Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore

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A fast countdown of the 11 most valuable synthesizers of all time — famous owners, iconic tracks, and the wild prices behind the GX-1, CS-80, Moog modular systems, Jupiter-8 and more.

Welcome to the top 11 most valuable synths of all time. From the Yamaha CS-80 to the legendary Yamaha GX-1, this episode counts down the rarest, most iconic synthesizers ever made — the ones with the biggest reputations and the most stratospheric values.

You’ll hear the famous owners, classic songs they’re associated with, and what makes each machine special — including the EMS Synthi AKS, Roland Jupiter-8, Moog Model 15, Analogue Solutions Colossus, Polyfusion System 2000, Moog System 55, Yamaha DX1, EMS Synthi 100, and the ultra-rare Emerson Moog Modular System.

Chapters:

·       Intro

·       EMS Synthi AKS

·       Roland Jupiter-8

·       Moog Model 15

·       Analogue Solutions Colossus

·       Yamaha CS-80

·       Polyfusion System 2000

·       Moog System 55

·       Yamaha DX1

·       EMS Synthi 100

·       Emerson Moog Modular System

·       Yamaha GX-1

·       Summary / Outro

💥 YouTube: @AndyWhitmore
 🧢 Website: andywhitmore.com
 🎛 Studio: greystokestudio.com

If you enjoyed it, leave a comment or review — your comments are our oxygen.

🎧 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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In this episode, I perform 20 of the greatest synth solos using real hardware from my studio collection, including the Yamaha CS-80, Minimoog Model D, Roland Jupiter-8, Prophet-5, Yamaha CS-40M, EMS Synthi AKS, Yamaha DX7 and Roland JD-800.

This episode focuses on proper synth solo moments — not just riffs, hooks or backing parts — where the synthesizer steps forward as the lead instrument.

Featured tracks include Queen — I Want to Break Free, Tina Turner — Nutbush City Limits, Pink Floyd — Run Like Hell, Rush — Tom Sawyer, Pink Floyd — Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Howard Jones — New Song, Ultravox — Sleepwalk, The Prodigy — Their Law, Rick Wakeman — Catherine of Aragon, Quincy Jones — Betcha’ Wouldn’t Hurt Me, Return to Forever / Chick Corea — The Endless Night and more.

Featured synths include the Roland Jupiter-8, Minimoog Model D, Prophet-5, Yamaha CS-80, Yamaha CS-40M, EMS Synthi AKS, Yamaha DX7 and Roland JD-800.

If you love vintage synthesizers, classic keyboard solos, real hardware synths, progressive rock, synth-pop, funk, electronic music and iconic keyboard performances, this episode is for you.

Short Summary

20 classic synth solos performed on real hardware, featuring the Yamaha CS-80, Minimoog Model D, Roland Jupiter-8, Prophet-5, EMS Synthi AKS, Yamaha CS-40M, Yamaha DX7 and Roland JD-800.

Played, recorded and recreated by Andy Whitmore at Greystoke Studio.

Watch the full video version on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore

Podcast website:
https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com

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

Greystoke Studio:
https://greystokestudio.com/

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

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

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

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In this episode, I recreate 20 of the greatest keyboard and synth parts from Michael Jackson songs, performed on original vintage synthesizers and keyboards associated with those classic recordings.

From the analogue warmth of the Minimoog, Yamaha CS-80 and Roland Jupiter-8, to the digital sounds of the Yamaha DX7, Roland D-50 and Korg M1, this episode follows the evolution of Michael Jackson’s iconic keyboard production across Off The Wall, Thriller, Bad and Dangerous.

Featured tracks include Billie Jean, Thriller, Human Nature, Beat It, Rock With You, Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough, Remember The Time, Dirty Diana, Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, P.Y.T., Man in the Mirror and more.

All parts were recreated and performed using original hardware synthesizers and keyboards from my studio collection.

Featured synthesizers and keyboards include the Yamaha CS-80, Minimoog Model D, Roland Jupiter-4, Roland Jupiter-8, Yamaha DX7, Roland D-50, Korg M1, Oberheim Xpander, Rhodes piano, Steinway Model O grand piano and more.

