Aphex Twin’s vintage Yamaha CS-5 synth is up on eBay – that is, if you have a spare 15k lying around.
The analogue monosynth contains the linear notes of Selected Ambient Works Volume II at the bottom, hand-etched by Richard D. James himself. The auction description also includes a statement from Paul Nicholson, who designed Aphex Twin’s logo, confirming that the etchings were photographed and used for the sleeve of Selected Ambient Works Volume II.
“This synth was purchased by me in 2006 from a Vemia auction in the UK. Other than loaning it to Ghostly/Suction Records recording artist Solvent to record his RDJCS5ep 12-inch in 2011, the synth has been carefully stored at my house,” reads the seller’s description.
“The synth has never been serviced, repaired, or modified by me, and is in the same condition as when I received it. It runs on 230V UK power, with a UK plug. You can see some additional etchings and markings in the photos – these were all in place (and likely done by Aphex Twin himself) when I received it. It’s in perfect working order as far as I know, but I offer no guarantee of its functional condition; anyone who’s buying this will surely be buying it for its provenance.”
The current bid stands at $15,400, but with two more days left on the auction, we can expect the number to keep rising. In the meantime, revisit RDJ’s newest releases here.
