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Handles for Oberheim 4 Voice

Started by Christian Clarke, September 18, 2020, 08:03:17 AM

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Christian Clarke

As the Subject states, I'm looking for 4 replacement case handles for an Oberheim 4 Voice.

I can't find any info on the Net as to who made the case hardware for them and have no idea who to contact.

Any help on this matter would be much appreciated.

The Real MC

Most guitar supply websites have them.  Google for tolex and check the results.

Christian Clarke

I'm not sure how searching for Tolex will yield handles specific to an Oberheim 4 Voice?

The Real MC

Any web store that sells tolex will also sell handles identical to the 4 voice.

Christian Clarke

I feel like I'm not going to get very far with this line of enquiry.

Naturally the first thing I did was check all the major suppliers for handles and none of them match.

You can see in the attached photo the handles that I'm after. It is very similar to the cheap Fender style handles that you can find but not an exact match.

I have contacted several US companies that have done restorations on 4 Voices, so I am hopeful they may provide some insight. Also I have some leads here in the UK that I will look into this week. There must be a NOS of them out there somewhere.

Alan Lenhoff

#5
I guess some people are fussier than others -- and I can be that way myself, too -- but would something like this not be close enough for you?

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/fender-amp-handle-black-vintage/420544000000000?source=3WWRWXGP&gclid=CjwKCAjw-5v7BRAmEiwAJ3DpuBxEeAbhEQ8fYAiROjv16Idq3OXg6RQJn-EOJ3kKPveI3YbavR_qMBoC3bcQAvD_BwE

I've often found while searching for original parts for vintage keys that the manufacturers used multiple suppliers over the product's run. So the original parts don't always match each other perfectly either.  But if you feel you absolutely must have an exact match, I understand.

Alan
Co-author, "Classic Keys: Keyboard Sounds That Launched Rock Music"

Learn about the book: http://www.classickeysbook.com/
Find it on Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1574417762/

1965 UK Vox Continental;1967 Gibson G101 organ; 1954 Hammond B2; Leslie 21H; Leslie 31H; 1974 Rhodes Mark I Stage 73; 1972 Rhodes Sparkletop Piano Bass; 1978 Hohner Clavinet D6; 1968 Hohner Pianet N II; 1966 Wurlitzer 140B; 1980 Moog Minimoog Model D; 1983 Roland Juno 60; 1983 Roland JX-3P; 1977 Fender Twin Reverb; Vox AC30CC2X amp.
(See the collection: https://vintagerockkeyboards.com/ )

Christian Clarke

Hmmmm....I think there must be something wrong with that website as I can't access that page.

If it was as simple as providing a Fender replacement, my client could have some that I sell from VV. However I wouldn't say that he is fussy, but he knows what he wants and it's exact replicas; whether they be brand new or NOS.

Alan Lenhoff

I think the issue is that you're trying to access it from outside the USA.  They are selling what Fender calls its vintage handle. (I think it matches the one on my silverface Twin Reverb.)  But if your client wants an original or exact replica, it may take some patience and luck to find.

Alan
Co-author, "Classic Keys: Keyboard Sounds That Launched Rock Music"

Learn about the book: http://www.classickeysbook.com/
Find it on Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1574417762/

1965 UK Vox Continental;1967 Gibson G101 organ; 1954 Hammond B2; Leslie 21H; Leslie 31H; 1974 Rhodes Mark I Stage 73; 1972 Rhodes Sparkletop Piano Bass; 1978 Hohner Clavinet D6; 1968 Hohner Pianet N II; 1966 Wurlitzer 140B; 1980 Moog Minimoog Model D; 1983 Roland Juno 60; 1983 Roland JX-3P; 1977 Fender Twin Reverb; Vox AC30CC2X amp.
(See the collection: https://vintagerockkeyboards.com/ )

rhodesworks

As I recall, Oberheim used handles a bit shorter than Fender and the caps were a bit more square. At the time Peavey used a similar one. Of course this was 40 years ago and just like every one else suppliers go out of business and may be impossible to source. You may want to check Reliable Hardware who has some different than standard models.

Christian Clarke

They're a good find.... thanks.

I'll check with my client if he'll be happy with either a Peavey one which is more similar than the Fender or the super heavy duty one from Reliable Hardware. He could use the strap and change the end caps. Fingers crossed one will do!

Christian Clarke

Quote from: rhodesworks on September 23, 2020, 09:56:33 AM
As I recall, Oberheim used handles a bit shorter than Fender and the caps were a bit more square. At the time Peavey used a similar one. Of course this was 40 years ago and just like every one else suppliers go out of business and may be impossible to source. You may want to check Reliable Hardware who has some different than standard models.

Great find, the Peavey ones were virtually a perfect match and my client was extremely happy.

Thanks for the help :)