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Average Price: $55,770
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$500
$1501+
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Description
Immerse yourself in the world of rich, analog sound with the Yamaha CS-80, a game-changer in the realm of synthesizers. It's not just an instrument, it's a piece of music history that powered some of the most iconic tracks of all time. From the unmistakable tones of Toto's 'Africa' to the atmospheric soundscapes of Vangelis' 'Blade Runner', the CS-80's influence unraveled a whole new dimension of music creation. Experience the power of 8-voice polyphony and 2 analog oscillators per voice, empowering your creativity with unparalleled musical expression.
Key Features:
- 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer
- 2 analog oscillators per voice
- VCF with independent highpass and lowpass filters
- Weighted keyboard with aftertouch
- 4 memory patches
- 22 presets
- External modulation input
Product specs
| Brand | Yamaha |
| Model | CS-80 Polyphonic Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1977 - 1979 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| Number of Keys | 61 Keys |
| Polyphony | 8 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Yamaha CS-80 synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Yamaha CS-80 is a polyphonic synthesizer, capable of producing up to 8 voices simultaneously, allowing for rich and complex chordal textures.
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What makes the Yamaha CS-80's sound engine unique?
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The Yamaha CS-80 features a dual-layer sound engine with two independent synthesizer layers per voice, enabling complex sound design and expressive performance capabilities.
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How does the Yamaha CS-80 handle pitch and modulation control?
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The CS-80 includes a ribbon controller for pitch bending and modulation, offering expressive control over the sound, which is ideal for dynamic live performances.
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What type of keyboard action does the Yamaha CS-80 have?
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The Yamaha CS-80 has a full-size, synth-action keyboard designed for smooth and responsive playability, suitable for both expressive and technical performances.
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Does the Yamaha CS-80 offer any unique performance features?
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Yes, the CS-80 includes a polyphonic aftertouch feature, allowing for nuanced control over each note's dynamics and modulation, enhancing expressive capabilities.
Videos
LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER
Yamaha CS80 - Why Is It Worth So Much?
Yamaha CS80 - Why Is It Worth So Much?
LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER
Synth Wizards Episode 9: Holy Grail: The Yamaha CS-80
Syntaur
Yamaha CS-80 Demo
Perfect Circuit
The Mighty CS-80
GForce Software
Yamaha CS80: The Most Iconic Sound Machine of All Time
Andy Whitmore
Yamaha Synth Space History | CS-80 | Krzysztof Pająk
Yamaha Synths Official
Top 3 Most Iconic Vangelis sounds on Yamaha CS80
Jose's Vintage Keys
Yamaha CS-80: The Ultimate Synthesizer (Blade Runner Tribute)
Syntaur
CS80 Improvisation
musicJCR
Yamaha CS-80 inc FX | 36 Iconic Riffs by Vangelis, ELO & More!
Andy Whitmore
Reviews
PROS
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Unmatched expressiveness with super-controllable polyphonic after-touch
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Unique warmth and power that plugins cannot replicate
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Excellent performance instrument, often requiring only one take
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Prestigious and sought-after, adding to its value
CONS
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Extremely heavy and difficult to transport
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Requires expensive external effects like reverb for full potential
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Maintenance is costly due to rare, custom Yamaha LSI ICs
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Can sound dull without skilled programming and additional effects
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High second-hand price limits accessibility
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Some tones may seem dated or overly specific without modification
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha CS-80.
Setup and maintenance
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Restoring a CS-80 often involves replacing all CMOS and electrolytic caps, wiring, and designing a new SMPS to handle power more efficiently.
Source -
Adjusting the 107 trimpots related to the aftertouch can be time-consuming, with owners designing custom PCB adapters for better access during alignment.
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CS-80s require specialized care; only a few techs globally can service them, with costs potentially reaching $20k due to complex internals and rare parts.
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CS-50 is considered more stable with lower maintenance needs than the CS-80 due to fewer components and lower internal temperatures.
Source
Features and functionality
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The CS-80 is noted for its big, unstable analog sound that can become muddy, necessitating frequent use of high pass or bandpass filters for clearer output.
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CS-80s have dual-layer architecture with 16 voicecards for richer polyphony, unlike the CS-50 and CS-60 which have fewer cards and features.
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The CS-80 uses custom-made ICs by Yamaha, contributing to its unique sound but also to maintenance complexities due to part scarcity.
Source
User experience
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Playing a CS-80 can be overwhelming; users often have to spend considerable time dialing in sounds compared to modern synthesizers due to its complex controls.
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Transporting a CS-80 is impractical due to its 220-pound weight, often requiring custom crates for shipping, which can be very costly.
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Owners often recommend driving the CS-80 to a tech within a few hundred miles due to the high risk of damage during shipping.
