Gxmnopedie#1

video upload by sequentix

Yamaha GX1 with the lid up / open. Note the individual voice boards and ribbons.

The Son of GX - Demo song, History and Details

video upload by R.O.T. Studios

‪"@marcbrasse747‬shows off his creation with a full demo song, plus the history and details of the 'Son of GX'.
Website with details: https://www.brassee.com/instruments.h..."

Timestamps:
0:00 - Demo song
7:23 - The history and story
14:37 - Explanation of the controls and sounds

"This is a heavily customized E-70 organ with the synth functions of all 3 orchestra sections (upper keyboard, lower keyboard, pedals) fully and independently programmable. Furthermore a 4th solo section has been added.

Although many people have compared converting Yamaha E-series organs into programmable synthesizers to turning them into CS80´s I have always looked much more towards the GX1 connection. The GX1 was the mother of all Yamaha CS´ and contained 1 analog solo synthesizer, 2 polyphonic sections and 1 bass pedal section. So how could the Son Of GX ever be really complete without the addition of such a solo synth?"

Read more here

Yamaha GX1 w/ Speakers, Programmers & MIDI+

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

via this VEMIA listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

VEMIA is Peter Forrest's auction house. He is the author of The A-Z of Analogue Synthesizer Books.

"A GX1 is an iconic instrument in any condition, but this one has had the benefit of Colin (Sequentix) Fraser's close attentions over many years. It was bought by Richard James [Aphex Twin] at VEMIA many years ago from Mickie Most's studio. It spent some years in his studio, until it was transported to Colin and eventually to his studio in Berlin, with the principal aim of getting it 100% working again and installing MIDI.

It is complete, with the main console, bench, pedals, two massive speakers, two programmers, and all cabling.

Working order: after some painstaking work at the Sequentix studio it is in full working order as envisaged by Yamaha all those years ago. The two original programmers attach to the Tone Board (patch CV controller) for the Solo keyboard. That board connects on an internal loop to the other manuals, so the programmers can be assigned to any manual for patch editing.

Under the surface there has been an incredible amount of work from Colin: he is in the process of producing a preliminary brochure for his MIDI retrofit, which makes fascinating reading and shows the depth of his exploration of the GX1's architecture - and his huge ability to problem-solve and create new possibilities as well. This brochure would of course be included with the GX1, along with all other literature available. It can also be emailed to prospective buyers on request via Peter Forrest.

At present the polyphonic manuals have full MIDI control. The Solo and Pedal manuals have external CV input Colin has been driving from Cirklon CV outputs. The Rhythm machine has external trigger inputs added, and they are being controlled by a Cirklon D-mux drum trigger module.

Extras: there are a lot of further permutations that could be arranged direct with Colin after the auction. This would depend on the new owner's wishes. For instance one person might want the GX1 as original as possible, and another might want bells and whistles - Colin has designed and prototyped a programmer for the extended sound capabilities he has envisaged, and if required, could extend the MIDI capabilities to the bass pedals.

Cosmetic condition: please see the photos. It is generally in gorgeous condition. The louvred flap on top of the keyboard seems to have some paint damage on the two inner sections, but that looks simple to remove to respray if necessary.

Transport: this is not as daunting as you might imagine. Colin has devised an excellent system for moving it, so that either transporting it by road or crating it for air or sea shipment will be well practicable and safe.

Extras: if the new owner is tempted by Colin's possible add-ons, such as his improved additional Sequentix GX1 Programmer, MIDI bass pedals, or other add-ons, these would be negotiated separately directly with him after the main auction payment."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Episode 184 w/ Dan Goldstein & Mitchell Sigman of Cherry Audio

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"Music Technology Discussion with Rob Puricelli, Andrew Longhurst, Kent Spong and our very special guests, Dan Goldstein & Mitchell Sigman of Cherry Audio!

This week we're delighted to welcome back Dan & Mitchell of Cherry Audio, a company that in the last few years has grown its reputation for quality, affordable and quite excellent software synths that emulate some amazing synthesizer classics such as the ARP Quadra, Novachord, Jupiter 4 and 6 as well as classics like the Memorymoog, Synthex, GX1/CS80 and Polymoog, plus their own Dreamsynth & Sines!

