ELKA Rhapsody
The Elka Rhapsody is a fully polyphonic multi-orchestral combined digital/analog synthesizer with either a 49-key or 61-key keyboard, depending on the model. It was particularly popular with Berlin School electronic musicians during the 1970s.
ELKA Rhapsody
Dominik Müller · Retromenico · Self-photographed · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Field
- string synthesizer
- Period
- 1974
VALÉORINE Encyclopedia
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Documentary summary
The Elka Rhapsody is a fully polyphonic multi-orchestral combined digital/analog synthesizer with either a 49-key or 61-key keyboard, depending on the model. It was particularly popular with Berlin School electronic musicians during the 1970s.
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Documentary evidence
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wikidata · Q1275081 · wikipedia · Elka Rhapsody
In this article
Key facts
Key facts
• Synth Name — Rhapsody • Synth Manufacturer — Generalmusic (GEM, LEM, ELKA) • Synthesis Type — Analog Subtractive • Polyphony — Full • Oscillator — Sub-octave divider network • Filter — ADSR-Decay • Left Control — None • Keyboard — 49 or 61 keys • Memory — None • Fx — Chorus • Dates — 1974–1980 • Price — $800
Elka Rhapsody 490
Elka Rhapsody 490
• Illustration — The Elka Rhapsody 490 string synthesizer This was the earlier, smaller version with 49-key keyboard. It had two sounds, violoncello and strings which could also be combined to produce a fuller sound. There were two other controls; volume and sustain. It also had a master tuning control on the rear panel of the instrument. It is a monotimbral instrument with a single ¼" jack on the rear for output, and a single 5-pin DIN socket for a pedal.
Elka Rhapsody 610
Elka Rhapsody 610
This is the larger instrument with a 61-key keyboard. It had four sounds, violoncello, strings, piano and clavichord which could also be switched in and out, similar to the 490. Each voice had separate volume and decay time sliders mounted on the top of the instrument. The 610 had a split function, which would allow one sound - for example, bass - to be assigned to the lower half of the keyboard, while the upper section could play a different lead voice.
The Elka Rhapsody 490 string synthesizer
Alison Cassidy
Chronology
Dated record
Chronology
The full dated record · 2 entries
1974
ELKA Rhapsody first recorded.
1974
ELKA Rhapsody is recorded from 1974.
Literature
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The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 16 August 2026.
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