Somebody else has made the full case for the Minimoog - I'll just add that if you saw it as just another synth from the 80s, you might have been underwhelmed, but the Mini was released in 1970, when it was the only little keyboard in the world that was a real analog synth. You could at least have grouped it with the slightly later but more powerful ARP 2600 for introducing synthesis to 70s rock, fusion, funk, and disco. I think Kraftwerk had a couple of Minimoogs before they had their first sequencer.

Yes, piano needed to be 100, the design concept was the basis for most of the keyboards and synths of all time.

Ok, some major omissions: 1. Hammond Novachord. This was basically a tube based polyphonic synth from the 1940's with filters and devide-down technology. It was expensive and unreliable, but a major technical advance. It was later used on many movie soundtracks. 2. Mellotron. Before samplers was the tape-based Mellotron. Used by the Beatles, Moody Blues and many others, it remains an iconic instrument 3. Moog Modular/Buchla. These were the very frst synthesizers and the only synths for years. Switched on Bach and Clockwork Orange were all Moog. Golden Apples of the Sun and The Wild Bull were all Buchla. Hugely innovative and a major advance. 4. MiniMoog. Do your keyboards have pitch and Mod wheels? Thank the MiniMoog. The MiniMoog changed the synth from a hugely expensive, experimental device to a performance instrument for working musicians. It was the first portable, performance oriented, somewhat affordable synth. 5.Solina String Machine. These were used extensively before polyphonic synths and gave an atmosperic sound that was very influential. 6. PPC Wave. You never mentioned wavetable synthesis, as it took a while to catch on. But the Wave was a major advance that was used memorably by bands like Tangerine Dream. 7. Clavinet. Along with the Rhodes, the clav was a key sound in rock and funk music and remains a popular sound today. 8. Korg Poly-800. This wasn't a great instrument, but it was the first polyphonic synth that was generally available for less than $1000. It was many people's first poly (including me). Making something so cheap and affordable was an innovation for many musicians. 9. Farfisa/Vox Combo organs. These were an iconic sound of the 60's and the main instrument for musicians who couldn't haul around a 700 pound Hammond. 10. EMS VCS3 - This is on the lower end of influential, but what the MiniMoog did in America, the VCS 3 did in Britian and Europe. The Who and Floyd reliend heavily on this synth, and it remains iconic. 11. Kurzweil K250. You can argue that this was just another sampler, but it wasn't. The K250 is widely regarded as the first truly expressive and convincing Digital piano. It became a go to instrument for musicians looking for a convincing piano (and other sampled sounds) on stage. I also think that the CS-80 deserves to be on the influential list just because of its polyphonic aftretouch. It was the ONLY instrument tht featured this for many decades after its release and is the key to its unique sound and exxpressiveness.

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

Some interesting choices and reasoning. I have minor regret not including the mellotron. I did include the ESQ'1 for an affordable Wavetable synth. Thanks for the list.

@jbognap

Ай бұрын

Good list. I would add: - ARP 2500/2600 - modular synths for the masses. - The Roland SC-55 - General MIDI for the masses - affordable/multi-timbral (for better or worse) - the category of first polyphonic synth before the Prophet (programmable). Things like the Polymoog or the mentioned Oberheim 4/8 voices.

@geoffk777

Ай бұрын

@@jbognap I considered adding the 2600 and Odyssey, but the 2600 was still a mostly patched synth and the Odyssey was a less ergonomic reaction to the MiniMoog. But both were still iconic and influential. My Moog vs. ARP bias is probably affecting my judgment here.

@jbognap

Ай бұрын

@@geoffk777 I accidentally submitted my comment before it was completed, so there are a couple of items after the 2600.

@geoffk777

Ай бұрын

@@jbognap OK, I'd be interested to see them.

Finding CS-80 soundtracks ... definitely a job for AI now 😂(these are not fact checked and I can't math) 1. Tron - The Yamaha CS-80 was heavily used by Wendy Carlos in this 1982 science-fiction film. 2. Missing - Vangelis, who also composed music for Blade Runner and Chariots of Fire, used the CS-80 in this 1982 drama from Costa-Gavras. 3. Apocalypse Now - The CS-80 was used for various psychedelic and surreal sound effects. 4. Superman - Composer John Williams used the CS-80 for the iconic soundtrack of the 1978 superhero movie. 5. Midnight Express - The synthesizer can be heard on Giorgio Moroder's Oscar-winning score. 6. See You in the Next War - This 1980 drama used the CS-80 throughout its unique and experimental soundtrack. 7. Antarctica - Vangelis used the CS-80 to create the ethereal and haunting sounds of this 1983 film's soundtrack.

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

I'm a BIG fan of the original TRON movie. Didn't know that a CS80 was used by WC. Thanks for sharing.

@user-bg7lb6qc1r

Ай бұрын

@@JeffreyScottPetro The CS80 was NEVER used by Wendy Carlos on Tron. That was the Crumar GDS/Synergy.

@RayyMusik

Ай бұрын

I also wonder why influence should be limited to soundtracks. Toto, Stevie Wonder, and others used the CS-80 on many of their album tracks, the most famous probably being ‘Africa‘.

