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Yamaha GX-1

The Yamaha GX-1 is a polyphonic analog synthesizer and electronic organ developed by Yamaha, released in January 1975 as the flagship model of the Electone series and marketed as a "dream machine" for advanced musical expression.^[1] It evolved from the GX-707 prototype completed in 1973, incorporating innovations from earlier models like the EX-21 and EX-42 to produce natural, evolving sounds via group-controlled voltage technology.^[1] Designed as a massive, three-manual instrument with upper, lower, and solo keyboards plus a pedalboard, it weighs approximately 300 kg for the main unit alone, plus 87 kg for the pedalboard and stand, and requires separate speaker cabinets adding further substantial weight.^[2] Fewer than 100 units were produced between 1975 and 1977 at a cost of about $60,000 (equivalent to approximately $425,000 in 2025), making it one of the rarest and most expensive synthesizers of its era.^[3]^[2] The GX-1's synthesis engine relies on analog components including voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), filters (VCFs), and amplifiers (VCAs), delivering up to 18 notes of polyphony—eight voices each for the upper and lower keyboards, one for the solo keyboard, and one for the foot pedals.^[1] It includes preset voices organized via two Tone Modules (a "black" First Standard and "red" Second Standard), with additional editing capabilities through a dedicated Tone Board, as well as controls for pitch bend, sustain, resonance, reverb, and enhanced touch response.^[1] The instrument's solo keyboard features velocity-sensitive 37-note miniature keys with a ribbon controller for pitch modulation, while the upper and lower keyboards use full-sized 61-note keyboards that can be played independently or coupled for layered sounds; an integrated organ-style drum machine and slide-out programmer panel further expand its performance options.^[3] Accompanied by the TX-II speaker system—featuring dual 120-watt valve amplifiers and multiple drivers per cabinet—the GX-1 was built with 135 discrete circuit boards connected by point-to-point wiring, emphasizing its role as a technological prototype.^[2] As a testbed for Yamaha's synthesizer innovations, the GX-1 directly influenced consumer models like the CS-50, CS-60, and CS-80 released in 1977, sharing dual-voice architecture and polyphonic capabilities.^[2] It gained fame among prominent musicians, including Stevie Wonder, who used it extensively on his 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life, Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake & Palmer on their Works albums, John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin on In Through the Out Door (1979), and Benny Andersson of ABBA.^[4]^[3] Its monumental size, advanced polyphony, and expressive controls made it a landmark in analog synthesis history, though its complexity and cost limited widespread adoption.^[2]

Design and Development

Origins

The Yamaha GX-1 originated as a pioneering effort by Yamaha to bridge electronic organ traditions with emerging synthesizer capabilities in the early 1970s. The project began with the development of a prototype known as the Electone GX-707, which was completed in 1973 and initially unveiled as a demonstration model at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Convention in Chicago.^[1] This prototype served as a test bed for advanced polyphonic synthesis technologies, including group voltage control systems demonstrated at NAMM, allowing Yamaha engineers to experiment with techniques that would inform future consumer synthesizers and Electone organs, such as the SY-1 monophonic synthesizer released in 1974.^[5] Yamaha's engineering team faced significant challenges in integrating organ-style polyphony—characterized by simultaneous multi-note play—with the modular flexibility of synthesizers during the analog era. Key innovations included cluster voltage control systems to enable polyphonic operation across keyboards and digital key assigners for efficient circuit allocation, addressing issues like sound stability and expressive variation to mimic natural instrument evolution.^[5] These efforts reflected the broader industry shift toward more dynamic tone generation, moving beyond static organ voices to versatile, performance-oriented designs.^[1] The GX-707's debut generated considerable interest through live demonstrations and endorsement by Stevie Wonder, who dubbed it the "Dream Machine" following its 1973 introduction, underscoring its appeal as a stage-ready hybrid and paving the way for the full GX-1 model's release in 1975.^[6]