Featured tracks include:

Remember The Time
 Human Nature
 Speed Demon
 Billie Jean
 Thriller
 Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough
 Rock With You
 Dirty Diana
 Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’
 Beat It
 Another Part of Me
 P.Y.T.
 Baby Be Mine
 Workin’ Day and Night
 I Can’t Help It
 Man in the Mirror
 The Girl Is Mine
 Will You Be There
 She’s Out of My Life
 The Lady in My Life

Buzzsprout Episode Subtitle

20 iconic Michael Jackson keyboard and synth parts recreated on original vintage gear

Buzzsprout Tags

Michael Jackson, synths, synthesizers, keyboards, CS-80, DX7, Minimoog, D-50, Korg M1, Jupiter-8, Rhodes, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, Off The Wall, vintage synths, keyboard player, synth riffs, music production

Played, recorded and recreated by Andy Whitmore at Greystoke Studio.

Watch the full video version on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore

Podcast website:
https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com

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

Greystoke Studio:
https://greystokestudio.com/

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

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

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

Support the show

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, I recreate 20 of the greatest keyboard and synth parts from Michael Jackson songs, performed on original vintage synthesizers and keyboards associated with those classic recordings.

From the analogue warmth of the Minimoog, Yamaha CS-80 and Roland Jupiter-8, to the digital sounds of the Yamaha DX7, Roland D-50 and Korg M1, this episode follows the evolution of Michael Jackson’s iconic keyboard production across Off The Wall, Thriller, Bad and Dangerous.

Featured tracks include Billie Jean, Thriller, Human Nature, Beat It, Rock With You, Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough, Remember The Time, Dirty Diana, Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, P.Y.T., Man in the Mirror and more.

All parts were recreated and performed using original hardware synthesizers and keyboards from my studio collection.

Featured synthesizers and keyboards include the Yamaha CS-80, Minimoog Model D, Roland Jupiter-4, Roland Jupiter-8, Yamaha DX7, Roland D-50, Korg M1, Oberheim Xpander, Rhodes piano, Steinway Model O grand piano and more.

Featured tracks include:

Remember The Time
 Human Nature
 Speed Demon
 Billie Jean
 Thriller
 Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough
 Rock With You
 Dirty Diana
 Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’
 Beat It
 Another Part of Me
 P.Y.T.
 Baby Be Mine
 Workin’ Day and Night
 I Can’t Help It
 Man in the Mirror
 The Girl Is Mine
 Will You Be There
 She’s Out of My Life
 The Lady in My Life

Buzzsprout Episode Subtitle

20 iconic Michael Jackson keyboard and synth parts recreated on original vintage gear

Buzzsprout Tags

Michael Jackson, synths, synthesizers, keyboards, CS-80, DX7, Minimoog, D-50, Korg M1, Jupiter-8, Rhodes, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, Off The Wall, vintage synths, keyboard player, synth riffs, music production

Played, recorded and recreated by Andy Whitmore at Greystoke Studio.

Watch the full video version on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore

Podcast website:
https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com

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

Greystoke Studio:
https://greystokestudio.com/

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

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

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

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In this episode, I play 20 of the greatest synth riffs ever, recreated on the original synths and classic keyboards that helped make them famous.

From huge dance anthems to 80s synth-pop classics, rock keyboard hooks and legendary soundtrack themes, this episode brings together some of the most recognisable synth sounds in modern music.

Featured tracks include:

Darude – Sandstorm
Faithless – Insomnia
The Prodigy – Charly
Robin S – Show Me Love
Queen – The Show Must Go On
Underworld – Born Slippy .NUXX
Harold Faltermeyer – Axel F
Europe – The Final Countdown
Black Box – Ride on Time
Crystal Waters – Gypsy Woman
Human Resource – Dominator
Second Phase – Mentasm
Depeche Mode – Just Can’t Get Enough
The Human League – Don’t You Want Me
Madonna – Holiday
Bronski Beat – Smalltown Boy
Michael Jackson – Thriller
Vangelis – Chariots of Fire
Gary Numan – Are “Friends” Electric?
Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond

The instruments featured include the Minimoog, Roland JP-8080, Roland JD-800, Roland Alpha Juno-1, Korg M1, Roland Juno-106, Roland Jupiter-4, Roland Jupiter-8, Yamaha DX7, Yamaha CS-80, Logan String Machine, and Korg Rhythm 55B drum machine.

