Yamaha SY-1 preset synthesizer demo

Published on May 12, 2012 David Witkowski·7 videos

"Short demo tune made with only Yamaha SY-1 sounds. It's a great but much underrated synth. It has a fantastic aftertouch, which really adds to a beautiful and organic musical expression. It kinda sounds sounds like a monophonic preset version of the great Yamaha CS-80. Even though it's a preset synth, there's plenty of programmability to shape the sound

Check out more at http://www.antilles-music.com/synthes..."

"Winter" a Yamaha SY-1 song

Published on May 12, 2012

"This is a multitracked songs made only with the Yamaha SY-1. (Only the chords are not SY-1) Yamaha SY-1 is a preset analog synthesizer from 1974, with awesome aftertouch and plenty of programmability to shape the sound. It has a lot of life and character."

This one in via John L Rice

Yamaha CSY-1 Rare Vintage Analog Synth Organ

via this auction
"This is the rarely seen Yamaha CSY-1 synth/organ combination. Yamaha's first ever synth was the SY-1 introduced in 1974, they also decided to build the SY-1 into a 2 manual plus pedalboard type organ cabinet and that's what we have here, the CSY-1.

This really is a fun piece of kit with some great sounds, very expressive too thanks to Yamaha's aftertouch (amazing for 1974) which can be assigned to different parameters. Although a preset synth it's editable, so the presets are just a starting point for sound creation. The synth section is playable from the upper keyboard OR the bass pedalboard. It can be played solo or can be combined with the organ sounds/bass sounds. The CSY-1 has it's own built in amplification/speakers, spring reverb and even a real Leslie type rotary speaker, the synth section sounds great routed through this.

To get an idea of the sound go to YouTube and search for Yamaha SY-1 or SY-2 (the SY-2 is another model variation in a road case)

I must say, old Yamaha gear is incredibly reliable, superb build quality. Also, I read somewhere that the CSY-1 shares much of it's circuitry, particularly the filters, with the monosynth section of the mighty Yamaha GX-1 synth (introduced about a year later), there certainly are sound similarities if you check them both out."

SY-1 posts including vids
SY-2 posts including vids

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Yamaha CSY-1 ( SY-1 ) Analog Synth / Organ GX1 Filter

via this auction

"In 1974 Yamaha released their first ever synth, the SY-1 which was also available in the rare form of the CSY-1 which we have here, a funky 2 manual organ with the SY-1 built-in and playable from either the upper keyboard or the 13 note bass pedals.

The sound is amazing, organic, unique and very expressive too thanks to Yamaha's excellent pressure sensitive keyboard (aftertouch) which can be assigned to various parameters. The presets are pants as you'd expect but get tweaking and it really comes to life. It's something a bit different. The sound is in my opinion very similar to the mighty Yamaha GX-1's monosynth section and I have been told that they even share the same filter circuitry, if not more. (The GX-1 was made in 1975). If you can't find a GX-1 for sale or just don't have £100,000 or so to pay for one but simply must have that bubbly warm early Yamaha sound then here's your solution.

From the CSY-1 operation manual, "Do not be alarmed if sound rattling (sympathetic vibration) occurs. All materials have critical resonance frequencies at which they vibrate. Since the CSY-1 produces continuous tones, it is only normal that some will cause windows, shelves etc. to rattle."

The CSY-1 has it's own amplification/speakers built in and even has a real built in Leslie type 2 speed rotary speaker, the synth sounds great through this and the spring reverb is very sweet too.

Have a listen to Royksopp, see if you can spot it, it's one of their favourite synths. You can get an idea of the sounds on Youtube. Search for Yamaha SY1 / SY2, there are a few demos, also search for a Youtube video called Synth Barocco, the soundtrack is exclusively CSY-1. You can also download the whole CSY-1 manual if you go to the Yamaha online manual library."

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The Yamaha CSY-1

Remember this post on Yamaha Electone "Synths?" The following just in via Ivan on AH:

"I had just been doing some research on the Yamaha SY-1 which I rememberd playing as a kid. Seems it was built into an organ called the CYS-1 (and later there was a CYS-2 with a built-in Yamaha SY-2). The same day I see the standard "Yamaha organ for sale" ad on the local Craigslist but the picture looked a bit different for a Yamaha organ. I always look at the organ ads and then asked questions. Sure enough this was a CYS-1. So today I paid a $100 for it and the guy delivered it for another $20. Here it is in my home (still have to find a place for it): link. Bad photo, but basically the entire top section is the SY-1. The synthesizer can be played separately or as a monophonic voice on top of the upper manual voices. And the SY-1 can be played with the bass pedals too! Lots of fun; now I'm in the mood for lounge music."

