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Description

The Yamaha GX-1, first released as Electone GX-707, is an analog polyphonic synthesizer organ developed by Yamaha as a test bed for later consumer synths and Electone series organs for stage and home use. The GX-1 has four synthesizer "ranks" or three manuals, called Solo, Upper, and Lower, plus Pedal, and an analog rhythm machine.

The GX-1 cost $60,000 (equivalent to $396,000 today) and premiered in the US at the 1973 NAMM Convention. The exact production number is unknown, but thought to total fewer than 100. At least 13 GX-1s are known to exist outside Japan, the remainder are presumed to have stayed in Japan.

The GX-1 is also well known as the synthesizer of choice for Keith Emerson and Stevie Wonder, and was acclaimed as a "dream machine."

Polyphonic

Polyphonic

The Dream Machine: How Yamaha's GX-1 Got Its Nickname

Video thumbnail for The Dream Machine: How Yamaha's GX-1 Got Its Nickname by Polyphonic

The Dream Machine: How Yamaha's GX-1 Got Its Nickname

Polyphonic

Polyphonic

Video thumbnail for The Yamaha GX-1 - The Dream Machine by Ulf Söderlund

The Yamaha GX-1 - The Dream Machine

Ulf Söderlund

Ulf Söderlund

Video thumbnail for Georges Fleury stellt Yamaha GX-1 Orgel im Wert von 140.000 DM vor (ORF, 1975) by Spotlight Music Show

Georges Fleury stellt Yamaha GX-1 Orgel im Wert von 140.000 DM vor (ORF, 1975)

Spotlight Music Show

Spotlight Music Show

Video thumbnail for Yamaha GX-1 a snippet , mobile phone audio by MrFirechild

Yamaha GX-1 a snippet , mobile phone audio

MrFirechild

MrFirechild

Video thumbnail for Yamaha GX-1 Sunday jam after dinner. by splitradix

Yamaha GX-1 Sunday jam after dinner.

splitradix

splitradix

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha GX-1.

Build quality

  • The GX-1's handmade construction and use of bleeding-edge 1974 technology can lead to reliability issues, as noted by owners familiar with vintage synths.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners frequently report that servicing a CS-80, a descendant of the GX-1, can be extremely challenging and costly due to its complexity.

    Source

User experience

  • It's been noted that the GX-1 typically requires professional intervention for maintenance due to the scarcity of technicians skilled in analog synth repair.

    Source
  • There are believed to be only about a dozen GX-1s left in existence, with few in full working order, making it a rare and sought-after piece.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The GX-1 is prominently featured in ELP's "Fanfare for the Common Man," showcasing its ability to handle live performance demands with a rich, full sound.

    Source
  • Aphex Twin reportedly used the GX-1 on only one track, suggesting its use was highly selective due to its massive size and value.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The GX-1's descendants, the CS-80 and E-70, share some of its features but vary significantly in serviceability and reliability.

    Source
  • The GX-1 is considered an upgrade to the CS-80, weighing approximately 150kg, and offering even more advanced features.

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Value and pricing

  • Originally priced at $60k, accounting for inflation, the GX-1's value today is approximately $425k, highlighting its rarity and historical significance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A GX-1 modified by the creator of Cirklon is seen as a unique collector's item, attracting synth enthusiasts despite its already high value.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha GX1 Synthesizer: Part 1

soundonsound.com

The Yamaha GX-1 is a behemoth of a synthesizer, celebrated for its rarity and unique sound. This review highlights its rich, unparalleled sonic character that has captivated legendary musicians like Stevie Wonder and Keith Emerson. However, the GX-1's massive size and weight make it a logistical nightmare, both in terms of transportation and setting it up in a living space. Despite these challenges, the GX-1 is revered for its historical significance and remains a coveted piece for collectors. For those who can accommodate its demands, the GX-1 offers an unparalleled musical experience.

