Yamaha DX7S

$135.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (14)

3 Reviews

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4 wishlisted

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Page last updated May 26, 2026

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5.0 (6)

$135.00 8 available Used

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Average Price: $135

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

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In the Synthesizers category, Yamaha DX7S 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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Description

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The Yamaha DX7S is a classic digital synthesizer that stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of the 1980s. Known for its FM synthesis technology, this synth provides an expansive palette of sounds that have shaped countless hit records and tracks. With its streamlined interface, the DX7S offers musicians both a piece of history and a tool for modern sound creation. Its robust yet intuitive design makes it ideal for both stage and studio settings, allowing you to explore everything from iconic electric pianos to lush, evolving pads.

The DX7S is equipped with 61 full-sized keys, ensuring an authentic playing experience that caters to both seasoned professionals and aspiring keyboardists. The velocity-sensitive keys respond dynamically to your touch, enabling expressive performances that can capture the nuances of your musical ideas. With a comprehensive selection of onboard voices and the ability to store custom patches, the DX7S remains a versatile choice for musicians looking to incorporate a vintage touch into their sound.

This synthesizer not only delivers the distinct Yamaha sound but also integrates seamlessly into modern setups with its MIDI capabilities, bridging the gap between classic and contemporary music production. Whether you're revisiting the golden era of synth-pop or crafting new sonic landscapes, the Yamaha DX7S promises a distinctive and immersive musical journey.

Key Features:

FM synthesis technology for a wide range of sounds
61 full-sized, velocity-sensitive keys
Comprehensive selection of onboard voices
MIDI connectivity for integration with modern music setups
Custom patch storage for personalized sound creation

Product specs

Brand	Yamaha
Model	DX7S Programmable Algorithm Synthesizer
Finish	Black
Year	1983 - 1987
Categories	Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital	Digital
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys	61 Keys
Polyphony	16 Voices

FAQs

Is the Yamaha DX7S a polyphonic synthesizer?: Yes, the Yamaha DX7S is a polyphonic synthesizer with 16 voices, allowing you to play multiple notes simultaneously.
What type of synthesis does the Yamaha DX7S use?: The Yamaha DX7S uses FM (Frequency Modulation) synthesis, which is known for producing bright, complex sounds that were revolutionary at the time of its release.
How many keys does the Yamaha DX7S have?: The Yamaha DX7S features a full-size keyboard with 61 keys, offering a wide range for performance and composition.
Does the Yamaha DX7S have MIDI connectivity?: Yes, the Yamaha DX7S includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through, allowing for integration with other MIDI-capable devices and setups.
What are the key features of the Yamaha DX7S sound engine?: The Yamaha DX7S sound engine is notable for its digital FM synthesis with programmable algorithms, enabling a wide variety of sound design possibilities.

Videos

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Golbery J. Alves S.

Yamaha DX7s 1987 Sounds Pop Classic 80

Golbery J. Alves S.

DX7s - the last Yamaha DX7 | tips and tricks

Espen Kraft

Yamaha DX7S and MIDI System Exclusive (SysEx) Pt 2

ElectronicSupersonic

Yamaha DX7s Performance Patches - all sounds very little talking FM Synth beauty

Ted murena

Reviews

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PROS

Iconic 80s synth sounds, ideal for retro music lovers
Improved physical buttons over previous versions
Exceptional electric piano sound patch
Can also function effectively as a MIDI controller
Offers warm, rich tones appealing to vintage synth enthusiasts
Great for creating unique, otherworldly dissonant noises

CONS

Sound design experience can be challenging and cumbersome
Some units may have durability issues, like broken keys
Limited appeal outside of 80s music or specific genres
Synthesized electric pianos may not meet everyone's taste

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha DX7S.

Features and functionality

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The DX7S offers improved hardware over the original DX7, featuring real buttons instead of membrane switches, a backlit display, and slightly enhanced voice engine.
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The DX7S is single mode only, while the DX7IID offers split and layer capabilities, enhancing its versatility for performance and composition.
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The DX7IID's 16-note polyphony is reduced to 8 notes when using split or layer functions, impacting complex arrangements.
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The DX7S RAM memory relies on battery power to retain presets, highlighting the importance of monitoring battery health.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners highlight the DX7S's ability to produce excellent polyphonic glide, glissando effects, and mod wheel vibrato, alongside light electric Rhodes and Wurly imitations.
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Setup and maintenance

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It's recommended to check the internal battery voltage and consider using a USB MIDI interface for seamless sound dumping from a computer.
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Replacing the battery erases RAM memory, requiring a reload of presets via ROM cartridge or MIDI sysex transfer.
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After battery replacement, ensure no bad capacitors or fluid leaks are present, as these can affect functionality.
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Comparisons

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The DX7S is noted to sound cleaner than the original DX7 due to its 16-bit engine versus the original's 12-bit, though some prefer the lo-fi character of the original.
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The DX7IID offers a unison mode to thicken sounds, a feature absent in the DX7S or the original DX7.
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Software and compatibility

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Dexed is mentioned as a close alternative for sound emulation, yet many find inspiration comes more readily from the hardware.
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Presets can be reloaded using a ROM memory cartridge or via MIDI sysex transfer through a 5-pin MIDI cable.
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Value and pricing

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Owners suggest not overpaying for DX7S, citing a price range around $150-$400, depending on condition and battery status.
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User experience

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Some users report that achieving MIDI velocity 127 on the DX7II requires unusually hard key strikes, suggesting a limitation in velocity sensitivity.
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For improved sound layering, owners recommend using multiple DX7s or TX7 modules through a mixer with stereo panning and effects, surpassing single DX7 capabilities.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 14 Ratings

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pariahrob

240

almost 7 years ago

Shocking interface but sounds devine

If you have a soft spot for 8ps synth sounds, or just sumptious, warm and rich tones then you wont go far wrong with this. The 's' version is better than the previous, as it has physical buttons, not the membrane buttons which wear out. I wont rant about the sound design experience which is dreadful but will happily sing the praises of the sound. This thing is just beautiful. Everybody knows the e piano sound and it is true. I could happily leave it on that one patch and forget it. It's that good.

mikefiction

1264

almost 7 years ago

Mine is leaning against the wall

It leans against the wall pretty well. I wish it was a TX7. I'll make it into a TX7 one of these days. I have enough huge things with keys. Mine has a bunch of nroken keys too which makes it kinda punk rock if a DX7 could evey be called punk rock. It's like a Safety Punk.

Basses are actually pretty great but 80's. Pads are good and 80s. Bells are 80's. Synthesized electric pianos always suck but were used in the 80's a lot unfortunately.

Buy this synth if you want to be an 80's wedding singer cover band. Or maybe if you want to make amazing otherworldly dissonant noise that will make your neighbors hate you and all the women want you.

The 80's

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist Audio Engineer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Electro-industrial