Yamaha CS-40M â 9 Famous Songs, 27 Classic Synth Parts - Remastered
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Andy Whitmore explores the underrated Yamaha CS-40M, recreating 27 classic synth parts from 9 famous songs by The Stranglers, Duran Duran, Ultravox, Simple Minds, Landscape, Section 25, Bill Nelson and Our Daughterâs Wedding.
In this episode, Andy dives into the characterful sound of the Yamaha CS-40M â a classic 2-note duophonic analogue synth first released in 1979. It originally cost around ÂŁ650, which is over ÂŁ4,000 in todayâs money, and good examples now sell for roughly ÂŁ2,300.
The CS-40M sits in the wider Yamaha CS family and can be thought of as a smaller, grittier cousin of the legendary Yamaha CS-80. It doesnât have the CS-80âs huge 8-voice polyphony or polyphonic aftertouch, but it does share some of that unmistakable Yamaha analogue character â big oscillators, expressive filters, multiple modulation sources and the famous ring modulator.
Rather than simply playing one riff per song, Andy recreates multiple parts where possible: basses, leads, textures, counter-melodies, sequences and layered synth lines. Across the 9 tracks, youâll hear 27 separate Yamaha CS-40M parts recreated on the original hardware.
Sounds for this episode were programmed by Andyâs friend and fellow synth programmer Paul Soulsby, who helped bring these classic early-80s synth parts back to life on the CS-40M.
Everything you hear is played on the real Yamaha CS-40M. No software synths, no samples â just the original instrument doing what it does best.
If you love classic synths, early-80s new wave, synth-pop, post-punk and finding out what these vintage instruments can really do, this one is for you.
What youâll hear in this episode
Classic Yamaha CS-40M analogue tones
 2-note duophonic synth parts
 Ring modulation and modulation textures
 Early-80s synth-pop, new wave and post-punk sounds
 Bass parts, leads, pads, counter-melodies and layered synth lines
 27 classic synth parts recreated on the original Yamaha CS-40M
Featured artists include
The Stranglers, Duran Duran, Ultravox, Simple Minds, Landscape, Section 25, Bill Nelson and Our Daughterâs Wedding.
Parts recreated
Landscape â Einstein a Go-Go â 2 parts
 Duran Duran â The Chauffeur â 2 parts
 The Stranglers â Golden Brown â 1 part
 Ultravox â The Voice â 1 part
 Simple Minds â 70 Cities as Love Brings the Fall â 4 parts
 Ultravox â Sleepwalk â 5 parts
 Section 25 â Looking From a Hilltop â 2 parts
 Bill Nelson â Living in My Limousine â 5 parts
 Our Daughterâs Wedding â Lawnchairs â 5 parts
Listen / watch more
For more synth breakdowns, famous riff recreations and classic keyboard content, visit Andy Whitmore online.
Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ [https://www.andywhitmore.com/]
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