Fascinating. One more thing to look out for in those Estate sales. : ) You can find more on the SY-1 and SY-2 on VSE. No title link.

Yamaha SY-1 Solo Synth SN 1740

Note: Auction links 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."

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YAMAHA SY-1 with Original Guide Book

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

via this auction

Not the best pics of the SY-1, but the "Guide To Your Yamaha Solo Synthesizer SY-1" is not something you see often. This might be the first time an image of it has been featured on the site. The one thing I always pay attention to is how companies marketed their products. Note the design - colors, graphics and font.  Is this how Yamaha launched their first synth?

"This very rare Yamaha SY-1 vintage analog synthesizer, is the first compact/portable analog synth produced by Yamaha in 1974."

“Comes with the original guide, Hard shell case, Control pedal, the original stand from Yamaha made for the unit,the original case for the stand,and a music stand. Beautiful... first Synth Yamaha Made Everything is in really good condition.All the switches and knobs and keys working well.The volume doesn't completely go out when you turn the volume down and there is no noise. The sound is very clean. Cosmetically the unit is in very nice condition. There are some minor wear and scratches here and there.It is in amazing condition. Please see all 12 pictures. I am a keyboard player and collector, Click on the pictures to see details.”

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Just Yamaha SY-1 Analog Synth Playing (No Talking)

Synth & Sundry

"The Yamaha SY-1 from 1974 was Yamaha's first synthesizer. It's single VCO design offered both the convenience of some presets and perfunctory analog sybtractive synthesis controls. The user interface takes queues from the organ designs of the time, which makes sense, since the SY-1 was conceived as an accessory for those.

What is pretty incredible about this vintage synth is that in spite of its simple design, the Yamaha SY-1 has aftertouch which it makes it an extremely expressive analog keyboard.

NOTE: This video has two synth takes overdubbed.

If you'd like to support this channel with a one-off purchase, please check out our affordably priced music: https://synthandsundry.bandcamp.com"

Yamaha SY-2 Vintage Synthesizer w/ Legs

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

via this auction

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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 SY-1

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

Details:
"1975 Yamaha SY-1 vintage synthesizer. All keys, knobs, sliders, and outputs function. This was yamaha's very first entry into the synthesizer world. The Very First! This keyboard came out before the popular CS series. This monophonic VCO synthesizer has 28 presets all of which can be edited, but not saved. NOTE: This synth is old and shows signs of use. This does not affect the playability or control in any way. Please take this into consideration when bidding on this item. Aside from that, this keyboard is in great shape and very rare.

Yamaha's first keyboard synthesizers, the SY-1 (pictured above) and SY-2 are monophonic single-VCO analog synthesizers with preset sounds and limited programmability. There are 28 great preset sounds which can be slightly edited using the 8 sliders to the right of the small 37-note keyboard. There's an analog low-pass / high pass resonant filter, analog VCA envelope and a slide effect. There is no sign of MIDI, CV or Gate control but the compact design and wood-case make this a fun synth to mess around with. Some crazy analog sounds can be formed. These are fun little synths with plenty of 'Vintage' status and fun live-performance-ability."

Yamaha's Coolest Monosynth

Alex Ball

"A look at Yamaha's CS-30 monophonic synthesizer from 1977. This was the closest Yamaha got to a modular synth before their attention moved wholesale into FM synthesis. Yamaha released their first analogue synth (the SY-1) in 1974 and their last (the CS-01 II) in 1983. They've never made an analogue synthesizer since, although they have made analogue modelling synths.

0:00 Intro Track
0:50 The Yamaha CS-30
2:18 Feature Song
3:49 Summary
4:50 Full Musical Demo

Nerdy Details:

Yamaha CS-30 (1977)

Voltage Controlled Oscillators: x2
Waves: Sawtooth, Variable Pulse, Noise, Sinewave Sub Oscillator (found in VCA 1)

VCO Modulation: VCO 2 to VCO 1 xmod, pulse width modulation, pitch modulation from the envelopes, pitch modulation from the LFO, pitch modulation from an external signal.

