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Andy Whitmore recreates 46 iconic riffs, hooks and sounds using the legendary Korg M1, featuring music associated with Madonna, Queen, Robin S, Black Box, Crystal Waters, Snap!, OMD, Aerosmith and many more.
In this episode of Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore, I recreate 46 iconic riffs, hooks and sounds using the legendary Korg M1.
The M1 helped define the sound of the late ’80s, ’90s and beyond, appearing across house, dance, pop and rock records.
You’ll hear some of its most recognisable presets and sounds, including Piano 16', Organ 2, Universe, Symphonic, Choir, Pick Bass, Slap Bass, Pan Flute, Solo Sax, Lore and Ooh/Ahh.
Some of these sounds became so familiar that an entire generation heard them without necessarily knowing they came from one of the most important digital synthesizers ever made.
FEATURED TRACKS
Bobby Brown – Two Can Play That Game
Strike – U Sure Do
Congress – 40 Miles
Gat Decor – Passion
Baby D – Let Me Be Your Fantasy
FPI Project – Rich in Paradise (Going Back to My Roots)
Nightcrawlers – Push The Feeling On
Alison Limerick – Where Love Lives
Kym Sims – Too Blind to See It
Kym Mazelle – Was That All It Was
Praga Khan – Injected With a Poison
Sabrina Johnston – Peace
Nightcrawlers – Surrender Your Love
N-Joi – Anthem
Robin S – Luv 4 Luv
Madonna – Vogue
49ers – Touch Me
Law & Order – Theme
Aerosmith – Janie’s Got a Gun
OMD – Sailing on the Seven Seas
Black Box – I Don’t Know Anybody Else
Kraze – The Party
Sandra – Hiroshima
Tasmin Archer – Sleeping Satellite
OMD – Pandora’s Box
OMD – Call My Name
Awesome 3 – Don’t Go
Dream Frequency – Feel So Real
M.A.N.I.C. – I’m Comin’ Hardcore
Jaydee – Plastic Dreams
Playahitty – The Summer Is Magic
Whigfield – Gimme Gimme
Enigma – Sadeness
Robin S – Show Me Love
Double You – Please Don’t Go
Queen – The Show Must Go On
Londonbeat – I’ve Been Thinking About You
The Family Stand – Ghetto Heaven (Strings)
The Family Stand – Ghetto Heaven (Bass)
Black Box – Ride on Time
Crystal Waters – Gypsy Woman
Queen – I’m Going Slightly Mad
CeCe Peniston – Finally
Beyoncé – BREAK MY SOUL
Queen – Don’t Try So Hard
Snap! – Rhythm Is a Dancer
NOTE
“Sadeness” is an M1-style recreation/approximation. The original flute is widely believed to have been sampler-based and derived from more than one source rather than being a single Korg M1 preset.
Which Korg M1 riff or sound is your favourite — and which important one have I missed?
WATCH MORE VINTAGE SYNTH VIDEOS
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0Dj_f71KJlNyPbuR4efYpxQXUtmRuX5B
PODCAST WEBSITE
https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com
WORK WITH ANDY WHITMORE
Music production, studio sessions and one-to-one tuition:
https://www.andywhitmore.com/
CONNECT WITH ANDY
Greystoke Studio:
https://greystokestudio.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic
Twitter/X:
https://twitter.com/andywhitmore
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583
CREDITS
Louis Velasquez — Engineering, Mixing & Camera Setup
Sam Lofthouse — Engineering, Mixing & Camera Setup
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Andy Whitmore compares the Rhodes Clav Pro directly with an original Hohner Clavinet D6 across 16 iconic riffs from Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, Bill Withers and more. Can the software really capture the sound and character of the real vintage instrument?
Can Rhodes Clav Pro really capture the sound and character of a genuine vintage Hohner Clavinet D6?
In this episode of Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore, I compare Rhodes Clav Pro directly with my original Hohner Clavinet D6 using 16 iconic Clavinet riffs.
Listen closely to the attack, bite, pickup combinations, muted sounds, wah, drive and effects as we put the software against the real instrument.