Join us to hear all about the latest synths to be added to their collection, Harmonia and the brilliant recreation of the PS-3300!

We appreciate your help! All donations go directly toward making the show run smoothly. If you'd like to help support our streaming platform, you can make a donation via PayPal here:

https://cutt.ly/PSN-Donate"

Stevie Wonder and the Yamaha GX-1 at Madame Tussaud's Rock Circus London

video upload by Preview London

"Madame Tussaud's Rock Circus (August 1989 – September 2001), was a walk-through exhibition celebrating the history of rock and pop music, featuring its major figures recreated in wax."

Update: video added. Stevie with the GX-1 comes in at 1:34.

This one is in via swissdoc

The following is a cut and paste from the text in the image. Not sure how well the text parsing is. Below is the text Google translated.

"Rock 'n' Roll war nun DIE Musik des westlichen Kultur und verkaufte nicht nur sich selbst, sondern auch alle möglichen anderen Produktel Einige der größten Geldsummen in den 'Cola Kriegen alkoholfreier Getränke gingen an Madonna, George Michael und Michael Jackson, die an den gefilmten Werbekampagnen teilnahmen. Große Tourneen wurden von Herstellern von Bier, Sportkleidung und Jeans finanziert. Klassische Rocksongs aus den sechziger Jahren wie beispielsweise '1 Heard It Through The Grapevine', 'I Feel Free' und "When A Man Loves A Woman' wurden als Soundtracks für Fernsehreklamen benutzt.

1988 ergriff George Bush, der neue Präsident der Vereinigten Staaten, auf einer Party zu seinem Amtsantritt eine elektrische Gitarre und gab zusammen mit einer Rock 'n' Roll Band eine Bühnenvorstellung. 1989 nahm ein russisches Astronautenteam auf seiner Reise in das Weltall Bander mit Pink Floyd Musik mit. Wie es schon in dem alten Lied hieß: Rock 'n' Roll is here to stay!"

Googlish:

"Rock 'n' roll was now THE music of western culture and not only sold itself but all sorts of other products too Participated in advertising campaigns. Major tours were sponsored by manufacturers of beer, sportswear, and denim. Classic 1960s rock songs such as '1 Heard It Through The Grapevine', 'I Feel Free' and 'When A Man Loves A Woman' were used as soundtracks for television commercials.

In 1988, at an inauguration party, George Bush, the new President of the United States, grabbed an electric guitar and gave a stage performance along with a rock 'n' roll band. In 1989, a Russian astronaut team took bands with Pink Floyd music on their journey into space. As the old song said: Rock 'n' Roll is here to stay!"

Some info on Rock Circus via Wikipedia:

"Madame Tussaud's Rock Circus (August 1989 – September 2001), was a walk-through exhibition celebrating the history of rock and pop music, featuring its major figures recreated in wax. It was located at the top four floors of the then-newly refurbished London Pavilion building at Piccadilly Circus, London. Predominantly British artists featured, but many American artists were also included. The attraction told the story of rock and pop from the 1950s to the then-present day by using videos, music, narration and audio-animatronic figures."

And a list of GS1 owners via gearspace

GX-1 #5088 - SWE - Benny Andersson.

GX-1 #5080 - JPN - Private owner - Previously owned by committee members of a temple JPN.

GX-1 #5076 - ITA - Riccardo Grotto - Previously owned by John Paul Jones, Keith Emerson, Hans Zimmer et al.

GX-1 #5074 - ENG - Richard D James - Previously owned by Mickie Most.

GX-1 #5073 - ENG - Gordon Reid - Previously owned by Yamaha HQ AUS, private owner AUS.

GX-1 #5046 - ITA - Riccardo Grotto - Previously owned by Keith Emerson, painted black.

GX-1 #5041 - ENG - Pete Townshend - Previously owned by private owners AUS.