@HazeAnderson

Ай бұрын

@@user-bg7lb6qc1r I only tried one prompt just now, but according to GPT: "The album notes include a list of synthesizers used on the soundtrack: 1. Moog 55 (large modular synthesizer) 2. Roland Jupiter-4 Compuphonic 3. Prophet-5 (& other Sequential Circuits instruments) 4. Synergy (a then state-of-the-art digital synthesizer whose sounds were largely manipulated and processed via a Cray supercomputer) 5. Yamaha CS-80 6. Crumar GDS (General Development System) 7. Crumar Stratus Organ 8. London Philharmonic was used for many of the non-electronic, traditional orchestral sequences."

@user-bg7lb6qc1r

Ай бұрын

@@HazeAnderson I stand corrected. Thanks!

The amount of research you have put into this honest, technical and (actually) riveting review is a credit to you. I'd like to add a few opinions if you don't mind. Korg Poly 61: it was difficult to get a new sound out of that one - pretty much everything sounded the same. Roland SH3A: I have kept this and still love it. If I need an analog sound for sampling - that's where I go. Ensoniq ASR-10: Sampling and looping capabilities were awesome. It served me well for many years. For a band setlist, I would have to load up the 8 sounds I needed for that setlist. Roland Juno 1: Yeah - small keyboard but it had the heart of the Juno series. I used to set this one up as a third keyboard to my right for lead sounds. I still have my DX7 and ASR-10 for that matter but the pitch wheel is broken on the ASR-10 and it runs on 3.5" floppy disks so it's basically taking up space. Still gigging 40+ years later and now running with a Yamaha MODX7 and a Korg Wavestate as my stage rig. I hope my story was interesting to someone ...

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

Appreciate the history and the comment.

Imho, one of the best synth reviewers on KZread. Give this guy all the credits he deserves !!!!

Something that not many people would consider about the DX7 is that it was a confluence of several different pre-existing keyboard models coupled with the innovation of compacting all of it into that one pair of LSI microchips that made it a reality and so easy to mass produce. It is strictly digital, but it includes the heritage of the Rhodes piano, the Prophet 5, the Hammond organ and the pioneering digital architecture that Dr. John Chowning concocted during the 70s that was the DX7’s direct ancestor. I mention that the Hammond was a distant precursor of the DX line because of how its additive synthesis harkens back to the process while playing a Hammond of using the drawbars to assemble harmonic partials. That’s why the electronic organ patches on a DX sound so believable. I would also like to give honorable mention to another Rhodes product that had its impact on the layout of the DX7, the Chroma. It was the inaugural model with assignable encoders and only one or two data sliders. The Rhodes Chroma was also the first standard production synthesizer with 16 notes of polyphony. I feel like it’s worth mentioning that, even if the microKorg doesn’t even rate in terms of an influential keyboard or synthesizer, it is the only instrument that has outlasted the production run of the Hammond B3 organ. Incredibly, as of May 2024, long after its big brother, the MS 2000 was succeeded several times over, there are still brand new microKorg synths being built and sold. I would also like to say that I occasionally draw a line of connection between the M1 and the Wavestation. They may not have been the same sonically, but I’m convinced that portions of both models quickly made their way into the next two models that Korg brought onto the market, the X3 and 01W.

Very ambitious going way back to the medieval time

@Shred_The_Weapon

Ай бұрын

Further than that. The hydraulic organ was from the Greek empire.

Just wanted to slip in an additional note about Samplers in 1984. Working quietly behind the scenes was noted Author Ray Kurzweil, whom launched his groundbreaking Kurzweil K250 sampler/synth, which was years ahead of its time in terms terms of quality & fidelity. Unfortunately, it's price was slightly out of reach for the casual musician, as its target consumer were more for Professional Music Studios, than for the average user. In fact, initially, Kurzweil gifted 2 of them to musicians whom he knew on a personal level. One being Stevie Wonder, the other was Patrick Moraz. Keyboardist(at the time) for the Moody Blues. Again, because the price was so foreboding, this cost him exposure due to the exclusivity of his product. In fact, it wasn't until 1990, when Kurzweil merged with Yamaha & inherited the R&D division, that Kurzweil would make a bigger splash in the musician market, when he introduced the iconic Kurzweil K2000. Not only were it's 16-bit samples far superior, but it also introduced an entirely new synth architecture. The VAST(variable architecture synthesis technology)system who's programming was & still is virtually impossible to duplicate. Which is one reason a VST Plug in version was never released. This synth/sampler was more friendly to the average user pocketbook, & would ultimately go on to win Keyboard Magazines Keyboard of the year award.

I would put the Emulator II above the Synclavier, which didn’t even include sampling as an option until 5 years in. That and not many people toured with Synclaviers. For early LCD display keyboards predating the DX7, I would cite the PPG Wave 2 1981.

