Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore

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The Yamaha DX7 is one of the most iconic synthesizers of all time, shaping the sound of pop, rock, funk, electronic, and film music throughout the 80s and 90s.

In this episode, I recreate 21 legendary riffs that defined decades of music — from Berlin and Toto to Michael Jackson, Vangelis, Madonna, Phil Collins, Sade, Daft Punk, and more. All played note-for-note on the original DX7 — no software, no emulation.

From the lush E.Piano of Elton John’s Sacrifice to the haunting Syn-Vox of The X-Files Theme, these instantly recognizable sounds tell the story of how one synth became a legend.

👉 Follow the podcast for more classic synth deep-dives, iconic sounds, and the stories behind them.

🎧 More Synth Icons episodes:

• Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
• Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4)
• Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)

🔧 Work with Andy

• Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/
• Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/

📲 Connect with Andy

• YouTube: @AndyWhitmore
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic
• TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

🔧 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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🎧 Can you tell the difference between the legendary Yamaha CS-80 and today’s best software emulations?

In this blind test, I compare the real CS-80 with recreations from Arturia, Softube, Cherry Audio, and XILS Lab — and the results might surprise you! 🎹

You’ll hear iconic sounds made famous by Vangelis, Michael Jackson, Toto, and even Doctor Who, but only one of them is the true analog hardware. Play along, make your guesses, and see if your ears can spot the genuine CS-80 among the plugins.

👉 Subscribe for more synth deep-dives, blind tests, and behind-the-scenes stories from the studio.

🎹 Watch the full video version on YouTube → @AndyWhitmore

🎧 More Synth Icons episodes:

• Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
• Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4)
• Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)

🔧 Work with Andy

• Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/
• Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/

📲 Connect with Andy

• YouTube: @AndyWhitmore
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic
• TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

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A straight A/B test: iconic riffs played first on the Roland Cloud JD-800 plug-in, then on my real vintage JD-800—same parts, same context, no tricks. Can you hear a difference?

Roland JD-800 plug-in vs real JD-800 hardware sound comparison.
In this episode I do a proper A/B test: the Roland Cloud JD-800 versus the original vintage Roland JD-800 hardware.

Here’s the format: for each track you’ll hear two quick clips—first the plug-in, then the real JD-800—using the same riff/lick and the same musical idea so you can judge the differences (or similarities) for yourself.

The JD-800 is one of the most iconic early-90s digital synths: bright, “produced,” and instantly recognisable for aggressive leads, glassy keys, and expressive patches.

Featured A/B riffs from:

·       The Prodigy — “Voodoo People” (Wailing Guitar 15 / snarling riff)

·       Depeche Mode — “In Your Room” (intro bass motif)

·       Prince & The New Power Generation — “Damn U” (“Crystal Rhodes”)

·       Prince & The New Power Generation — “7” (Iceman intro → weird FX)

·       The Prodigy — “Their Law” (wailing guitar part)

·       Genesis — “I Can’t Dance” (“Bruiser Tines”)

Question for you: Which one fooled you? Which version do you actually prefer—plug-in or hardware? Leave your pick in the comments, and tell me what synth A/B test you want next.

🎧 More Synth Icons episodes:

·       Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know

·       Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4)

·       Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)

🔧 Work with Andy

·       Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/

·       Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/

📲 Connect with Andy

·       YouTube: @AndyWhitmore

·       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/

·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic

·       TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

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That “wait… I know that song!” moment — but it’s all Wurlitzer electric piano. 🎹⚡️

In this episode, Andy plays 11 instantly recognisable Wurly riffs as short solo snippets — no backing tracks, no full songs, just the hook. From Supertramp, The Beatles and Marvin Gaye to Ray Charles, Queen and Beck, this is the Wurlitzer doing what it does best: bark, bite, and that warm, chewy midrange that cuts straight through a mix.

Play along: try to name each riff before it’s revealed, then tell Andy your score — and which one gave you the biggest “NO WAY!” moment.

Track list (short Wurlitzer snippets)

• Supertramp — Dreamer
• Marvin Gaye — I Heard It Through The Grapevine
• The Beatles — Get Back
• Supertramp — The Logical Song
• Cannonball Adderley — Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
• Beck — Where It’s At
• Supertramp — School
• Ray Charles — What’d I Say
• Supertramp — Goodbye Stranger
• Queen — You’re My Best Friend
• Supertramp — Bloody Well Right

🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1fRHQauzfOw

🌐 Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/
🏛️ Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/

Note: This audio episode accompanies the YouTube video and includes short performance snippets for commentary/demo purposes.

