MATRIXSYNTH: Yamaha's First FM Synth - The GS2 Preset FM Synth


Thursday, July 19, 2007

Yamaha's First FM Synth - The GS2 Preset FM Synth

via this auction. via Loscha.
Not the greatest shot but I've never seen or posted one before. Anyone know more about this one? I do have it on the Yamaha Gear List and Timeline as having come out in 1981. The DX7 did not come out until 1983. According to the auction details, this was Yamaha's first FM synth.

Details Google translated to English from German:
Manufacturer: Yamaha, Japan
Concept: Preset FM Synthesizer
Toner generation: 4 operators, 16stimmig polyp-hone
Sound memory: 16 sounds, loadable by magnetic cards
Keyboard: 73 weighted wood keys, notice-dynamically
Play assistance: 3 pedals (Sustain, Vibrato and Tremolo)
Effects: Ensemble, Detune (3 stages), Vibrato, Tremolo
Characteristics: The GS2 is the first FM-Synthesizer, an Midi interface can be re-tooled, it was Voice LIBRARies with in each case 48 sounds on magnetic cards available of which I 2 pieces possesses. (price at that time: S 3000, - = approx. € 220,-- per piece)
The price of the GS2 amounted to at the time of the acquisition (1984): S 116.200,-- = DM 16.600,-- = euro 8.445,--
All functions are intact, only belonged to the preservation of the sound memory changed the memory cell, can let accomplish I when desired gladly. The Yamaha GS2 is a genuine rare piece, since there are only very few copies of it. The possession for collecting tank an absolute “must”. This concerns a private auction, therefore no warranty and warranty claims can be placed! For information and questions I stand gladly under the telephone number: 0043/664/4445990 for the order!"

3 comments:

  1. There was also the contemporaneous GS-1, most notably used by Toto, which is a similar instrument with a shape reminiscent of a short but symmetrical tiny baby grand piano.

    ReplyDelete
  2. An Austrian auction listed on eBay Australia.
    Confusion level: medium.

    Interesting piece, nonetheless, though safe to say this is about as much of a "collectors only" purchase as it gets.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is definately collectors only. It's an uneditable 4-op synth that I was able to pick up for $38 on ebay here in NYC.

    $38 because it weighs 150 lbs and this obscure baby was local pickup only. I've already gotten rid of it. It's a waste of space. But the action was pretty nice...

    ReplyDelete

To reduce spam, comments for posts older than one week are not displayed until approved, usually same day. Do not insult people. For items for sale, do not ask if it is still available. Check the auction link and search for the item. Auctions are from various sellers and expire over time. Posts remain for the pics and historical purposes. This site is meant to be a daily snapshot of some of what was out there in the world of synths.

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