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Description

just read this : The synth on top of the Hammond is a Yamaha SY-2. He used it to recreate a small part in "Saturday Night Special" but it is so buried you have to listen for it.

http://forums.musicplayer.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/1216841/Lynyrd_Skynyrd_and_the_White_H

Stephen Teller

Stephen Teller

Yamaha SY-2 Analog Synthesizer

Video thumbnail for Yamaha SY-2 Analog Synthesizer by Stephen Teller

Yamaha SY-2 Analog Synthesizer

Stephen Teller

Stephen Teller

Video thumbnail for Yamaha SY-2 Vangelis Sound by cembi4clembi

Yamaha SY-2 Vangelis Sound

cembi4clembi

cembi4clembi

Video thumbnail for Yamaha SY-2 Demo - Vintage Synthesizer Monophonic Keyboard by John Aselin

Yamaha SY-2 Demo - Vintage Synthesizer Monophonic Keyboard

John Aselin

John Aselin

Video thumbnail for The wonderful Yamaha SY-2 by Paul Curreri Videos

The wonderful Yamaha SY-2

Paul Curreri Videos

Paul Curreri Videos

Video thumbnail for Yamaha SY-2 by noddyspuncture

Yamaha SY-2

noddyspuncture

noddyspuncture

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha SY-2.

Features and functionality

  • The Yamaha SY-2 is praised for its optical-based aftertouch, considered highly expressive and superior to many modern synths.

    Source
  • Unique to the SY-2 are the full ADSR, high pass filter, and expression pedal input, enhancing its versatility beyond typical monophonic synths.

    Source

Build quality

  • The synth is described as heavy, making it less portable, but emphasizing its robust construction typical of vintage instruments.

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Comparisons

  • Some users mention that with proper tweaking, the SY-2 can mimic the lush sounds of a CS-80, albeit monophonic, offering a cost-effective alternative.

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  • The SY-2 is noted to have similarities with a CS-80, but excels in bass sounds with its thick, warbled tones, requiring frequent tuning.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Care must be taken when removing stickers from keys; using a heated towel can help soften adhesives without damaging keys.

    Source
  • Owners recommend warming up the synth before tuning to ensure stability, highlighting its sensitivity to temperature changes.

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Value and pricing

  • Recent sales indicate the SY-2 can fetch around £480 in the UK, with prices reaching up to $1,400 depending on condition.

    Source
  • Owners stress the importance of proper packaging and insurance when shipping, as costs can reach $200-250 in the US due to its weight and rarity.

    Source

User experience

  • Lifting the key bed reveals high-quality point-to-point wiring, showcasing the craftsmanship and durability of this vintage instrument.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Its basic synthesizer design is praised for producing great bass sounds, making it ideal for genres requiring powerful, thick bass lines.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jokinglyevil

sounds amazing

I play this thing almost every other day. It sounds amazing, and you are able to create your own sounds with it. For the... '70s? '80s? This thing is amazing. Every synth needs a "funny" preset.

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kerry Minnear uses Yamaha SY-2

Kerry Minnear

Keyboardist

Gentle Giant

...
Verified via YouTube

This synth is shown in the YouTube video "Gentle Giant - Live at BBC Sight & Sound 1978". It is also mentioned to be used by Kerry Minnear in the comments of https://www.vintagesynth.com/yamaha/sy-1.

See how Garth Hudson uses Yamaha SY-2

Garth Hudson

Keyboardist, Saxophonist

The Band

...
Verified via Hiof

"By all accounts fewer than one hundred of these were ever produced. Atop the KC-1 was a Yamaha SY-2, another preset-based monophonic synth."

See how Anthony Marinelli uses Yamaha SY-2

Anthony Marinelli

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

Anthony Marinelli is confirmed to use the Yamaha SY-2 synthesizer, as it is showcased at the 3:21 mark in his studio tour video titled "My Synth Studio Revealed | Studio Tour 2025," published by Anthony Marinelli Music on YouTube.

See how Billy Powell uses Yamaha SY-2

Billy Powell

Keyboardist

Lynyrd Skynyrd

...
Verified via YouTube

In a live performance of "Saturday Night Special" at Knebworth '76, Billy Powell can be seen using a Yamaha SY-2, showcasing its use alongside his usual Hammond B3. This performance is available on Mercury's YouTube channel.

See how The BBC Radiophonic Workshop uses Yamaha SY-2

The BBC Radiophonic Workshop

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Whitefiles

List of Synthesizers that the Radiophonic Workshop had in 1985

See how Elizabeth Parker uses Yamaha SY-2

Elizabeth Parker

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Muzines

"I've used the old Yamaha SY2 and a Godwin string synthesizer. The Godwin produces a certain sound at particular moments like a thick wodge to fill in a background, which the PPG could do but not quite so well.."

See how Paddy Kingsland uses Yamaha SY-2

Paddy Kingsland

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Muzines

"He also employs a Stereo Flanger, Voltage Controlled Stereo Panner and likes to use the old Yamaha SY-2 preset mono synthesiser." as the article stated

See how Joe Sample uses Yamaha SY-2

Joe Sample

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Joe Sample and the Soul Committee

...
Verified via Photo

A photograph from 1978 captures Joe Sample performing in Paris with a Yamaha SY-2 synthesizer. The identification of the synthesizer is confirmed by the distinct types of switches, number of inputs, shape, metal casing, and logo placement visible in the image.

See how Malcolm Clarke uses Yamaha SY-2

Malcolm Clarke

Keyboardist

...
Verified via Muzines

"The way I work with the DX7 and SY2 is to start with a preset sound and move away from it if I need to."

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 SY-2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
jokinglyevil

jokinglyevil

Gear IQ 250

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