Production Details

Following refinements to its prototype, the GX-707, the instrument was renamed the Yamaha GX-1 and made publicly available in January 1975.^[1] The production run spanned 1975 to 1977, during which approximately 50 units were manufactured in total.^[2] At least 13 of these units are known to exist outside Japan today, according to records maintained by collectors and historians.^[7] Originally priced at $60,000 USD—equivalent to approximately $350,000 in 2024 dollars—the GX-1 was marketed as a premium professional instrument targeted at touring musicians and studios. Its brief production period was influenced by substantial development expenses, estimated at £2 million, which limited sales volume and profitability.^[2] Additionally, Yamaha shifted focus toward more accessible polyphonic synthesizers, such as the CS-80 introduced in 1976, to broaden market reach.^[8]

Technical Specifications

Physical Construction

The Yamaha GX-1 is characterized by its imposing console design, measuring 1,600 mm in width, 800 mm in depth, and 1,140 mm in height, with the main body weighing 300 kg. The setup includes a separate bench at 60 kg and a 25-note pedalboard at 27 kg, contributing to a core instrument weight of 387 kg. The system is complemented by four optional TX-II tube-powered speaker cabinets, each weighing 141 kg, which can push the total assembled weight beyond 960 kg.^[9]^[2]^[10] The keyboard layout features a multi-tiered arrangement, including two 61-note manuals for the Upper and Lower sections, alongside a 37-note velocity-sensitive Solo keyboard positioned above them and equipped with an integrated ribbon controller for expressive pitch modulation. This configuration is supported by a robust frame, enabling stable operation during performances. The pedalboard attaches below for bass functionality, completing the organ-like console structure.^[9]^[1]^[10] The GX-1's speaker system integrates four TX-II cabinets, each housing nine drivers—a 15-inch woofer, four 8-inch mid-range units, and four 2-inch tweeters—driven by dual 120-watt valve amplifiers for rich, resonant audio reproduction. Constructed with hand-assembled components and high-quality wiring across 135 circuit boards, the instrument prioritizes durability for professional stage environments, though its overall scale and fragility during transit made it notoriously non-portable, often necessitating custom crating and specialized handling.^[2]^[7]

Synthesis Architecture

The Yamaha GX-1 utilizes analog subtractive synthesis as its core sound generation method, employing voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), filters (VCFs), and amplifiers (VCAs) to shape tones from basic waveforms. This architecture is implemented across 36 individual voice cards, each dedicated to a single oscillator and its associated processing circuitry, enabling true polyphony without time-division multiplexing.^[11] The instrument supports a total of 18 voices, distributed among its sections for flexible performance: the Upper keyboard supports 8 voices with 2 VCOs per voice (16 voice cards), and the Lower keyboard supports 8 voices with 2 VCOs per voice (16 voice cards), the Solo keyboard uses 1 voice with 1 VCO (1 voice card), and the Pedal section employs 3 dedicated oscillators across its voices (3 voice cards). Each voice card incorporates dedicated VCFs for frequency shaping—typically including low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass configurations—and VCAs for amplitude control, allowing independent timbre and dynamics per note. Additionally, two envelope generators (EGs) per voice manage both filter cutoff modulation and amplitude contouring, providing ADSR-style response tailored to the subtractive paradigm.^[12]^[11]^[1] Global modulation is handled by three low-frequency oscillators (LFOs) that apply vibrato, tremolo, or other effects across all voices, with rates and depths adjustable via front-panel controls. A built-in spring reverb unit further processes the output signal, adding spatial depth through electro-mechanical reverberation derived from the instrument's Electone heritage.^[11] The design emphasizes circuit board modularity, with discrete boards for VCO, VCF, EG, and modulation sections that facilitate maintenance and upgrades; this includes compatibility with optional expansions such as the Tone Programmer accessory for patch storage and editing. Power requirements total approximately 420 watts, drawn from a multi-voltage supply (100-240V AC) to support the extensive analog circuitry.^[11]

