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Models

Every model, most significant first.

71 models

  • Black technical line drawing of a Yamaha DX7-style digital synthesizer

    Yamaha DX7

    Six-operator FM digital synthesizer

    Synthesizer · Japan

    Yamaha's landmark six-operator FM digital synthesizer, introduced in May 1983.

  • Casio CZ-101

    Phase-distortion synthesizer model

    Japan

    The Casio CZ-101, released in 1984, is a compact, battery-capable digital synthesizer and the first in Casio's CZ line. Using Phase Distortion synthesis, it offers polyphonic (and multitimbral) operation on a mini keyboard at a very affordable price.

  • Yamaha Motif

    Series of music workstations

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Yamaha Motif is a series of flagship music workstations launched in 2001 that became industry standards for production and live performance. Built on sample-based synthesis with sampling, sequencing, and effects, the Motif line ran through several generations (ES, XS, XF).

  • Technical line drawing of Casio CZ synthesizers

    Casio CZ synthesizers

    Family of synthesizers

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Casio CZ synthesizers are a family of affordable digital synthesizers introduced in 1984 using Casio's Phase Distortion synthesis, a technique that produced varied digital tones at low cost. The line, including the CZ-101 and CZ-1000, helped bring digital synthesis to a wide audience.

  • Korg Monologue

    2017 monophonic analog synthesizer

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Korg Monologue, released in 2017, is a monophonic analog synthesizer derived from the Minilogue, optimized for bass and lead sounds. It offers two oscillators, a drive circuit, a flexible step sequencer with motion recording, and microtuning options.

  • Korg Minilogue

    Polyphonic analog synthesizer

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Korg Minilogue, released in 2016, is a four-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer with two oscillators per voice, a resonant filter, a step sequencer, and an oscilloscope display. Its affordable price and genuine analog sound made it a breakout success and revived interest in hardware polysynths.

  • Yamaha DX1

    DX Series FM digital synthesizer

    Synthesizer · Japan

    A Yamaha DX Series FM digital synthesizer introduced in 1983 and part of the original DX Series lineup discussed in Yamaha's official synth history.

  • Technical line drawing of a Yamaha CS-80-style vintage polyphonic synthesizer

    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.

  • Yamaha MOTIF XS7

    Synthesizer model

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Yamaha Motif XS7 is the 76-key model in the Motif XS generation (2007) of Yamaha's workstation line, offering the XS sound engine, sampling, and sequencing.

  • Technical line drawing of Roland SH-101

    Roland SH-101

    Monophonic analog synthesizer

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Roland SH-101 is a monophonic analog synthesizer released in 1982. Lightweight and battery-capable, it pairs a single oscillator and resonant filter with a built-in sequencer and arpeggiator, and an optional handgrip let it be worn like a keytar. Its punchy bass and lead sounds made it a fixture of acid, techno, and electro.

  • Roland Jupiter-8

    1981 polyphonic analog synthesizer

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Roland Jupiter-8, introduced in 1981, is Roland's flagship eight-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer. With two oscillators per voice, versatile splits and layers, and patch memory, it delivered a bold, refined sound used across pop, film, and electronic music, and it remains one of the most coveted vintage polysynths.

  • Technical line drawing of a Roland Juno-106-style programmable analog synthesizer

    Roland Juno-106

    Programmable polyphonic analog synthesizer

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Roland Juno-106, introduced in 1984, is a six-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer that became one of Roland's most popular instruments. It offers one digitally controlled oscillator per voice, a resonant analog filter, a famous chorus, and full MIDI implementation, and its accessible slider-based panel made it a studio staple.

  • Casio CZ-1000

    Phase-distortion synthesizer model

    Japan

    The Casio CZ-1000 is a digital synthesizer in Casio's CZ line, essentially a full-size-key version of the CZ-101, using Phase Distortion synthesis to produce a wide range of digital sounds affordably.

  • Yamaha DX11

    Synthesizer model

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Yamaha DX11, released in 1988, is a four-operator FM synthesizer that expanded on the DX21/27/100 with more waveforms and multitimbral operation, offering versatile FM sounds in an affordable keyboard.

  • Yamaha Reface DX

    Synthesizer model

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Yamaha Reface DX, released in 2015, is a compact synthesizer in Yamaha's Reface line that revisits FM synthesis with a four-operator engine, touch-slider control, and built-in effects in a highly portable mini-key instrument.