No generic preset run-throughs — these are hands-on recreations using the original synths and keyboards wherever possible.

Played, recorded and recreated by Andy Whitmore at Greystoke Studio.

Watch the full video version on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore

Podcast website:
https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com

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

Greystoke Studio:
https://greystokestudio.com/

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

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

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

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A blind Hoover sound test comparing the real Roland Alpha Juno-1 against Roland Cloud Zenology Pro. Can you tell which one is the real hardware?

Can you tell the difference between the real Roland Alpha Juno-1 and Roland Cloud Zenology Pro?

In this episode, I turn the classic Hoover sound comparison into a blind test. You’ll hear the same famous Hoover riffs played twice — one version is the real Roland Alpha Juno-1, the other is Roland Cloud — but you won’t know which is which until the reveal.

The sound is the legendary “WhatThe” preset from the Roland Alpha Juno, better known as the Hoover sound: one of the most aggressive, detuned and instantly recognisable synth sounds in rave, hardcore, jungle and techno history.

Keep score as you listen and see how many you can get right.

Featured Hoover riffs include:

Human Resource – Dominator
Second Phase – Mentasm
T99 – Anasthasia
The Prodigy – Charly
Baby D – Come Into My World
DJ Seduction – Come On
Mundo Muzique – Acid Pandemonium
X Certificate – Rising 2 The Bass
Plexus – Cactus Rhythm
Nasty Habits – Let’s Go
D.J. P.C. – Inssomniak
DJ Fresh & Sigma – Cylon
Rihanna – Birthday Cake

Played, recorded and recreated by Andy Whitmore at Greystoke Studio.

Roland Alpha Juno, Alpha Juno-1, Alpha Juno-2, Roland Cloud, Zenology Pro, Hoover sound, WhatThe preset, What The preset, blind test, synth blind test, hardware vs software, VST vs hardware, rave synth, hardcore synth, jungle synth, techno synth, oldskool rave, 90s rave, classic rave, famous riffs, vintage synth, Roland synth, electronic music, dance music, Human Resource, Dominator, Second Phase, Mentasm, The Prodigy, Charly

Listen / watch more

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

Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/
Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

Support the show

If you enjoy these classic synth recreations, please follow the podcast, subscribe on YouTube and leave a comment letting Andy know which synth or artist you’d like covered next.

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Andy Whitmore explores the underrated Yamaha CS-40M, recreating 27 classic synth parts from 9 famous songs by The Stranglers, Duran Duran, Ultravox, Simple Minds, Landscape, Section 25, Bill Nelson and Our Daughter’s Wedding.

In this episode, Andy dives into the characterful sound of the Yamaha CS-40M — a classic 2-note duophonic analogue synth first released in 1979. It originally cost around £650, which is over £4,000 in today’s money, and good examples now sell for roughly £2,300.

The CS-40M sits in the wider Yamaha CS family and can be thought of as a smaller, grittier cousin of the legendary Yamaha CS-80. It doesn’t have the CS-80’s huge 8-voice polyphony or polyphonic aftertouch, but it does share some of that unmistakable Yamaha analogue character — big oscillators, expressive filters, multiple modulation sources and the famous ring modulator.

Rather than simply playing one riff per song, Andy recreates multiple parts where possible: basses, leads, textures, counter-melodies, sequences and layered synth lines. Across the 9 tracks, you’ll hear 27 separate Yamaha CS-40M parts recreated on the original hardware.

Sounds for this episode were programmed by Andy’s friend and fellow synth programmer Paul Soulsby, who helped bring these classic early-80s synth parts back to life on the CS-40M.

