Models
25 models
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Fairlight CMI
Digital audio workstation
Synthesizer · Australia
The Fairlight CMI (Computer Musical Instrument), introduced in 1979, was one of the first commercial digital sampling workstations. Pairing a sampler with a light-pen computer interface and the influential 'Page R' sequencer, it transformed 1980s pop production despite its very high cost.
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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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ELKA Rhapsody
Polyphonic multi-orchestral synthesizer
Synthesizer · Italy
The Elka Rhapsody is a polyphonic string synthesizer made by the Italian company Elka in the 1970s. A popular and roadworthy string machine, it produces violin- and viola-style ensemble sounds and was widely used by touring musicians.
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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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Yamaha CS-5
Compact monophonic analog synthesizer
Japan
A compact Yamaha CS Series monophonic analog synthesizer introduced in 1978.
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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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ARP Omni
Polyphonic analog synthesizer
Synthesizer · United States
The ARP Omni, released in 1975, is a polyphonic synthesizer that combined a popular string-ensemble section with a polyphonic synth and a bass voice. One of ARP's best-selling instruments, its lush strings were widely used in 1970s pop and rock.
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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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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 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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EDP Wasp
Analogue music synthesiser
Synthesizer · United Kingdom
The EDP Wasp, released in 1978 by Electronic Dream Plant, is a compact, inexpensive hybrid synthesizer with digital oscillators and an analog filter. Its distinctive black-and-yellow touch keyboard and aggressive sound made it a memorable and influential budget instrument.
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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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EMS Synthi AKS
Synthesizer model
Synthesizer · United Kingdom
The EMS Synthi AKS is a briefcase synthesizer that adds a built-in touch-sensitive keyboard and a simple sequencer to the Synthi A, combining EMS's pin-matrix synthesis with self-contained performance control.
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Multimoog
Monophonic analog synthesizer
Synthesizer · United States
The Multimoog is a monophonic analog synthesizer Moog introduced in 1978 as a more capable sibling to the Micromoog. It offers two oscillators, a pressure-sensitive keyboard for added expression, and the signature Moog filter.
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Polymoog
Synthesizer model
Synthesizer · United States
The Polymoog, produced from 1975, was Moog's early fully polyphonic synthesizer, using divide-down organ-style circuitry so that every key could sound at once. It offered preset voices and resonant filters, and its distinctive 'Vox Humana' patch became iconic.
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Remo Roto Tom
A headed ring you tune by spinning
Hand percussion
Roto Toms have no shell: the head sits on a threaded frame, and rotating the drum raises or lowers the pitch continuously. That makes them the only drum a player can glissando in performance, which is why they turn up in orchestral scores.
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Moog Sonic Six
Duophonic analog synthesizer
Synthesizer · United States
The Moog Sonic Six is a portable duophonic analog synthesizer produced in the 1970s, housed in a briefcase-style case with a built-in speaker. Its two oscillators allow two notes at once and a wide range of modulation for leads and effects.
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Micromoog
Monophonic analog synthesizer
Synthesizer · United States
The Micromoog is a compact, affordable monophonic analog synthesizer Moog produced from 1975, featuring a single oscillator, the classic Moog ladder filter, and a ribbon controller for expressive pitch effects.
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Buffet Crampon RC
Professional B-flat clarinet
Clarinet · France
The Buffet Crampon RC is a professional Boehm-system clarinet developed in 1975 by luthier Robert Carree. It introduced the RC bore, giving an easy response and a homogeneous sound across all registers, and anchors Buffet's RC bore family. Made of grenadilla and offered in B-flat, A, and E-flat.
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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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Moog Prodigy
Synthesizer model
Synthesizer · United States
The Moog Prodigy is a compact two-oscillator monophonic analog synthesizer produced from 1979. Designed as an affordable, easy-to-use instrument, its punchy bass and lead sounds and Moog filter made it a popular entry point to the Moog sound.
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Moog Satellite
Monophonic analog synthesizer
Synthesizer · United States
The Moog Satellite is a preset-oriented monophonic analog synthesizer from the 1970s, designed as an affordable combo-style instrument with a selection of ready-made voices plus some hands-on control.
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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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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.