positive

Yamaha GX1 Synthesizer: Part 2

soundonsound.com

The Yamaha GX-1 is a marvel from 1975, showcasing groundbreaking features like polyphony and multitimbrality that were ahead of its time. Its unique voice structure, involving multiple keyboards and patch storage, sets it apart in synthesizer history. The GX-1's sound is rich and unparalleled, offering a 'fatter' tone than most with its intricate filter system. However, its complexity can be daunting, requiring rare additional equipment to unlock its full potential. The lack of modern conveniences like auto-tuning might be a drawback for some, yet its expressive capabilities and historical significance make it a prized collector's item.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Aphex Twin uses Yamaha GX-1

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

Mike & Rich

...
Verified via SoundCloud

On the comment section, Richard David James (under the name of user18081971) mentions that he used the Yamaha GX-1 for a few tracks. "i did quite a few with it, looking very forward to having it fully midified. Trouble is though id rather Colin make more o.s updates to Cirklon!"

See how John Paul Jones uses Yamaha GX-1

John Paul Jones

Bassist, Keyboardist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified via Photo

Jones states in this interview that he used a Yamaha GX-1 with Led Zeppelin and then sold it to Keith Emerson.

See how Stevie Wonder uses Yamaha GX-1

Stevie Wonder

Singer, Drummer

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In the case of 'Pastime Paradise', a Yamaha GX1 served as the starting point. A huge and powerful polyphonic analogue synthesizer, with chrome pedestals and a curved metallic body, the GX1 — introduced in 1973 as a forerunner to the CS80 — housed three keyboards, a pedal-board, a ribbon controller that produced modulation changes, two swell pedals and a spring-loaded knee controller, along with a variety of buttons and switches to program, store and recall sounds. The top three-quarter-scale, three-octave, 37-note keyboard had half-size keys and offered unprecedented touch control; the other two five-octave, 61-note standard-size keyboards were equally functional, with horizontal position control enabling the player to achieve effects such as vibrato by moving the keys side-to-side.

See how Keith Emerson uses Yamaha GX-1

Keith Emerson

Keyboardist

Emerson, Lake & Palmer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

This Sound On Sound article states that Emerson used a Yamaha GX-1.

See how Geoff Downes uses Yamaha GX-1

Geoff Downes

Keyboardist

Yes

...
Verified via Muzines

"There had been the Yamaha GX1 before that, which Emmo and Stevie Wonder had got, which was supposed to be worth over twice that, but I don't know if they ever paid for them or whether they got them on some sort of endorsement deal. It was funny, when we were in Japan a few years ago - we saw quite a few of them stuck in resorts and hotels and places like that."

See how Minoru Mukaiya uses Yamaha GX-1

Minoru Mukaiya

Keyboardist

Casiopea

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:06, it appears that Minoru appears to have a Yamaha GX-1 on his right side. It's really chunky and has the three tiers of keys so it would appear to be a GX-1.

See how Benny Andersson uses Yamaha GX-1

Benny Andersson

Keyboardist, Composer

ABBA

...
Verified via Google

One of the last GX-1s manufactured was the one acquired by Benny Andersson in early 1979. This particular instrument was from then on used on many of the songs that were recorded by ABBA during 1979-1982, on the album musical “Chess” from 1983-1984 as well as on numerous other recordings from that era. It has also toured the world with ABBA in 1979 as well as being used on the concert version of “Chess” in 1984.

See how Jürgen Fritz uses Yamaha GX-1

Jürgen Fritz

Keyboardist, Composer

Triumvirat

...
Verified via Discogs

In the liner notes of the New Triumvirat album "Pompeii," Jürgen Fritz is credited with playing the Yamaha GX-1, as documented on Discogs.

See how Rick van der Linden uses Yamaha GX-1

Rick van der Linden

Keyboardist, Composer

Ekseption

...
Verified via Photo

Rick van der Linden's solo album GX1 was played entirely on a Yamaha GX-1.

See how Firechild uses Yamaha GX-1

Firechild

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

video of Firechild performing on the Yamaha GX-1 in his studio

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 GX-1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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