Rhodes Clav Pro was deeply sampled from a rare 1977 Clav D6 “transition” model and includes authentic pickup and EQ controls, a mute slider, drive, compression, envelope wah, amp models and studio effects.
Which do you prefer: the original Hohner Clavinet D6 or Rhodes Clav Pro? And how many of the 16 comparisons could you identify correctly?
FEATURED TRACKS
Stevie Wonder – Superstition
Stevie Wonder – Higher Ground
Rufus – Tell Me Something Good
Bill Withers – Use Me
Led Zeppelin – Trampled Under Foot
Bob Marley – Could You Be Loved
The Gap Band – Oops Upside Your Head
Kool & The Gang – Jungle Boogie
Stevie Wonder – You Haven’t Done Nothin’
ELO – Last Train to London
The Rolling Stones – Heartbreaker
Heatwave – Super Soul Sister
Tina Turner – Nutbush City Limits
Greg Kihn Band – Jeopardy
John Paul Young – Love Is in the Air
Sherbet – Howzat
RHODES CLAV PRO
Find out more about Rhodes Clav Pro:
https://youtu.be/lrGHQV-KpOU
This episode is a paid collaboration with Rhodes. The link above is an affiliate link, which means I may receive a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed are my own.
WATCH MORE VINTAGE SYNTH VIDEOS
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0Dj_f71KJlNyPbuR4efYpxQXUtmRuX5B
PODCAST WEBSITE
https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com
WORK WITH ANDY WHITMORE
Music production, studio sessions and one-to-one tuition:
https://www.andywhitmore.com/
CONNECT WITH ANDY
Greystoke Studio:
https://greystokestudio.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic
Twitter/X:
https://twitter.com/andywhitmore
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583
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Andy Whitmore recreates 23 iconic synth riffs, sequences, bass lines and pads on an original vintage Roland Jupiter-4.
The Roland Jupiter-4 was Roland’s first polyphonic synthesizer—and one of its most distinctive. Andy Whitmore recreates 23 famous synth parts associated with The Human League, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, Simple Minds, Spandau Ballet, The Cars, Styx, LCD Soundsystem, Sharon Van Etten and more, using an original vintage Jupiter-4.
The Roland Jupiter-4 was Roland’s first polyphonic synthesizer—and although it was later overshadowed by the Jupiter-8, it appeared on some enormous records.
In this episode, record producer and keyboard player Andy Whitmore recreates 23 iconic riffs, sequences, bass lines, brass sounds, pads and synth hooks using his original vintage Roland Jupiter-4.
Its raw oscillators, distinctive ensemble effect, unusual modulation and famously unpredictable arpeggiator gave the Jupiter-4 a character unlike almost any other synthesizer. It growls, spits, wobbles and frequently sounds as though it has a mind of its own.
The episode features music associated with The Human League, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, Simple Minds, Spandau Ballet, Heaven 17, Thomas Dolby, John Foxx, The Cars, Styx, Michael Jackson, LCD Soundsystem and Sharon Van Etten.
Every musical example has been recreated and performed on Andy’s original vintage Jupiter-4.
TRACKS FEATURED
Spandau Ballet – To Cut a Long Story Short
Main lead line — 1980
The Human League – Don’t You Want Me
Bass — 1981
Depeche Mode – New Life
Intro synths — 1981
Duran Duran – Rio
Arpeggiated sequence — 1982
Duran Duran – Rio
Middle-eight brass pad — 1982
Simple Minds – Theme for Great Cities
Lead, pad and distorted Jupiter-4 — 1981
Styx – Too Much Time on My Hands
Bass and resonant drone — 1981
Depeche Mode – Just Can’t Get Enough
Intro, lead, bass and Roland KR-55B drums — 1981
Michael Jackson – Thriller
Intro brass-pad recreation — 1982
The original sound is more commonly associated with the Jupiter-8’s dual mode.
