Synths That Tanked! Top 15 Value Crashes You Won’t Believe!?

video upload by Andy Whitmore

You be the judge. Feel free to comment below.

"💥 The biggest synth value crashes of all time! These once-iconic instruments lost tens of thousands in value—from legendary analog giants to futuristic digital monsters.

You've seen the synths that became priceless icons… but what about the ones that didn’t?

In this countdown, we reveal 15 professional synthesizers that lost the most value from their original prices (adjusted for inflation). From boutique rarities to digital behemoths, these are the synths that hit the market hard—and hit resale even harder.

🎹 We cover:

Synth name + release year

Original price + adjusted inflation value

Current resale value

Total loss 💸

A fun or tragic fact per synth

Whether it's a Fairlight, Synclavier, or the ultra-rare GX-1, some of this gear once cost more than a house… and now? Let’s just say you could buy one for the price of a laptop.

🧠 Think you can guess the biggest loser?"

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Kurzweil K2000RS Rackmount Digital Workstation Sound Module W/Sampling Option

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

Two pics of the inside below.

"Kurzweil K2000RS Rack Synthesizer w_sampling option (V3.87) – classic workstation module, Excellent condition. This unit has the latest firmware (v3.87) and is expanded with 32MB RAM for sampling at 48k. All MIDI, audio outputs, and floppy drive work perfectly. Note: The only issue is the internal FX engine is functioning with artifacts on the main outs only. (common in this run of Kurz units). This doesn’t affect the (8) direct outs and digital I/O, synthesis or sample-playback; Cosmetically, and internally, the rack unit is in fantastic shape. Comes with the original manual (which is considered the bible on how to design your own synth patches and beyond) and loads of floppy disks I've acquired along the way. The K2000RS is a legend – the piano presets are easily mistaken as the real thing considering the world of virtual pianos we have today. 16-part multitimbral, powerful V.A.S.T. synthesis."

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Kurzweil 1000 Series Rackmount Digital Expander Sound Module SN 88113992

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"1000 PX Professional Expander (120 presets). Loaded with some of the best offerings from the same award-winning samples found in the K250 in a 24-note polyphonic multitimbral synth. Tested in great condition, includes AC power cable."

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Super Rare Kurzweil VA-1 For Sale

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

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DX5 performing The Cure "Lovesong" cover

video upload by DX5

"Instrumental version of one of my favorite Cure tracks, from 'Disintegration'.
Gear used live: Roland JP8000 (organ). Kurzweil PC1x.
Roland JX8P.
Backtrack previously recorded from scratch by me, instrument by instrument (PC1x extensively used for guitars). Original song composed by Robert Smith, Simon Gallup, Porl Thompson, Roger O'Donnell, Boris Williams, Laurence Tolhurst.
Performed here by DX5 Jose Maria Bara"

Kurzweil K2000 digital synthesis

video upload by Collector Current

"We use the Kurzweil DSP to transform a sine wave into different sounds. First a classic PWM sound using asymmetric clipping, then a harsh digital using the 'WRAP' and 'SHAPER' DSP functions.

Although there is a lot of intentional clipping in this video there is also some unintentional clipping, sorry about that. This easily happens with K2000 DSP." Soundcloud: / collector-current
Bandcamp: https://collectorcurrent.bandcamp.com

Kurzweil K2000 exponential envelopes via FUN

video upload by Collector Current

The standard envelope generators on the Kurzweil K2000 use linear slopes but you can make different shapes using the 'FUN' function generators. In this video we look at using 'hipass' to create an exponential decay envelope.

Thank you Ed for telling me about this technique.

You can find my music at the links below.

Soundcloud: / collector-current
Bandcamp: https://collectorcurrent.bandcamp.com

Kurzweil K2000 FM synthesis

video upload by Collector Current

"A brief exploration of FM synthesis on the Kurzweil K2000. I first learned about this techique from this website: http://www.dlnsound.com/aboutkfm.htm#...

Soundcloud: / collector-current
Bandcamp: https://collectorcurrent.bandcamp.com"

Kurzweil K2000 Main Engine Board

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

"This is a K2000 Engine / Main Board, Janis, No RAM but I'll leave the EPROM (OS 3.18J). Pulled from a working K2000."

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Kurzweil: K2061 - SUPERBOOTH 2025

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

"Thanks to our sponsors: ESI, Kurzweil & FreqPort

ESI
With the new Xsynth, ESI presents its first synthesizer that combines virtual-analog synthesis with up to ten voices, a 24-bit/96 kHz audio interface and a full MIDI interface in an ultra-slim, portable housing.

Freqport
Changing the future of audio setup & recording. The FreqlnOut FO1 is a revolutionary device that combines analog tone with digital convenience by transforming your outboard gear into plugins.

Kurzweil
Explore the new K2061 and K2088 from Kurzweil’s K20 series! Both models feature the powerful V.A.S.T. Engine, FlashPlay® technology, a 6-Operator FM Engine, and 256-voice polyphony."

Kurzweil MIDIBoard 88-Key MIDI Controller

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"While cosmetically a little rough, this fully working Kurzweil Midiboard has possibly the nicest action and key feel you'll ever get from a keyboard. Although not a hammer action design, the keybed feels solid and weighty just like a real piano. Whether you're a hobbits or someone who needs the best of the best, this Kurzweil has got you covered."

