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Average Price: $340
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$500
$1501+
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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Yamaha SY-85". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 3, 2026.
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Description
Dive into the world of synthesis with the Yamaha SY-85, a versatile and powerful synthesizer that has been a favorite among musicians since its debut. Known for its 61 velocity-sensitive keys and its advanced sound engine, the SY-85 delivers expressive playability and a rich palette of sounds that cater to both live performances and studio productions.
The Yamaha SY-85 is equipped with an AWM2 tone generator, allowing you to explore a wide range of acoustic and electronic sounds. Its robust sequencer offers 16 tracks, perfect for building complex compositions. With 32-note polyphony, you can layer sounds and create intricate soundscapes without worrying about note dropouts. The SY-85 also includes an onboard effects processor, offering a variety of reverb, delay, and modulation effects to enhance your sound.
Connectivity is seamless with the SY-85, featuring MIDI in/out/thru ports and dual audio outputs for easy integration into any setup. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding musician, the Yamaha SY-85 provides the tools you need to elevate your music production.
Key Features:
- 61 velocity-sensitive keys for dynamic performance
- AWM2 tone generator for high-quality sound production
- 32-note polyphony for complex layering without note cut-off
- Onboard 16-track sequencer to create detailed compositions
- Built-in effects processor with reverb, delay, and modulation effects
- MIDI in/out/thru ports for comprehensive connectivity options
- Dual audio outputs for versatile integration into live or studio setups
Product specs
| Brand | Yamaha |
| Model | SY85 Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1992 |
| 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 | 32 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Yamaha SY85 synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Yamaha SY85 is a digital synthesizer with a polyphony of 32 voices, allowing you to play complex chords and layered sounds.
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What type of keyboard action does the Yamaha SY85 have?
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The Yamaha SY85 features a synth action keyboard, providing a smooth and responsive feel suitable for fast playing styles.
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How many keys does the Yamaha SY85 synthesizer have?
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The Yamaha SY85 is equipped with a full-size, 61-key keyboard, offering ample range for performance and composition.
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What are the MIDI connectivity options on the Yamaha SY85?
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The Yamaha SY85 offers MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, providing versatile connectivity for integration with other MIDI-compatible gear.
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What makes the Yamaha SY85 synthesizer unique for sound design?
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The Yamaha SY85's digital architecture allows for rich sound design with its 32-voice polyphony and extensive MIDI capabilities, making it a versatile tool for creating diverse soundscapes.
Videos
Tiago Mallen
Yamaha SY85-(demo sounds)
Yamaha SY85-(demo sounds)
Tiago Mallen
Yamaha Sy85 Demo I No Talking
Alphacode Synth Demos & Custom Sound Banks
Yamaha SY85 demo sounds
Yamaha keyboards
What this beauty can do Yamaha SY85 Demonstration Sequences
The Music Tech Guy UK
The Yamaha SY85
The Music Tech Guy UK
The Fantastic Yamaha SY85 From 1992
Devin Gademan
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha SY-85.
Setup and maintenance
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Compressed air for cleaning key contacts can lodge dust elsewhere; opening the synth and cleaning directly is advised.
Source
Value and pricing
Software and compatibility
Features and functionality
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The SY-85's editing capabilities allow for deep sound manipulation with four independently editable tones per patch, featuring multi-stage envelopes and multimode filters.
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The Yamaha SY-85's sound architecture includes extensive layering capabilities, allowing for creative patch development beyond initial factory settings.
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Despite being overlooked, the SY-85 has hidden sounds that can be uncovered through detailed waveform editing.
Source
User experience
Comparisons
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings
Built Like A Centurian Tank.
I bought this keyboard second hand in 2005, it arrived badly damaged, the plug had been pushed through the case just below the LCD and had broken the circuit board underneath. It still switched on and played, although the performance memory couldn’t be accessed, so no new performances could be made or saved. I tried at the time to get spares or a reasonable repair - all to no avail. However, just this week, April 2019, I’ve located what I need, a new case and circuit board. All of the time in between buying and now, the keyboard has been in my garage, uncovered and I’m sorry to say unloved. However, I brought it into the house yesterday cleaned up the outside, removed grass and dirt. I switched it on and it sprung back to life, sounds great. So once new bits arrive it will join the ranks of my set up. Amazing, built like a tank. Yamaha You Rock
Artist usage
Add artist
Moby provides a list in the liner notes of "Everything is Wrong", it's here where he states that one of his synths was a Yamaha SY-85 as well as a sy35, and a sy22.
Apple Mac running Steinberg Cubase sequencer. Soundcraft Spirit 24:8:2 desk. Alesis ADAT digital multitracks.
SAMPLERS Akai S950. Akai S1000. Akai S3000. Akai S3200.
SYNTHS/KEYBOARDS Casio CZ101. Emu Proformance piano module. Oberheim Matrix 1000. Roland Juno 106. Roland Jupiter 6. Serge Modular Synth. Waldorf Pulse Plus. Yamaha SY22. Yamaha SY35. Yamaha SY85.
PROCESSORS Dbx 160XT Compressor. Eventide DSP4000. Soundlab Vocoder. Yamaha SPX900.
SEQUENCERS & DRUM MACHINES Roland TB303. Roland TR606. Roland TR909. Roland TR808.
OTHER EQUIPMENT Hafler Pro 5000 Power Amp. Technics 1200 turntables. Ibanez Electric Guitar. Fender Precision Bass.
Ryuichi Sakamoto is confirmed to use the Yamaha SY-85 synthesizer, as evidenced by a YouTube video titled "YAMAHA DIGITAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 1992 NEW MODEL." The video, uploaded by user blixano 9784, features Sakamoto in a segment specifically highlighting the SY-85 at the 29:37 timestamp.
At 0:25 in the video, Jack Black aka "Dewey Finn" grabs a Yamaha SY-85 out of his van and uses it to teach Lawrence in the movie.
In a photo from the Steely Dan Database, Steve Porcaro is shown playing the Yamaha SY-85 synthesizer alongside Jay Graydon.
Minoru Mukaiya is playing Yamaha SY85 at 1:20.
"My MIDI keyboard. I bought it from a pal in 2001, and it's served solidly ever since."
Page 8: https://www.attackmagazine.com/features/my-studio/alex-smoke/
I am Jon Silva and the SY-85 was my very first synth, sitting to my left currently and still being put to good use :)
you can see him playing the sy85 at around 2:00
Blake Sakamoto is seen using a Yamaha SY-85 in a photo posted on his official Instagram, captioned: "It's Take Your Child/Daughter to Work Day! Throwback Thursday Edition! December 28, 2012. Reunion Show Rehearsal. Me: We haven't played together for 20 years. The NYE show is sold out and people are coming from all over the world to see us! Isn't that fantastic? The Girl: Meh."
Album Usage
The Yamaha SY-85 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 SY-85, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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