The Human League – Open Your Heart
Bass and brass riff — 1981
The Cars – Shake It Up
Arpeggiator and organ riff — 1981
Depeche Mode – Photographic
Bass sequence, lead riff and upper sequence — 1981
Doctor Who
Trombone part from the television theme — 1980
Thomas Dolby – Windpower
Lead, bass and brass riff — 1982
The Human League – The Things That Dreams Are Made Of
Lead and bass — 1981
The Human League – Dreams of Leaving
Sequenced bass — 1980
Depeche Mode – Tora! Tora! Tora!
Bass — 1981
The Human League – Seconds
Bass, pad and strings — 1981
Heaven 17 – Geisha Boys and Temple Girls
Random arpeggiator — 1981
Gary Numan – This Wreckage
Multiple Jupiter-4 parts — 1980
LCD Soundsystem – How Do You Sleep?
Sequence — 2017
Sharon Van Etten – Jupiter 4
Bass and outro lead — 2018
John Foxx – Europe After the Rain
High string line — 1981
The Jupiter-8 may have become the superstar of Roland’s Jupiter range, but the Jupiter-4 has a raw, unstable and slightly dangerous quality that remains completely its own.
Which Jupiter-4 sound surprised you most? Let me know—and tell me which classic synthesizer I should explore next.
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Twenty famous riffs and keyboard parts from Prince, Van Halen, Rush, Eurythmics and more, recreated on an original Oberheim OB-8. Andy also explores the history of the OB-X, OB-Xa, OB-SX, OB-8 and modern OB-X8.
In this episode of Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore, I recreate 20 famous riffs and keyboard parts using my original vintage Oberheim OB-8.
You’ll recognise many of these songs immediately—but you may not realise how many classic recordings featured an Oberheim synthesizer or a sound from the same family.
Although the episode contains 20 tracks, many of the recreations are constructed from several separate sounds and performances, including pads, brass stabs, bass lines, strings, sequences and filter sweeps.
Some of these sounds took several hours to program, and the complete video and podcast project took around five days to assemble.
Every sound in the episode was recreated on an original Oberheim OB-8. However, not every record was originally made using that exact model. Some featured the earlier OB-X or OB-Xa, while others belong more broadly to the classic Oberheim sonic family.
The episode concludes with the history of the OB series and a closer look at the OB-8’s most important relatives:
1979 — Oberheim OB-X
The predecessor to the OB-Xa and OB-8. Its more discrete, SEM-influenced architecture can give it a rawer, wider and slightly more unpredictable character.
1980 — Oberheim OB-Xa
The closest and most significant relative of the OB-8. It replaced the OB-X, used Curtis chips and provided switchable 12-decibel and 24-decibel low-pass filtering.
1980 — Oberheim OB-SX
A more preset-based OB-family instrument. It was less programmable than the OB-Xa or OB-8 but still belonged to the same era and sonic world.
1983 — Oberheim OB-8
The instrument featured throughout this episode. It is renowned for its enormous brass sounds, wide pads, splits, unison mode, stereo spread and polished early-80s Oberheim character.
2022 — Oberheim OB-X8
A modern Oberheim that brings together elements of the OB-X, OB-SX, OB-Xa and OB-8, including voice, filter and envelope characteristics inspired by the original instruments.
FEATURED TRACKS
Eurythmics – Sweet Dreams | OB-X | 1983
Van Halen – Why Can’t This Be Love | OB-8 | 1986
Rush – Subdivisions | OB-Xa | 1982
Sylvester Levay – Airwolf Theme | OB-Xa | 1984
Stevie Nicks – Stand Back | OB-Xa | 1983
Phil Collins – Sussudio | OB-8 | 1985
Simple Minds – Don’t You Forget About Me | OB-8 | 1985
Rush – Tom Sawyer | OB-X | 1981
Rod Stewart – Young Turks | OB-Xa | 1981
Van Halen – Jump | OB-X / OB-Xa | 1983
Prince – 1999 | OB-Xa | 1982
Styx – Mr. Roboto | OB-8 | 1983
Jean-Michel Jarre – L’Ouverture | OB-Xa | 1982
Prince – Delirious | OB-Xa | 1983
Kenny G – Songbird | OB-Xa | 1987
The Police – Invisible Sun | OB-X | 1981
Grover Washington Jr. – Winelight | OB-Xa | 1980
Prince – Little Red Corvette | OB-8 | 1983
Pat Metheny Group and David Bowie – This Is Not America | OB-8 | 1985
Prince – Purple Rain | OB-8 | 1984
WATCH MORE VINTAGE SYNTH VIDEOS
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0Dj_f71KJlNyPbuR4efYpxQXUtmRuX5B
PODCAST WEBSITE
https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com
WORK WITH ANDY WHITMORE
Music production, studio sessions and one-to-one tuition:
https://www.andywhitmore.com/
CONNECT WITH ANDY
Greystoke Studio:
https://greystokestudio.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic
Twitter/X:
https://twitter.com/andywhitmore
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583
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In this Synth Icons episode, Andy Whitmore dives into the digital, glassy world of the Roland D-50 – with 20 iconic riffs you definitely know, but maybe never realised were D-50.