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Kurzweil K2061 / K2088 Presets Demo (Programs Only)

video upload by Barb

"Hi,
Welcome to this new episode of the VAST Chronicles !
This video is a short Sneak Peek of some presets i developed for the Kurzweil K2061 & K2088 series.
You will hear some various sounds in different styles, like basses, leads, pads, keyboards, pianos, percs, FX...
The recording is raw, with just a very slight amount of limiting on some sounds to get everything balanced for this video."

0:00 Intro - I Am The Gemini / Broken Frames
0:16 Hybrid Arco Cello
0:25 Bass FM Bomb
0:33 Synced Interval
0:44 Plucked Piano

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DX5 performing Johnny Hates Jazz "Shattered Dreams" cover

video upload by DX5

"Instrumental cover of 'Shattered Dreams' by JHJ. The album 'Turn Back the Clock' has a lot of Jupiter 8 and Emax (and Fairlight iirc). Calvin told me.

Gear used:
Roland JX-8P (square lead)
Roland JP8000
Kurzweil PC1x

Backtrack previously sequenced and recorded by me, instrument by instrument, on Pro Tools, including the Roland Promars and Yamaha DX7 for several background sequences/sound. I did not include the latin percussion as on the original (congas starting in the middle 8 part).

Original song composed by Clark Dachtler (with arrangements by Calvin Hayes and Mice Nocito).
Performed here by DX5 Jose Maria Bara."

Kurzweil K2500RS Rackmount Sampler SN 4796090S0428

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"Tested and working great, this K2500RS is the bigger and better K2000. With 48 voices of polyphony and a working backlit display, it's the perfect synth for anyone looking to do some sound design with their samples."

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Kurzweil K2000VP Synthesizer Workstation

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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One Synth One Sound & One Synth One Song Demos by Eyepatch Entertainment

video upload by Eyepatch Entertainment

"Synthesizers making one sound or more with the press of a key. Now with added full tracks!"

131 demos as of this post. You can use the player controls to skip around. There are some rare (as in not often featured) synths like the Midia Musicbox below. Also see Eyepatch Entertainment Synth Studio Tour - May 2018, and 64 FREE PATCHES - Korg Poly61 vitange synthesizer

Midia Musicbox MQ-100 - One Synth One Sound

video upload by Eyepatch Entertainment

Also see

Kurzweil K20 serie Alternate FM Demo Mythe Busting

video upload by Barb

"Hi,
The VAST Chronicles, new episode.
I read here and there that some people still believe that the Kurzweil FM Engine is a separate, only DX7 style, related tool.
It's time for some mythe busting !
This short video is an example of how you can use the 6 operators FM Engine in a VAST environment. For this demo i use a patch i did for the new K20 serie called 'Screamin' Metal'. Thanks !"

Top 10 Oberheim OB-8 Patches - Kurzweil Classic Analog Collection Sounds / Demo K2500 K2000

video upload by One Chord Till Anarchy

"The Oberheim OB-8 was released by Oberheim from 1983-1985 and was the last of the vintage-era OB series of polysynths.

The Kurzweil Classic Analog Collection is a 30 floppy disk set for the K2000/K2500, etc synthesizers. For a long time I only had some of the disks until I found new-stock unopened box set on Ebay. Some of the synths and patches are sample based, some are just native designed for the Kurzweil VAST engine.

The OB-8 disk actually has two sets of sounds on it. The main large one has 102 patches and uses some samples as part of the program design for certain patches, making the total file 921K. The second much smaller one (only 11 patches) is all VAST engine design.

This video showcases the 10 patches I like the most from the main set (File: OB8.KRZ). Patch names are shown with each sound. EQ is flat. A little reverb from Valhalla VintageVerb #electronicmusic #kurzweil #oberheim #analogsynthesizer #vintagesynth #k2500 #K2600 #k2000 #analogsynth #OB8 #obx #synths #synthesizer #synthwave #synthwavemusic #darkwave #darksynthwave #darksynth #80s #80smusic #synthdemo #vintagesynthesizer #vintagesynths #synthesizerdemo #oberheimsynth"

KURZWEIL K2061: more affordable VAST synthesis

video upload by Hispasonic

"Kurzweil's new models, the K2061 and K2088, could be seen unplugged at NAMM 2024, but this year they were fully functional and we were able to see them, touch them and try them out, paying more attention to the cheaper K2061.

Video index:
00:00 Intro
00:09 Sound demo 1
1:04 Features
4:50 Sound demo 2

🎹 Main technical specifications:
V.A.S.T. synthesis engine with VA capability, 6-operator FM and organ modeling
256 polyphony voices
32 parts per program and 16 MIDI zones
4GB total memory (divided between factory and user)
32 simultaneous effects
16-track sequencer

The keyboards use Fatar mechanisms: TP/9 semi-weighted on the K2061 and TP/40L with hammer action on the K2088. Both models include channel aftertouch and a ribbon controller. The interface has a non-touch 480x272 pixel color display and a set of physical controls. Editor software for Windows and MacOS has been announced.

The K2061 is significantly cheaper than the K2700 ($2,199), while the 2088 is similarly priced ($2,999)."

NAMM 2025: Kurzweil 2088 - Sounds Only

video upload by sonicstate

Jim Heywood from Earmonkey Music explores the Kurzweil 2088 on the show floor