now from Buchla, not the BEMI at present. I came very close to buying a BEMI from Reverb, but it was almost twice the cost of a Command Module + Sensei. Is that true for the new BEMIs (assuming they are made) as well? Is direct from Buchla the best way to go if one is in California?

I almost started a Beginner Buchla Easel Thoughts thread and will if the thought is that would be a better place; I've been lurking here for a while trying to grok just how to even ask the correct questions.

It appears the old BEMI suitcase Easels are discontinued, and will be replaced in early 2021 with a new suitcase and revised LEM218 keyboard. Obviously, the 218+208 is more or less what the Easel was originally designed to be: a standalone, idiosyncratic, analog, semi-modular synth. One modern-ish concession is MIDI support, which should remain just as much an option with the new suitcase system as it does with the 208C Command. (If we’re lucky, there might even be some additional CV support, but we’ll just have to wait and see.) I know Foxtone/BUSA is trying to get the total price down for the 208+218+suitcase. Again, we’ll have to just wait and see.

As for BEMI vs BUSA vs clone, you can play the “which sounds better to you” game, if you like.

The obvious disadvantage of the Sensel Morph (with “Buchla Thunder Overlay”) is that it’s a general purpose MIDI controller that you have to configure with your computer to send the MIDI messages you want to the 208C. Some of us aren’t interested in screwing around with all that, and would prefer the immediacy of the patch-and-play 218. To other, more patient and software-tolerant folks, the Sensel option perhaps represents a “poor man’s” 223e (which also requires configuration). If you’re particularly interested in MIDI, you should be sure to dig into what can—and cannot—be controlled with MIDI on the 208c.

[RickKleffel]

Thanks, this is super helpful. Looks like I'm waiting for the 218+208+suitcase. It sounds like I could [and might want to] add a Sensei Morph to said config. Is there a pre-order queue or something similar for these? I'm inclined to go with BUSA. A "standalone, idiosyncratic, analog, semi-modular synth" is exactly what I am looking for. The Easel jams and other samples I listened to were all excellent; thanks to those who posted them. Fun times to have a hankering to play weird music!

[boberbre]

Has anyone ordered their 208c directly from Buchla since the summer? Just curious how accurate the 90-day fulfillment dates have been, anxiously awaiting mine since ordering in early September!

I also ordered in early September direct from Buchla and haven’t received any update since. We’re well over 90 days at this point, which I can totally understand with how this year has been, but I filled out a contact form to see if they had an updated ETA. They haven’t responded. Maybe it’s time to have have someone remove the “fulfilled in approximately 90 days” from their site.

[Xmit]

when I ordered recently via a dealer here in the UK they sias they were expecting a Buchla delivery on December 10th... no update since.

I didn't really believe that tbh : in my mind I'd be most surprised if we see any new stock from them until the start of next year. Just has that sort of feel to it ?

It'd be nice before Xmas & all that, but I'm happy to wait. ( I waited for 6 months for my KARP 2600 )

[s3mcoe]

Yeah I saw another dealer started saying March 2021 for pre-orders so I suspect we may see something in the spring. I also suspect this has everything to do with part availability; I tried getting a sub panel through my electrician and even that had an ETA of late January.

[boberbre]

Yeah I received a very kind reply from Buchla today. They had a couple part shortages that had delayed production. They do have a small batch of units set to ship out any time now.

[s3mcoe]

Yeah I received a very kind reply from Buchla today. They had a couple part shortages that had delayed production. They do have a small batch of units set to ship out any time now.

Thanks for the update! Hoping we can get our Easel Commands soon.

[RickKleffel]

I just bought an Easel Command from the website; it sounds as if I my receive one of the next (second?) batch. I asked about an upgrade path to a new Easel....

"If you're interested in an Easel Command, you can order them from our website. Production of them is accomplished in batches, and when you order one, you not only pay in advance, but get yourself in a queue for delivery. We are about to release the second batch of them, which might mean that you would get one from the second batch. Allocation simply follows order of order, so it depends.

If you're interested in a full Easel (with case and 218e), you'll have to wait until next year, when the revisions are complete and the new Easel is released.

And yes, there will be an option for upgrade from an Easel Command to the full new Easel!"

[A double post of the letter, but had not seen other news about the upgrade path. Fun! It dies seem like they're up and running.

[s3mcoe]

Just got an email from Eric Fox, looks like they're about to ship out a bunch of easel commands to those who ordered from Buchla recently.

[wyrtti]

Does anyone here use a 208C in a 200e system? Does the 208C work well with MIDI from the 225e? Does it track well with 225e cv outputs?

Somehow I feel like it would be a nice addition to my small, portable 200e system. Either as a stand alone voice or as part of the whole.

[RickKleffel]

What is the height of the Easel Command Module?

[jupitersynth]

Height/depth of the Easel Command boat is abt 7 cm.

[pelican]

I hope they make the new easel in a slimmer case

[s3mcoe]

My Easel Command just showed up, looks like I'll be pretty busy this evening.

[dadRabbit]

Hoping they announce something about the new LEM218 and suitcase soon!

[mdoudoroff]

Hoping they announce something about the new LEM218 and suitcase soon!

Me too. I got a pretty clear impression from Eric Fox that they were hoping to announce something weeks/months ago, but they’re clearly hung up on one or more details. So it goes.

[Memecos]

Will a new iProgram card be released for the Easel / 208c command?

[Carmelo_P82]

I have for now a Verbos system which I love but I had different little issue which is slowly boring me.
I'm sometimes considering to swap to the Easel Command D. Any of you did this ? Pros ? Cons ?
Thanks !!!

[Pagoda-100]

As a FYI Noisebug got some 208C units in stock on Tues.
Also on instagram confirmed 218 is "NOT in production"

Fingers crossed that the cork is popped and some new stuff starts flowing

[Antlerface]

As a FYI Noisebug got some 208C units in stock on Tues.
Also on instagram confirmed 218 is "in production"

Fingers crossed that the cork is popped and some new stuff starts flowing

I believe you misread, says “not currently in production”.

[Pagoda-100]

Figures... late nite glance without glasses on.
Back to half an Easel mode.

At least some folks can jump on the 208!

[Pagoda-100]

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