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Average Price: $178

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$500

$1501+

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Description

Unleash your inner sound architect with the Yamaha CS-5 Analog Synthesizer, a true gem for both vintage aficionados and modern music creators. This compact powerhouse is designed to take your sonic exploration to new heights, balancing simplicity with profound creative potential. At its core, the CS-5 features a single VCO that offers pulse and sawtooth waveforms, perfect for crafting those warm and gritty sounds that analog enthusiasts crave. Whether you're diving into lush pads or sharp leads, the CS-5's multi-mode 12db/oct resonant filter ensures your tones are rich and expressive.

This synth also comes equipped with a versatile LFO, providing sine and sawtooth waveforms to add movement and depth to your soundscapes. The inclusion of a 6db/oct band-pass filter and sample & hold functionality offers endless possibilities for modulation and creativity. With the external audio input, you can process external signals through its robust filter and modulation sections, adding a unique texture to your compositions.

Ideal for both live performances and studio sessions, the Yamaha CS-5 is versatile and user-friendly, making it a must-have for musicians looking to expand their analog palette. Experience the marriage of classic analog warmth and modern flexibility, all packed within this deceptively simple instrument.

Key Features:

  • Single VCO with pulse and sawtooth waveforms
  • Multi-mode 12db/oct resonant filter
  • 6db/oct band-pass filter
  • LFO with sine & sawtooth waveforms
  • Sample & hold
  • CV / Gate compatibility
  • External audio input

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model CS-5 Monophonic Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1978 - 1983
Made In Japan
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 37 Keys
Polyphony 1 Voice

FAQs

Is the Yamaha CS-5 Synthesizer monophonic or polyphonic?

The Yamaha CS-5 is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can only play one note at a time, which is ideal for bass lines, leads, and solos.

What type of synthesis does the Yamaha CS-5 use?

The Yamaha CS-5 uses analog subtractive synthesis, allowing users to shape sounds by filtering and modulating the basic waveforms generated by its oscillator.

How many keys does the Yamaha CS-5 have, and what is the key size?

The Yamaha CS-5 features 37 full-size keys, providing a comfortable playing experience similar to a standard piano keyboard.

What kind of sounds can I create with the Yamaha CS-5?

The Yamaha CS-5 is capable of producing classic analog sounds such as thick basses, sharp leads, and warm pads, thanks to its versatile oscillator and filter section.

What is the keyboard action type of the Yamaha CS-5?

The Yamaha CS-5 features synth action, which is designed for fast playing and expressive performance, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced synthesists.

AnalogAudio1

AnalogAudio1

YAMAHA CS-5 Analog Synthesizer 1978 | HD DEMO

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA CS-5 Analog Synthesizer 1978 | HD DEMO by AnalogAudio1

YAMAHA CS-5 Analog Synthesizer 1978 | HD DEMO

AnalogAudio1

AnalogAudio1

Video thumbnail for Yamaha CS-5 Analog Synth Overview by ProckGnosis

Yamaha CS-5 Analog Synth Overview

ProckGnosis

ProckGnosis

Video thumbnail for Synth Stuff Ep. 58 - Yamaha CS-5 by tritonrecordings

Synth Stuff Ep. 58 - Yamaha CS-5

tritonrecordings

tritonrecordings

Video thumbnail for Yamaha CS-5 | Demo & Review - A Simple Synth that Sounds AWESOME! by Matt Greer Music

Yamaha CS-5 | Demo & Review - A Simple Synth that Sounds AWESOME!

Matt Greer Music

Matt Greer Music

Video thumbnail for Yamaha CS-5 - Ambient Improvisation by Claus Gahrn

Yamaha CS-5 - Ambient Improvisation

Claus Gahrn

Claus Gahrn

Video thumbnail for Yamaha CS-5 Review by Jota Sotodiaz

Yamaha CS-5 Review

Jota Sotodiaz

Jota Sotodiaz

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique multi-mode filter that can run vocals

  • Exceptional noise generation for ambient sounds

  • Deep bass capabilities with 64' oscillators

  • External CV/Gate control for versatility

  • Allows external signal processing through its filter

  • Distinctive, rich sound quality

CONS

  • Over-speculated market prices may not reflect true value

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha CS-5.

Features and functionality

  • The Yamaha CS-5 can be sequenced or MIDI'd using a Keystep, Kenton box, or similar devices, but requires a hz/v unit for external control.

