Space out with the Yamaha CS-80

I found this amazing video of the Yamaha CS-80 a couple nights ago which showcases some awesome sounds and really shares the beauty of the instrument.  This video comes from Logan Mannstrane, who has an awesome Vimeo account dedicated to ambient synth sounds here.  I've also posted a couple of his other videos below, the Oberheim 4 Voice SEM and a custom SCI Pro-One.  All  of his are beautifully shot.


The CS-80 may be the greatest synthesizer of all time.  Although it would never be an ideal touring keyboard (it weighs a ton) it would be the best addition to any studio.  They're also one of the most expensive synths on the used market for this reason-- I've seen them listed for well over 5 grand.  It's been used by newer artists like Fred Falke, Daft Punk, and Phoenix extensively, but also has great lineage in artists like Genesis and Vangelis.  If you loved the Blade Runner soundtrack, the CS-80 was the instrument all over it.  There's something to be said about this synth-- it doesn't have some radically special feature.  It just has some of the best sounding oscillators I've ever heard.  They're fat and warm-- I don't know if it's possible to make a band sound on the machine.  It was made in the height of the synthesizer age, and unfortunately no modern synth comes close... for now.  I hope one day synths will return to their former glory.  For more facts on the CS-80, check Vintage Synth.

Also, check out more of Logan's awesome videos below.

Oberheim FVS (Four Voice) from Logan Mannstrane on Vimeo.

The infamous white faced Pro One from Logan Mannstrane on Vimeo.