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Yamaha SY-1 Analog Synthesizer

via this auction

"vintage Yamaha SY-1 Analog Synthesizer from 1974. Yamaha's first synthesizer! The SY-1 is a preset synthesizer. However it has a great deal of sliders and knobs which allow you to shape the sounds to your liking."

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Yamaha SY1 Vintage Analogue Synthesizer with Original Dust Cover

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

"The SY-1 is the first compact/portable analog synthesizer produced by Yamaha. It is a single-VCO synthesizer (derived from the GX-1) with preset sounds and basic synthesis capabilities. As was the trend during the mid-seventies, the SY-1 was designed as an accessory to the larger organs and pianos of the time—compact and light enough to sit atop an organ (or piano) and adorned with controls and switches that imitated those found on organs. One listen to the SY-1 and you'll hear the signature classic synth sound that defined Yamaha throughout their more famous CS-series.

This SY-1 is in excellent working and cosmetic condition! Some slight paint defects (as is common with the model) on the edges - as illustrated in photos. All functions work, even aftertouch! This synth sounds awesome - very moogy. Comes with original Dust Cover and chromed music sheet holder..."

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Yamaha SY-2

Click here for shots via this auction.

Check out the details. They claim the SY-2 is the only alternative that has the GX-1 filters. The GX-1 was as you know, the predecessor to the mighty CS80. I was under the impression the CS80 and CS60 had the same filters as the GX-1. The auction details do mention the CS60, so the seller is clearly aware of the CS60. Can anyone out there confirm if the filters on the CS60, CS80, GX1 and SY-2 are different or the same? Note the SY-2 was Yamaha's first synth according to the auction details pulled for this post.

Click the image to see the presets. Anyone know what Hawaiian Guitar sounds like? Considering the Wersi Bass Synth had a Hawaii Effect that you can see in the video in this previous post, I'm guessing Hawaii was in during the 70s. If so it's interesting how the popular culture at the time makes it's way into the design aspects of a given synth. Groovebox anyone? That is over isn't it?

Details:
"This is the only alternative to gets the classic GX-1 filters without paying 50000$. I'm telling you, you'll never heard something like that. The sound is unique, personnal and organic. It looks like a preset synth, but it's definately not! Think of the presets as your waveforms...

Here's some specs :
- 28 'presets'
- 37 keys keyboard with aftertouch (VERY sensible and expressive, exactly like a CS-60, I did the A-B test because I own one...)
- 1 VCO (It seems that one some preset, there's a second sine VCO after the VCF, as you find on a CS-60 and CS-80)
- 2 analog resonant filters, 1 LPF and 1 HPF
- 1 VCA envelope ADSR
- 1 VCF envelope (called 'Tone Bend' on this synth) ADS Written ATTACK TIME, INTENSITY and DECAY TIME, this envelope is inverted on some presets
- Pulse width
- Portamento
- 4 Octave transposition
- Vibrato control(LFO) : Speed and Depth
- Foot controller assignments : VCF (Wahwah) and Volume
- Aftertouch assignements : Vib Depth, VCF (Wah-wah) and Volume.
- Sensitivity knobs for aftertouch and Pedal"

Yamaha CSY-1 SN 2810

via this auction
"This is the rarely seen Yamaha CSY-1 synth/organ combination. Yamaha's first ever synth was the SY-1 introduced in 1974, they also decided to build the SY-1 into a 2 manual plus pedalboard type organ cabinet and that's what we have here, the CSY-1.

This really is a fun piece of kit with some great sounds, very expressive too thanks to Yamaha's aftertouch (amazing for 1974) which can be assigned to different parameters. Although a preset synth it's editable, so the presets are just a starting point for sound creation. The synth section is playable from the upper keyboard OR the bass pedalboard. It can be played solo or can be combined with the organ sounds/bass sounds. The CSY-1 has it's own built in amplification/speakers, spring reverb and even a real Leslie type rotary speaker, the synth section sounds great routed through this."

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yamaha SY-1 vintage analog synthesizer

YouTube Uploaded by technomantra on Mar 24, 2011

via this auction

"Yamaha SY-1 Synth - a piece of musical history for this is Yamaha's first synthesizer has the same filter as the legendary GX-1 seems to works fine but looks beat up and punked out ( was owned by some band called Grinspoon ? blame them)"

Advice needed for a Yamaha SY 1

Published on Mar 30, 2015 organfairy

"I bought this Yamaha SY-1 very cheap - 400dkr (~$60) - and all was hunkydory untill I found that there is a problem with the envelope generator - a problem that is unfixable because those ass....not-so-nice-persons at Yamaha decided that it was a fantastic idea to cast a block of epoxy around the parts that are most likely to fail! According to the service manual that I found online the reason is to make sure everything inside the blocks has the same temperature. In other words to secure a stable operation. Personally I think the reason is that they didn't want competitors to see how they had designed their circuits. The somewhat similar Roland SH-2000 from the same age are much more repair-friendly and nothing is hidden there - and it is also quite stable to temperature changes.

