Yamaha CS-80 Dual Channel Polyphonic Synthesizer

The instrument

The Yamaha CS-80 synthesizer is a true legend in the world of analog synthesizers. Released in 1977, it was the flagship model of Yamaha's CS (Controlled Synthesis) series and remains one of the most sought-after and revered synths ever made.

The CS-80 was designed by a team of engineers led by Toshihiko Uchiyama, who aimed to create a synth that would surpass anything on the market at the time in terms of sound quality, expressiveness, and flexibility. The result was a synthesizer that was not only ahead of its time but also set a new standard for what a polyphonic synth could be.

One of the most distinctive features of the CS-80 is its polyphonic aftertouch, which allows the player to control the sound of each note individually. This means that you can vary the timbre, pitch, or any other parameter of each note in real-time, giving you an unprecedented level of expressiveness and control over the sound.