Operational Features

Keyboard and Controls

The Yamaha GX-1 is equipped with a multi-tier keyboard system designed for expressive performance, consisting of two full-sized 61-note manuals designated as the Upper and Lower keyboards, each capable of 8-note polyphony. These keyboards allow for independent or coupled voicing, enabling layered or split configurations across the instrument's synthesis sections. The Upper keyboard incorporates horizontal aftertouch, allowing side-to-side key movement to modulate parameters such as vibrato or wah-wah effects in real time.^[13]^[10] Complementing the main manuals is the 37-note Solo keyboard, a half-depth, full-width design positioned above them, which operates monophonically and includes velocity sensitivity for dynamic volume control. This keyboard also features vertical aftertouch for additional modulation and the same horizontal key movement as the Upper manual, enhancing expressivity during lead lines. A ribbon controller runs directly above the Solo keyboard, providing continuous pitch variation for portamento and bends, which overrides the Solo keys when engaged.^[13]^[10]^[3] The instrument includes a 25-note pedalboard for bass lines, functioning monophonically with independent voicing options, including selectable pitch ranges relative to a 32-foot fundamental. This setup supports sustained low-end foundations while the upper sections handle melodic and harmonic content.^[13]^[10] Front panel controls facilitate immediate sound shaping, with section selectors for Upper, Lower, Solo, and Pedal tones, alongside dedicated knobs for oscillator tuning, filter cutoff frequencies, and envelope parameters like attack and release. Additional sliders handle pitch harmonics, brilliance, resonance, reverb, and sustain, while a pull-out drawer reveals finer adjustments for wave motion depth and preset pitch sets. These elements enable on-the-fly tweaking without interrupting play.^[13] Polyphonic key assignment operates independently across sections, prioritizing the Upper and Lower manuals' 8 voices each for chordal playing, while the Solo and Pedal remain monophonic. When the voice limit is exceeded on a polyphonic section—such as during dense chord voicings—voice stealing reallocates resources from the oldest or least recently used sustained notes to maintain performance continuity.^[13]

Effects and Programming

The Yamaha GX-1 includes a built-in spring reverb unit, providing acoustic depth to the output signal through a dedicated control with two tabs for adjusting the reverb amount sent to internal speakers or external effects processors via twin input/output jacks. This reverb enhances the instrument's organ-like tones with natural echo effects, simulating hall ambiance during performances.^[13] Complementing the reverb are three independent low-frequency oscillators (LFOs), one assigned to each keyboard section—Upper, Lower, and Solo—each offering six selectable waveforms and continuously variable speed control. These LFOs enable vibrato by modulating voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) pitch, tremolo via voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA) amplitude, and filter sweeps through voltage-controlled filter (VCF) cutoff frequency, allowing for rhythmic and expressive sound variations. The Solo LFO uniquely links its speed to the pitch played on the Solo keyboard, facilitating pitch-dependent modulation for lead lines.^[13] Sound programming centers on the instrument's tone modules, housed in top-panel compartments, which generate the core timbres using analog synthesis parameters. Each section features factory presets categorized by instrument types, such as brass, strings, and organ, with 20 presets each for the Upper, Lower, and pedalboard sections (60 total) and 10 for the Solo keyboard; these are selected via illuminated pushbuttons and fine-tuned for pitch using overtone blend levers. Programmable tone modules permit user editing of envelope and timbre parameters—including attack time, decay rate, and harmonic content—via front-panel sliders when paired with the optional Tone Board Programmer.^[13]^[14] The Tone Board Programmer, an optional accessory, inserts directly into a tone module slot to replicate a traditional analog synthesizer control panel, complete with knobs, switches, and sliders for adjusting the module's 26 potentiometers. This setup allows musicians to craft custom patches by tweaking synthesis elements like waveform shape and filter resonance, then physically storing the settings on the module cartridge for later recall—supporting up to 70 tone memories across the instrument's sections, with 175 possible mix combinations between presets.^[13] Modulation capabilities extend beyond basic LFO routing, incorporating a flexible system that connects LFOs and base envelope generators to VCO pitch, VCF cutoff, and VCA amplitude for intricate timbre evolution. Additional sources include random voltage generators for unpredictable variations, touch-sensitive response on the Solo keyboard (via aftertouch, tilt, and lateral pressure), and a knee controller for real-time depth adjustments, enabling complex, evolving sounds without external gear.^[13] As a pre-MIDI instrument developed in 1975, the GX-1 lacks digital interfacing and relies on analog connections for external synchronization, such as audio clock tracks or trigger signals, limiting integration to compatible vintage equipment.^[2]

