Yamaha CS-01

$470.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (10)

3 Critic Reviews

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Yamaha CS01II

$604.15

4.0 (3)

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3 community setups

15 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jun 15, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 15, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (8)

$470.00 7 available Used

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Average Price: $470

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Yamaha CS-01 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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High-end

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Description

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Meet the Yamaha CS-01, a classic gem from the 80s that has aged like fine wine in the world of synthesizers. Renowned for its thick monophonic bass lines, this model has held its ground since its initial release as a student model. Its simplicity is its greatest charm - its user-friendly interface combined with powerful features offers a unique blend of ease and performance. Whether you're a beginner stepping into the world of synths or a seasoned professional seeking a reliable instrument, the CS-01 is a worthy contender that ticks all the right boxes.

Key Features:

12db resonant voltage-controlled filter
Offers a range of wave forms including triangle, saw, square, pulse and PWM
Features an ADSR envelope generator
Comes with Glissando & portamento LFO controls

Product specs

Brand	Yamaha
Model	CS01 Monophonic Synthesizer
Finish	Black, Silver
Year	1982 - 1983
Made In	Japan
Categories	Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital	Analog
Key Size	Mini
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
Number of Keys	32 Keys
Polyphony	1 Voice

FAQs

Is the Yamaha CS-01 synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?: The Yamaha CS-01 is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play only one note at a time, which is ideal for bass lines and lead melodies.
What type of keys does the Yamaha CS-01 have?: The Yamaha CS-01 features 32 mini keys with a synth-action feel, making it compact and suitable for quick melodic riffs.
Is the Yamaha CS-01 suitable for live performances?: While the Yamaha CS-01 can be used for live performances, its mini keys and single voice make it more suited for studio use or as a portable option for quick idea generation.
What kind of sound can I expect from the Yamaha CS-01?: The Yamaha CS-01 offers classic analog sounds typical of early '80s synthesizers, with rich bass tones and sharp leads, suitable for vintage electronic music styles.
What are the dimensions of the Yamaha CS-01 synthesizer?: The Yamaha CS-01 is compact, making it highly portable, although specific dimensions would need to be checked from a detailed product listing or manual.

Videos

Add video

Dorian Concept

Fooling around on Yamaha CS01

Dorian Concept

Looks Like a Toy - Sounds Awesome!

Alex Ball

FIVE MINUTES WITH The Yamaha CS01 Battery Powered Monosynth

sonicstate

BOOcast - Synth of the Month: Yamaha CS01

Battery Operated Orchestra

Yamaha CS-01 Analog Synthesizer 1982

Jonasan

Reviews

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PROS

PWM bass can be Earth-shattering, enhancing depth in music
Breath controllers offer unique interaction, akin to wind instruments
Exceptional for creating a wide range of tones in jazz, pop, and rock
Solid build quality belies its toy-like appearance
Versatile for leads, bass, and sub sounds
Integral to specific live sound setups, like Necromonkey and Akaba

CONS

Lack of CV or MIDI connectivity limits integration with modern gear
Breath controllers not recommended for beginners or non-wind instrument players
High market price may not justify the value for some

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha CS-01.

Comparisons

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The CS-01 is likened to home computer sound chips from the early '80s, suggesting a unique digital-analog hybrid sound signature.
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Despite the CS-01's perceived "toy" status, it's noted for unique qualities not found in modern synths like the Minibrute, particularly its Yamaha filter sound.
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Some users compare the CS-01's tone generation method to a DCO, though it uses a digital tone generator.
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Value and pricing

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The CS-01's price has increased, with a finite number available, making it understandable given its status as a vintage synth.
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Prices for the Yamaha CS-01 have risen due to its rarity and nostalgia, with recent listings between $400-$500, reflecting market trends rather than intrinsic value.
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The CS-01 is frequently found at lower prices in secondhand markets, making it a budget-friendly option for analog synth enthusiasts.
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Mods and upgrades

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Enthusiasts recommend a resonance mod for the CS-01, enhancing sound capabilities for those comfortable with soldering.
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Several users recommend the Highly Liquid MIDI kit or UMR2 MIDI Retrofit for adding MIDI capabilities to the CS-01.
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Setup and maintenance

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Scratchy faders on the CS-01 can be easily cleaned using Deoxit, an effective and simple DIY fix for common vintage synth issues.
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Owners advise removing batteries when not in use to avoid leaks that could damage electronics. Affected units may recover with battery compartment replacements.
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User experience

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There is debate about whether the CS-01 is truly analog, indicating some misconceptions about its design, influencing buyer expectations.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners note that despite its size, the CS-01's tone is powerful enough for live performances, particularly due to its analog filter.
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Despite its compact size, the CS-01 produces a powerful bass that can resonate through an amp, suitable for live performances.
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Features and functionality

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The filter in the CS-01 is analog, which significantly influences its sound character, especially in a mono synth.
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The Yamaha CS-01 uses a YM10150 digital tone generator chip, suggesting a hybrid design with analog filtering.
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The Yamaha CS-01 can be used with an optional breath controller, enhancing performance dynamics.
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Software and compatibility

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A VST version by Baby Audio emulates the CS-01, including battery level effects that detune and distort sounds.
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Critic Reviews

Yamaha CS01

boymeetssynth.blogspot.com

The Yamaha CS-01 promises a vintage charm but falls flat, largely due to its lack of MIDI connectivity. While it offers a unique digital and gritty VCO for its time and a satisfying bass presence, its limited resonance options and non-mixable noise feature are drawbacks. The absence of MIDI makes it cumbersome for modern integration, and even DIY solutions feel risky. Despite its nostalgic appeal and some sonic uniqueness, the CS-01 remains more of a collectible curiosity than a studio staple. Without MIDI, it's like owning a classic car that can't drive on modern roads – intriguing but impractical.

negative

Full Review

Yamaha CS01 | Vintage Synth Explorer

vintagesynth.com

The Yamaha CS-01 is a classic analog monosynth cherished for its simplicity and portability. Its compact design and battery operation make it an excellent choice for on-the-go musicians. Despite its toy-like appearance, it delivers robust bass sounds with its 12dB resonant filter and simple controls, ideal for beginners and electronic music enthusiasts. The CS01 shines in producing bubbly and growling bass lines, appreciated by notable artists like Underworld and Chick Corea. However, its small keys might not suit everyone, and its limited features could be a drawback for advanced users seeking more versatility. Overall, the CS-01 is a delightful vintage synth with charm and character, perfect for those seeking classic sounds in a portable package.

positive

Full Review

Yamaha CS01 (12T Nov 82)

muzines.co.uk

The Yamaha CS-01 is a quirky, compact synth that looks like a toy but delivers serious sound. Its lightweight design and strap options make it perfect for stage presence, while its rich square wave tones and pulse width modulation offer surprising depth. However, its limited filter capabilities and half-sized keys can be a drawback, especially for those looking for powerful, resonant sounds. The breath controller is an innovative touch, but mastering it can be challenging without prior brass instrument experience. Overall, it's a neat gadget for synth enthusiasts but may not satisfy those seeking a full-bodied sound.

neutral

Full Review