  • Yamaha DX100

    FM synthesizer

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Yamaha DX100, released in 1985, is a compact, battery-capable four-operator FM synthesizer with mini keys. Affordable and portable, its punchy FM bass sounds became popular in electronic and dance music.

  • Roland JD-800

    Synthesizer model

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Roland JD-800, released in 1991, is a digital synthesizer that bucked the menu-driven trend of its era with a panel full of sliders for hands-on, real-time sound design. Its bright, detailed sample-based engine and expressive control made it a favorite for pads and evolving textures.

  • Yamaha SY77

    Synthesizer model

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Yamaha SY77, released in 1989, is a digital synthesizer that combined six-operator FM synthesis with sample-based (AWM) synthesis—Yamaha's 'RCM' system—plus filters and effects, offering richer, more playable sounds than the earlier DX line.

  • Roland JD-XA

    Hybrid analog and digital synthesizer

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Roland JD-XA, released in 2015, is a crossover synthesizer that combines a true analog voice section with a digital synthesis section, allowing the two to be layered or used independently. It targets producers who want both analog warmth and digital versatility in one keyboard.

  • Roland JX-305

    Synthesizer model

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Roland JX-305 Groovebox is a 1998 keyboard instrument built on Roland's groovebox concept, combining a sample-based synth engine with a pattern sequencer and dance-oriented sounds and effects in a 61-key format.

  • Yamaha DX27

    Synthesizer model

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Yamaha DX27 is a four-operator FM synthesizer from 1985, providing affordable FM synthesis with preset and programmable voices in a full-size keyboard.

  • Roland D-70

    1990 synthesizer

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Roland D-70, released in 1990, is a digital synthesizer that built on the D-50's LA synthesis with expanded sample-based tone generation, a 76-key keyboard, and a more advanced interface for layered, multitimbral sounds.

  • Yamaha SY85

    Digital music workstation

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Yamaha SY85, released in 1992, is a sample-based (AWM2) digital synthesizer workstation with sampling-style sound editing, a sequencer, and effects, aimed at producing realistic and layered sounds.

  • Yamaha DX9

    DX Series FM digital synthesizer

    Japan

    A Yamaha DX Series FM digital synthesizer included in the original DX Series lineup discussed in Yamaha's official synth history.

  • Roland D-50

    Polyphonic 61-key synthesiser produced by Roland

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Roland D-50, released in 1987, is a digital synthesizer that introduced Roland's Linear Arithmetic (LA) synthesis, layering short sampled attack transients with synthesized sustains. Its lush, evocative factory patches and built-in effects made it one of the defining sounds of late-1980s pop.

  • Yamaha DX21

    1985 digital FM synthesizer

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Yamaha DX21, released in 1985, is a four-operator FM synthesizer offering two-voice multitimbral operation and a built-in chorus, bringing programmable FM synthesis to a budget-friendly keyboard.

  • Yamaha DX5

    DX Series FM digital synthesizer

    Japan

    A Yamaha DX Series FM digital synthesizer introduced in 1985 and discussed in Yamaha's official synth history.

  • Yamaha CS-15

    Monophonic analogue synthesizer

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Yamaha CS-15 is a monophonic analog synthesizer in Yamaha's CS series from the late 1970s, offering two independent synthesizer channels and hands-on control for leads and effects.

  • Yamaha CS-60

    CS Series analog synthesizer

    Japan

    A Yamaha CS Series analog synthesizer documented in Yamaha's official history of the company's early synthesizers.

  • Yamaha CS-5

    Compact monophonic analog synthesizer

    Japan

    A compact Yamaha CS Series monophonic analog synthesizer introduced in 1978.

  • Yamaha GS-1

    Digital keyboard with FM tone generation

    Synthesizer · Japan

    A Yamaha digital keyboard released in 1981 with FM tone generation and touch-sensitive control.

  • Yamaha CS1x

    Sample-based synthesizer made by the Yamaha Corporation

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Yamaha CS1x, released in 1996, is a sample-based 'Control Synthesizer' with virtual-analog-style knobs aimed at dance music. It combined Yamaha's AWM sample playback with real-time control and an arpeggiator.

  • Yamaha MOTIF ES6

    MOTIF ES music workstation model

    Japan

    The Yamaha Motif ES6 is the 61-key model in the Motif ES generation (2003) of Yamaha's flagship workstation line, offering expanded sample-based sounds, sampling, and sequencing.

