This page about Yamaha RX-17 Digital Rhythm Programmer is a stub. You can help improve it:

Home
... Musical Instruments
DJ Gear
Drum Machines
Yamaha
Yamaha RX-17 Digital Rhythm Programmer

Yamaha RX-17 Digital Rhythm Programmer main image

Photo of Yamaha RX-17 Digital Rhythm Programmer and more gear

Yamaha RX-17 Digital Rhythm Programmer

3.0 (2)

Find out who is using Yamaha RX-17

2 community setups

0 wishlisted

11 saved

Page last updated Apr 29, 2026

Pricing and availability

Store

Reviews

Price

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Step into the world of vintage rhythm programming with the Yamaha RX-17 Digital Rhythm Programmer. This classic drum machine offers a timeless appeal to both amateur and professional musicians looking to add that distinct 80s sound to their tracks. The RX-17 is renowned for its built-in 26 PCM voices, featuring a diverse range of drum and percussion sounds, from crisp snares to deep kicks. With its intuitive interface, users can easily craft and manipulate rhythm patterns, making it an ideal tool for both live performances and studio sessions.

Designed with versatility in mind, the RX-17 allows you to store up to 100 patterns and 20 songs, giving you plenty of creative room to explore. The velocity-sensitive pads offer dynamic control, ensuring each beat carries the expressive nuances you desire. Whether you’re a DJ looking to elevate your set or a producer aiming to inject some retro flair into your projects, the Yamaha RX-17 provides reliable, high-quality rhythm programming.

Key Features:

26 PCM voices including a variety of drum and percussion sounds
100 pattern memory and 20 song storage capacity
Velocity-sensitive pads for dynamic beat control
Intuitive interface suitable for both beginners and seasoned musicians
Battery or adapter powered for flexible use in any setting
MIDI compatibility for seamless integration with other gear

Videos

Add video

Synth Universe

Yamaha RX17 Drum Machine Sounds and Patterns

Synth Universe

This Vintage Drum Machine Is Very Cool! (Yamaha RX17)

Josh Is Making Music

Yamaha RX17 Digital Rhythm Programmer + Maxon DM-1000 Digital Delay

SUBTOKYOSHOP Music Gears

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha RX-17 Digital Rhythm Programmer.

Features and functionality

0 0

Using a MIDI controller like the Deluge allows mapping both drum sound banks to separate notes, eliminating the need to switch between "upper" and "lower" sounds.
Source
0 0

Song mode on the RX-17 can string patterns together, but a MIDI controller could simplify this process by enabling pad-triggered pattern changes.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

A sequencing controller can potentially enhance pattern triggering, allowing patterns to be assigned to pads for more intuitive live performance control.
Source
0 0

Users interested in live performance might find MIDI controllers useful for triggering patterns and potentially muting drum parts within a pattern.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

The "CHANGE BATTERY" error indicates stored pattern data issues, not a low battery. Factory reset via "Accent" and "YES" can resolve this by reinitializing RAM and OS.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Circuit bending is popular, but the RX-17's wave ROM chips are safer than the CPU's ceramic resonator, which can cause serious issues.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners have customized backlights, like a pink LCD for a synth wave look, showcasing the device's modifiability despite its sensitivity to alterations.
Source