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Average Price: $10

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

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High-end

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Description

Imagine the excellent sonic characteristics of the DX11 synthesizer or TX-81Z sound module. The V50 is the ultimate 4-Operator FM synth workstation comprising 16-note polyphony, a dual effects processor (with distortion), a large dual line, backlit LCD display, a drum machine, a 16,000 note sequencer and a 3.5in floppy drive to save your songs and voices!

The DVA function and built in voice-based pitch delay are two interesting features in this synth. It's great for percussive sounds such as short bass sounds, marimbas, clavinets, etc and should one pitch an operator really high and work with the pitch bender, one gets very cool ambient effects. It's very rare yet cheap in today's 2nd-hand market and coupled with an outboard (analog) filter it makes an unbeatable digital FM synth!

https://www.vintagesynth.com/yamaha/v50.php

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model V50 FM Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1989
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

What type of synthesis does the Yamaha V50 use?

The Yamaha V50 uses 4-operator FM synthesis, which allows for a wide range of complex and dynamic sounds, characteristic of digital synths from the late 1980s.

How many voices of polyphony does the Yamaha V50 offer?

The Yamaha V50 provides 16 voices of polyphony, allowing you to play multiple notes simultaneously, which is ideal for creating layered sounds and complex compositions.

Does the Yamaha V50 have built-in effects?

Yes, the Yamaha V50 features built-in effects, including reverb and chorus, which can enhance the sound of your patches and performances.

Can the Yamaha V50 be used as a MIDI controller?

The Yamaha V50 has MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it capable of functioning as a MIDI controller to control other MIDI-compatible devices.

Is the Yamaha V50 suitable for live performances?

With its 61 full-size keys, 16-voice polyphony, and built-in sequencer, the Yamaha V50 is well-suited for live performances, offering versatility and dynamic sound options.

REWO_Channel

REWO_Channel

Yamaha V50 FM workstation demo presets - the first 50 sounds

Video thumbnail for Yamaha V50 FM workstation demo presets - the first 50 sounds by REWO_Channel

Yamaha V50 FM workstation demo presets - the first 50 sounds

REWO_Channel

REWO_Channel

Video thumbnail for 1989 Yamaha V50 Synthesizer Demo Video Part 1 of 2 by Andralyn de Bagschaghe

1989 Yamaha V50 Synthesizer Demo Video Part 1 of 2

Andralyn de Bagschaghe

Andralyn de Bagschaghe

Video thumbnail for Yamaha V50 Demonstration - 4OP FM synthesis workstation with PCM drum samples by REWO_Channel

Yamaha V50 Demonstration - 4OP FM synthesis workstation with PCM drum samples

REWO_Channel

REWO_Channel

Video thumbnail for Burnies Synths - Yamaha V50 by Burnie King

Burnies Synths - Yamaha V50

Burnie King

Burnie King

Video thumbnail for Yamaha V50 FM workstation demo preset sounds the second set of sounds by REWO_Channel

Yamaha V50 FM workstation demo preset sounds the second set of sounds

REWO_Channel

REWO_Channel

Video thumbnail for Lets check out the Yamaha V-50 keyboard | Vintage gear by Music Business Advice

Lets check out the Yamaha V-50 keyboard | Vintage gear

Music Business Advice

Music Business Advice

Video thumbnail for Yamaha V50 - "FM Depths" Soundset 32 Presets by LFOstore

Yamaha V50 - "FM Depths" Soundset 32 Presets

LFOstore

LFOstore

Video thumbnail for Yamaha V50: Under the Radar Review by Off The Matrix

Yamaha V50: Under the Radar Review

Off The Matrix

Off The Matrix

Video thumbnail for Yamaha V50 FM Synthesizer Preset Sounds by SUBTOKYOSHOP Music Gears

Yamaha V50 FM Synthesizer Preset Sounds

SUBTOKYOSHOP Music Gears

SUBTOKYOSHOP Music Gears

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha V50.

Setup and maintenance

  • Be prepared to replace the battery if it hasn't been changed in the last decade, as it may affect performance.

    Source
  • Using jumper wires can ease battery replacement, but ensure they don't cause disconnection issues if the board moves.

    Source
  • Soldering in a coin cell battery holder is an option, but some prefer a direct battery solder for longevity and security.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Yamaha V50's 4-operator FM synthesis is less flexible than the Korg opsix, which offers more powerful FM exploration with 6 operators and more algorithms.

    Source
  • Some users find the V50's 4-operator FM synthesis superior to the DX7 due to additional waveforms, despite fewer operators.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users report that adding reverb or chorus effects can enhance the V50's basic sounds, which might otherwise seem bland or outdated.

    Source
  • Despite its initial unpopularity, some long-term owners find the V50 appealing for its unique sound and appearance.

    Source
  • Owners report the V50 occasionally loses sound but retains power, often due to a depleted battery, which is signaled with a display message.

    Source
  • The V50 is appreciated for its distinct FM sound and integration of a multitrack sequencer and digital effects, similar to the DX11/TX81z engine but with more voices.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Yamaha V50 includes a polymode feature allowing the combination of multiple voices, useful for creating richer soundscapes.

    Source
  • The V50 was designed to compete with Roland's D-20, although the latter was more popular at the time.

    Source
  • The V50 supports copying and pasting sequences, with drum patterns capable of looping, providing flexibility despite a non-looping sequencer.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The V50 is noted for its robust build, making it suitable as a MIDI controller with its 61 keys and MIDI in and out capabilities.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Historical pricing trends showed higher popularity and value for the Roland D-20 compared to the Yamaha V50.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rick Wakeman uses Yamaha V50

Rick Wakeman

Keyboardist

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via reverb.com

Rick Wakeman used a Yamaha V50 synthesizer during the production of The Six Wives of Henry VIII. This is noted in a June 2020 listing on Reverb.com, which details the synthesizer's use in 1990.

See how Yoko Shimomura uses Yamaha V50

Yoko Shimomura

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Livedoor

Shimomura talks about when she bought the V50 in this blog post.

See how Yuki Kajiura uses Yamaha V50

Yuki Kajiura

Composer

Kalafina

...
Verified via Twitter

Mentions in her Tweet (Jun 29 2014)

Lots of gear comes to mind, among these Yamaha's V50 is especially hard to forget. Since it came with a sequencer, this was my first 'beginner sequencer'. Till then every sound was played by hand, but I managed to record myself playing the piano over the demo tracks and such.

Album Usage

The Yamaha V50 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 V50, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
jamie_breustedt

jamie_breustedt

Gear IQ 124

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