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Description

Dive into the world of music production with the Yamaha QY20 Music Sequencer, a compact powerhouse designed for musicians on the go. This versatile device packs an impressive array of features, allowing you to compose, edit, and arrange music with ease. Whether you're a DJ looking to enrich your live sets or a musician seeking a portable solution for capturing inspiration, the QY20 is your ultimate companion.

The Yamaha QY20 offers a user-friendly interface coupled with a vast selection of sounds and rhythms. From intricate sequences to lush harmonies, this sequencer provides you with a dynamic canvas for your musical ideas. Utilize the built-in sound engine to access a wide array of voices, including pianos, strings, and synthetics, all at your fingertips. The QY20 integrates seamlessly into your setup, offering MIDI compatibility for enhanced connectivity with other devices.

Key Features:

  • Built-in sound engine with a wide variety of voices and styles
  • User-friendly interface for easy navigation and composition
  • MIDI compatibility for seamless integration with other devices
  • Portable design ideal for musicians on the move
  • Comprehensive sequencing capabilities for complex arrangements
  • Extensive library of rhythms and patterns to inspire creativity
ササキ報

ササキ報

YAMAHA QY20 DEMO

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA QY20 DEMO by ササキ報

YAMAHA QY20 DEMO

ササキ報

ササキ報

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA QY20 Original Song by Falcon-106 by FALCON-106 music Channel

YAMAHA QY20 Original Song by Falcon-106

FALCON-106 music Channel

FALCON-106 music Channel

Video thumbnail for Yamaha QY 20 Repair  -  Synth Hunter Episode 27 by Synth Hunter Germany

Yamaha QY 20 Repair - Synth Hunter Episode 27

Synth Hunter Germany

Synth Hunter Germany

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha QY20 Music Sequencer.

Features and functionality

  • The QY70/100 models have a linear 16-track sequencer and an 8-track pattern sequencer, allowing simultaneous use for complex compositions.

    Source
  • The pattern sequencer uses Yamaha's "Accompaniment" engine with specific track formats: Drum1, Drum2, Perc, Bass, and Chord 1-4, which can automatically transpose to chords.

    Source
  • The Yamaha QY20 is recognized for its ability to store multiple parts and thousands of notes, suiting those looking for song- and part-based sequencing.

    Source
  • The QY20's sequences are stored internally, allowing them to play on any synth connected, provided it's on the same MIDI channel.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners note the QY20's internal battery might need replacing, with a message on the screen indicating its status.

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  • Changing the internal battery requires basic soldering skills and tools, including de-soldering braid, a soldering iron, leaded solder, and a replacement battery and holder.

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  • Owners encountering power issues may need to investigate the MAX680 IC, a voltage converter, for potential repair needs.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The QY70 can be used to sequence multiple MIDI instruments with its 16 available MIDI channels, making it a versatile MIDI controller.

    Source
  • The QY20 can serve as a standalone MIDI sequencer for synth modules, perfect for users seeking a computer-free setup.

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User experience

  • Users suggest the QY70's screen is small, requiring extensive menu navigation, but it's packed with useful editing features.

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  • The QY70's interface is considered archaic, with some programming tasks being tedious, but basic skills can be learned in a few hours.

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  • Some users struggle with non-functional units due to previous modifications like circuit bending, requiring a detailed inspection and understanding of the internal circuitry.

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Build quality

  • A white wire soldered to pin 6 of the MAX680 IC suggests a past repair attempt, indicating possible issues with the IC receiving the required voltage.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The QY20 is suggested as a good starting point for those exploring older sequencers from the mid-1980s onwards, despite the primitive data entry methods.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha QY20 Portable Workstation (MT Mar 93)

muzines.co.uk

The Yamaha QY20 is a compact yet feature-rich portable workstation that builds on the success of its predecessor, the QY10, offering an impressive array of sounds, patterns, and sequencing capabilities in a small package. Its user-friendly interface and quality sounds make it a powerful tool for musicians on the go. However, the rubber-button keyboard is not ideal for real-time recording, and the lack of full General MIDI compatibility is a missed opportunity. Despite these drawbacks, its versatility and portability make it a standout choice for musicians looking to create music anywhere.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Björk uses Yamaha QY20 Music Sequencer

Björk

Singer, Keyboardist

The Sugarcubes

...
Verified via YouTube

The Yamaha QY20 is seen in this video about Björk's 1994 studio, starting 0:10

See how Autechre uses Yamaha QY20 Music Sequencer

Autechre

Music Producer

...
Verified via Mikebaas

Autechre uses the Yamaha QY20 sequencer

See how PJ Harvey uses Yamaha QY20 Music Sequencer

PJ Harvey

Keyboardist, Harpist

The Desert Sessions

...
Verified via YouTube

In the source video, PJ Harvey's bandmate plays her Yamaha QY20 on 'A Perfect Day Elise'. She plays the QY20 herself at many shows in 2006-2008, including Hay Festival of Literature & Arts on May 26, 2006, at the Royal Festival Hall on August 29, 2007, at the Paris Grand Rex on November 16, 2007, and in Rome on March 09, 2008.

Used live on 'Angelene', 'My Beautiful Leah', and 'Electric Light' as a drum machine. Also used live on 'My Beautiful Leah' as a bass synth. Used live on 'Nina In Ecstasy' as a pad synth.

Hay Festival: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSUXkuZ1YMw Royal Festival Hall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqttnyloqDQ Paris Grand Rex: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7l_YpWBI8I Rome: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7f1nfdK3Lc

See how Tricky uses Yamaha QY20 Music Sequencer

Tricky

Rapper, Music Producer

Massive Attack

...
Verified via Photo

In the documentary film "Naked and Famous," Tricky is shown using the Yamaha QY20 Music Sequencer at his old school, as captured in an image on Or-bits.

See how Guy Sigsworth uses Yamaha QY20 Music Sequencer

Guy Sigsworth

Composer, Music Producer

Frou Frou

...
Verified via Discogs

Credited on the song “Moratorium” on the Alanis Morissette album Flavors of Entanglement (2008): “Electronics [QY20], Noises [Booms], Piano [Prepared], Programmed By [Ghost Choir], Strings – Guy Sigsworth”

See how Max Tundra uses Yamaha QY20 Music Sequencer

Max Tundra

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Domino Recording Company

Used in the recording of Max Tundra's 'QY20 Songs' EP.

Album Usage

The Yamaha QY20 Music Sequencer has been featured on the following albums:

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 QY20 Music Sequencer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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