Saruman has claimed this Yamaha PSS-780 keyboard – an all-in-one instrument with a simple synthesizer, drum pads, and drum patterns.
From Héctor D. Genis (hdgenis) via Instagram. You can see some of Saruman’s previous appearances via this tag.
yamaha
Bread and Yamaha DX100
Bread checks the volume on his Yamaha DX100 synthesizer. Submitted by thedigitalpurrgatory via Instagram.
The DX100 was the smallest of Yamaha’s famous DX series. A 4-op FM engine with mini keys, it’s sounds were compatible with the other 4-operator instruments, including the TX81Z, though it did not include some features of the latter.
Mr Maximillion and Ninja on Yamaha GA32/12 console
Shiro with Yamaha CS30 and YC20
Shiro plays some notes on a Yamaha CS30 synthesizer (and inspects the settings). Below is a Yamaha YC20 organ.
From Héctor D. Genis (@hdgenis) on Instagram
Shiro and Yamaha SK50D
We close out a week of white cats with Shiro playing a tune on a Yamaha SK50D. From hdgenis in Mexico City via Instagram.
The SK50D is a two-manual beast of an instrument, an ensemble synthesizer with a drawbar organ, strings, a mono bass synth, and more. It was released in 1980 and is quite rare. Shiro is demonstrating the organ section for us, along with a one-note vocal.
Saruman, Yamaha CS-30, Yamaha DX7, Casio SK-1
Saruman returns, this time playing vintage Yamaha CS-30 and DX7 synthesizers. The SK-1 from some of his previous appearances is also here.
From hdgenis on Instagram.
My cat playing my Yamaha CS30 and DX7 🎹
Ansel and Yamaha QX3
The handsome Ansel poses next to a Yamaha QX3 sequencer in mid-repair. From our friend Charles Whiley.
The QX3 features the distinctive Yamaha industrial design that they used for most if not all of their instruments in the mid-1980s. This look holds a special place for me as it was the time when I started exploring synthesizers and electronic music. The QX3 also has those vintage computer-style keys, which is a very nice touch. As a sequencer, it is less convenient than many hardware sequencers, but still quite powerful, especially in an era where analog sequencers with short step counts have enjoyed a renaissance.
Saruman, Yamaha CS-30, Casio SK-1
Saruman the cat plays a note or two on a vintage Yamaha CS-30 synthesizer. Below we see a Casio SK-1. From hdgenis on Instagram.
My cat on Yamaha CS30 🐈⬛🎹
The Yamaha CS-30 is a fully analog subtractive synth with two VCOs, to VCFs with lowpass and hi-pass, as well as VCAs, envelopes, etc typical of analog synths. What is interesting about it is the ability to route the various elements in a semi-modular fashion. The SK-1 is of course a rather coveted sampling keyboard from the early 1980s.
Brewskie Carrasco and Yamaha Keyboard
Black Cat with Roland, Kawaii, Yamaha, Korg, and more
A beautiful black cat with green eyes (like our beloved Luna) sits atop an impressive stack of modules. We see a Yamaha TX81Z (which we also have), as well as a few offerings from Roland, Kawaii, Korg, alases, and more Yamaha. From endmusik_studios via Instagram.
New art for the studio, but it’ll have to wait until the intern finishes recabling everything