Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore

Yamaha CS-40M – 9 Famous Songs, 27 Classic Synth Parts

8 min · 24. juni 2026
episode Yamaha CS-40M – 9 Famous Songs, 27 Classic Synth Parts cover

Beskrivelse

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2529875/fan_mail/new] 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 Daughter’s Wedding. In this episode, Andy dives into the characterful sound of the Yamaha CS-40M — a classic 2-note duophonic analogue synth first released in 1979. It originally cost around £650, which is over £4,000 in today’s money, and good examples now sell for roughly £2,300. 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 doesn’t have the CS-80’s huge 8-voice polyphony or polyphonic aftertouch, but it does share some of that unmistakable Yamaha analogue character — 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, you’ll hear 27 separate Yamaha CS-40M parts recreated on the original hardware. Sounds for this episode were programmed by Andy’s 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 — 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 you’ll 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 Daughter’s Wedding. Parts recreated Landscape – Einstein a Go-Go – 2 parts  Duran Duran – The Chauffeur – 2 parts  The Stranglers – Golden Brown – 1 part  Ultravox – The Voice – 1 part  Simple Minds – 70 Cities as Love Brings the Fall – 4 parts  Ultravox – Sleepwalk – 5 parts  Section 25 – Looking From a Hilltop – 2 parts  Bill Nelson – Living in My Limousine – 5 parts  Our Daughter’s Wedding – Lawnchairs – 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/] Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ [https://greystokestudio.com/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore [https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ [https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 [https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583] Support the show If you enjoy these classic synth recreations, please follow the podcast, subscribe on YouTube and leave a comment letting Andy know which synth or artist you’d like covered next. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2529875/support]

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14 Episoder

episode Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon | Richard Wright Keyboard Sounds cover

Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon | Richard Wright Keyboard Sounds

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2529875/fan_mail/new] A keyboard-focused breakdown of Dark Side of the Moon, using the original Richard Wright instruments: Hammond C3, Wurlitzer 200A, EMS Synthi AKS and Steinway piano. Hear The Dark Side of the Moon as a keyboard-focused journey, recreated on the original instruments associated with Richard Wright’s parts on the album. In this episode, I break down the signature keyboard sounds of Dark Side of the Moon using Hammond C3 with Leslie 147, Steinway Model O grand piano, EMS Synthi AKS, and Wurlitzer 200A. From the swirling synth sequence of On the Run to the haunting textures of The Great Gig in the Sky, these are the sounds that helped define one of the most important albums ever made. Everything is played on the real instruments associated with the album — no plug-ins, no software emulations, just the real thing. Tracks covered Breathe On the Run Time The Great Gig in the Sky Money Us and Them Any Colour You Like Brain Damage Eclipse Credits Engineered by Sam Lofthouse and Alex Hargreaves. Follow the podcast for more keyboard breakdowns, famous riffs, and original-instrument synth content. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2529875/support]

15. juli 202610 min
episode The Minimoog Model D A/B: What Changed From Vintage to Reissue? (21 Iconic Riffs) cover

The Minimoog Model D A/B: What Changed From Vintage to Reissue? (21 Iconic Riffs)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2529875/fan_mail/new] The Minimoog Model D is one of the most recognisable synth sounds ever recorded — from funk basslines to prog leads and classic pop hooks. In this episode, I’m doing a straight-up A/B comparison: a Vintage Minimoog Model D versus the 2016 Reissue, playing 21 famous riffs, leads, basslines, and effects back-to-back so you can hear what’s changed… and what hasn’t. To keep these riffs true to the records, I’m using light, “record-style” effects where needed (chorus/delay/reverb), but the core sound is always the Minimoog. Both synths are treated the same, so the comparison stays fair. Format * Each riff is played on both Model Ds (quick-fire, short, and punchy). * Each chapter is labelled Definitely (documented Minimoog) or Likely (strongly associated / commonly credited as Moog/Minimoog). Your call: which one wins — Vintage or Reissue? Definitely * Intro * Parliament — Flash Light (Bass) * Rush — Tom Sawyer (Intro/Bass) — BONUS (originally Oberheim OB-X era) * Pink Floyd — Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Lead) * DEVO — Smart Patrol / Mr. DNA (Effects) * Michael Jackson — Rock With You (Lead) Likely * Madonna — Holiday (Lead Line) * Madonna — Holiday (Bass) * Rick Wakeman — Catherine of Aragon (Bass Melody) * Dr. Dre — Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang (Lead) * D-Train — You’re The One For Me (Bass) * Madonna — Borderline (Lead Line) * Madonna — Borderline (Bass) * Gary Numan — Are “Friends” Electric? (Theme) * Gary Numan — Are “Friends” Electric? (Lead Line) * Michael Jackson — Workin’ Day and Night (Bass) * Michael Jackson — Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough (Bass) * Chaka Khan — We Can Work It Out (Bass) * Barclay James Harvest — Victims of Circumstance (Lead) * Stevie Wonder — I Wish (Bass) * Stevie Wonder — Isn’t She Lovely (Bass) * Stevie Wonder — That Girl (Bass) * Outro If you enjoy these quick-fire, famous-riff shootouts, check out my other classics (M1, D-50, CS-80, DX7, Prophet, Jupiter series and more) — and tell me which synth you want next.   🎧 More Synth Icons episodes: ·       Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know ·       Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4) ·       Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1) 🔧 Work with Andy ·       Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ [https://www.andywhitmore.com/] ·       Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ [https://greystokestudio.com/]   📲 Connect with Andy ·       YouTube: @AndyWhitmore [https://youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore] ·       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ [https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/] ·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic [https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic] ·       TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 [https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2529875/support]