I have one! It's the Expressive E Osmose. The primary innovation on this piece, however, isn't the sound engine, which itself is very interesting if frustratingly inaccessible for programming (but so was the DX7, in it's time.) Instead, it's the MPE keyboard itself, with 4+ axes of expression. Also, unlike the Roli Seaboard, Haken Continuum, or Linstrument lines, it's immediately accessible to anyone proficient on traditional keyboard instruments. I've been playing piano since age 6 (classically trained for 15 years), bought my first synth in 1982 (Korg MonoPoly), and have owned quite a few of the machines mentioned here over the years. I even spent a couple years at Berklee studying composition and piano. But, this instrument has completely changed how I approach playing and is teaching me new tricks at my advanced age that I never even dreamed of before. For the first time, I can approach the expressive capabilities of string, wind, and brass players, not to mention pull such incredible amounts of complexity out of a single pad, ensemble, or effect patch that it literally becomes 5 patches in one. For performers, arrangers, and composers (especially soundtrack composers!), the Osmose truly is a game changer in the vein of the Prophet and DX7, but primarily for the PLAYERS themselves, not just for people seeking a new sound palette. It'll take a while to catch on, but I can pretty much guarantee that 5-10 years from now it'll be looked at as the birth of a new category of keyboard, one that birthed a new category of keyboard player. I'm grateful to have gotten in on the ground floor. If you haven't seen it, do it now: www.expressivee.com/2-osmose

The Synclavier didn't start out as a Sampling instrument. That implementation came later. Before that it was only capable of FM.

Modular Moog started the Synth popularity in the 70's. Keith Emerson is the reason so many musicians used synths and pushed the limits until the 90's.

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

Emerson is a synth God. Thanks for the comment.

Possibly not mentioned: Sonic and technological Leap Forward : The Roland JP-8000 with its supersaw. It was extremely influential on the sound of modern EDM. Technological : Roland Jupiter 4. The first Synth with a built in arpeggiator. Also something very important for electronic music that formed how music was created. Technological and Sound : Eminent 310u. The first commercial string machine (that also was an organ). It made polyphonic electronic string ensemble sounds available. Roland MT32 : First really affordable "Do it all multitimbral sound module". Together with an (also affordable) Atari ST to be used as a sequencer you could produce complete tracks with all instruments, drums and effects in it with just one box for the first time at a very affordable price.

Excellent concept for a video, thank you.

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

My pleasure, sir.

No 303? that's a little brave lol! Good video :D

@SeverityOne

Ай бұрын

1) It's not a keyboard. 2) It doesn't do anything that other synths didn't do before.

@HazeAnderson

Ай бұрын

@@SeverityOne 1) it's got a BOARD with buttons that you KEY notes in -- KEY BOARD 2) other synths go "brrrrrrr" 303 go "ACIDEEEEE! 🙃"

@jfn467

Ай бұрын

The eternal question when a new synth reaches the market, "Can it sound like a 303" (in 999 cases of 1000 the answer is NO!).

@SeverityOne

Ай бұрын

@@jfn467 Yeah, like anybody in a club, high on E, cares whether you use a real 303, or a VST.

@jfn467

Ай бұрын

@@SeverityOne It's the other music makers that are the judges, prestige!🤣

The Prophet-5 came out in 1978. It allowed users to save the exact patch they've created. In 1977, we saw the Yamaha CS-80 come out. It too was polyphonic. You "could" save patches on it by using a hidden section of settings literally under the hood that mirrored the main controls. The Prophet-5 was $4000. The CS-80 was $6900. The CS-80 did offer more features. But the Prophet-5 was MUCH lighter, more accurate, and more affordable. The DX7 was ground breaking for most musicians. It was a true digital synth and create sounds in a way new to those so familiar with subtractive, analog synthesis. Sampling had existed. But it was mostly just replacing a DCO with a DAC playing back a recording of some type with some rudimentary controls like looping and speed/pitch. It was the beast for its electric piano "Tines" patch. Everyone knew that sound as well as the DX7 bass sound... compressed to hell. I owned a Mirage. I wouldn't call it "influential". It was the Kia to the rest of the world's Mercedes. It was usable. But it wasn't good. I find one of the most overlooked synths was the Kawai K5. It was truly additive. You had your harmonics and could dial them in as fit. However there was no wow-factor in it.

Great criteria and great list.! I'll go along with you and like to add a non keyboard development that changed music. MIDI. For me I'd have to add the mini to the main list as it did take the technology from a extremely expensive studio / academic instrument to a more affordable stage/ gig instrument. And that put synths on the radar for a lot of people.But thats just me. Great video man!

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

Thank you, appreciate your comment.

I understand why not on the list, but Paul Schaefer and his Kurzweil K250 sure was aspirational to me. Love the list and I was right there with you in the eighties. First keyboard I saved up for was a Poly 800, and then when the ESQ1 came out it was a dream come true and I owned and used one for years. Just re-bought one in pristine condition and added fresh battery, OS, and SQX10. Oh and EEProm!

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

Love Paul Shaffer. Hopefully you're familiar with "Dress Cool?" Great song, great video.

