Sweetwater®

Sweetwater offers special extended financing on more than 50 top brands! Learn more »
(800) 222-4700
  • Español: (800) 222-4701
Cart

CS-80

Tipping the scales at a back-breaking 220 pounds, the Yamaha CS-80 must certainly take the prize for heaviest analog (or any other type) synthesizer. Its price tag of $6,900 in 1976 guaranteed that only the rich and famous could reasonably afford one! Just a few of the big name owners included Stevie Wonder, Vangelis, Hans Zimmer, Herbie Hancock, and Michael McDonald. Beyond its weight, the thing that set the CS-80 apart was the fact that it was one of the very first polyphonic synthesizers, with two audio channels, each with eight analog oscillators. It was also one of the very first synths with a velocity-sensitive keyboard and polyphonic aftertouch, not to mention its use of the ribbon controller in place of a more traditional pitch bend wheel. What else did players get for their money? Why four programmable user presets, of course! The last CS-80 unit rumbled off the assembly line in 1979, just three years after its debut.

Share this Article

Get The E-mail!

Delivered every Friday. View sample

Please enter a valid email address.

Sweetwater Sound Inc.
5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W
Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Get Directions »

Toll Free (800) 222-4700
Español (800) 222-4701
Local (260) 432-8176
Fax (260) 432-1758
E-mail us

Phone & Retail Store Hours:
9–9 Monday–Thursday
9–8 Friday
9–7 Saturday
(All hours listed are Eastern Time.)

© 2013 Sweetwater Sound Inc. All rights reserved. Please read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Links | Press Releases