GX-1 #5040 - USA - Vintage Key Gear - Previously owned by Yamaha Dealers Association AUS, private owners AUS.

GX-1 #5023 - JPN - Private owner - Previously owned by private owner JPN.

GX-1 #5019 - USA - Merlin Entertainment (Madame Tussauds) - Previously owned by Rock Circus ENG.

GX-1 #50nn - JPN - Yamaha Corporation

Still waiting to hear from someone who knows the actual whereabouts of Stevie Wonders two GX-1s though...

You can find additional posts featuring the Yamaha GX1 here.

Paul T Schreiber of Synthtech / MOTM Retires From The Synth Business

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Paul T Schreiber (@synthesistechnology)

"After 27 years, I have retired from the synthesizer business. I still have a #day_job which will last until Dec 1st. The last set of 16 modules shipped to Patchwerks in Seattle, including the last E520 Hyperions.

Is there a chance someone will buy my IP and continue the product like? I keep hoping. Thanks to everyone who were friends and customers."

---

The man behind MOTM and Synthtech/Synthesis Technology retires. Paul Schrieber was making modular synths in the MOTM 5U format before eurorack took off. He essentiall started his own format, 5U in height like Moog's MU 5U but different. See this old post for a pic of different modular formats. He made his modules available in both DIY and finished form. You all should be familiar with MOTM and Synthech if you are regulars of the site. If not, see the MOTM and Synthech labels for posts over the years.

Since the launch of this version of MATRIXSYNTH back in 2005, there have been a total of 831 MOTM posts, and roughly 367 Synthtech posts, including this one. I say roughly as there was another Synthtech that made the Chroma Cult - Rhodes Chroma MIDI Interface, that shares the Synthtech label I used to get the count. The first post to mention MOTM dates back to This EAR post on July 30, 2005, the second to MOTM Madness - Featuring Yamaha GX1 Filter clone on August 4, 2005. Sadly the mp3 linked there is gone. People let their sites go unfortunately. The first post to mention Synthtech is the Epic Son video by John L Rice from back on August 2, 2011. His designs also made it into non modular synths like this Studio Electronics Omega 8 w/ MOTM CS80 & 440 Filters.

Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Episode 171 with Special Guests, Dan & Mitchell from Cherry Audio!

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"Music Technology Discussion with Rob Puricelli, Kent Spong and our very special guests, Dan Goldstein & Mitchell Sigman of Cherry Audio!

This week we're delighted to welcome back Dan & Mitchell of Cherry Audio, a company that in the last few years has grown its reputation for quality, affordable and quite excellent software synths that emulate some amazing synthesizer classics such as the ARP Quadra, Novachord, Jupiter 4 and 6 as well as classics like the Memorymoog, Synthex, GX1/CS80 and Polymoog, plus their own Dreamsynth & Sines!

Join us to hear all about the latest synth to be added to their collection, the Octave Cat!"

Yamaha Electone EX-1 Mega Rare Vintage Synth/Organ

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

via this auction

See this post for a demo and overview of one by Mark Jenkins, and this post for some additional info on the EX1 vs. EX42 which was the stage model of of GX1, precurssor to the CS80.

Update: It's not clear how much the EX1 is related to the GX1 and CS80. According to Colin f in the comments of this post, the oscillators are digital. The EX1 was released in 1977, the same year the Synclavier was released, as well the same year Bell Labs Digital Synthesizer was developed. You can find some history on digital synthesis on Wikipedia here. The EX1 is not mentioned. According to Mark Jenkins in the comments of this post, the EX1 is is a preset version of the GX1.


"Comes complete with:
One TX-III matching tone cabinet.
Stool.
Pedal board.
Music stand.
Original Yamaha voltage converter.

The good bits:
In good overall condition with minor marks.
All keys/pedals work.
Tone cabinet works and sounds great.
All the controls apart from the ones listed work perfectly.

The bad bits:
One note on the lower orchestra (synthesizer) section occasionally sticks, not sure what the fault is.
Tremolo function doesn't work - it's probably the belt or motor inside the tone cabinet, I use it connected to an amplifier through its separate out so don't use this function.
Sine wave LFO waveshape on the solo synth not working (other waveshapes work fine).

