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Average Price: $897
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Description
Discover the Yamaha SK20, a vintage synthesizer that blends the rich tones of analog sound with the versatility musicians crave. Originally released in the early 1980s, this instrument remains a beloved choice for keyboard enthusiasts and performers alike. The SK20 is a multi-keyboard synthesizer that combines organ, string, and polysynth sections, offering a lush tapestry of sounds that can be layered and customized to your liking. Its simple yet powerful interface allows for seamless transitions between sounds, making it an ideal tool for both studio production and live performances.
With its 61-key keyboard, the Yamaha SK20 offers a full range of notes to explore, ensuring that musicians can fully express their creativity. The synthesizer's intuitive control panel makes it easy to shape your sound, whether you're dialing in a classic organ tone or crafting a unique synth patch. Each section of the SK20 can be independently mixed and adjusted, allowing you to create complex soundscapes or focused, singular tones with ease.
Whether you're a seasoned synth aficionado or a newcomer to the world of analog keyboards, the Yamaha SK20's blend of functionality and classic sound makes it a compelling addition to your musical toolkit.
Key Features:
- 61-key full-size keyboard
- Combination of organ, string, and polysynth sections
- Analog sound generation
- Independent mixing for each section
- Intuitive control panel for sound shaping
- Suitable for both live performances and studio use
Product specs
| Brand | Yamaha |
| Model | SK-20 Symphonic Ensemble Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1979 - 1980 |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| Number of Keys | 61 Keys |
| Polyphony | 7 Voices |
FAQs
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What type of synthesis does the Yamaha SK-20 use?
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The Yamaha SK-20 is an analog synthesizer, known for its rich, warm sound typical of vintage analog synths.
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How many keys does the Yamaha SK-20 have, and what is their size?
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The Yamaha SK-20 features a full-size keyboard with 61 keys, providing a comfortable playing experience for keyboardists.
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Is the Yamaha SK-20 polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Yamaha SK-20 is polyphonic, offering up to 7 voices, which allows for richer, more complex sounds and chord playing.
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What kind of keyboard action does the Yamaha SK-20 have?
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The Yamaha SK-20 has a synth action keyboard, which is lighter and faster, ideal for playing fast passages and synth leads.
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Can the Yamaha SK-20 be used for live performances?
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Yes, the Yamaha SK-20 is suitable for live performances, thanks to its robust build and versatile sound capabilities, including strings, brass, and organ tones.
Videos
WilliamSalmela
Synthetic Ensemble (Yamaha SK-20)
Synthetic Ensemble (Yamaha SK-20)
WilliamSalmela
YAMAHA SK20 String Machine 1979 | HD DEMO
AnalogAudio1
Yamaha SK-20 Is The Poly-Synth Of Choice For The Poly-Instrumentalist Willis P. Jenkins
gearwire
![Video thumbnail for [DEMO] Yamaha SK-20 -- Symphonic Ensemble -- pure without external FX! by LESINDES](https://img.youtube.com/vi/CDUvcoTtn1U/mqdefault.jpg)
[DEMO] Yamaha SK-20 -- Symphonic Ensemble -- pure without external FX!
LESINDES
YAMAHA SK20 SYMPHONIC ENSEMBLE : Sound Check
ita-shin / 板倉真一
Yamaha SK20 — Sigur Rós Organ, String Machine & Synthesizer
TheGuacamoleXplosion
YAMAHA SK20 (1979)
Synthesizer Home
Yamaha SK20 Symphonic Ensemble - Synthesizer Demo
NGC0 Music
Yamaha SK20 midi demo - Tubbutec TM62100
Tubbutec
Reviews
PROS
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Built to last with a solid metal chassis and high-quality components
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Offers a range of sounds from classic string synths to analog brass
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Capable of producing nostalgic and rich sound textures
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Keyboard can split sounds for versatile playing
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Compatible with external Leslie speakers for authentic organ sound
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Shockingly stable tuning, ensuring consistent performance
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Keybed of high quality, comparable to renowned Yamaha models
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Layering capabilities produce a huge sound through external effects
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Multiple outputs and pedal connections enhance performance options
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Features both a built-in ensemble unit and a mono synth
CONS
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Limited by today's standards with no direct inputs for DAW integration
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Built-in chorus can be noisy, affecting the string section's clarity
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Occasional digital aliasing hints at a hybrid sound engine
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The FM organ section is considered lackluster and sometimes non-functional
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha SK20.
