Yamaha Synths Official: A Guided Voltage Tour Through 50 Years of Icons

The heart of the tour is a hands-on encounter with some of Yamaha’s most storied synthesizers. The CS-40M, a 1979 duophonic analog with 20 patch memories, stands out for its tactile panel mode and unmistakably warm sound—a reminder of the era when memory and modulation were hard-won luxuries. The hosts also spotlight the DX1 and DX7, both FM synthesis powerhouses, with the DX1’s polyphonic aftertouch and dual-engine architecture earning special mention. The FS1R and EX5 receive nods as cult favourites, with the EX5 dubbed the “Blue Beast” for its unique sound palette and its role as a precursor to the Motif and Montage lines.

Modern instruments aren’t left in the shadows. The Montage M and the latest YC series are presented as the culmination of decades of innovation, blending analog modelling, FM synthesis, and sampling into versatile performance tools. The tour makes it clear that Yamaha’s design philosophy is about continuity as much as reinvention—each new instrument carries the DNA of its forebears, but with expanded sonic horizons and workflow improvements.

Personal anecdotes pepper the walkthrough, grounding the technical talk in lived experience. Mike Patrick recalls the lengths he and friends went to acquire an EX5, and both hosts reminisce about the impact of the Motif and CP series in their musical upbringings—especially within the gospel community. These stories highlight how Yamaha’s instruments have served not just as tools, but as creative partners and cultural touchstones.

The hosts’ enthusiasm is infectious, whether they’re nervously approaching the revered CP-80 or expressing awe at the CS-80, which they dub the “holy grail” of synths. Their reactions are genuine, underscoring the emotional pull these machines exert on musicians. It’s a reminder that behind every iconic synth is a web of personal histories and musical milestones.

The tour draws to a close with a sense of reverence for Yamaha’s legacy. The CS-80 is celebrated as a pinnacle of analog design, while the new YC series bridges past and present with its distinctive organ sound. The hosts reflect on the breadth of innovation on display, from early analogs to cutting-edge hybrids, and thank viewers for joining them on this journey. It’s a fitting conclusion—a nod to the past, a celebration of the present, and an invitation to imagine what the next 50 years might bring.