Musical Applications

Notable Users

Stevie Wonder acquired a Yamaha GX-1 shortly after its 1975 release and nicknamed it the "Dream Machine" due to its advanced polyphonic capabilities. He employed it extensively on his 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life, where its 187-key setup allowed for rich, orchestral polyphonic textures that mimicked string sections and layered sounds.^[6] Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake & Palmer obtained one of the first GX-1 units in the mid-1970s and integrated it into the band's sound starting with their 1977 album Works Volume 1, using it for tracks like "Pirates" and "Fanfare for the Common Man." He featured the instrument prominently during ELP's live tours in the late 1970s, where its massive size required multiple roadies to transport, and he augmented it with external effects for enhanced performance dynamics.^[2] John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin purchased a GX-1 in the late 1970s and prominently utilized it on the band's 1979 album In Through the Out Door, contributing its distinctive polyphonic tones to songs such as "In the Evening" and "Carouselambra." The instrument's influence marked a shift toward synthesizer-heavy arrangements in Zeppelin's later work.^[15] Other notable users included Benny Andersson of ABBA, who incorporated the GX-1 into several tracks and live performances during the band's late 1970s era, praising its limitless tonal possibilities.^[15]^[13] Richard Wright of Pink Floyd owned a unit briefly in the 1970s. Hans Zimmer acquired one of Keith Emerson's GX-1s in 1995 and used it in his early film scoring work before selling it years later. Jürgen Fritz of Triumvirat was an avid user and enthusiast of the instrument. Rick van der Linden of Ekseption recorded his entire 1978 solo album GX1 using the synthesizer. Ownership transfers among collectors have continued, with Aphex Twin (Richard D. James) acquiring a GX-1 from producer Mickie Most's estate after Most's death in 2003, where he modified it with MIDI interfaces.^[13]^[16]

Key Performances and Recordings

One of the earliest and most prominent showcases of the Yamaha GX-1's capabilities came from Stevie Wonder, who acquired the instrument—nicknamed the "Dream Machine"—and integrated it extensively into his 1976 double album Songs in the Key of Life. Wonder employed the GX-1's polyphonic synthesis to create lush brass and string simulations, particularly evident in tracks like "Village Ghetto Land," where it contributed to the song's educational narrative through layered orchestral textures, and "Pastime Paradise," which featured dynamic synth effects that blended seamlessly with live instrumentation.^[17]^[2] This use highlighted the GX-1's ability to emulate acoustic ensembles in a soul context, marking a groundbreaking fusion of analog synthesis with R&B.^[17] Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake & Palmer further demonstrated the GX-1's expressive potential on the band's 1977 album Works Volume 1, where it powered intricate solos in "Pirates." The track's multi-layered orchestration relied on the instrument's dedicated Solo keyboard for velocity-sensitive, pitch-bendable leads that mimicked orchestral sections, allowing Emerson to navigate complex arrangements with nuanced dynamics.^[2] This recording underscored the GX-1's role in progressive rock, enabling virtuoso performances that pushed the boundaries of keyboard expressivity.^[18] In rock contexts, the GX-1 appeared sparingly but impactfully, as seen in Led Zeppelin's In Through the Out Door (1979), where John Paul Jones incorporated it for bass lines and atmospheric layers in "Carouselambra." The 10-and-a-half-minute epic utilized the synthesizer's polyphonic voices for brass-like riffs and supportive textures, integrating it into the band's hard rock framework during sessions at ABBA's Polar Studios in Stockholm—one of the few instances of the GX-1 in mainstream rock production.^[19] This application emphasized the instrument's versatility beyond prog and soul genres. Emerson, Lake & Palmer's 1977-1978 Works tours prominently featured the GX-1 in live settings, with Emerson deploying it for extended improvisations in pieces like "Pirates" and "Fanfare for the Common Man." The instrument's massive size—requiring eight roadies and custom stage rigging for transport and setup—posed logistical challenges but enabled grand orchestral recreations onstage, as documented in performances at venues like Montreal's Olympic Stadium.^[2]^[20] Benny Andersson of ABBA adopted the GX-1 in 1979 for the Voulez-Vous album, employing its advanced polyphony for orchestral swells and foundational sounds, notably the opening bass riff in "Does Your Mother Know." This track's metronomic drive benefited from the GX-1's rich timbres, transforming demo sketches into polished disco hits and signaling ABBA's embrace of cutting-edge synthesis for pop orchestration.^[21] Richard Wright of Pink Floyd acquired a GX-1 during the late 1970s for experimental sessions, exploring its polyphonic potential amid the band's evolving studio work, though specific recordings remain undocumented.^[2] This brief ownership reflected the instrument's allure for innovative keyboardists seeking expanded sonic palettes.