Setup and maintenance
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Proprietary Yamaha ICs and obsolete parts like BBD chips pose significant repair challenges; parts can be difficult and expensive to source.
Source -
It’s noted that the SK-20 is easy to disassemble for cleaning, with well-labeled boards and connections, facilitating easier maintenance.
Source -
Some users experience glitches and detuning issues potentially linked to voltage problems or overheating, advising against leaving the synth on for more than 3-4 hours.
Source
Features and functionality
User experience
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The Yamaha SK-20 is considered robust with a very high-quality keybed, though it’s noted to be large and heavy, potentially limiting portability.
Source -
One owner mentioned the SK-20 mixes itself well, indicating a seamless integration of its sound layers.
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Owners have noticed that moving cables inside the SK-20 can resolve connectivity issues, suggesting a need for careful handling to maintain functionality.
Source -
A specific issue involves certain keys only functioning on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th octaves, with abnormal transposing and noise, indicating potential internal connection problems.
Source
Value and pricing
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Owners suggest caution with vintage synths due to potential repair costs, recommending a big budget if considering purchase due to likely maintenance needs.
Source -
Prices for the SK-20 on Reverb range from $800 to $2200, often found between $1000 to $1500, reflecting its vintage appeal and rarity.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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An owner modded their SK-20 for enhanced LFO speed and depth, achieving sounds reminiscent of Boards of Canada.
Source
Comparisons
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A user compared the SK-20's sound to the SK-15, noting both have beautiful tones.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings
41010
a really great 70s style string machine/mono synth
My friend owns one of these and its in our south philly studio. [Its now mine and is in my home studio] This is worth purchasing for the classic divide-down string section alone. You can get yamaha's version of those string machine tones and with a few fader tweaks go into other turf with the polysynth section (it's really paraphonic but they call it a polysynth). The chorus is lush but subtle, i thought it w as s noisy but the noise wss coming from a dirty pot. The synth is capable of doing the string/synth parts to Steely Dan's "Peg" with aplomb~! Also included is a cheeze ball FM organ. Ours is not working but its nothing to write hoe about on working units though its can do a passable organ in a pinch if you la on the chorus to simulate a leslie. We have never missed this section though. As with all Yamaha gear the keybed is first rate, springy organ action.... this thing weighs a ton. Built to last the ages. Shockingly stable tuning. Worth purchasing. One of the last of the great 'string synths'.
Artist usage
Add artist
This Yamaha SK20 is owned by Billy Corgan
used on Bug On Yonkers as per this'ere 'verb listing
PJ Harvey plays her Yamaha SK20 at the Hay Festival of Literature & Arts on May 26, 2006 and at the Royal Festival Hall on August 29, 2007.
Hay Festival: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z8rFiaqBSQ Royal Festival Hall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rADQYN380nA
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This 2001 image of Sveinsson features a Yamaha SK-20 in the background, recognizable by its control scheme.
The credits of the Casiopea album Make Up City lists that he used this instrument.
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Louie Swain utilizes the Yamaha SK20 during live performances, as evidenced in the "Live Vol. 2" preview shared by parcelsmusic on Instagram.
Use it in studio for organ sounds and polyphonic stabs
Gerald Woodruffe is confirmed to use the Yamaha Symphonic Ensemble SK20 synthesizer, as listed in the studio equipment used for the LP "Wonders Of The Underwater World," according to Monorail Music's Mono Staff.
Album Usage
The Yamaha SK20 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 SK20, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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