This is an amazing sounding instrument which can layer different types of analog/digital synthesier and organ tones all at once.
Very hard to find and in very nice cosmetic shape.
Cost £27,000 back in 1977!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Famous Synth Sounds - (19) ABBA Summer Night - Wembley Intro

video upload by SonicProjects

"https://www.sonicprojects.ch/opxpro2/...

Famous Synth Sounds 19: ABBA Summer Night City Wembley Intro synth sound vst

Check the presented sound by yourself with the demo version linked above

Click on the BANK - LOAD button in the synth's grey top-bar
Load this bank: PROII_FAMOUS
Preset 33 Abba Polymoog Brass

This is the intro sound played by Benny Andersson at the legendary gig in Wembley Arena, London, November 1979:"

ABBA - Summer Night City - Live 1979 (with alternate audio mix)

video upload by mozpiano2

Yamaha GX1.

Screenshot from the video.
Two pics from Wikipedia:

"The GX-1 served as a test bed for the development of the Yamaha CS-80 polyphonic synthesizer, which turned out much smaller and more portable (although still considered mighty hefty compared to contemporary synthesizers for live performance)."

Cherry Audio GX-80: A detailed demo and tutorial

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We preset a detailed demo and tutorial of the new GX-80 from Cherry Audio. This flagship instrument recreates two of Yamaha's legendary analog polyphonic synthesizers from the 1970s: the CS-80 and GX1.

00:36 History of the GX1 and CS-80
02:17 Overview of the GX-80
03:43 Basic Sound creation with Tone Selectors and Layers
11:04 Advanced Editing with Voice Parameters (VCO, VCF, VCA)
21:01 Master functions (for Upper Layer)
24:54 Effects Section
29:48 Voice editing in Dual (GX1) mode
33:50 Factory Presets

To find out more, please visit https://cherryaudio.com/products/gx-80

'GX-80 is a transformative virtual synthesizer that combines the unparalleled sound and features of the fabled GX-1 'Dream Machine' and its renowned descendant the CS-80, to create a powerhouse hybrid. Featuring the carefully crafted and intensely circuit-modeled DSP designs of award-winning developer Mark Barton, Cherry Audio has replicated every subtlety of the classics to create the most authentic emulation of its kind.'

____________

Please consider supporting this channel to help us bring you more synthesizer tutorials and other content. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/catsynth Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth"

See this previous post for additional demos and details on Cherry Audio's GX-80.

ANTOINE BARIL'S ONE MAN ELP: Backstage Pass @ EMEAPP

video upload by EMEAPP

"After over two years in the making, we are proud to be a part of the One Man ELP project; the brainchild of the amazingly talented Antoine Baril of Québec, Canada. As with his previous "One Man" videos that he has released over the last 7 years (Rush, Genesis, Yes), his attention to detail and accuracy is second to none and it was amazing to watch him at work within our walls for an intense week of keyboard craziness in July 2022. Along with his amazing videographer Paul DiGiacomo, they captured some stunning footage and audio to make this epic video project one for the ages. It was a blast to play a supporting role in this, we gave full access of our Keith Emerson keyboard rig (as well as our extensive collection of vintage analog synths) to Antoine and it was like turning a kid loose in a candy store, a cornucopia of awesomeness! Join us for an exclusive backstage peek at some of the recording processes and video shoots during this one week period. The ELP material he performed and recorded runs Then EMEAPP's executive director Drew Raison will take you on an up close and personal tour of all the keyboards and synthesizers that were used in this project.