Without the Minimoog Model D there would have never been a Prophet. Technological: It was the first portable keyboard synthesizer. Also, Moog used heated transistors to make it more stable for performing musicians. Released in 1970, it was in production for 11 years, and it's been revived twice. The current batch are priced at $5,000 (for a 50 year old design). Sonic: It allowed keyboardists in gigging bands to play lead and bass sounds. The Model D is what makes West Coast Hip Hop what it is. The architecture of the Model D-- oscillator -> mixer -> resonant filter (with envelope) -> VCA (with envelope), and an LFO -- is copied by most synths. Without the Model D, none of the synths you mentioned would have happened. It created the market for portable keyboard synthesizers. The Model D "Absolutely changed the face of music" -- Rick Wakeman Rock, hiphop, prog rock, jazz, funk. There is no keyboard that has been so pervasive for so long. What other synth is so versatile it could be featured in the music of Pink Floyd /and/ Dr. Dre? With 10 years between them! Plus Jan Hammer, Rush, Herbie Hancock, Parliament, Tangerine Dream, and Stevie Wonder. People still perform with it today. And if I haven't convinced you yet: Technological: first synth to have a pitch wheel. For an honorable mention I'll nominate the Moog Sub 37 because I see it more often on stage today than any other analog synth. It has instant patch switching, and insane tuning stability. It's in tune from the moment you power it up. The patch switching is really neat. You can have two patches with different sequences and change them without interrupting the flow of the music. These are definitely good technical innovations for live performance. I have a lot of synths, but the Sub 37 is the only one I have that can change a patch with no interruption of sound. But sonically it only offers minor advances over prior Moog synths (unless you count stability and patch switching).

@ralphhathaway-coley5460

Ай бұрын

....... you missed the biggest reason why Moog should have been included as he pioneered the use of the transistor VCO. Name one analogue synth which did not use VCOs after this, I can't until the advent of the DCO.

@jonathananderson32

Ай бұрын

The fact the Minimoog was left off the influential list makes me wonder if there was a missing "polyphonic" in the video title. The Minimoog is maybe the most influential synthesizer in history and definitely up there with the DX7. It is like having a list of the most influential mobile devices and missing off the iPhone.

@kierenmoore3236

27 күн бұрын

Minimoog, arguably … though it’s more just it’s arrangement/layout. Sub 37, no way!!!!

Well, that was innaresting. Can't complain too much, i mean, who can argue with the pipe organ, piano and Hammond. Only thing that irked me was the jump from Rhodes/Wurlitzer to Prophet 5. Missed the Mellotron (technical/sonic high score, I'd say) and the big Moog (ditto). Thought the latter might depend on your age and musical taste. I happened to listen to a lot of Berlin school in these days. After that, the most important innovation was in price and availability, as you rightly mention. Nowadays, we get great emulations for free or almost free. What strange times we live in. It's nice to be able to comment on a channel that is not yet widely watched (you deserve that), elsewhere one just gets lost in the flood. All the best, cheerio.

@jamesedinger4956

Ай бұрын

agreed...despite all of its technical limitations, the Mellotron needed to be mentioned

@HazeAnderson

Ай бұрын

I get the feeling the Mellotron gets is own Top 11 List 😆

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

Hi PJ. You make great points about the Mellotron. I was really torn about including it, and now I wish I had included it. Thanks for the comment.

@sergiodeoliveira5358

Ай бұрын

Feel like Moog is what brought synthesizer music to the masses. It was all experimental stuff before that. Switched on Bach changed perceptions of electronic music.

Korg OASYS should definitely be on this list - the whole idea of a "PC inside a keyboard package" isn't going anywhere any time soon, look at MPC Keys which is so popular for example - the same idea basically.

Would like to also see modern influencers. Not expert, but like some other mentioned, mod wheel, poly aftertouch, MPE. I find it hard to believe that keyboards stopped advancing after the 80s

The Yamaha VSS-30 ....., considered a toy when it came out, , but it was the first musical sampler keyboard that soundet musical, and had SO many tweaking options, and the aftermarked of this keyboard, and the cult status it has gained over the years, dont seem to diminish.

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

Yes, there's also something similar made by Casio. Both companies putting enhanced tech, not quite pro level, but very interesting, into a few unique keyboards. Very collectable and desirable, kind of like the Casio VL-1. Thanks for the comment.

An interesting list and would agree with almost all your choices (it would be boring if we agreed totally!). I ma, however, shocked that the Minimoog barely gets a mention. it was the first truly portable synthesizer and established the VCO/VCF/VCA design which remains to this day. It might not have been an advancement in "sound" but in term of influence it's massive! Ok, that's just my opinion and I will say thanks for this video. I enjoyed it a lot!

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

You're right, Andy. I regret not including the MiniMoog. I had my reasons at the time, but the more I think about it, it should be there.

