This page about Yamaha CE-20 is a stub. You can help improve it:

Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Discover the Yamaha CE-20, a versatile synthesizer that seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern functionality. Crafted for musicians who appreciate both expressive sound design and straightforward usability, this synthesizer is a staple in both studio and live settings. With a robust selection of voices and an intuitive interface, the CE-20 caters to a wide range of genres, from classic rock to electronic dance music. One of its defining features is the FM synthesis technology, which allows for complex sound creation, offering musicians an expansive palette of tones to explore.

The Yamaha CE-20 is equipped with a user-friendly layout, making it accessible for both novice and experienced players. Its thoughtfully designed controls allow for quick alterations and fine-tuning, ensuring that you can achieve your desired sound without unnecessary hassle. The synthesizer also includes a range of modulation options, giving you the flexibility to experiment and innovate with your music. Whether you're layering sounds for a rich texture or isolating individual tones for a crisp output, the CE-20 delivers with precision and reliability.

Key Features:

  • Innovative FM synthesis technology for complex and unique sound creation
  • Comprehensive selection of voices for diverse musical styles
  • Intuitive user interface for ease of use
  • Versatile modulation options for creative sound manipulation
  • Ideal for both studio recording and live performances
musictrackjp

musictrackjp

YAMAHA CE20 Demo & Review

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA CE20 Demo & Review by musictrackjp

YAMAHA CE20 Demo & Review

musictrackjp

musictrackjp

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA CE20とCE25 DEMO  (GS1の半分の音源) by イノシシ野郎

YAMAHA CE20とCE25 DEMO  (GS1の半分の音源)

イノシシ野郎

イノシシ野郎

Video thumbnail for Yamaha CE20 FM Synthesizer by solidstatecollective

Yamaha CE20 FM Synthesizer

solidstatecollective

solidstatecollective

Video thumbnail for Yamaha CE20 improvisation by Cajastemusic

Yamaha CE20 improvisation

Cajastemusic

Cajastemusic

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha CE-20.

Features and functionality

  • The CE-20 lacks a pitch wheel but includes a portamento/glide function, enhancing lead sounds with unique expressive capabilities.

    Source
  • This synth includes aftertouch, noted for its high sensitivity, offering expressive control long after initial keypress.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Released before Yamaha's DX series, the CE-20 offers sounds reminiscent of the later models, providing a vintage yet familiar sonic palette.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the simplicity compared to more complex synths like the Novation Ultranova, allowing more focus on playing than on adjusting settings.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • At $160, the CE-20 is considered a good value, especially for guitarists seeking a straightforward, expressive synthesizer with minimal setup complexity.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha CE20 (12T Nov 82)

muzines.co.uk

The Yamaha CE20 is a triumph of digital synthesis, offering a range of orchestral presets that are impressively realistic for its time. Its touch-sensitive keyboard enhances expressiveness, making it a standout for nuanced performances. While some voices like piccolo and flute shine with clarity, others like violin and cello fall short. The CE20 is well-suited for those seeking clean, precise orchestral textures rather than the robust sounds typical of analog synths. Despite a few underwhelming presets, its overall playability and sound quality make it a refined choice for musicians.

positive

Yamaha CE20 (MU Aug 82)

muzines.co.uk

The Yamaha CE-20 presents an affordable entry into digital synthesis with its FM tone generator, derived from more expensive models. It offers a diverse range of monophonic and polyphonic presets. Standout sounds include the natural-sounding Piccolo, Flute, and Horn, while the Saxophone and Violin fall short of expectations. The keyboard's playability is praised for its simplicity and ease of use, although the inability to combine mono and poly sections is limiting. Criticism is directed at its percussive bias in tone and inadequate sustain for some voices. Despite these drawbacks, the CE-20 is a well-designed and respectable instrument for its price, though it might not fully satisfy those seeking extensive polyphonic capabilities.

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Herbie Hancock uses Yamaha CE-20

Herbie Hancock

Keyboardist

The Headhunters

...
Verified via Herbie Hancock

Used on "Earth Beat", as specified in Herbie Hancock’s Electronic Instrument Glossary from September 14, 2016.

Yamaha CE-20 – A digital synthesizer released in 1982 that featured fourteen preset monophonic sounds and six preset polyphonic sounds. This was used by Herbie on the tune “Earth Beat” for his 1983 album Future Shock.

See how Claude Schnell uses Yamaha CE-20

Claude Schnell

Keyboardist, Composer

Dio

...
Verified via Claudeschnell

In an interview featured on his official website, Claude Schnell discusses using the Yamaha CE-20 synthesizer.

Album Usage

The Yamaha CE-20 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha CE-20, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender Rhodes Mark I Suitcase 88
Fender Rhodes Mark I Suitcase 88 Vintage & Electric Pianos
1
Oberheim OB-X
Oberheim OB-X Synthesizers
1
Yamaha CS-80
Yamaha CS-80 Synthesizers
1
Oberheim Matrix 12
1
Yamaha DX7-IIFD
Yamaha DX7-IIFD Synthesizers
1
NED Synclavier II
NED Synclavier II Synthesizers
1
Moog Memorymoog
Moog Memorymoog Synthesizers
1
Hohner Clavinet D6
Hohner Clavinet D6 Vintage & Electric Pianos
1
Mellotron M400
Mellotron M400 Vintage & Electric Pianos
1

More Yamaha Synthesizers

Yamaha Reface DX

$279.00 - $449.99

# 18

Rank

Mac DeMarco Aphex Twin Taylor Swift
34 artists using
Yamaha Reface CS

$79.99 - $495.44

# 22

Rank

Mac DeMarco Fred again.. Justin Vernon
48 artists using
Yamaha Montage 8

$3,999.99 - $5,624.99

# 77

Rank

Bruno Mars Minoru Mukaiya Steve Porcaro
22 artists using
Yamaha MX49

$563.50 - $649.99

 
Dragos Chiriac Stuart Pot (2D) Andrius Mamontovas
10 artists using
Yamaha Montage 6

$2,999.99 - $3,749.99

 
The Weeknd Zaytoven Richard Devine
9 artists using
Yamaha CP88

$9.90 - $2,799.99

 
Fred again.. Aurora Aksnes Natalia Lafourcade
8 artists using
Yamaha MX61

$635.00 - $899.99

 
Dean Ween Danny Peyronel Dylan Reavey
5 artists using
Yamaha SY77

$49.99 - $50.00

 
Dr. Dre Ryuichi Sakamoto cEvin Key
30 artists using
Yamaha Montage 7

$3,032.52 - $4,999.99

 
Rick Wakeman Minoru Mukaiya A.R. Rahman
6 artists using
Yamaha MODX6

$821.97 - $1,799.99

 
Richard Devine Kenan Loui Ray Angry
3 artists using
Yamaha MO8

$27.95 - $488.88

 
Gary Corbett Anthony Rodriguez Jeffrey Steele
3 artists using
Yamaha MX88

$925.00 - $1,299.99

 
Christine McVie Haywyre
2 artists using
Yamaha Montage M8x

$3,097.66 - $4,499.99

 
Minoru Mukaiya Scott Storch Matt Johnson
4 artists using

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    jeromy
    jeromy

    Gear IQ 238