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Providing official London service when the CS80 was new.
CS80, one of the first polyphonic synthesisers. A real beast, big, heavy, innovative and terrific sounding. Complex, very adjustable and prone to tuning drift. << This one is in our Mercia facility.
Eight voices, sixteen VCOs. Sixty-one centre pivoted, weighted keys with metal blade contacts, velocity, and polyphonic pressure. In 1977!
A 'No Holds Barred' instrument that does not show an accountant's involvement.
Two complete modifier channels, predating such facilities on computer based models by a decade or so. Each channel has a full live panel, 2 sets of fully adjustable 'Memories' plus 11 fixed presets. Above the keyboard is a long pitch ribbon, probably the best design ever produced. Clever circuitry remembers where it is first touched & sets the zero change point. 
If you own one NEVER let anyone service it, unless they are known to be good and genuinely know the model. Much expensive, often un-repairable, damage can be caused by uninformed dabbling. Yamaha still provide some technical support & a diminishing supply of spares.
CS70, (no image currently available), CS80's smaller sister, still a big girl though. One VCO per voice & only 1 channel. The same comments apply. | 
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CS5, a neat little monophonic analogue synthesiser with sloped top styling. 3 octave with metal blade key contacts. Only one VCO but the sawtooth & pulse waveforms can be mixed.
Its range is from 2 feet to 64 feet, not quite a centipede.
CV plus Trigger inputs & outputs. CVs are Volts per Hz as is common with Yamaha & Korg instruments of this period. Interfacing with Volts/Octave machines requires an adapter. CS10, Generally similiar, some additional features.
CS15, again fairly similiar, plus another VCO. More features & 3 1/2 octave keyboard. | DX7, Yamaha's digital FM classic, synthesis from the other side. Amplitude variations inherent in music signals cause momentary changes in frequency (the sidebands in AM radio). FM synthesis works by taking a steady signal and introducing controlled frequency variations.
| In theory, similiar results are achievable, in practice, simplifying the complex maths for real time performance has given a distinctive sound. Well built, reliable when new, 61 keys, 32 presets, metal contacts, velocity, pressure, basic MIDI. Can be challenging to programme. Distorted output MAY indicate failed FM Operator chips, these are available but expensive. Yamaha's support is also good. DX9, a reduced version with 16 presets, only 4 Operators and a cassette port instead of cartridge for preset storage. otherwise similiar. |
| Founded in the late 1800s, Yamaha are the third oldest in our current listing of classic instrument builders. They also have a range of economically priced keyboards, primarilly for school & domestic use. They are heavily committed to music education projects, probably more so than any other maker.
A branch of the company makes their well known range of motorcycles. A long term involvement in engine manufacture for high performance sports cars may be less well known. |
All opinions in this section are those of the author, Ron Lebar.
Information given is generally brief & is based on our experience. If you spot any factual mistakes or 'typos' please feel free to let us know. We are not quite perfect & promise not to sulk over constructive criticism.
If you need more information on models listed or can suggest another instrument to add let us know & we will do our best. From time to time we may include comprehensive details of specific models.
For Technical queries, advice on operational problems etc. you are welcome to E-Mail us.
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Our prime directive is the pursuit & maintenance of excellence in music technology.
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For Tuning, Service & Repairs etc. call: +44 (0)207 288 0037
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| Contact: For technical advice |
Yamaha. Updated on the 13th of June 2008. © Ron Lebar, Author.