I made a temporary repair that isn't very good. So I would like to ask if anybody has an idea to what I should do to get it fully operational again?

The music is something I made in 1997 (sorry about the tape noise) and is primarily played on Roland SH-2000. The other instruments are Roland CR-1000, Casio SA-1 and SA-3, and Bontempi KS-3400."

Yamaha SY77 / TG77 ROM Cards

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

Synth Ethnic ROM Card VC7707 produced by Akira Inoue via this auction

"Arguably the hardest to find, most rare ROM card for the SY/TG77 and SY99 synthesizers. This amazing selection of ethnic/world based synth sounds comes toward the end of Yamaha’s SY/TG77 era. Timeless sounds."

JSPA Vol. 2 ROM Card VC7706 via this auction

One of the much harder to find ROM cards available for the Yamaha SY/TG77 and SY99 synthesizers. Another fantastic example of Yamaha’s output of timeless sound design."

JSPA Vol. 1 ROM Card VC7705 via this auction

"One of the much harder to find ROM cards available for the Yamaha SY/TG77 and SY99 synthesizers complete with its case and insert. Another fantastic example of Yamaha’s output of timeless sound design."

Drums 1 ROM Card Set via this auction

"Secret weapon selection of very classy late 80s early 90s drum waveforms and patches for the SY/TG77 and SY99 synthesizers. Superb additional patches ranging from electric pianos to basses and pads as well. Very underrated and musical card set."

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$220,736.00 / 160,000.00 Euro Synth Auction

via this auction

This one spotted by Adrien.

The list:
"1. ARP AXXE
2. ARP PRO DGX
3. ARP QUADRA
4. MOOG Realistic MG 1
5. MOOG Polymoog Keyboard
6. MOOG Polypedal Controller
7. MOOG Taurus II mit Pedal
8. MOOG Keyboard Controller 950
9. MOOG Memorymoog
10. MOOG Satellite
11. MOOG Sonic Six
12. Korg Trident MK II

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UVI Introduces Synth Anthology 4

video uploads by UVI

Note the above is a playlist featuring 4 videos. You can use the player controls to skip through them or just watch them all in order.

Details on Synth Anthology 4 follow:

The authentic sound of 200 synthesizers, from vintage to modern
4,000+ presets and layers deliver incredible sound with hardware soul
Feature-packed dual-layer engine with fx, arpeggiator and more

Synth Anthology 4 - A Synthesizer Tour de Force
https://www.uvi.net/synth-anthology-4

Rebuilt from the ground-up, Synth Anthology 4 now features the authentic hardware sound of 200 vintage and modern synthesizers, a fully redesigned engine with powerful features, fx, arpeggiator, smart sound suggestion engine, native MPE support, and more.
A dreamlike collection!

Also included in SonicPass ➡️ https://www.uvi.net/sonicpass

Video credits: Anthony Hak
Music Credits: Théo & Thomas

"The Best Keeps Getting Better

What's new in version 4?

Almost everything!
We've rebuilt the engine from the ground-up, added more synths, more presets, more effects, more filters, more modulation, a dedicated browser, a second fully-customizable layer for creating hybrid and blended timbres, an all-new smart suggestion engine that helps you quickly find similar sounds, a more powerful arpeggiator/phraser, bus effects, native MPE support, and more!

Real Hardware Sounds There is something unmistakable about the sound of a real hardware synth, from subtle differences between voice circuits and drift to the varied way filters bite into the sound; there's a distinct character and energy. Synth Anthology 4 delivers the authentic and uncompromising hardware sound with all the conveniences of a modern software instrument.

Every piece of hardware represents a unique creative vision, sonic character, innovations, and strengths. Whatever you're looking for, from analog to digital, vintage classic to future classic, you will find it here. Synth Anthology 4 delivers an incredible collection of hardware, every major manufacturer, every type of synthesis, every era, 200 synthesizers in all.

You won't find a more complete collection anywhere else."

The list:

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