I respectfully disagree about the Minimoog not being very influential. I think it should have made the list. Here's the reason why: The Minimoog was the first portable keyboard synthesizer a musician could take on stage and perform live with. In addition that, it is also a hardwired synthesizer that could be programmed by just twisting knobs and flipping switches. Prior to that, synthesizers were these huge walls of modular components that had to be connected with patch cables before they could even make any sound at all. I would say the Minimoog was the first synthesizer keyboard of it's kind and paved the way for every other synthesizer keyboard that came after it. As a result, I think the Minimoog was not only a technological achievement, but also a very influential one as well. It influenced other synth manufacturers to make small synthesizers that are practical for performing musicians. Oh yeah, the Minimoog was all over the chart throughout the 70's, 80's, and 90's. It was very prominent and very popular in rock, funk, and hip-hop during this era, just to name a few genres.

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

You make some great points. I did consider it, and I can't remember why I didn't include it on the list. Folks have made some arguments for several other synths, but this is the one I should have included. Thanks for the comment.

@kvmoore1

Ай бұрын

@@JeffreyScottPetro You're very welcome.

I would add the Roland JV/XP-range from the 90's. Technically you could see these as meatier D50's or meatier M1's. But it's exactly this extra meat (64 voices in the JV1080) that kind of signalled a new era, after having a boatload of synths with 16..24 voices. Often those synths would be like one-part synths (even Roland stated in the manual of the JD800 that it'd best be used as a one-part synth), the JV1080 would actually be a synth of which you would need only one or two for a rather meaty arrangement. Considering that the JV1080 was a must-have in many studios, I'd say it's been rather influental. In addition, General MIDI was influental. This nominee is not based on quality or innovation, obviously. But there's no denying that back in those days, everything had to be GM-compatible, even if it meant having an extra GM-bank in a regular synth. Still, simple 'n stupid things get made today that follow the GM voice list. It's also a downside; everything sounded the same back in those days. One could perhaps say that the machine carrying the chip wasn't influental, but rather the definition of what should be in that chip was influential.

15:03 Off The Matrix and Power DX7 have shown what the synth is truly capable of. I also very much like the presets that come with Plogue's OPS7.

Regarding the DX7, I believe that the sonic potential of this synth still hasn't been completely unlocked. There was a Brazilian who had created a very convincing acoustic piano on a DX7. Played on its own, and if you're familiar with synths, you can hear it's not real. But in a mix? I'm using the past tense when speaking about him, because regrettably he died in a car crash. And nobody seems to know if the patch is still available. All that aside, the point is more that, because FM synthesis is difficult to wrap your head around, we may not have discovered the full sonic potential of the venerable DX7.

@trebleboost7

Ай бұрын

The 8 operator version in the MODX/Montage line is pretty incredible and their Smart Morph feature is a great way to explore without deep programming.

My amends to you for missing the DX7-MIDI connection at 17:27. Very good point that this gets overlooked re: DX-7 / synth history.

Great video. I remember when the DX7 storm happened and then everybody had one on stage or in the studio . But I also remember how horrible they are to program and thats why all those 80s hit songs made from the DX7 were almost always made from presets . You cannot just stop at 25 years ago and say there's been nothing influential since then . When we are talking about influential then you really should include the Access Virus and the Roland JP 8000/8080 . Both were hugely influential in todays EDM music and responsible for many many hit songs . The famous supersaw and the Virus hypersaw have spawned an entire generation of software synthesizers .

@JeffreyScottPetro

29 күн бұрын

Thanks for the comment, Jim.

Great topic, all in all I share your view. Regarding the CS80 I totally agree, having had the privilege of playing several CS80s and CS60s I gotta say that they are beasts of their own kind, and not overly versatile, add to that the instability, and the physical disadvantages (size/weight, maybe a bit less with the CS60). I am still impressed (and surprised..) by the fact that ABBA toured the world with the big CS grandpa, GX1 back in the days, knowing they for sure didn't have a backup machine, it feels like they took a huge risk and I seriously wonder what their backup plan, in case of, was! Regarding additional influential machines, a late bloomer, the TB303, you have to agree it created a whole now HUGE universe in the genres of Electronic/Dance music, I would claim that even people not into music making would recognize that sound. I don't know if this was more obvious here in Europe, but during many years in the 1990's and early 2000s, that little farty bass toy was all over the place, and look at the number of clones made, and still there are new clones popping up more or less every year or so! Then we have the Roland JV1080 et al, since its arrival you could immediately hear it in every popsong on the radio, and there was not one studio or homestudio who were serious about themselves who didn't have at least one of the machines in this series in their rack. The music stores had waiting lists with people who wanted one during the first year when Roland couldn't keep the supply at par with the demand due to its popularity! Then the Yamaha Motif series, the first real serious workstation for Live musicians, it was for a long time the goto machine for live work, and you will still see Motif machines lugged around in their hardcases all over the world with professionals doing their job, though I guess MOD-X and Montage, or Nord and Kronos, has replaced most of them by now. Personally, I also think the Kurzweil K2000 and its successors is something to talk about (I run a PC3 now and very soon about to grab a K2700 or a Forte, just waiting for KW to release more info about their upcoming new series first before going through...), but that's maybe also a specific line of machines for us geek players... :D

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

Love ABBA. Great songwriting, melodies and harmonies- great story; didn't know that about them. You're right about the TB-303, and I did consider it. I decided not to include it as it's not a keyboard in the conventional sense. Thanks for the comment.