Everything you hear is played on the real Yamaha CS-40M. No software synths, no samples — just the original instrument doing what it does best.

If you love classic synths, early-80s new wave, synth-pop, post-punk and finding out what these vintage instruments can really do, this one is for you.

What you’ll hear in this episode

Classic Yamaha CS-40M analogue tones
 2-note duophonic synth parts
 Ring modulation and modulation textures
 Early-80s synth-pop, new wave and post-punk sounds
 Bass parts, leads, pads, counter-melodies and layered synth lines
 27 classic synth parts recreated on the original Yamaha CS-40M

Featured artists include

The Stranglers, Duran Duran, Ultravox, Simple Minds, Landscape, Section 25, Bill Nelson and Our Daughter’s Wedding.

Parts recreated

Landscape – Einstein a Go-Go – 2 parts
 Duran Duran – The Chauffeur – 2 parts
 The Stranglers – Golden Brown – 1 part
 Ultravox – The Voice – 1 part
 Simple Minds – 70 Cities as Love Brings the Fall – 4 parts
 Ultravox – Sleepwalk – 5 parts
 Section 25 – Looking From a Hilltop – 2 parts
 Bill Nelson – Living in My Limousine – 5 parts
 Our Daughter’s Wedding – Lawnchairs – 5 parts

Listen / watch more

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

Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/
Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

Support the show

If you enjoy these classic synth recreations, please follow the podcast, subscribe on YouTube and leave a comment letting Andy know which synth or artist you’d like covered next.

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Send us Fan Mail

Andy Whitmore recreates 13 famous Hoover riffs on the real Roland Alpha Juno-1, using the legendary “WhatThe” preset that helped define rave, hardcore, jungle and techno.

 In this episode, I recreate 13 famous Hoover riffs on the real Roland Alpha Juno-1, using the legendary “WhatThe” preset that became one of the most aggressive and recognisable synth sounds in dance music history.

The Hoover sound helped define rave, hardcore, jungle and techno — from early ’90s classics like Human Resource – Dominator, Second Phase – Mentasm, T99 – Anasthasia and The Prodigy – Charly, through to later tracks that brought the sound back again.
   
Featured tracks:
   
Second Phase – Mentasm
Human Resource – Dominator
T99 – Anasthasia
The Prodigy – Charly
Baby D – Come Into My World
DJ Seduction – Come On
Mundo Muzique – Acid Pandemonium
X Certificate – Rising 2 The Bass
Plexus – Cactus Rhythm
Nasty Habits – Let’s Go
D.J. P.C. – Inssomniak
DJ Fresh & Sigma – Cylon
Rihanna – Birthday Cake
   
   
I also explain where the Hoover sound came from, why it is linked to the Roland Alpha Juno, and why the Alpha Juno-1 can deliver the same raw Hoover tone as the Alpha Juno-2  
Which Hoover riff is your favourite — and which one did I miss?

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A real Roland Jupiter-4 playing 20 classic riffs across 8 famous songs — no plug-ins, no software, just the original vintage synth.

Hear 20 classic riffs across 8 famous songs, recreated on the original Roland Jupiter-4.

In this episode, I focus on the real sound of one of the most distinctive vintage analogue synths of the early 80s, known for its raw tone, punchy filter, unique arpeggiator and unmistakable character.

From The Human League and Depeche Mode to Simple Minds, Thomas Dolby, Styx and John Foxx, everything is played on the actual Jupiter-4 — no plug-ins, no software, just the real thing.

Where the original records used layered Jupiter-4 parts, those layers are recreated here in the same spirit on the real synth.

 Featured songs
The Human League – Open Your Heart
The Cars – Shake It Up
Depeche Mode – Photographic
Simple Minds – Love Song / Themes for Great Cities
Thomas Dolby – Windpower
Spandau Ballet – To Cut a Long Story Short
Styx – Too Much Time on My Hands
John Foxx – Europe After the Rain

Jupiter-4 programmed by Paul Soulsby

Mixed by Alex Hargreaves

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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.

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