A countdown of the 10 best synths of all time and their current equivalents that won't break the bank!
The most iconic keyboard synthesizers in the world ever and how to get those sounds on todays modern gear
Check out this video countdown from Doctor Mix and then see our picks on how to get the vintage sounds using modern day tech
(10) Oberheim OB-8 / Sequential 0B-6
Sequential OB-6 Analogue Synthesizer Keyboard
- Classic Oberheim sound
- Vintage SEM tone
- Dual effects
- X-Mod & poly step sequencing
- Easy to program, easy to play!
£2,749.00
£3,569.99
Used heavily on Michael Jacksons 'Thriller' album, this has an unmistakable lush sound and features on tracks by such artists as Prince, Paul McCartney, Van Halen, The Police and so many more....
(9) ROLAND D-50 / ROLAND CLOUD D-50
Roland Cloud D-50 Synthesizer, Plugin Instrument, Software Download
- Emulates the original D-50 hardware
- Sampled waveforms with subtractive synthesis
- Offers detailed control over parameters
- Features built-in reverb, chorus, and EQ
- Includes a virtual PG-1000 controller
£141.00
£147.60
Famous for many 80's hits from artists including Madonna, Michael Jackson, New Order, Phil Collins, Gary Numan and countless others.
(8) FAIRLIGHT CMI / ARTURIA V-COLLECTION
Probably the most famous looking synth ever. Used by Herbie Hancock, Peter Gabriel, Prince, Kate Bush & Art of Noise.
(7) SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS PROPHET 5 / SEQUENTIAL PROPHET 5
Sequential Prophet 5 Analogue Synthesizer Keyboard
- Includes authentic CEM 3340 VCOs
- Offers five octaves with 61 semi-weighted Fatar keys
- 200 factory presets
- Dual analog VCOs
- Includes Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
£2,989.00
£3,669.99
Kraftwerk. Need we say more?
The most popular synthesizer ever made. If you went raving in the 90's this is the piano used on virtually all of those tracks.
(5) KORG ARP2600 / KORG MS-20 MINI
Korg MS-20 Mini Analogue Synthesizer
- Faithful 1978 Korg MS-20 analogue synthesiser recreation
- Original circuitry with self-oscillating HP/LP filters
- 2VCO, 2VCF, 2VCA, 2EG, 1LFO architecture
- External Signal Processor for audio-controlled synthesis
- MIDI and USB-MIDI for modern integration
£479.00
£499.00
One for the noodlers. Used by Stevie Wonder, Brian Eno, Jean-Michel Jarre & The Chemical Brothers.
(4) YAMAHA CS-80 / YAMAHA REFACE CS
Yamaha Reface CS Analogue Synthesizer
- Analogue physical modelling
- Aboard effects processor
- 8-Note polyphony
- Foot pedal input
- Integrated speakers
£333.00
£399.00
Used by Giorgio Moroder, Daft Punk & played by Michael Jackson himself on Billie Jean.
(3) YAMAHA DX7 / YAMAHA MODX+
NUX Loop Core Stereo Looper Pedal
Loop Core Stereo allows you to create up to 6 hours of music phrases
£119.00
Buy nowNo discerning recording studio in the 80's was complete without a DX7. Whitney Houston, Madonna, Michael Jackson & A-ha all used this on number 1 hits.
(2) ROLAND JUPITER 8 / ROLAND CLOUD JUPITER 8 / JUPITER-X
Roland Cloud Jupiter 8 Synthesizer, Plugin Instrument, Software Download
- Legendary 80's PolySynth software
- Onboard reverb and tempo-syncing delay
- Tempo-syncing LFO that locks to your project
- Extended oscillator range
- Condition knob adjusts the sound of JUPITER-8
£196.00
Buy nowCould easily have taken the top spot. Such a beautiful looking and sounding synth. Another icon of the 80's as used by Quincy Jones, Duran Duran & ABBA.
(1) MOOG MINIMOOG / MOOG MODEL D
The king of bass. Used for the bassline on 'Thriller' by Michael Jackson.
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