via this auction
"This is a vintage Yamaha model SK-20 analog synthesizer/keyboard made in the late 1970s. All of the functions have been tested. There is some static when the volume slide switch for organ, string and poly-synth are moved but the switches work fine. Also, one slide switch button has been replaced (see picture). The optional accessories, including head phones, foot switch and the foot controller pedal are not included. The cabinet has several dings and damaged edges and there is light corrosion on some of the metal fittings. The serial number is illegible. Included is an Ace padded gig bag that is worn and has tears on the corner, but overall it is in serviceable condition."
These are good, hard working machines. The synth may seem a bit limited, but it has a mini-second envelope for the VCA. You can mix waves and footages. There's technically no LFO, but there is a good Leslie sim (VCA modulation), good vibrato, and a noisy but good chorus. These can all be used on the Synth or Strings or Organ in a variety of ways. The strings+chorus ensemble are timeless. Really classic. The 3rd preset tone on the organ is a very, very usable B3 (from Yamaha's early FM experiments) and is even better with the Leslie simulator. Also, if you have a real spinning Leslie, it has the multi-pin connector to control the external speaker from the Keyboard itself. Get these while they're (relatively) cheap!
ReplyDeleteI have one of these and love it. Get one while they're cheap indeed!
ReplyDeleteThe additional envelope is for the poly-synth filter and not the VCA (only one filter as this is actually a paraphonic synth). The VCA "envelope" is set with the "slow attack" button and the "sustain L-S" slider. Not as limiting as it may sound.
If you are into drones, you want this.