@jfn467

Ай бұрын

Their albums, especially the later ones, are jammed with GX1, Benny still has it in his studio in Stockholm and it was renovated by a music electronics wizard in Stockholm some years ago, I do think he blogged or vlogged about the renovation too, not sure if it was here on YT or elsewhere, don't remember. KUTGW!

How the hell could you miss out the Mellotron? Score from me, 110.

@JeffreyScottPetro

26 күн бұрын

It's a great machine, especially the flutes. Didn't Wendy Carlos use them on TRON? Thanks for the comment.

One interesting thing is how little variation there is in human playable instruments. It’s largely the same set of variations on a small group of ideas I guess the production of sound is limited to a few ways (strings, hitting things like chimes, percussion etc) so the interface only has so many useful variations

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

Interesting point. Thanks for the comment.

That was super interesting again. You would have been a pleasant teacher too. I also have little to add that the piano deserves a 100 and is at the top as a solo instrument that I had not even thought about before.

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

Thanks for your support and the comment.

This was really good and very insightful. I agree when it comes to instruments, the piano is king. In my humble opinion a band is not complete and always lacking if a pianist or keyboardist is absent. I saw that as bassist who moonlights on the piano. Sooooooo disappointed that Mini Moog and OBX did not make the list, that hurt my soul 😂 I know both of those were on a lot recordings especially early 70s at the Moog and onwards. Other than that I agree with rankings except I may have given Rhodes a bit higher score.

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

Yeah, I did say that I could have been a little more generous to the Rhodes. Thanks for the comment.

@PurpleMusicProductions

Ай бұрын

@@JeffreyScottPetro You're welcome anytime. I really like the channel 👍... Also that was a great reality check about the MS 20. I had never thought about it like that although like you said it's iconic but very little use. Thanks for sharing that knowledge! Wow.

The Synthex? I know it's cs-80esque because of Jarre, but it was one of the first synths having DCOs that offered stability in tuning.

Your list is *your* list. Actually, it’s not bad. Arguable for sure but not bad.

@JeffreyScottPetro

25 күн бұрын

Thanks.

Pre 1970: Pipe organ, Clavichord, Harpsichord, Piano, Electric organ. Post 1970: Minimoog, ARP 2600, Oberheim 4 voice, Prophet 5, Fairlight sampler, Synclavier, Roland Jupiter 8, Yamaha DX7, PPG Wave, Akai S900/950/1000, Roland D-50, Korg M1, Korg Wavestation.

My personal subjective most influential synths - albums. 1. PPG wave 2.3 - propaganda - a secret wish. Rate, 100. 2. Mini moog - Kraftwerk - the man machine. Rate, 100. 3. Fairlight CMI - Kate Bush - hounds of love. Rate, 90 4. Roland system 700 - The Human League - dare. Rate, 100. 5. Prophet 5? - Roxy music - Flesh and blood. Rate, 100.

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

All great choices. Thanks for sharing.

@arakaneuman

Ай бұрын

@@JeffreyScottPetro Thanks for your work and insights. Its appreciated, especially for people like me who grew up in the 80s with the whole new romantic, new wave and synth scene.

Is influence defined as how much something was/is used to produce music? (Along with how much emulation of "that/those" sounds is now on a checklist when shopping for a board) This seems more like an "important technological innovations" ranking which is all good, just something different than that.

Korg DSS1 worked on the same principle as D-50 one year before.

That should read Pop Jazz and Live music

Of course the piano is a 100 !!

@HazeAnderson

Ай бұрын

🎹💯

Always scratched my head on popularity of M1. I was never overly excited about the sounds - even the Soundpage in Sept. ‘88 issue of Keyboard Magazine was underwhelming at the time IMO. 35 years later, the M1 sounds cheesy to me. The D-50, on the other hand, has aged like fine wine.

@fakshen1973

Ай бұрын

The M1 was the axe for anyone playing keys in a lounge or a cover band. If you needed to fill in for brass, strings, etc... there you were. I believe that's why the M1 was so popular in its time.

Wonderful video However I agree with you that the Rhodes or Electric piano deserved a higher score . I would place it at 90 as it really placed itself in pap Jazz and life music from the sixties and seventies. I think of Deodato Herbie Hancock Bob James George Duke etc and, I think the tine sound set the stage for the DX7 but whilst the DX7 sound defines the eighties the Rhodes sound is a as permanent in music as the acoustic piano. All machines after up to this day try to deliver an authentic Rhodes sound even the Kurzweil K250 which you left out.I would have placed this before the Ensoniq despite the cost. Best wishes and thanks for this trip as always.

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

Appreciate the comment.

Harpsichord should definitely be above 50. No doubt piano was an attempt to improve the harpsichord form factor of a keyboard instrument with strings inside. So in a way we wouldn't have piano if we didn't have harpsichord first. Also harpsichord's distinctive sound stood the test of time, instantly recognizable. Manh synths that try to emulate acoustic sounds have some kind of a harpsichord factory preset.

@JeffreyScottPetro

18 күн бұрын

You're probably right. Thanks for the comment.

