Yamaha VP1 Virtual Acoustic Synthesizer - Wonderland | Music By Christian Halten, Game Solitude

video upload by Christian Halten

You can find additional posts featuring the Yamaha VP1 here.

"The track Wonderland by Christian Halten is composed and performed on the very rare Yamaha VP1 Virtual Acoustic Synthesizer released in 1994. The arrangement was recorded using live overdubs, no other instruments nor external effects were used. The visuals for the track derive from the game Solitude by Jerboa Entertainment with kind permission. Solitude is available on Steam from the link below.

The VP1 is a 16 voice synthesizer that creates sounds based on Physical Modeling technique resulting in pseudo-acoustic tones. All sounds can be altered in real time (even material properties) with a lot of onboard controllers including three tactile expression pedals. Yamaha created a custom 64 core computing architecture for the VP1. At the time it was a very expensive instrument and only a few of them were built.

Christian Halten is a film music composer and creative director based in Berlin. He started his career at the age of 17 scoring a cinematic documentary published by National Geographic. Ever since he is passionate about exploring and expressing sound in music to picture. He worked in Los Angeles in various teams around Hans Zimmer. His latest work is a collaboration with composer Michael Stearns.

Game Solitude On Steam
https://store.steampowered.com/app/37...

Christian Halten On Bandcamp
https://christianhalten.bandcamp.com/"

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?"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Synthesizer Factory Demo Songs

Use the player controls to skip around.

Playlist:
Roland JP-8000 (1996) | Factory Demo Songs (HQ)
YAMAHA SY 85 | AWM2 Synthesizer | Factory Songs (HQ)
YAMAHA SY 99 | Enigma "Sadeness" Synthesizer | Factory Songs (HQ)
YAMAHA VP1 | 10.000,- USD Synthesizer | Factory Songs (HQ)
YAMAHA VL1 | Virtual Acoustic Synthesizer | Factory Songs (HQ)
Korg M1 (1988) | Factory Demo Songs (HQ)
Roland D-70 (1990) | Factory Demo Song (HQ)
Roland JD-800 (1991) | Factory Multimode Song (HQ)
Waldorf Microwave XTk (1998) | Factory Demo Songs (HQ)

Yamaha VP1 Demo - No Talking

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"This video was assembled from clips of Scott Kinsey playing a Yamaha VP1, owned by Reinhold Heil and restored by a team lead by Manny Fernandez, on Episode 120 of our live stream on Friday 22nd July 2022.

You can watch that stream here:"

Pro Synth Network LIVE! - Episode 120 - Yamaha VP1 Special

video upload by Pro Synth Network

"This week we're bringing to you a really special show!

The Yamaha VP1 is not only one of the rarest synthesizers ever made, but also one of the most unique. The VP1 was going to be Yamaha's first commercial foray into the world of physical and acoustic modelling. Utilising a free oscillation type of modelling, it was a 76 note, 16 voice modelling monster with the ability to combine multiple elements into a single patch and had dedicated external editing capabilities for an Apple G3 directly connected to it via a dedicated serial port.

Friend of the show, Manny Fernandez, has been helping Reinhold Heil restore his VP1 to working condition and now that the restoration has been completed, Manny, Reinhold and legendary jazz keyboardist Scott Kinsey, himself a VP1 fan and Yamaha professional, join us to discuss and demonstrate this remarkable instrument and its restoration process."

YAMAHA VP1 & VL1 Factory Sound Demos

video upload by Simon Le Grec

"YAMAHA VP 1 | 10.000,- USD Synthesizer | Factory Songs (HQ) The first model of synthesizer to feature VA (virtual acoustic) tone generation based on physical modeling, a complete departure from sampling and FM.
A VA tone generator creates sounds by simulating the physical mechanism by which wind, string and other instruments produce sound.
The virtual instruments simulate characteristics such as the shape and materials of music instruments, allowing the creation of tonal changes that respond to the breathing and playing methods used.
The VL1 was created with reed instruments and other wind instruments in mind, and thus is two-note polyphonic."



YAMAHA VL1 | Virtual Acoustic Synthesizer | Factory Songs (HQ)


"The VL-1 was a ground breaking synthesizer with new technology renowned for accurate reproductions of wind instruments. It is a 2-note polyphony instrument that is best used with a breath controller such as the BC-2 or BC-3.

The VL-1 cost around 4000 pounds in 1994, and was out of reach for most musicians. As such it sold in relatively small numbers and are hard to find. They do come onto the second hand market occasionally and demand between $3000 to $5000 (Aust) depending on condition.