Episode links (optional)

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore
Podcast site: https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com
Studio enquiries: [email protected]

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In this Synth Icons episode, Andy Whitmore powers up the legendary Roland Jupiter-8 to uncover 20 hidden 80s synth gems. From shimmering pads and string intros to bold brass, sequences and moody bass lines, every sound you hear comes straight from Andy’s own Jupiter-8 – no plugins, no emulations, just authentic analogue.

🎧 Riffs & tracks featured:

• Queen – I Want to Break Free (strings intro, solo + sequence stabs)
• Howard Jones – What Is Love? (brass & synth solo)
• Duran Duran – Save a Prayer (sequence and lead lines)
• Prince – 1999 (Jupiter-8 brass intro)
• Simple Minds – Don’t You (Forget About Me) (brass lick)
• Michael Jackson – Thriller (intro pad)
• Pet Shop Boys – West End Girls (strings + bass)
• Tears for Fears – Mad World (bass intro & organ part)
• Tears for Fears – Pale Shelter (bass intro)
• Tears for Fears – Everybody Wants to Rule the World (main pad)

Each part is played note-for-note from the original recordings, showing why the Jupiter-8 became one of the most loved polysynths of the 80s.

🎹 More Synth Icons episodes:

• Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
• Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4)
• Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)
• Yamaha DX7, Prophet-5 and more classic synth deep-dives

✏️ 1-to-1 lessons & mentoring
If you want one-to-one lessons on how to program or produce in Logic Pro – or you’d like help programming synths, analogue or VST – head over to Andy’s website and get in touch.

📲 Connect with Andy

• YouTube: @AndyWhitmore
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic
• TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

If you enjoy this Jupiter-8 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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That “wait… I know that song!” moment — but it’s all clavinet. 🔥

In this episode, Andy plays 10 instantly recognisable clavinet riffs as short solo snippets — no backing tracks, no full songs, just the hook. From pop and disco to rock and deep funk cuts, this is the clavinet doing what it does best: snappy, percussive, and ridiculously funky.

Play along: try to name each riff before the title is revealed, then tell Andy your score — and which one surprised you most.

Track list (short clavinet snippets)

• Electric Light Orchestra — Last Train to London
• Rufus — Tell Me Something Good
• Greg Kihn Band — Jeopardy
• Bill Withers — Use Me
• The Rolling Stones — Heartbreaker
• Heatwave — Super Soul Sister
• Tina Turner — Nutbush City Limits
• John Paul Young — Love Is in the Air
• Betty Davis — Don’t Call Her No Tramp
• Sherbet — Howzat

🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8U-Z6kGx5QE

🌐 Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/
🏛️ Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/

Note: This audio episode accompanies the YouTube video and includes short performance snippets for commentary/demo purposes.

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore
Podcast site: https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com
Studio enquiries: [email protected]

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

The Roland Juno-106 has been quietly sneaking onto hit records for decades. In this Synth Icon episode, I put it front and centre and show you why it became a true studio workhorse.

I’ll play you 15 famous basslines, pads and leads from artists like Underworld, Daft Punk, Madonna, Tame Impala, The Weeknd, Com Truise, Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein (Stranger Things) and more – all recreated live on my Juno-106 in the studio. No samples, no stems, just the real hardware with some chorus and FX.

Along the way we talk about why the 106 keeps turning up on records, how producers layer it with other Junos and synths, and what makes its chorus, filter and envelopes so addictive.

Riffs featured in this episode (in order):

·  The Weeknd – Blinding Lights

·  Underworld – Born Slippy (Nuxx) Part A

·  Underworld – Born Slippy (Nuxx) Part B

·  Daft Punk – Around the World

·  Stranger Things – Kids

·  Daft Punk – Voyager

·  Charlie Puth – BOY

·  Tame Impala – Nangs

·  808 State – Pacific State

·  Dr. Alban – No Coke

·  Com Truise – Memory

·  Talk Talk – It’s My Life

·  Daft Punk – Rollin’ & Scratchin’

·  Madonna – Ray of Light

·  Tame Impala – Eventually

Listen with headphones if you can – there’s a lot of chorus movement, filter detail and low-end weight that phone speakers won’t give you.