Every sound in this episode comes from a real D-50, using classic factory presets like Pizzagogo, DigitalNativeDance, Staccato Heaven, Glass Voices, Metal Harp, Cathedral/pipe organs, Shakuhachi, Griitttarr and more. No other synths, no samples – just the D-50 doing what it does best.
🎧 Tracks & sounds featured include:
Expect plenty of “wait… that’s a D-50?!” moments as these factory patches pop up in huge pop, rock and TV themes from the late 80s and early 90s.
🎹 More Synth Icons episodes:
✏️ 1-to-1 lessons & synth help
If you want one-to-one lessons on how to program or produce in Logic Pro – or you’d like help programming synths (hardware or analogue-style VSTs) – head over to Andy’s website and get in touch.
📲Connect with me:
🌐 Website → https://greystokestudio.com/
📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/
📺 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore
👍 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic
𝕏 X → https://twitter.com/andywhitmore
🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583
If you enjoy this D-50 special, follow the Synth Icons podcast, leave a rating or review, and let Andy know which synth – or which artist – you’d like to hear next.
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In this Synth Icons episode, Andy Whitmore fires up the real Yamaha CS-80 to recreate some of Vangelis’ most iconic moments – this time with the full effects chain rebuilt. Big reverbs, delays and chorus bring the CS-80 right back into that huge, cinematic Blade Runner / Chariots of Fire space.
Across the episode you’ll hear eight classic Vangelis riffs, all played on an original CS-80, focusing on brass, strings, flutes and pads – with no soft synths and no emulations, just pure vintage hardware.
🎧 Riffs featured:
Expect long, evolving notes, expressive vibrato and that unmistakable CS-80 warmth, all swimming in reverb and delay just like the original recordings.
🎹 More Synth Icons episodes:
✏️ 1-to-1 lessons & synth help
If you want one-to-one lessons on how to program or produce in Logic Pro – or you’d like help programming synths (hardware or analogue-style VSTs) – head over to Andy’s website and get in touch.
📲Connect with me:
🌐 Website → https://greystokestudio.com/
📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/
📺 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore
👍 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic
𝕏 X → https://twitter.com/andywhitmore
🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583
If you enjoy this CS-80 / Vangelis special, follow the Synth Icons podcast, leave a rating or review, and let Andy know which Vangelis moment, which CS-80 sound, or which synth you’d like to hear next.
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In this Synth Icons episode, Andy Whitmore puts the Sequential Prophet-5 Rev 3.2 through its paces with a stack of famous riffs – from moody pads to punchy bass lines and full-on synth leads.
You’ll hear classic parts from Radiohead, D Train, Cameo, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Phil Collins, Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Daryl Hall & John Oates – all played on Andy’s own Prophet-5, with no other synths in the chain. The episode finishes with a fuller Prophet-5 recreation of “You’re the One for Me” by D Train.
Riffs & Sections
🎧 More Synth Icons episodes:
🔧 Work with Andy
📲 Connect with Andy
If you enjoy this Prophet-5 special, follow the Synth Icons podcast, leave a rating or review, and let Andy know which synth – or which artist – you’d like to hear next.
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In this episode of Synth Icons, we funk things up with one of the most instantly recognisable keyboards in music history — the Hohner Clavinet D6.