I agree with many of your choices but to me you excluded two classes of instruments that hugely shaped music during the late 60s through the early 80s. Mellotrons mostly for bands out of Europe, and the various String Assembles used in pop, prog, and disco music. Certainly , the Mellotron was not affordable. But, at that time, many of these instruments were studio commodities. The CS80 was way too expensive for average users to have access to.

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment.

Emulator is missing no?

No keytar? Finally keyboardists could go down on one knee during a solo. 🙂

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

Good point. Appreciate the comment.

The one very obvious omission from your list - although it could be argued how _influential_ it was - is the Yamaha VL1. In fact, you don't mention physical modelling at all. Was it a technological leap forward? Most definitely. While I cannot state with any degree of certainty that digital signal processors (DSPs) weren't used before, it was the availability of DSPs that made this technology feasible. Was it a sonic leap forward? Again, most definitely. The VL1 is sometimes called the 'sax machine'. No synthesis method before (or since) has come close to the realism that physical modelling will give you. How influential was it? Well, that's the crux. The Nord Lead came out only one year after the VL1, and it's doubtful that the Clavia guys thought 'we can do better than Yamaha' and pulled it off within a year. The two are likely unrelated. Physical modelling still exists, but it's a niche, like wavetable or granular synthesis. For some reason, we didn't all go out and spend what amounts to over €/$/£ 10,000 today, so that we could do a decent imitation of a saxophone.

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

Interesting, thanks for sharing.

I really like your video but disagree in some points, e.g. the Rhodes and Wurly. One of those, mostly the Rhodes, could be seen on literally every stage in the world from the late 60s to the early 80s except for entirely keyboardless bands like ZZ Top. Supertramp‘s success without the Wurly? Unthinkable. So they deserve a rating of at least 80 IMHO.

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

...and I wouldn't disagree, like I said in the episode, if you wanted to give it a higher score. Thanks for the comment.

EMS Synthi A /VCS 3

6:15......Bass does not, there a baffle rotates...The high tone horn speakers deffo rotate..

The DW8000 might not be on the list, it has gained iconic status over the last 10 years but then? ... it couldnt get arrested. The M1 wasnt that great, its technology was not that mindblowing. The Wavestation nobody cared about, that choice seems to be more a personal aspect.