Tell me in the comments / reviews:

• Which Juno-106 riff surprised you most?
• Which synth should I feature next in the Synth Icon series – Juno-60, JD-800, DX7, M1… or something weirder?

🎧 Watch the live performance video on YouTube: search for “The Juno-106 Hit Machine | 15 Iconic Riffs – Andy Whitmore” - https://youtu.be/KzA9ZHBn06M

🔗 For more synth demos, recreations and deep dives, check out my YouTube channel and socials in the show notes - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0Dj_f71KJlNyPbuR4efYpxQXUtmRuX5B&si=voZg2MznmUrowl11

🎧 More Synth Icons episodes:

• Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
• Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4)
• Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)

🔧 Work with Andy

• Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/
• Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/

📲 Connect with Andy

• YouTube: @AndyWhitmore
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic
• TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

🔧 Need professional production, mixing, or mastering?
 🎧 Work with Andy Whitmore → andywhitmore.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Roland Jupiter-8: 40 Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were Jupiter-8)

Andy Whitmore explores 40 iconic riffs played on the legendary Roland Jupiter-8, recreating famous brass hooks, pads, leads, basses and sequences from classic tracks by Europe, Harold Faltermeyer, Billy Idol, Duran Duran, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Journey, The Human League, Depeche Mode and more.

In this episode, Andy dives into the unmistakable sound of the Roland Jupiter-8 by recreating 40 famous riffs you almost certainly know but may not have realised were played on one of the most legendary analogue synths ever made.

From The Final Countdown and Axel F to Rebel Yell, Relax, Save a Prayer, Obsession, Mirror Man, 19, A Question of Lust and more, this is a fast-moving tour through the brass sounds, silky pads, biting unison leads, basses and sequences that made the Jupiter-8 such an important part of late-70s and 80s music.

Everything you hear is played on Andy’s original Roland Jupiter-8. No software, no emulations, just the real instrument.

If you love classic synths, iconic records, and finding out what was really used on famous tracks, this one is for you.

What you’ll hear in this episode

Huge Jupiter-8 brass sounds
Classic analogue pads and strings
Unison leads and synth hooks
Basses, drones and arpeggiated parts
40 famous riffs recreated on the original synth

Featured artists include

Europe, Harold Faltermeyer, Billy Idol, Duran Duran, Animotion, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Journey, Tangerine Dream, The Human League, Paul Hardcastle, Depeche Mode, Blancmange, Queen, Howard Jones, Simple Minds, Michael Jackson and Tears for Fears.

Chapters

0:00 Intro
0:54 Europe - The Final Countdown - Brass Lead / Pad
1:23 Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F - Main Riff
1:38 Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F - Brass Stab Riff
1:48 Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F - Bell Drop / Swell / White Noise
1:53 Animotion - Obsession - Brass
2:15 Animotion - Obsession - Flute
2:31 Billy Idol - Rebel Yell - Plucked Sound
2:39 Billy Idol - Rebel Yell - Sequence
2:51 Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax - String Intro / Sync Lead
3:22 Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax - Deep Bass Drop / Brass Riff
3:36 Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax - Bass / String Drop
3:56 Duran Duran - Hungry Like the Wolf - Sequence
4:16 Duran Duran - Save a Prayer - Intro Arpeggiator / Unison Lead
4:46 Journey - Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) - Intro Sequence
4:58 Tangerine Dream - White Eagle - Random Arpeggiator
5:37 The Human League - Mirror Man - Pad / Swell Pad / String Line
5:54 The Human League - Mirror Man - Stab Part
6:11 Paul Hardcastle - 19 - Bells / String Pad
6:32 Depeche Mode - My Secret Garden - Brass Lick
6:44 Depeche Mode - A Question of Lust - Sound FX Intro / Bass
7:05 Blancmange - Blind Vision - Flute
7:24 Blancmange - Blind Vision - Brass Lick
7:27 Queen - I Want to Break Free - Strings Intro
7:44 Queen - I Want to Break Free - Jupiter-8 Synth Solo amped through Fender Twin Reverb
8:14 Howard Jones - What Is Love? - Brass
8:31 Howard Jones - What Is Love? - Synth Solo
8:45 Simple Minds - Don’t You (Forget About Me) - Brass Lick
9:06 Michael Jackson - Thriller - Intro Brass Pad
9:25 Tears for Fears - Mad World - Bass Intro
9:43 Tears for Fears - Mad World - Organ Part
10:02 Tears for Fears - Pale Shelter - Bass Arpeggiator Intro
10:36 Outro

Listen / watch more

For more synth breakdowns, famous riff recreations and classic keyboard content, visit Andy Whitmore online.

Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/

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Yamaha CS-80 — 28 Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were CS-80)

The Yamaha CS-80 is one of the most expressive analog synthesizers ever made — and its sound is hiding in plain sight across classic pop, rock, TV themes, and film scores.

In this episode, I’m playing 28 famous riffs you definitely know, all recreated on the Yamaha CS-80. From lush string pads and bold brass lines to flute-style leads and expressive glides, this is a tour of just how wide-ranging — and musical — the CS-80 really is.

All parts are played on the CS-80 itself, using light, record-style effects where needed to match the original vibe. Use the chapter markers to jump between songs, and listen closely to how often this synth shows up in places you might not expect.

Intro
 Kate Bush – “Babooshka” Intro Lead
 Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder – “Ebony and Ivory” Lead Synth
 Doctor Who (Peter Howell, 1980s) Signature Sting
 Doctor Who (Peter Howell, 1980s) Theme Bass
 Toto – “Takin’ It Back” Sine Glissando Pad
 Toto – “Africa” Brass Pad
 Toto – “Rosanna” Brass Pad
 ELO – “Time / Prologue” String Intro
 Genesis – “Behind the Lines” Intro Brass (may have been Quadra)
 10cc – “Tokyo” String Pad
 10cc – “Tokyo” Flute Line
 ELO – “Twilight” Brass Line
 Michael Jackson – “Human Nature” Brass Pad
 Paul McCartney – “Wonderful Xmas Time” Middle 8 Lick
 Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder – “Ebony and Ivory” Intro Brass
 Kate Bush – “Babooshka” Flute Glide
 10cc – “Dreadlock Holiday” Lead Line
 10cc – “For You and I” String Pad
 ELO – “Yours Truly, 2095” Flute Line
 Quincy Jones – “Betcha’ Wouldn’t Hurt Me” Lead Synth
 Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean” String Part
 10cc – “For You and I” Flute Line
 Bruce Springsteen – “Born in the USA” Intro Synth Chordal Melody
 Prefab Sprout – “If You Don’t Love Me” Intro Brass
 Genesis – “Duchess” String Glide
 Genesis – “Duchess” Pluck Line
 Genesis – “Turn It On Again” Brass Line
 Paul McCartney – “Wonderful Xmas Time” CS-80 Solo
 Outro & Summary

Questions for you:

• Which riff did you recognise instantly?
• Which one surprised you the most?
• And which synth should I cover next?

If you enjoy these quick-fire famous riff episodes, check out my other synth specials and let me know what you’d like to hear next.

🎧 More Synth Icons episodes:

• Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
• Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4)
• Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)

🔧 Work with Andy

• Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/
• Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/

📲 Connect with Andy

• YouTube: @AndyWhitmore
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic
• TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

🔧 Need professional production, mixing, or mastering?
 🎧 Work with Andy Whitmore → andywhitmore.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

A keyboard-focused breakdown of Dark Side of the Moon, using the original Richard Wright instruments: Hammond C3, Wurlitzer 200A, EMS Synthi AKS and Steinway piano.

Hear The Dark Side of the Moon as a keyboard-focused journey, recreated on the original instruments associated with Richard Wright’s parts on the album.

In this episode, I break down the signature keyboard sounds of Dark Side of the Moon using Hammond C3 with Leslie 147, Steinway Model O grand piano, EMS Synthi AKS, and Wurlitzer 200A.

From the swirling synth sequence of On the Run to the haunting textures of The Great Gig in the Sky, these are the sounds that helped define one of the most important albums ever made.

Everything is played on the real instruments associated with the album — no plug-ins, no software emulations, just the real thing.

Tracks covered
Breathe
On the Run
Time
The Great Gig in the Sky
Money
Us and Them
Any Colour You Like
Brain Damage
Eclipse

Credits

Engineered by Sam Lofthouse and Alex Hargreaves.

Follow the podcast for more keyboard breakdowns, famous riffs, and original-instrument synth content.

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