"Perhaps I can top the "Yamaha Superstar" cover. It's from a german lp and a guy called Edgar Schlepper. The record itself is really poor, but he used both the GX-1 and EX-1."
Click here for an mp3 of this most awesome recording. A little ABBA. A little Chicago. All done on a Yamaha GX1 and EX1. Who could ask for more. Enjoy. : )
The Old Crow recently posted a link to a picture of his Yamaha DX1 and GS1 on the Yamaha CS80 group. I hadn't looked up the GS1 before, so I of course decided to check it out. I found a Sound on Sound article on the synth and the beginnings of FM synthesis. The GS1 was Yamaha's first FM synth and paved the road to the DX line of synths much like the GX1 was the precursor to the CS80, CS60, and CS80. It's a fascinating read. Title link takes you there.
"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!"
"I just put up a small set on flickr of the innards of various synths. I'll try to add to it from time to time. So far there's the Yamaha SY2, Yamaha YC-25D, and a Russian handclapper stompbox. Also a homemade Triwave Picogenerator.
Pictured: "The Yamaha SY2 oscillator and filter modules. Apparently the filter is the same as the one in the enormous GX1 monster synth, and thus the same as the one in the MOTM GX1 filter. Old Crow actually reverse-engineered this filter for MOTM by dissolving the material it's potted in--see his page on the project at www.cs80.com/ne_proj.html."
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!"
One of the Holy Grails of the Synth world is currently up for auction. Title link takes you there. Pinballs Wanted will take you to a page dedicated to this synth. David Rogoff on AH stated "Well, here's the king..." and posted the link. The King says it best. I can see 70s Elvis wailing away on this, white cape, rinestones and sweat. : )
GForce's String Machine previously announced here is now available.
"Instrument Overview The modern, polyphonic string synthesizer was invented in 1970 by Ken Freeman, a British keyboard player and engineer who discovered that if you layered a note with another detuned and slightly modulated version of itself, a pleasant ‘chorused’ sound resulted.
Even though Ken's invention wasn't the first instrument of this genre to be commercially released (That honor fell to the Eminent organ company with their 310 Unique organ) there's little doubt that Ken's vision contributed immeasurably to electronic music over the next few decades in the guise of over 100+ different models that followed from a huge variety of manufacturers.
The VSM is an intuitive but highly powerful Virtual String Machine which captures many of the sounds from this genre of instrument, containing a wealth of sounds from a small mountain of classic and rare string machines. These range from the first commercial string ensembles (Eminent 310 & Freeman String Symphonizer) through to the highly lauded Solina, Elka Rhapsody, Logan String Melody, Korg PE2000 and many more.
With the sheer amount of instruments captured within the VSM, it's simplicity itself to recreate all those golden string machine tones from yesteryear. However, with the VSM's comprehensive, yet intuitive feature-set, plus a two-layer option it's now possible to create your own hybrid instruments taking these sublime vintage tones into hitherto unchartered territory."
Update: Looks like the Yamaha GX1 will be added as well. Macaixa in the comments noticed this image and the following blurb after clicking through.
"? A teaser of something that should appear in a VSM add-on pack. This instrument is a true rarity and something that we were truly privileged to play, let alone record."
If you look at this post you will see it's the programmer for the GX1.
"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
'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.'
"Collection:Greatest Hits of the 80's CD:1 Track:1" This one popped on the Analog Heaven mailing list. The intro synth is most likely the Yamaha GX1, precursor to the CS80. According to Peter Forest, author of the A-Z of Analogue Synthesizers, "Hot Chocolate were recorded in Mickie Most's studio, which boasted a very nice GX-1." It definitely has the CS80 sound.
It has come to my attention that Keith Emerson passed away yesterday in Santa Monica, CA. We all know who he is and his influence in the world of synthesizers. Below are just a handful of videos including Bob Moog introducing Keith Emerson and his mighty Moog modular, Keith going over the system back in 1993, the introduction of Keith's 50th Anniversary Moog Modular reissued by Moog Music, Fanfare for the Common Man featuring the mighty Yamaha GX1, and finally the classic Lucky Man.
Few musicians will have the impact Keith Emerson has in our world of synthesizers. He will be sorely missed.
Pictured left: Emerson performing in Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 2008 (via Wikipedia).
Update: tributes from Moog Music and The Bob Moog Foundation:
Keith Emerson at Moogfest in NYC Uploaded on Aug 21, 2007 highbiashiphop
Keith Emerson xplains his Moog Modular and synths rig in ELP 1993 tour.
Uploaded on Apr 19, 2010
"Keith Emerson talks about his giant Moog Modular synth and keyboards rig during the Emerson, Lake & Palmer worldwide 1993/94 tour, here in NYC."
50th Anniversary of the Moog Modular Synthesizer
Published on Oct 11, 2014 Moog Music Inc
Fanfare for the Common Man - Emerson, Lake & Palmer (Olympic Stadium Montreal)
Uploaded on Jan 29, 2012
"IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The music, video and images remain copyright of their respective owners and are strictly used here on YouTube for educational reasons as well as for the artists' promotional purposes only!"
Uploaded on Dec 18, 2007 ProgRockSongs
"Artist: Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Song: Lucky man
Album: Emerson, Lake & Palmer (1970)
Keyboards: Keith Emerson
Bass: Greg Lake
Drums: Carl Palmer"
"No normal man can afford to own the synth of all synths: the Yamaha GX-1. So I decided to get creative. This is what I came up with
It's a Yamaha CSY-1, Yamaha's first organ with an integrated analog synth. It actually contains GX1 technology.
I made the synth fully programmable and exchanged the lower keyboard for a Korg Poly 800 . So now this isntrument contains an organ,a fully programmable monosynth with aftertouch and a polyphonic synth!
This is just an improvisation but it gives an impression of what the isntrument can do.
The Polycheesy name comes from the row of yellow modulation wheels on the programmer. Bad joke, I know."
"The wonderful new Moog Sub37, in a classical old vintage Minimoog playing approach. Here 3 of my favorite personal sounds for my Project (Abigoba Nu Jazz Band).
The other live sounds coming from the Oberheim OB-MX and Roland A90 sound card ."
Programming the Moog Sub37, Part Two: Step Sequencer, Arpeggiator & Duophonic Bass lines
Published on Dec 18, 2014
"A quick view of the possibilities of the great Moog Sub37 options ... Basic step sequencer, great arpeggiator and bass sounds with duo-phonic possibilities.
Rhodes, Jupiter8 Pad & Yamaha GX1 Strings by Blofeld Waldorf emulation ... live demo."
"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)"
"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."
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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.
"NAMM 2015: Video - Yamaha Vintage Synth Museum Tour SY2 through CS80 to VL3"
Some amazing bits of synth trivia and history in this one. Make the time to watch it through if you can. There are demos of the rare GX1 & VL7. Less than a dozen were made and only three VL7s left the company and were sold.
See this post for some history on FM synthesis from Dave Bristow, the man who programmed the presets of the GS1, Yamaha's first FM synthesizer.