Complete list below:

Yamaha GX1 (6:55)
Keith Emerson’s Hammond/Goff C3 w/dual Leslie 122s (7:13)
Keith Emerson’s Split Moog Minimoog Model D (7:51)
Keith Emerson's Hammond L100 (8:09)
Moog Minimoog Model D Pair (Bernie Worrell's Minimoog on right) (8:45)
Keith Emerson’s Moog Modular Synthesizer (9:16)
Mellotron M400 (9:39)
Oberheim Eight Voice (9:58)
Oberheim OB-X/OB-Xa (10:20)
ARP Quadra (10:55)
KORG PS-3300 (11:06)
Moog Taurus I (11:22)
Hohner Clavinet L (11:34)
KORG M1 (11:55)
Keith Emerson’s Steinway Model D (12:10)"

Yamaha SY-1 Solo Synth SN 1740

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. Yamaha SY-1 | Yamaha’s First Portable Analog Synth | Part of the GX1 and CS80 Lineage
video upload by Alamo Music Audio Lab

"Today, Zach is taking a look at the Yamaha SY-1, a unique synthesizer straight out of the 70's Yamaha organ craze. From the lineage that brought you the all-time great CS-80, the SY-1 is a preset-heavy analog synthesizer that was created and used for lead lines and all kinds of nostalgic tones. Take a look and a listen and tell us what you think!

Sounds start at 6:54"

via this auction

"The first portable synth that Yamaha ever made!
Features the same sound engine as the legendary flagship CS-80 and GX-1 synths, albeit a monophonic primitive version. Also features aftertouch (probably also a first) that can be switched to control vibrato, pitch bend, filter, and volume. The presets are really amazing and go from Vangelis to 70s porn film soundtracks to Toto to Parliament Funkadelic to Close Encounters of the Third Kind at the flick of a switch! (John Williams used its successor, the SY-2, for the famous "Ba Di Da Buh Da"- the SY-2 apparently only had more envelope and filter controls and was otherwise sonically identical.)
Please see the Youtube link for an in-depth sound demo."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Son Of GX audio crush demo

video by Marc Brassé

"This video is specially dedicated to Alejandro Lobato Fernandez."

via http://www.brassee.com/instruments.html - be sure to his site for more.

"This is a heavily customized E-70 organ with the synth functions of all 3 orchestra sections (upper keyboard, lower keyboard, pedals) fully and independently programmable. Furthermore a 4th solo section has been added.

Although many people have compared converting Yamaha E-series organs into programmable synthesizers to turning them into CS80´s I have always looked much more towards the GX1 connection. The GX1 was the mother of all Yamaha CS´ and contained 1 analog solo synthesizer, 2 polyphonic sections and 1 bass pedal section. So how could the Son Of GX ever be really complete without the addition of such a solo synth?

I originally thought about converting an EX-1 but could not find one for reasonable money. So yes, theoretically this can still be outdone but on the other hand a personalized version like mine will be more unique. And more "compact". Even more homely.

Added to the V2 version:

1 Solo section with a monophonic. analog, fully programmable, aftertouch sensitive synthesizer but also has its own independent organ section. I reduced a CSY 2 organ into a version that only has an upper keyboard, containing an analog mono synth but also the full upper organ section. Even the original GX1 did not sport that!
Off course the controller box now also contains all necessary controls for the mono synth.
Furthermore 3 analog audio crushers have been built into the programmer. These can be patched into any of the 6 available outputs and add effects ranging from mild coloring, via ring mod type sounds to full audio mayhem.
In short: The Son Of GX has become even more expressive and capable of experimental sounds!"

1975 Yamaha GX1 AMII Show Ad

via @mu:zines

"Not often you see a GX1 advert, for sure..! (International Musician, Oct 1975) #synth #synths"

THE RIVER Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer & More Handmade Miniature Synths

Published on Mar 30, 2019 Ronaldo Lopes Teixeira ROLT

And more: (I believe I've posted some of these in the past - here's the full set - see the miniature label at the bottom of this post for others)



Update: the list:
MINI KORG 2 - HANDMADE MINIATURE
HANDMADE CLASSIC KEYBOARDS COLLECTION MINIATURES by Rolt
Making a Mellotron M400 Miniature
MINI MOOG MODEL D - HANDMADE MINIATURE
ARP ODYSSEY HANDMADE MINIATURE
HAMMOND B3 ORGAN HANDMADE MINIATURE
FENDER RHODES SUITCASE PIANO - HANDMADE MINIATURE
PROPHET 5 - HANDMADE MINIATURE
WURLITZER ELECTRA PIANO (BEIGE) - HANDMADE MINIATURE
HOHNER CLAVINET D6 - HANDMADE MINIATURE
MOOG LIBERATION - HANDMADE MINIATURE
Celeste - CLASSIC HANDMADE PROG KEYBOARDS

