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Average Price: $248

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Discover the Yamaha S03, a compact yet powerful synthesizer that's perfect for musicians of all levels. Designed to bridge the gap between affordability and professional sound, the S03 offers an impressive array of features in a portable package. Whether you're crafting electronic beats or performing live, the S03's extensive sound library and user-friendly interface make it a versatile tool for any musical endeavor.

With over 700 voices, including selections from Yamaha's premium S80 synthesizer, the S03 delivers a rich palette of sounds—from grand pianos and vibrant basses to expressive strings and avant-garde textures. The 61-key synth action keyboard provides a responsive playing experience, while 64-note polyphony ensures your compositions remain lush and uninterrupted.

The Yamaha S03 is fully compatible with both GM and XG standards, allowing seamless integration with other MIDI devices and ensuring your music sounds its best. Plus, with 16-part multitimbrality, you can layer and sequence complex arrangements effortlessly. Onboard digital effects, including reverb, chorus, and a variety of delays and distortions, allow you to enhance your sound with precision.

Navigating the S03's features is a breeze thanks to its large, backlit LCD display and intuitive controls. The Category Search button offers quick access to your desired instrument types, making it easy to find the perfect sound in any performance scenario. Plus, the included S03 Voice Editor software gives you the flexibility to customize voices on both Mac and Windows systems.

Key Features:

  • 61-key synth action keyboard
  • 736 voices and 22 drum kits
  • 64-note polyphony
  • 16-part multitimbral
  • GM and XG compatibility
  • 64 types of digital effects
  • Large backlit LCD display
  • Includes S03 Voice Editor software for Mac/Windows

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model S03 Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 2001
Made In Japan
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 64 Voices

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Yamaha S03 use?

The Yamaha S03 uses AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory 2) synthesis, which is a digital sample-based synthesis method providing high-quality sound reproduction.

Is the Yamaha S03 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Yamaha S03 is suitable for live performances with its 61 full-size synth-action keys and 64-note polyphony, allowing for complex layering and dynamic playability.

How many preset voices does the Yamaha S03 offer?

The Yamaha S03 offers 128 preset voices, along with 128 user voices, 480 GM/XG voices, and 22 drum kits, providing a wide range of sounds for various musical styles.

Can the Yamaha S03 be connected to a computer?

Yes, the Yamaha S03 can be connected to a computer via its To Host port, and it is compatible with XGworks Lite software for both Mac and Windows.

Does the Yamaha S03 have onboard effects?

Yes, the Yamaha S03 has three onboard signal processors offering 64 different effect types, allowing users to enhance and modify their sounds directly from the synthesizer.

Bill Blair

Bill Blair

Yamaha S03 Demo

Video thumbnail for Yamaha S03 Demo by Bill Blair

Yamaha S03 Demo

Bill Blair

Bill Blair

Video thumbnail for Yamaha S03 (Test Sounds) by Tiago Mallen

Yamaha S03 (Test Sounds)

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for Yamaha S03 VS Yamaha S30 DEMO - TECLAS HOUSE by Tecla's House

Yamaha S03 VS Yamaha S30 DEMO - TECLAS HOUSE

Tecla's House

Tecla's House

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA S03 - (FACTORY PRESETS) - ANO: 2001 - REVIEW by TIAGO MALLEN #yamahas03 by Tiago Mallen

YAMAHA S03 - (FACTORY PRESETS) - ANO: 2001 - REVIEW by TIAGO MALLEN #yamahas03

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for *REVIEW* Yamaha S-03 Keyboard Sound Demo (by houseofjaz) by houseofjaz (The Piano Tutorial Man!)

*REVIEW* Yamaha S-03 Keyboard Sound Demo (by houseofjaz)

houseofjaz (The Piano Tutorial Man!)

houseofjaz (The Piano Tutorial Man!)

Video thumbnail for Yamaha S03 Demo by Steven Monárrez ♪

Yamaha S03 Demo

Steven Monárrez ♪

Steven Monárrez ♪

Video thumbnail for Yamaha S03 Demo Sounds. Is it still relevant today? by Kevin's Keyboard Corner And Stuff.

Yamaha S03 Demo Sounds. Is it still relevant today?

Kevin's Keyboard Corner And Stuff.

Kevin's Keyboard Corner And Stuff.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha S03.

Features and functionality

  • The Yamaha S03 features 453 waveforms with extensive editing options like LFOs, envelopes, and filters, allowing for in-depth sound customization.

    Source
  • Despite being budget-oriented, the S03 provides surprising depth in its sound design capabilities, similar to its pricier siblings in the S-Series.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the ability of the S03 to create unique sounds quickly, finding it intuitive for crafting leads even after minimal use.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the S03 in live settings, noting its reliability during basement shows and small venues, which are common for emerging bands.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The S03 is recognized as a budget-friendly alternative to the S08, S30, S80, and S90, offering a good introduction to the S-Series without the higher cost.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A Yamaha S03 is successfully used in a punk/thrash metal band setup, highlighting its versatility across different music genres.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • While the S03 itself remains unmodified, it is often paired with other modified gear like a Hammond model 142 for enhanced performance in live settings.

    Source

Other

  • The S03 is part of a rig that includes a Univox Amp and Lester G pedal, indicating compatibility with diverse equipment for varied sound output.

    Source

3.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
T

Powerfull litlle synth

Had this in 2004. Most of the presets was shit, more oriented for church bands, i think. But the engine was a real mothf***, capable of great pads, leads. Not a trance machine, nowdays maybe more for pop music.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Joe Lally uses Yamaha S03

Joe Lally

Singer, Bassist

Fugazi

...
Verified via Photo

In an article from SFist, it was reported that Joe Lally's Yamaha S03 synthesizer was stolen, indicating his use of this instrument.

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 S03, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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