There was a VL7 which was essentially half a VL1 though it looked very similar. Then there is the legendary VP1 which was a VL1 with more power, polyphony and keys. It was made in very limited numbers, perhaps less than a handful. That was due to its price tag, rumoured to have been around $25,000 (US). As such it has often been considered more of a prototype than a proper production model.

This instrument suggests quality of build and sound at first sight. It has real wood, which has not been seen since the DX1 (exactly one decade earlier). Then there are the Champaign gold end panels connected by a band across the top front end. A colour very similar to that used on Yamaha’s B500 in 1990. The gold however is flat with slightly rough texture to contrast against the smooth varnished wood and its semi-gloss finish.

Interestingly it only has 49 keys which to the uninformed will instantly cast doubt, especially with only 2-notes polyphony, and no on-board sequencer.

The screen is striking and very clear with its white back light. The front panel is very well organized with good spacing between all buttons. We particularly like the way the patch buttons are perfectly arranged in 3 rows.

The pitch and modulation wheels feel nice and was a successful design that continued to many future generations. The 3 wheels placed on a stage is an innovative design solution to integrate with a curvy end panel. There is also a disk drive discretely tucked under the left side edge

All controllers feel like they would on a Rolls Royce and command respect. This is not a toy or machine to be thrown around on stage or studio. This was built to look and feel like a digital cross between a violin and a saxophone."

YAMAHA VL 1 | VIRTUAL ACOUSTIC SYNTHESIZER 1993 | FACTORY DEMO SONGS

AnalogAudio1

"(c) 2020 by AnalogAudio1

The internal factory demo songs (1993) of the Yamaha VL1 "Virtual Acoustic Synthesizer".

The Yamaha VL1 was a groundbreaking, pioneering synthesizer with its "virtual acoustic" synthesis in 1993. But it was not a big success, so Yamaha went on with sampling technology for the most part. But still, the Yamaha VL1 and VP1 have their place in history.

Recorded directly from the Yamaha VL1's outputs without any additional effects or eq treatment. Enjoy! Music by YAMAHA Corporation.

Few years ago I demoed the Yamaha VL1, see: [here]

My dream would be to own a Yamaha VP1, but I'm afraid this won't be possible..."

Technics SX-WSA1 Acoustic Modeling Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"Only about 600 of these were made and are somewhat difficult to find. This is the Technics Wsa1 acoustic modeling synthesizer! A very unique workstation from the 90s that was light-years ahead of its time. This was very similar to the mythical Yamaha VP1 which is basically a unicorn of a synthesizer since there were only 3 sold.

Sounds:
The wsa1 was an acoustic modeling synthesizer that emulates acoustic nuances and features resonators and drivers to drastically change different sounds. The keyboard really shines with pads and orchestral sounds.
The soundcloud link below demonstrates some sounds from it. All sounds came from this keyboard plus some reverb and chorus.

Features:
I can't fully describe what this thing can do but it features a built in sequencer that can be manipulated in real time. With 64 note polyphony almost anything is possible. Has multiple editing parameters.

The wsa was released in 1995 with a hefty price tag of $5,000! But now they go for less but are pretty uncommon since they are fairly unknown.

Condition:
Every button and knob is working as a new one."

CLICK FOR MORE »

TECHNICS SX-WSA1R RACK SYNTHESIZER

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

via this auction

Note there were three physical modeling synth engines, one from Yamaha, one from Korg, and one from Technics. They were all different. The auction description mentions Yamaha, but Korg of course had the monophonic Prophecy and the polyphonic Z1.

"The super rare TECHNICS SX-WSA1R rack mount digital synthesizer. Unobtainium in rack format. A MASSIVELY POLYPHONIC synth engine that is unique in the world of sound generation and sound design; a unique sound that can only also be found in the legendary polyphonic Yamaha VP1 (of with Yamaha made three (3) for astronomical prices), and the very limited 2-voice Yamaha VL1.

The SX-WSA1R is effectively the only alternative to access the POLYPHONIC sound generating capabilities of the fabled Yamaha VP1.

The technology to POLYPHONICALLY cross a horn section with the envelope properties of a plucked string instrument. From huge swirling pads to otherworldly leads, the sound design capabilities of this instrument simply have not been duplicated. Includes very usable onboard effects, a second set of MIDI IN/OUT/THRUs, and a second set of stereo (or dual mono) outs.

The keyboard version of the SX-WSA1 is fairly rare. But the rack version is, like the Ensoniq Fizmo rack and Wersi EX-20 (rack version of Stage Performer MK I), simply unobtainium. Technics made only about 100 of them, and almost all for the UK market."

CLICK FOR MORE »

YAMAHA VL1 Virtual Acoustic Synthesizer 1993 | HD DEMO

Published on Dec 26, 2016 AnalogAudio1

"(c) 2016 by AnalogAudio1

Demo of the YAMAHA VL1 (Version 2) Virtual Acoustic Synthesizer from 1993. All effects are from the VL1. I the last seconds, I played the VL1 along with a vintage Korg Polysix.