With its sharp, percussive tone and rhythm guitar-like attack, the Clavinet became a cornerstone of funk, soul and rock throughout the 70s and early 80s. I recreate 12 classic riffs that defined its legendary sound — all played on a real Clavinet D6, no software, no emulations.
🎧 Featured riffs include:
From Motown to rock arenas, reggae to jazz fusion — this keyboard changed groove music forever. If you love funk history, vintage keyboards and iconic riffs, this episode is for you. 🎹🔥
🎛️ Work with me (production, mixing & mastering):
https://www.andywhitmore.com
🔗 Connect with Andy Whitmore
Website: https://greystokestudio.com
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore
Instagram: https://instagram.com/andywhitmore2014
Facebook: https://facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583
#HohnerClavinet #ClavinetD6 #FunkRiffs #VintageKeys #StevieWonder #Superstition #KeyboardLegends #FunkMusic #SynthIcons #MusicPodcast
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In this episode of Synth Icons, we shine a light on one of the most underrated classic analog synths of all time — the Roland Jupiter-4. Before the Juno-60 and Jupiter-8 stole the spotlight, this synth helped shape the sound of early synth-pop with its raw, punchy tone and lush analog character.
I recreate 15 famous Jupiter-4 riffs from legendary artists including Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, The Human League, Gary Numan, Michael Jackson, Heaven 17 and more. Expect shimmering brass pads, pulsing basses, eerie arps, vintage strings and bold leads — all played on a real Jupiter-4.
✅ No plugins
✅ No samples
✅ 100% authentic analog
🎧 Featured tracks include:
If you love vintage synths, new wave, electro, Italo and synth-pop history, this episode is for you.
🎹 Listen to more Synth Icons episodes
Korg M1 – Famous Riffs
Yamaha DX7 – 21 Iconic Sounds
Yamaha CS-80 Blind Test
🔗 Connect with Andy Whitmore
Website: https://greystokestudio.com
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore
Instagram: https://instagram.com/andywhitmore2014
Facebook: https://facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic
🎚️ Work with me (mixing/production/mastering):
https://andywhitmore.com
Roland Jupiter-4, Jupiter 4, Roland Synth, Vintage Synth, Analog Synth, Synth Pop, Depeche Mode, The Human League, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, 80s Synths, Synth Icons, Music Production, Retro Synths
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The Korg M1 is one of the most iconic keyboards ever made — the sound of late-’80s and early-’90s pop, dance, and film music. In this episode of Synth Icons, producer and synth collector Andy Whitmore recreates 13 legendary riffs that defined the era.
From the unmistakable Piano 16’ and Universe sounds to classic hits by House, Madonna, Inner City, and Pet Shop Boys, you’ll instantly recognise how the M1 shaped the sound of a generation.
Every riff is performed on the original hardware — no samples, no emulations — giving you the real sound of the synth that changed everything.
👉 Follow for more classic synth deep-dives, blind tests, and studio stories from @AndyWhitmore.
🎹 Watch the full video version on YouTube → @AndyWhitmore
🎧 More Synth Icons episodes:
🔧 Work with Andy
📲 Connect with Andy
🔧 Need professional production, mixing, or mastering?
🎧 Work with Andy Whitmore → andywhitmore.com
📲 Connect with me:
🌐 greystokestudio.com
📸 Instagram → @andywhitmore2014
📺 YouTube → Andy Whitmore
👍 Facebook → Andy Whitmore Music
🐦 Twitter → @andywhitmore
🎵 TikTok → @andywhitmore9583
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From the publisher's feed
🎹 Synth Icons is the podcast where legendary keyboards come back to life. Hosted by producer and synth expert Andy Whitmore, each episode dives into the world’s most iconic…
Andy recreates famous riffs, compares hardware to modern software emulations, and reveals the stories, sounds, and production secrets behind the instruments that shaped pop, film, and electronic music.
If you're a synth enthusiast, a producer, or just love classic hits, Synth Icons lets you hear the legends for yourself.
👉 Follow for more synth deep-dives, blind tests, and studio stories.
🎧 Watch the full video versions on YouTube → @AndyWhitmore