Legacy and Influence

Successor Instruments

The Yamaha GX-1's design served as a foundational testbed for subsequent Yamaha synthesizers, most notably influencing the CS-80 released in 1976. The CS-80 adopted a scaled-down polyphonic architecture from the GX-1, providing 8-voice polyphony across two layers per note—compared to the GX-1's 18 voices distributed over dual keyboards, a solo section, and pedals—while incorporating velocity-sensitive keyboards for dynamic expression, a feature directly carried over from the GX-1's innovative touch response system. This shared technology stemmed from the GX-1's epoxy-encased discrete synthesis modules (VCOs, VCFs, and VCAs), which evolved into integrated circuits for the CS-80, reducing its weight from over 300 kg to about 100 kg and enabling broader production.^[22]^[23] The GX-1's advancements also extended to Yamaha's Electone organ series, where its multi-timbral analog synthesis inspired later models such as the EX-1 and EX-2 introduced in 1977. These successors refined the GX-1's capabilities through the PASS (Pulse Analog Synthesis System), a hybrid analog-digital tone generator that enhanced multi-timbral layering and performance controls, building on the GX-1's preset voice modules and polyphonic expression across multiple manuals.^[1] Furthermore, the GX-1's voice card modularity and multi-keyboard control systems influenced the GS-1, Yamaha's 1981 FM synthesizer, which mirrored the GX-1's three-manual layout for expressive polyphonic performance while integrating derived technologies like enhanced effects processing from post-GX-1 Electone developments. This lineage advanced analog polyphony toward digital hybrids in the 1980s, with the GX-1's experimental polyphonic frameworks contributing to the FM synthesis foundations seen in the DX7, enabling complex timbre generation in a more programmable format.^[1]^[24] Post-1977, Yamaha transitioned from the GX-1's custom, high-cost engineering—limited to fewer than 100 units—to mass-produced polysynths like the CS-80 and DX7, prioritizing affordability and scalability while retaining core innovations in polyphony and control.^[10]