    Source
  • The CS-5's random LFO is praised for creating a unique bubbly, underwater sound, particularly effective with its filter.

    Source
  • Users report the CS-5 produces pink noise when the Envelope Depth in the VA section is increased, even with oscillators turned down.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's noted for its strong performance with leads and basses, making it suitable for live performances with proper gain staging.

    Source
  • The CS-5 excels in live setups as both a lead/bass synth and an audio filter for other synths, like the Alesis Micron.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest considering saturation and reverb pedals like the Strymon Deco to enhance its sound for live settings.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Korg SQ-1 sequencer is mentioned as a compatible unit for sequencing with the CS line.

    Source
  • The CS-5's CV input disables the keyboard trigger, requiring external control like an SQ-1 or Kenton for sequencing.

    Source
  • The Korg SQ-1 can sequence in various keys, including Chromatic, Minor, Major, and Linear (manual tuning), despite some limitations with hertz/volt scaling.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the note priority challenging for fast solos, affecting playability in certain styles.

    Source
  • Owners experience glitches when controlling the Moog MG-1 via CV, suggesting potential instability with certain setups.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners experiencing oscillator tuning issues recommend recalibration, pitch bend slider fixes, and power cord replacement after extensive live use.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Yamaha Reface CS is suggested as a portable, gig-friendly alternative while keeping the CS-5 for studio use.

    Source
  • The Roland SE-02 is critiqued for not achieving the same "bubbly" filter sound as the CS-5, even with a random LFO.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Upgrading the CS-5 to work with different CV systems can cost nearly as much as the synth itself, impacting its value proposition.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 14 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
omar_ramirez_o

Analog is Better!

Great synth. I was lucky enough to be gifted it brand new, in its box, after it had been stored away for several decades. I love the pasty sound of the bass and the filters. Highly recommended.

This review has been translated automatically into English. See original

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Solvent uses Yamaha CS-5

Solvent

Music Producer

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

It’s a Yamaha CS-5 which used to belong to Aphex Twin – he etched the liner notes to Selected Ambient Works Volume 2 into the bottom of it, and he took a photo of that which is the actual liner notes you see on the record.

See how Sasami uses Yamaha CS-5

Sasami

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Photo

Per this photo from a feature in SheShreds dated May 1, 2019

See how Simon Mavin uses Yamaha CS-5

Simon Mavin

Keyboardist

Hiatus Kaiyote

...
Verified via Tone Deaf

Simon Mavin of Hiatus Kaiyote discusses his use of the Yamaha CS-5 Analog Synthesizer in an article by Lucy Dayman on Tone Deaf, highlighting its significance among the best synths in history.

See how Richard Norris uses Yamaha CS-5

Richard Norris

Music Producer

Psychic TV

...
Verified via Archive

The July 1994 issue of Sound On Sound has an interview with The Grid.

Norris: "It's not used a lot, but we have been using the Yamaha CS5. It's really cheap, but good for cutting analogue sounds with a real 'acidy' effect."

See how Jaakko Eino Kalevi uses Yamaha CS-5

Jaakko Eino Kalevi

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Jaakko Eino Kalevi is playing a Yamaha CS-5 as his main instrument.

See how Paul Woolford uses Yamaha CS-5

Paul Woolford

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Resident Advisor

May 28, 2019, Paul Woolford bares all for Resident Advisor:

The guy there was so patient with me. I'd go in and say, "Right, what can I get for £120?" Then he'd be like, "You can have this, that or that." One was a Yamaha CS-5, the other a BOSS DR-660 and the third bit would always be something a bit more expensive, which in this case was the Roland R-8. I ended up getting all three of those bits. And even to this day, I love them all. I didn't have the R-8 long, maybe two years, but I made loads of tunes on it. I had the CS-5 for 12 years. I put it in storage but it disappeared with a few other pieces a while back. I was gutted and I still think about that synth now. Need to get another.

See how Tim Dorney uses Yamaha CS-5

Tim Dorney

Keyboardist

Republica

...
Verified via Photo

CS-5 pictured in Tim's studio.

See how Malcolm Clarke uses Yamaha CS-5

Malcolm Clarke

Keyboardist

...
Verified via Muzines

"Also I've got a Yamaha CS5 here, which is intended as a replacement for the EMS vcs3 which is now sitting in the corner."

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 CS-5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
sinkingfeeling

sinkingfeeling

Gear IQ 299

deepsignalstudios

deepsignalstudios

Gear IQ 493

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