  • Yamaha S-80

    Synthesizer model

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Yamaha S80, released in 1999, is a sample-based synthesizer with an 88-key weighted keyboard, aimed at players wanting high-quality piano and instrument sounds with performance control.

  • Yamaha CS-15D

    CS Series analog synthesizer

    Japan

    A Yamaha CS Series analog synthesizer noted by Yamaha for pitch-bend and modulation controller design.

  • Yamaha CS2x

    Synthesizer model

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Yamaha CS2x is a sample-based control synthesizer released in 1998 as a successor to the CS1x, offering improved sounds, more performance knobs, and built-in effects for electronic music.

  • Yamaha CS-20M

    CS Series analog synthesizer

    Japan

    A Yamaha CS Series synthesizer released in 1979 with digital technology for storing sounds.

  • Yamaha CS6x

    Synthesizer from Yamaha

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Yamaha CS6x is a sample-based synthesizer from around 2000 combining AWM2 sample playback with virtual-analog-style control and effects, aimed at performers wanting hands-on sound shaping.

  • Yamaha MOTIF XF8

    MOTIF XF music workstation model

    Japan

    The Yamaha Motif XF8 is the 88-key, weighted-action flagship of the Motif XF generation (2010), Yamaha's top sample-based workstation, with expanded waveform memory and flash-board expansion.

  • Yamaha CS-70M

    CS Series analog synthesizer

    Japan

    A Yamaha CS Series synthesizer introduced in 1981 with auto-tune and a built-in sequencer.

  • Yamaha S90

    Synthesizer model

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Yamaha S90, released in 2002, is a sample-based synthesizer with an 88-key weighted action, drawing on Motif-era sounds and aimed at pianists and performers wanting an expressive stage instrument.

  • Roland SH-1000

    1973 analog synthesizer

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Roland SH-1000, released in 1973, was Roland's first synthesizer and one of the first built in Japan. A monophonic analog instrument, it offered preset voices alongside hands-on controls and a distinctive bank of colored tabs for shaping sounds.

  • Roland JX-10

    Polyphonic analog synthesizer

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Roland JX-10 (Super JX), released in 1986, is a twelve-voice analog synthesizer that effectively stacks two JX-8P voice engines for rich, layered sounds. It features a 76-key keyboard, a built-in sequencer, and could be programmed in detail with the optional PG-800 controller.

  • Roland XP-80

    Music workstation manufactured by Roland Corporation

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Roland XP-80, released in 1996, is a music workstation pairing Roland's sample-based synthesis with a 76-key keyboard, a powerful onboard sequencer, and expansion slots. It became a popular all-in-one production tool in the late 1990s.

  • Roland XP-30

    Synthesizer manufactured by Roland Corporation

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Roland XP-30, released in 1999, is a sample-based synthesizer that combined a large built-in waveform library (incorporating several expansion sets) with a 61-key keyboard, making it a versatile and well-stocked performance instrument.

  • Roland JX-3P

    Analog synthesizer

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Roland JX-3P is a six-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer released in 1983, notable as one of the earliest synths to include MIDI. It uses two DCOs per voice for stable tuning and could be paired with the optional PG-200 programmer for hands-on editing.

  • Roland Juno-60

    Hybrid synthesizer

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Roland Juno-60, released in 1982, is a six-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer that succeeded the Juno-6 by adding patch memory for storing sounds. Its single DCO per voice, resonant low-pass filter, and built-in chorus produce a rich, warm tone that made it a lasting favorite for pads and basses.

  • Roland Jupiter-6

    Discontinued Synthesizer

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Roland Jupiter-6, released in 1983, is a six-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer with two oscillators per voice and a flexible multimode filter. Smaller and more affordable than the flagship Jupiter-8, it was among the first synthesizers to ship with MIDI and is prized for its punchy, aggressive sound.

  • Roland Juno-6

    Analog synthesizer

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Roland Juno-6, released in 1982, was Roland's first affordable six-voice polyphonic synthesizer. It pairs a single digitally controlled oscillator per voice with a sub-oscillator, a warm resonant filter, and a built-in chorus that gives the instrument its lush signature sound. Unlike the later Juno-60 and 106, it has no patch memory.

  • Korg MS2000

    Virtual analog synthesizer

    Synthesizer · Japan

    The Korg MS2000, released in 2000, is a virtual analog synthesizer with knob-per-function control and a built-in vocoder, styled after the MS series. Its accessible interface and rich modeled sounds made it a popular performance synth.