Modern Collectibility

The Yamaha GX-1 commands exceptionally high values in the modern collector's market, with functional units routinely exceeding $100,000 USD at auction due to their extreme scarcity—fewer than 100 were produced in total—and profound historical influence on polyphonic synthesizer design. For instance, a MIDI-modified GX-1 previously owned by Aphex Twin sold at auction in April 2025 with a starting bid of £99,950 (approximately $127,000 USD), underscoring the instrument's status as a "dream machine" among enthusiasts and institutions.^[25]^[26]^[27] This premium is further amplified by the GX-1's role as a technological precursor to iconic models like the CS-80, making well-preserved examples prized for both sonic authenticity and cultural legacy.^[25]^[26] Restoring a GX-1 presents significant challenges, primarily from its intricate construction involving 135 circuit boards, extensive wiring, and rare analog components such as voice cards (removable cartridges defining its polyphonic voices), which are difficult to source due to the instrument's limited production run. The system's fragility and immense weight—over 300 kg for the console alone—necessitate careful acclimatization periods after transport to prevent damage from temperature shifts, complicating maintenance for collectors. These hurdles are evident in high-profile restorations, such as the one undertaken by synthesizer expert Colin Fraser on Aphex Twin's unit, which involved retrofitting MIDI capabilities while preserving original analog circuitry.^[2]^[28] In the digital realm, software emulations have extended the GX-1's reach to contemporary producers, with Cherry Audio's GX-80 plugin offering a faithful virtual analog recreation that integrates the GX-1's dual-layer architecture, four polyphonic voice ranks, and signature filters alongside CS-80 elements, enabling its sounds within modern DAWs. Priced affordably at $59, the GX-80 provides over 1,000 presets and supports poly aftertouch, democratizing access to the GX-1's warm, expressive tones without the hardware's logistical burdens. Recent ownership highlights its enduring appeal, including Aphex Twin's ownership until its sale in 2025 and Hans Zimmer's prior possession of serial number 5076 (acquired from Keith Emerson in the 1980s and later resold).^[29]^[2]^[30]^[27] The GX-1 is prominently featured in synthesizer collections and exhibits, such as Yamaha Corporation's Innovation Road museum in Hamamatsu, Japan, where it is displayed as a pioneering Electone-series instrument acclaimed for its natural, instrument-like timbres. Similarly, the Museum of Music Technology in Pennsylvania includes a GX-1 among its vintage synthesizer galleries, allowing guided tours to explore its historical context alongside gear from artists like Emerson. Debates persist among collectors regarding exact production totals—estimates range from around 50 to 88 units—and authenticity verification for non-Japanese examples, often relying on serial number tracking to confirm provenance amid the majority presumed to remain in Japan.^[31]^[32]^[2]

References

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Yamaha GX-1 - GForce Software
The GX-1 looks more like a space age theatre organ than a synthesiser, with its three tier keyboards, bass pedals, and general styling.
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This famous instrument was much loved by owners such as Stevie Wonder and Keith Emmerson. Technologies and products that could be seen as prototypes for the ...
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¥7,000,000 · Analog Synthesizer Type · Upper; 61 keys, Lower; 61 keys, Pedals; 25 keys, Solo; 37 keys · 8 · Body 1,600 (W) x 800 (D) x 1,140 (H), 300kg. Bench 1,460 ...Missing: physical construction build quality
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Apr 7, 2025 · With less than 100 ever produced, the three-tiered Yamaha GX-1 is something of synth legend. First released in 1973, the extremely rare model ...
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Sep 28, 2016 · In addition to his loyal crew, Wonder had a secret weapon: a state-of-the-art analogue synthesizer called the Yamaha GX-1. The enormous ...
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“He never set out to please or comfort, so we often end up with his ...
Jan 10, 2024 · There's also something haunting about Abaddon's Bolero that got under my skin. ... Keith Emerson's keyboard, a Yamaha GX-1. This was a ...
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Jan 26, 2022 · This ten-and-a-half minute opus benefits greatly from his then new toy, a Yamaha GX1, at the time one of the biggest analog and polyphonic ...
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Works Orchestral Tour/Manticore Special - Prog Archives
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Benny had recently bought a state-of-the-art synthesizer, the famous – and very expensive – Yamaha GX-1. Manufactured in limited numbers, it was an advanced ...
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May 25, 2017 · The origin of the CS series was the design of synthesis modules for the GX1 Electone organ early in that decade, applied also in the SY-1 and SY ...
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### Summary of GX-1 Influence on CS-80 (Polyphony and Velocity Sensitivity)
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Far from being, as Yamaha claimed, "an easier synthesiser to program than ever before", it precluded most players from all but the most serendipitous twiddling.
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Apr 12, 2025 · In full working order, the site is offering the piece starting at the hefty price of $127,784 USD ( £99,950) and closes the auction on April 12.
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Aphex Twin's MIDI-modded Yamaha GX-1 goes up for sale for ...
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with the item ...Missing: 2020s | Show results with:2020s
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John Paul Jones Yamaha GX-1 with Programmer Up for Auction?
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The Electone was the result of research directed at creating lively, natural tones close to that of musical instruments rather than cold, electronic sound.
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A Legendary Collection. Our 19 galleries and over 70 exhibits showcase: Vintage Synthesizers – Moog, Yamaha GX1, Con Brio, Kinetic Sound Prism & more; Guitar ...