The brother of the Yamaha VP1 (just one or two were made). The VL1 is still rare, but available. The sound engine was brand new in 1993 and the synth was quite expensive. Instead of playing samples of real instruments, the VL1 engages a new "physical modelling synthesis" - it calculates models of wood wind instruments. It's a very complex synthesis technique, so the VL1 is just 2 voice polyphonic. The convenience is, that you can tweak parameters of models, which can give you unique results. In 1995, version 2 was released, which had more features. The VL1 has a little brother - the VL7. The sounds you hear in the video were modified by me.

3 Wheels, velocity and aftertouch 4 octave keyboard. The VL1 is duophonic (2 voice polyphonic)."

Yamaha to Host Rare Vintage Synth Exhibit at NAMM

Pictured: Yamaha's first synth, the SY-1.

"Yamaha to Exhibit Rare Vintage Synthesizers From 40‐Year History at the 2015 NAMM Show

BUENA PARK, Calif. (January 6, 2015)—Yamaha today announced that it will exhibit around a dozen rare vintage synthesizers at the 2015 NAMM Show, the largest musical instrument trade show in North America, to be held January 22‐25, 2015 in Anaheim, California. This showcase, which celebrates Yamaha’s 40th anniversary of manufacturing synthesizers—a milestone reached this year— plans to include analog synthesizers like the SY‐2, CS30 and a special guest or two, the gorgeous GS1, the DX7, which was one of the most commercially successful synths of its day, and the rare VP1—a polyphonic physical modeling synthesizer. Some of the models will be playable. Yamaha introduced its first synthesizer, the SY‐1, in 1974 after decades of research and development and established a high technological benchmark when it released the CS80 polyphonic synthesizer in 1976. The company made musical history in 1983 when the DX7 debuted as the most commercially successful electronic keyboard of its time. This keyboard, which helped shape the sound of popular music in the 1980s, relied on frequency modulation—the leading‐edge technology of the time. By the end of the decade, Yamaha synths evolved from performance instruments to full‐fledged music workstations. The rise of music production synthesizers helped spur the home recording revolution by providing arrangers with a single tool to orchestrate almost any combination of musical instruments with ever‐more realistic tone generation. Yamaha helped develop the use of

sampled—or recorded—tones, along with physical modeling that went beyond sound by recreating instrument behavior as a mathematical model. Building on years of experience and distilling all of Yamaha’s technical innovations into one synth, the Motif series, introduced in 2001, evolved into an industry leader by offering great sound, computer integration and the ability to create sophisticated musical performances with ease. To celebrate the anniversary, Yamaha released the latest iteration of this series, the Motif XF, with a special edition white finish—the only Music Production Synthesizer on the market available in this color. The model offers an exclusive 40th Anniversary Premium Contents Pack that includes FL512M flash memory expansion, a USB drive with content from vintage Yamaha synthesizers and more than $1,000 in rebate offers on Yamaha products and third party soft synths, editors and sound libraries. Beyond hardware, Yamaha became an early adopter of digital technology. Earlier this year, the company launched www.yamahasynth.com, a new community for Yamaha synthesizer users. The site features a forum where members can interact with Yamaha’s product experts including the legendary Phil “Bad Mister” Clendeninn, Yamaha Synthesizer artists and other enthusiasts, along with resources to help all players get the most out of their instrument and download sounds directly into their synthesizers. 'Yamaha has long mastered the art of drawing on past technologies to improve on future synthesizer models,' said Nate Tschetter, marketing manager, Music Production, Yamaha Corporation of America. 'We continue to make high‐quality synthesizers for every stage of one’s musical career from the bedroom studio to the sold‐out stadium.' For more information, visit the Yamaha Booth at the 2015 NAMM Show in the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, Marquis Ballroom, January 22‐25, 2015, or http://4wrd.it/yamahasynth."

Yamaha VP1 Tracks by Yasunari Takahashi

via Yasunari Takahashi on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

The VP1 was Yamaha's flagship physical modeling synth. It's a 16 voice polyphonic version of the Vl7.

Yamaha VL1-m

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction.

Some details (see the auction for more):
"The VL1 was truly revolutionary and expensive ($6K) when it was first introduced. Although Yamaha was expected to release an even pricier polyphonic synth (the mythic VP1), soft sales of the VL1 led Yamaha to go the other way, cut the capabilities and release the VL-70m, which is roughly half the device. Although the VL70 can be tweaked to produce a satisfactory sound, and although some sort of physical modeling is included in the capabilities of a wide variety of synths today, most discerning players would agree that the VL1 has never been matched, particularly in the way that the sounds can be customized. You can hear this for yourself by comparing the sounds presented on the sites listed above [below in this post] with the sounds of any other synth, real or virtual. Others may sound similar, but the VL1 has an added depth and realism that can be clearly heard.