Source
Use cases and applications
Comparisons
Build quality
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The CS-80's large through-hole components are easier to repair than modern surface-mounted ones, but parts scarcity remains a significant challenge.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 23 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Dan posted this video on Instagram of him playing some notes on a Yamaha CS-80 synth.
According to an interview with Reverb.com, Ramble (RJD2) had used bought this instrument between 2008-09.
"Because the record I did the Song Exploder on, that album came out in 2010. And I used the CS-80 a lot on that recording."
Also, on the new album Dame Fortune, he mentions the Yamaha as being used on the album.
In an interview with Thump.Vice.com, Ramble has this to say:
"The best polyphonic synthesizer ever imagined, in my opinion. Has graced countless classic recordings. I'm into this one for upwards of 30-50 man-hours, if I'm guessing. All five of the lower PCBs were rebuilt with modern components; hundreds of chips and capacitors were desoldered, and newly manufactured ones were put in place. It's now one of the most stable synths I own—just a dream to play. The first track on Dame Fortune, "A Portal Inward," is almost entirely this synth. I can't say enough good things about this machine."
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Sean Lennon is seen using the Yamaha CS-80 in his studio, as shown in his Instagram post.
Kate used this synth on the album Never For Ever.
In a 1990 live performance of "Rosanna," Steve Porcaro is seen using the Yamaha CS-80 synthesizer.
According to wikipedia.. Airey used that polyphonic analog synthesizer on Ozzy Osbourne's "Mr Crowley", and the glissando effect is heard prominently during the intro.
In an article from Keyboard Magazine, David Paich discusses his use of the Yamaha CS-80, highlighting its role in the song "Africa."
Article has a picture of Geoff Downes in front of his live keyboard rig with Asia in 1983
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Latimer plays CS80 on Breathless. View in credits
This instrument is credited amongst the equipment Joe used in the recording of The English Riviera.
At 2:10, the Yamaha CS-80 is being used in "Don't", just above the MemoryMoog Synthesizer.
In this article, Andy Jenkinson talks about using computers in his process of making music. Eventually he mentions the problems he has using a Yamaha CS-80 with a computer.
My computer isn't that good. Once I got a Yamaha CS80 patch, which is a lot of synth-enthusiasts dream machine, and it used up 98 percent of my processor, had a latency of about a second and sounded pretty thin.
Album Usage
The Yamaha CS-80 has been featured on the following albums:
Lavender Haze (Acoustic Version)
Taylor Swift (2023)
Doctor Who - Revenge of the Cybermen
Peter Howell & The BBC Radiophonic Workshop (2023)
The Cruelest Summer
Taylor Swift (2023)
Barbie (Score from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Mark Ronson & Andrew Wyatt (2023)
Mass Effect: Trilogy Collection Bonus Tracks (Original Soundtrack)
Sascha Dikiciyan (2022)
CYR
The Smashing Pumpkins (2020)
The End (Live)
Black Sabbath (2017)
reputation
Taylor Swift (2017)
IV
BADBADNOTGOOD (2016)
Captain Future Youtube
Christian Bruhn (2016)
Danger Money
U.K. (2016)
WALLS
Kings of Leon (2016)
Dame Fortune
RJD2 (2016)
Pagans in Vegas
Metric (2015)
Syro
Aphex Twin (2014)
Unflesh
Gazelle Twin (2014)
Bad 25th Anniversary
Michael Jackson (2012)
The English Riviera
Metronomy (2011)
X&Y
Coldplay (2005)
Live At Budokan
Ozzy Osbourne & Ozzy Osbourne (2002)
The Last Waltz (Deluxe Version)
The Band (2002)
Down To Earth
Ozzy Osbourne & Ozzy Osbourne (2001)
Oxygene 7-13
Jean Michel Jarre (1997)
Air Liquide
Air Liquide (1994)
Hybrid
Michael Brook (1985)
Give My Regards To Broad Street
Paul McCartney (1984)
The Green Album (Expanded Edition)
Eddie Jobson (1983)
Pipes Of Peace (Remastered 2015)
Paul McCartney (1983)
Tug Of War
Paul McCartney (1982)
"...Famous Last Words..."
Supertramp (1982)
Thriller
Michael Jackson (1982)
Freeze Frame
The J. Geils Band (1981)
McCartney II
Paul McCartney (1980)
Arc Of A Diver
Steve Winwood (1980)
True Colours
Split Enz (1980)
Visage
Visage (1980)
Paris
Supertramp (1980)
Never for Ever (2018 Remaster)
Kate Bush (1980)
Silent Knight
Saga & Saga (1980)
Love Stinks
The J. Geils Band (1980)
Directstep
Herbie Hancock (1979)
Breakfast In America (Remastered)
Supertramp (1979)
Breathless
Camel & Peter Bardens (1978)
U.K.
U.K. (1978)
Hot Streets (Expanded & Remastered)
Chicago (1978)
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-80, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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