CLICK FOR MORE »

GX1 Wave Level Mod Demo

Uploaded on Jan 30, 2019 sequentix

Spotted this one on sequencer.de. Apparently there was a software editor for a Kontakt GX1 pictured below. If anyone has additional info on them, feel free to leave a comment.

via robotmakers on Muffs:

"Here's a Kontakt instrument I put together that models the Yamaha GX-1, with its quirky interface and idiosyncratic features. The instrument is based on a set of sampled analog waveforms processed through the filter and modulation engine of Kontakt 5.0. This latest version of Kontakt includes a variety of greatly improved filters, including a 12db per octave set of HP, BP and LP filters that sound surprisingly close to the GX-1's (I used MOTM-485s to compare). There are 25 pages (!) of Kontakt KSP code behind this thing, and two interface levels, portaying the unique GX-1 Programmer and a selection of other controls (e.g. LFO labeled oddly as Sub-Oscillator). This is work-in-progress, and currently uses samples of a Moog 921B VCO rather than a more representative oscillator. The next step will be modeling the VCOs more closely, among other things."

GX1 Preset Tones

Published on Jan 30, 2019 sequentix

"Brief description of the GX1 patch control circuitry, followed by a dump of the preset tones."

Yamaha CSY-1 Vintage Analogue Synth Organ

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

via this auction

"These are a very interesting and unique sounding instrument. You've basically got a Yamaha SY-1 synth built into an organ. The synth and organ sounds can be layered, synth sound can be played by the upper keyboard or pedals.

Sounds can be routed to stationary or the built in rotary (Leslie) speakers. Lush spring reverb and what in my opinion makes these so special, the touch sensitive upper keyboard, routable to modulation, filter and volume. Amazing for 1974!

Beautiful to play, it's a very expressive synth and has that bubbly, organic early Yamaha analogue synth sound as you would expect. It does in fact use several of the same component modules as the mighty Yamaha GX1 synth and the sound, though monophonic is unmistakably similar."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Oldcrow Modular GX1 Bandpass Resonator Filter Demo

Published on Feb 17, 2017 musiqfreq aka Qfactor

"A test of the GX-1 Bandpass Resonator designed by Oldcrow Modular"

The GX-1 is of course the Yamaha GX-1, pre-curssor to the CS80.

Korg - New Music Always OKGO contest - Infinity Night Sky

Published on Apr 18, 2016 RonoTron

Cool little video I spotted on discchord.

"Hi everyone, This is my music video submission for the Korg - New Music Always OKGO contest.
If you like my music, follow me on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/ronotron

It took few weekends to write this song. I tried to combine both digital soft synths and physical hardware from Korg. Playing and creating notes along with real-time projection feedback and visualization, making music in a very immersive way allowed me to see a different perspective.

Used the following Korg instruments in the order of their appearance:

Korg Volca Sample for bells, drones, and clicks
Korg Gadget (Chiang Mai)
Korg Monotron Delay (x2) for delay and feedback effects
Korg Taktile 49 to sequence MIDI notes and arps
Korg KP3+ for chain effects, noises
Korg Gadget (Dublin) for intro lead patterns
Korg Volca Beats for drum parts and patterns
Korg Volca Keys for primary leads
Korg Volca Bass for bass notes and secondary leads
Korg Gadget Helsinki for saw (ending melody)
Other Korg Gadgets for subtle ambient textures (Bilbao, Marseille, Wolfsburg)

Primary camera (top-down): Samsung Note 5
Secondary camera (close): Panasonic GX1
Projection computing system: HP Sprout

Video captured using FRAPS. Graphics rendered in real-time via Space Engine.
http://en.spaceengine.org/"