11. juli 202612 min
episode Roland Jupiter-4: 8 Famous Songs You Know Instantly cover

Roland Jupiter-4: 8 Famous Songs You Know Instantly

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2529875/fan_mail/new] A real Roland Jupiter-4 playing 20 classic riffs across 8 famous songs — no plug-ins, no software, just the original vintage synth. Hear 20 classic riffs across 8 famous songs, recreated on the original Roland Jupiter-4. In this episode, I focus on the real sound of one of the most distinctive vintage analogue synths of the early 80s, known for its raw tone, punchy filter, unique arpeggiator and unmistakable character. From The Human League and Depeche Mode to Simple Minds, Thomas Dolby, Styx and John Foxx, everything is played on the actual Jupiter-4 — no plug-ins, no software, just the real thing. Where the original records used layered Jupiter-4 parts, those layers are recreated here in the same spirit on the real synth.  Featured songs The Human League – Open Your Heart The Cars – Shake It Up Depeche Mode – Photographic Simple Minds – Love Song / Themes for Great Cities Thomas Dolby – Windpower Spandau Ballet – To Cut a Long Story Short Styx – Too Much Time on My Hands John Foxx – Europe After the Rain Jupiter-4 programmed by Paul Soulsby Mixed by Alex Hargreaves Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2529875/support]

8. juli 20264 min
episode Genesis: Tony Banks’ JD-800 Live Patches Recreated (90s Tour Sounds) cover

Genesis: Tony Banks’ JD-800 Live Patches Recreated (90s Tour Sounds)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2529875/fan_mail/new] Watcher • Carpet Crawlers • Invisible Touch • Mama • Follow You Follow Me • I Can’t Dance — live-style JD-800 patch recreations + parts Tony Banks used the Roland JD-800 throughout Genesis’ 1990s tours—here are my closest recreations of his live patches, with the parts transcribed and played in Tony’s live style across six iconic songs. Tony Banks’ Genesis JD-800 live tour patches recreated (1990s). In this episode, I recreate Tony Banks’ Roland JD-800 live patches as heard on Genesis’ big 90s tours—then I play the parts the way Tony performed them on stage. A lot of these lines began life in the studio on totally different instruments (Mellotron, Prophet-10, ARP 2600), but the live JD-800 versions have their own character: big, authoritative pads, punchy stabs, and that unmistakable 90s touring sheen. Technical note: I’m playing the parts on my JD-800, but what you’re hearing here is the Roland Cloud JD-800 plug-in. Also, my hardware JD-800 buttons aren’t behaving, so I can’t reliably save patches—everything you hear is my best “get it right in the moment” recreation. If you’re into Genesis keys, Tony Banks parts, and classic synth textures, you’ll enjoy this one.  Tell me your favourite patch/part, and what Genesis/Tony Banks sound I should tackle next (song + section if possible). Chapters / Timestamps Intro  Watcher of the Skies — Main string pad (studio origin: Mellotron)  Carpet Crawlers — Main string pad (studio origin: Mellotron layer)  Invisible Touch — Stabby keyboard (studio origin: Prophet-10)  Mama — Main pad (studio origin: Prophet-10)  Follow You Follow Me — Chorus lead riff (studio origin: ARP 2600)  I Can’t Dance — “Bruiser Tines”  Summary / What should I recreate next?   Note on authenticity: Live rigs aren’t always about perfectly matching the studio source—they’re about making the part translate through a PA, night after night. This episode focuses specifically on the live JD-800 vibe. 🎧 More Synth Icons episodes: ·       Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know ·       Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4) ·       Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1) 🔧 Work with Andy ·       Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ [https://www.andywhitmore.com/] ·       Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ [https://greystokestudio.com/]   📲 Connect with Andy ·       YouTube: @AndyWhitmore [https://youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore] ·       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ [https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/] ·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic [https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic] ·       TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 [https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2529875/support]

4. juli 20267 min
episode 13 Famous Hoover Riffs You Know Instantly! cover

13 Famous Hoover Riffs You Know Instantly!

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2529875/fan_mail/new] Andy Whitmore recreates 13 famous Hoover riffs on the real Roland Alpha Juno-1, using the legendary “WhatThe” preset that helped define rave, hardcore, jungle and techno.  In this episode, I recreate 13 famous Hoover riffs on the real Roland Alpha Juno-1, using the legendary “WhatThe” preset that became one of the most aggressive and recognisable synth sounds in dance music history. The Hoover sound helped define rave, hardcore, jungle and techno — from early ’90s classics like Human Resource – Dominator, Second Phase – Mentasm, T99 – Anasthasia and The Prodigy – Charly, through to later tracks that brought the sound back again.     Featured tracks:     Second Phase – Mentasm Human Resource – Dominator T99 – Anasthasia The Prodigy – Charly Baby D – Come Into My World DJ Seduction – Come On Mundo Muzique – Acid Pandemonium X Certificate – Rising 2 The Bass Plexus – Cactus Rhythm Nasty Habits – Let’s Go D.J. P.C. – Inssomniak DJ Fresh & Sigma – Cylon Rihanna – Birthday Cake         I also explain where the Hoover sound came from, why it is linked to the Roland Alpha Juno, and why the Alpha Juno-1 can deliver the same raw Hoover tone as the Alpha Juno-2   Which Hoover riff is your favourite — and which one did I miss? Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2529875/support]

1. juli 20265 min