This synth is the sound designer's holy grail, and sound design is what I used it for. An unbelievable range of sounds can be produced quite quickly, and there's almost no limit if you're willing to spend time digging into the parameters. The time spent is truly enjoyable... you'll see hours slip by as you revel in your creations. You can program sounds on the device itself, or there are two programs that Yamaha released for Macintosh OS 9: a Visual Editor and an Expert Editor (the Expert Editor has been replicated for Windows 98). The visual editor is pure fun, and quite easy... you can mix and match a number of different parameters by simply clicking on options. The Expert Editor is where you can dive deep and really tweak things to either make them more real or truly unreal. I will include the Visual Editor for Mac OS 9 and the Expert Editor for both OS 9 and Windows 98 on a CD, along with the original floppy disks supplied by Yamaha."

Sound On Sound magazine's original 1994 review of the VL1 (the keyboard version)
Ken Barry's web page devoted to the VL1-m, including sounds generated by his Yamaha WX7
International Wind Synthesis Association
A couple of Harmony Central user reviews
Patchman Music patch samples for the VL1

MISC Synth Demos

Title link takes you to demos of:

Yamaha VL1 VL1m VL7
Yamaha VL70m et PLG150VL
Yamaha VP1
Korg Prophecy
Korg Z1
Korg Oasys PCI
Korg Wavedrum
Technics sx-WSA1 et sx-WSA1r
GEM Promega 1, 2 et 3
Roland VG8, VG8ex, VG88, VGA7, VGA3

I always wonderd what the Technics WSA1 was like. Anyone know how deep it's synth editing is?

Poly VL - Yamaha VL in a Soft Synth

Brian Moore dropped me a line about a Yamaha VL1 up for auction. I asked him if he had seen the VP1. He did and he mentioned that he was thinking of picking up the Yamaha S-YXG100 a softsynth with the VL physical modelling. I knew about the Korg OASYS PCI but not this. Brian sent me a couple of links (one, two) and a zip of the demo. Only thing is like the OASYS PCI it only runs on Windows 95/98. Here's the 1999 press release from Harmony Central:

"February 17, 1999
Yamaha Corporation, the world' s largest manufacturer of musical instruments, today announced the development of the SoftSynthesizer Poly-VL which further enhances Yamaha’s SoftSynthesizer software for creating polyphonic sound with a Virtual Acoustic (VA) synthesizer. The Poly-VL, a plug-in module for the SoftSynthesizer S-YXG100, is designed to take advantage of the performance of Intel’ s Pentium® III processor. As a result, it can reproduce music approaching the realism of a live music performance.

"We are delighted with this development," said Yamaha Corporation President Kazukiyo Ishimura. "Thanks to the power of Intel’ s new Pentium III processor, everybody can now enjoy music in their own homes as if it is performed by real musical instruments. We will start introducing this software to all major computer manufacturers to bundle it on their new computers."

Yamaha SoftSynthesizer embodies software technology that enables the playback of MIDI data even without dedicated hardware such as an external tone generator or a sound card. At present, Yamaha has shipped over eight million units of its acclaimed SoftSynthesizer S-YXG50 for preinstallation on computers made by manufacturers worldwide.

WaveTable synthesis is widely used in musical instruments and software synthesizers, and this technology is based on playback of pre-sampled waveforms. On the other hand, Virtual Acoustic synthesis utilizes a model that builds a virtual instrument and then creates sound by simulating the behavior of sound generation in a real musical instrument. Because VA recreates the sound generating mechanism of a musical instrument itself, users can create sounds that replicate both the timbre and expression of real instruments much more closely than is possible with an ordinary synthesizer. New and unusual combinations can even be created, such as a timbre that simulates a flute with brass mouthpiece being played with a cello bow.

The new Poly-VL utilizes the power of the Pentium III processor to generate eight-voice polyphony with VA synthesis, allowing users to recreate— for example— the sound of a brass ensemble of up to eight voices, including saxes, trombones, and trumpets. The percussion and keyboard sounds that are generated using Wave Table synthesis and orchestral timbre generated with VA synthesis results in a powerfully expressive music performance."

The Yamaha VP1

16 voice polyphonic physical modelling synth. I knew about the VL1 and VL7, but not this. Wow. Click here for a VP1 site with specifications and samples. Check out DVDBorn for more.

Update via Javeline the comments: "The link above is dead, but I have a LOT of information and demos of the VP1 on my website"