For me this is another good example of using statistic to make a personal bias look being objective. It isn't. The synth section seemed like trying to avoid the obvious call outs and surprise with some. The question of Influential is missing some key elements. It would be less technology itself but what it made people to use it. Which isn't just part of technology or sound but usability. Can be a factor of price but also handling. And influential it only becomes if it influences other people to want it and use this kind of sounds or instruments in their music. Regarding that, you'd be missing: - Moog Modular. It was the birth of the synthesizer in the form as we know it. It impressed some famous musicians, Wendy Carlos to be mentioned and enabled new styles of music to be invented. And its inventions like Envelopes or the whole voltage controlling were technical milestones which were adopted by nearly all instrument makers. - Minimoog. Yes it was a smaller package of the Modular (which is why it's been missing in your mentions). But cause of that it was the first synth to be used live by keyboarders other than Keith Emerson. Namely Rick Wakeman and later almost all of them. Its live playablity (tuning 2 oscs relative to the first one) and its sound quality, especially with the ladder filter had such an impact to music you hardly could imagine synthesizers in music at all. So, highly influential; many tried to copy it but failed. And don't forget it had the first Pitch- and Modulation wheels. - EMS VCS3/Synthi Different approach, different sound but it made Dark Side of the moon sound like from another dimension. Used for all kind of noises which was another influential thing using synthesizers. - ARP 2600: The bigger alternative to the Minimoog. Combining flexibility and portabilty and providing distinct sound. Used on so many hit records by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Elton John and used prominently by Edgar Winter or on Thriller (look up Anthony Marinelli). Highly influential to synth players to get a synth and even if it has to be cheaper. That would be the Odyssey in some way. Also influential - just think of Hancock. - Oberheim SEM: The first Expander of the world adding a different filter architecture and duophony. Lead to the development of 2-, 4 and 8 voice and thus also the OBX and even today OB-6 and OBX8 - Mellotron was so important for Rock music since the late 60s you'd have to implement it to that list. It also was the first analog sampler and its sound is copied to this day. - Korg MS 20: The little synthesizer that people really could afford. So many musicians had this as their first synth. And its sound capabilities and qualities are pretty distinctive. Very influential - Preset Synthesizers, namely ARP Pro Soloist, Roland SH-2000, Yamaha SY1/2 and Korg Minikorg (etc.). People needed cheaper alternatives with less effort to change sounds. So these machines were used a lot e.g. by Tony Banks for Genesis. The concept of Presets were introduced with them as well as the thought of aftertouch to control sound quality after a key is pressed. Which enhances the capabilities of all keyboards today. - Poly Moog: First serious polyphonic synthesizer with many flaws but important concepts. Famously used by Gary Numan which influcenced the whole wave scene. - String Synthesizers: Especially the Solina String Ensemble was very important for the 70s. The Divide Down technology was a way to bring polyphony to the masses. Also adopted by some important cheaper synthesizers like the ARP Omni which was the most sold synth of the 70s. - Yamaha CS and GX: Can't be denied the CS-80 has its place. And no it's not because of 10 soundtracks but its sound was very often used also in pop and rock music. I'd mention Africa from Toto or the Thriller-Album. And don't forget the GX1 which was the organ to the CS-80 used by some famous artists on famous records. - OBX/OBXa. Their sounds are on so many famous records. Whilst technically similar to the Prophet it sounded very different. And thus gave disinction to Rush, Simple Minds, Billy Idol, Van Halen, Prince etc.pp. And these again were highly influential. - Vocoders: From various manufacturers, often used. In music as well as movies. - CMI Fairlight: Deserves its own mentioning. It the very first digital sampler and more than that could be used as synthesizer and music production tool. Musical inventors like Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel and the Art of Noise. Producers used it to create new milestones of music with acts like Frankie Goes to Hollywood. It led to the developement of cheaper samplers but it was influential in its own right. Far more than specifically the Mirage. - PPG Wave: PPG was the company which introduced digital sound in synthesizers. The Wave 2 became very influential with the Wavetable Synthesis which is still used today. But you can also hear it on a lot of records world wide. Also the first synth with LCDisplay. - CP70/80: On stage it was THE Piano of the 80s. You'd hear that with lots of chorus. But also on studio records from Genesis, Phil Colins, Peter Gabriel and so many more. - NED Synclavier: Needs to be mentioned on its own because the impact was so high. Started life as the first FM-Synthesizer (not the DX!) then added sampling later than the Fairlight but on another level, combined the sequencer and became the very first true DIgital Audio Workstation. Used on many famous records as well as filmscores. - Emulator 1 and 2: Not the Mirage but the Emu was the first cheaper sampler but in opposite to the ensoniq it influenced with a distinct sound used by Pet Shop Boys, Depeche Mode and many more. - Jupiter 8: The next hit on the Synthesizer market with the ability to split and layer and using an Arpeggiator. Famous sound used in a lot of 80s records. - Korg Polysix: The first affordable true programmable analog poly synth - Korg Poly 800: Like the MS20 an often used entry level synth, this time polyphonic. But its sound also was to be heard on records. - Roland SH-101, TB-303: two affordable low end machines which created whole new genres of music with acid, house, techno. I may not like them but it doesn't get more influential than this! - Roland Juno 60-106: Must be included. The many emulations alone speak number for their influential impact. - Casio SK-1: The first sampler kids could buy. Which can't be over estimated plus it's actually used on hits as well as some other Casio Minikeyboards. - Ensoniq ESQ1/SQ80: Their first synthesizers which already offered a multitrack sequencer and multitimbrality at attractive pricing, quite successful. - Kurzweil K250/K1000: The actual first Romplers. You can hear them everywhere in late 80s. Only option to play piano and strings on keyboards in good quality. - Waldorf Microwave: Often overlooked but not only brought Wavetables back to the table but also an analog filters whilst the competition lacked filters or made them digital. Used for some signature sounds which became influential - Roland JD-800: Not only for its sound but the handling. While everyone else was using larger displays buttons and jog wheels, here Direct Access through sliders came back to life. Many later followed that route. - Entry level Synths of late 80s: Kawai K1 and K4, Roland D-5 to D20, Yamaha SY22. These were the keyboards for young people to have and again some used them for their hits. - Roland U-Series, E-MU-Proteus: Gave us the sounds of the big machine for low cost. - AKAI-Samplers: In the 90s these Samplers made Racks look all white suddenly. - Kurzweil K2000/2500: High Quality of sound plus DSP-driven algorithms. Not only Romplers and Samplers but able to act as a first Virtual Analog Synth. Used for Film Scores etc. - Roland JV-Series plus JD-990: Those were in the Racks of the 90s. Almost on every track. Voice architecture still used till today. - VA-Synths: Of Course they must be mentioned as they became a new standard for synths sound. Nord Lead, JP 8000, Novation, ACCES Virus, AN1, MS.2000. Korg Triton/Trinity: Workstation on new level in new design. Used by many pros. Yamaha Motif: Introduced these musical arpeggiators as part of the sound. - Behringer Synthesizer: Revitalising analog synths at a low cost price. Number 1 topic on each synth forum -

@HazeAnderson

Ай бұрын

The list only goes to 11. That seems very obvious for anyone.

The score on the wavestation is way too high, its not really a significant keyboard, same with the prophet VS. I think I can tell what your focus and interest is in music as well. Your missing a few synths that created entire genre's of music. Missing the minimoog makes no sense. Missing either the jp-8000 or virus makes no sense. Then there is the monotron which ushered in a whole generation of low cost analog synths.... And then there is neon, the first VST....

No Casio SK1, which to me ushered in a whole generation of crap sampling music?😜🎶🎹🎶Play On

@JeffreyScottPetro

Ай бұрын

Best keyboard EVER! :-) Actually, and similar to the Casio VL-1, the SK1 is very cool. Thanks for bringing it up.