Models
13 models
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Korg MS-20
Patchable semi-modular monophonic analog synthesizer
Synthesizer · Japan
The Korg MS-20, released in 1978, is a patchable semi-modular monophonic analog synthesizer with two oscillators and a distinctive dual filter capable of aggressive resonance. Its hands-on patch bay and external signal processor made it a hugely influential and enduring instrument.
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Yamaha CS-80
Flagship CS Series polyphonic analog synthesizer
Synthesizer · Japan
The flagship Yamaha CS Series polyphonic analog synthesizer; Yamaha's official history says it debuted in 1977 with eight-note polyphony.
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Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
120-watt solid-state stereo combo amplifier
Amplifier · Japan
The Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus, introduced in 1975, is a 120-watt solid-state guitar combo amplifier with two 12-inch speakers and Roland's signature built-in stereo chorus. Widely regarded as a benchmark for clean guitar tone, it has remained in continuous production for decades.
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Yamaha CS-5
Compact monophonic analog synthesizer
Japan
A compact Yamaha CS Series monophonic analog synthesizer introduced in 1978.
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Yamaha CS-20M
CS Series analog synthesizer
Japan
A Yamaha CS Series synthesizer released in 1979 with digital technology for storing sounds.
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Korg MS-10
Musical synthesizer
Synthesizer · Japan
The Korg MS-10, released in 1978, is a compact patchable monophonic analog synthesizer with a single oscillator and Korg's characterful filter. Part of the semi-modular MS series, it offers a small patch bay for routing and remains popular for gritty bass and effects.
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Korg BX-3
Dual-manual drawbar organ
Organ · Japan
The two-manual version of Korg's CX-3 clonewheel organ, with two 61-note waterfall keyboards and two sets of nine drawbars that can be combined into an 18-drawbar palette in EX mode. It uses Korg's REMS tonewheel modeling and provides per-manual vibrato, chorus, and percussion with an expression pedal. First produced in 1979 and reissued as an all-digital instrument in 2003.
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Korg CX-3
Single-manual drawbar organ
Organ · Japan
A single-manual clonewheel organ from Korg with nine drawbars, designed to recreate the sound of an electromechanical tonewheel organ and rotary speaker. Introduced in 1979 as a compact alternative to heavy console organs, it was reissued in 2001 as an all-digital instrument using Korg's REMS modeling with a 61-note waterfall keyboard.
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Yamaha SY-1
Monophonic analog synthesizer
Japan
Yamaha's first synthesizer, a monophonic analog synthesizer released in 1974.
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Yamaha GX-1
Concert-model Electone with polyphonic synthesizer technology
Japan
A large Yamaha concert-model Electone with eight-note polyphonic synthesizer technology, introduced in 1975 and discussed in Yamaha's official synthesizer history.
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Roland CR-78 CompuRhythm
The first programmable Roland rhythm machine
Drum machine · Japan
The CR-78 kept the preset patterns of a rhythm box but let a player write four of their own and store them, which is the moment the drum machine stopped being an accompaniment appliance. Its soft, woody analogue voices open records by Blondie, Phil Collins, and Ultravox.
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Ace Tone Rhythm Ace FR-1
The preset rhythm box the whole category descends from
Drum machine · Japan
Ikutaro Kakehashi's Rhythm Ace played fixed patterns — bossa nova, waltz, march — from transistor circuits, with buttons you could press in combination. It was built to accompany organists, and it is the direct ancestor of everything below: Kakehashi founded Roland four years later.
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Korg KR-55 Rhythm 55
Analogue preset rhythms with a warm voice
Drum machine · Japan
The KR-55 is a preset box rather than a programmable machine, but its analogue voices are soft and full enough that it is sampled and played straight far more than its category suggests.