Yamaha SY-22

$175.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.0 (8)

1 Review

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Page last updated Jun 21, 2026

Pricing and availability

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5.0 (2)

$175.00 5 available Used

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Average Price: $175

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Yamaha SY-22 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Description

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Explore the dynamic soundscape possibilities of the Yamaha SY-22, a versatile synthesizer that brings together the best of digital and analog synthesis. Perfect for musicians who crave creative flexibility, the SY-22 combines Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) technology with vector synthesis, allowing you to blend and control sound layers in real-time. With its intuitive interface and robust sound engine, this synthesizer offers a unique approach to sound design, making it a valuable addition to any studio setup or live performance rig.

The Yamaha SY-22 features a 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard, providing expressive playability for both seasoned musicians and newcomers alike. The onboard effects processor enhances your sounds with a variety of effects, while the MIDI compatibility ensures seamless integration with other gear. Whether you're crafting ambient soundscapes or punchy electronic leads, the SY-22 offers a diverse palette to inspire your musical journey.

Key Features:

61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard
Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) and vector synthesis technology
Real-time control over sound blending
Built-in effects processor for sound enhancement
MIDI compatibility for integration with other devices
Variety of preset sounds and customizable parameters

Product specs

Brand	Yamaha
Model	SY22 Dynamic Vector Synthesizer
Finish	Black
Year	1990
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	16 Voices

FAQs

Is the Yamaha SY22 a polyphonic synthesizer?: Yes, the Yamaha SY22 is a polyphonic synthesizer with 16-voice polyphony, allowing you to play multiple notes simultaneously for rich and complex sound textures.
What type of keyboard action does the Yamaha SY22 have?: The Yamaha SY22 features a synth action keyboard, providing a responsive and smooth playing experience suitable for a variety of playing styles.
Does the Yamaha SY22 support MIDI connectivity?: Yes, the Yamaha SY22 includes MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, making it easy to integrate with other MIDI-compatible gear in your setup.
What are the standout features of the Yamaha SY22's sound engine?: The Yamaha SY22 is known for its Dynamic Vector Synthesis, allowing you to blend and morph sounds dynamically, creating expressive and evolving soundscapes.
How many keys does the Yamaha SY22 have?: The Yamaha SY22 features a full-size 61-key keyboard, providing ample range for both performance and sound design.

Videos

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AnalogAudio1

YAMAHA SY22 Vector Synthesizer 1990 | HQ DEMO

AnalogAudio1

Bad Gear - Yamaha SY-22 - The Soundtrack Machine

AudioPilz

Yamaha SY22 - Collected patches

roboticrealm

YAMAHA SY22 Demo Part 1

MrSkywalker1000 Label: LUNABASE

Yamaha SY22 | Trade or throw?

Espen Kraft

YAMAHA SY22 (FACTORY PRESETS) ANO : 1990 - REVIEW by TIAGO MALLEN #yamaha #sintetizador #teclado

Tiago Mallen

Yamaha SY22 Dynamic Vector Synthesis

Alfonse

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha SY-22.

Features and functionality

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The Yamaha SY22 offers multitimbrality by holding a key and changing patches, allowing the previous patch to sustain until release.
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Owners praise the SY22 for its unique evolving sounds and "sick" strings, which are considered iconic despite mixed reviews on its overall sound palette.
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The SY-22 is often more expensive due to its distinct lo-fi sound, attributed to its poor sample depth compared to the SY-35.
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The vector control can switch to a detune mode, creating unique sounds that may be challenging to integrate into compositions but excel in ambient music.
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Use cases and applications

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The SY22 is favored for producing horror-style soundscapes due to its morphing, dark pads and random timbre feature.
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The SY22 is ideal for creating evolving pads and electric piano parts, reminiscent of 80s fantasy movie soundtracks.
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User experience

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Some users experience an awkward fit with the SY22, suggesting it may not suit everyone's taste despite its niche appeal.
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Some users prefer vintage Yamaha vector synths for their unique sound but suggest modern VSTs for more versatile sound blending capabilities.
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Comparisons

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The SY-22 features 12-bit waveforms, whereas the SY-35 uses 16-bit waveforms, influencing their sound quality and vintage appeal.
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Despite their similarities, the SY-35 is sometimes less favored compared to other synths like the Korg M1, which users often prefer to emulate with VSTs.
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Users liken the SY22's sound to a Roland D-50/D-20, with a joystick offering unique morphing capabilities not found in the SY77 or SY99.
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Value and pricing

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It's advised to purchase either the SY-22 or SY-35 based on the best available deal, as prices can vary significantly and sometimes be quite high.
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Setup and maintenance

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Some SY22 units have a volume control issue, outputting sound at full volume, potentially leading to clipping.
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings

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410

12 months ago

Of it's time

It was my first real synthesizer. In that sense, it was great but it had it's flaws. Very digital sounding, because it was. Of the era where they got rid of knobs and controls and replaced them with buttons and small LCD screens. It had a few waveforms to pick from but they were basic and very fixed, rigid, digital, dry, however you want to put it, it didn't have mojo. It was full of mostly early 90s sounds that have a little bit of a real sample mixed with another waveform, . It did have a little joystick to blend between sources which was probably it's only great plus point. That provided a degree of motion at least. It's main claim to fame was that sighing sound on Go by Moby. Piano wasn't bad for the time, and a few nice pad/string sounds, flute etc. And a half decent keybed with after touch. It's still sat in my studio with a broken key...I haven't turned it on in a few years. I'm not sure whether it's worth fixing.

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Orchestra Stage & Screen