Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore

Andy Whitmore (andy@andywhitmore.com)
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🎹 Synth Icons is the podcast where legendary keyboards come back to life. Hosted by producer and synth expert Andy Whitmore, each episode dives into the world’s most iconic synthesizers — from the lush analog power of the Yamaha CS-80, to the digital sparkle of the DX7, to the unmistakable sounds of the Korg M1. Andy recreates famous riffs, compares hardware to modern software emulations, and reveals the stories, sounds, and production secrets behind the instruments that shaped pop, film, and electronic music. If you're a synth enthusiast, a producer, or just love classic hits, Synth Icons lets you hear the legends for yourself. 👉 Follow for more synth deep-dives, blind tests, and studio stories. 🎧 Watch the full video versions on YouTube → @AndyWhitmore

  1. The Synths That Defined the 80s/90s (10 Hits Recreated: Full Tracks + Riffs) - Remastered

    2d ago

    The Synths That Defined the 80s/90s (10 Hits Recreated: Full Tracks + Riffs) - Remastered

    Send us Fan Mail You know these riffs — but do you know which synths played them? I recreate 10 iconic tracks/hooks on the original (or closest practical) keyboards: DX7, Korg M1, JD-800, JP-8080, Jupiter-4, Prophet-5 and more — with quick narration before each performance. This is a performance-based recreation: I’m playing the parts, rebuilding the patches, and giving a quick intro to each track — then straight into the music. Accuracy note: Some originals are well-documented; others vary by source or studio method. Where a part is recreated on a closely related synth (or a plug-in), I’ve stated it clearly below. Watch the full video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eeRGPLkKNEg Tina Turner — What’s Love Got To Do With It (1 min edit)  Fender Rhodes + DX7 (flute) + Roland MKS-80 pads + Minimoog bass (played live to match the original line) + harmonica solo The Prodigy — Poison (riff)  Recreated on Roland JD-800 (JD-era Prodigy texture recreation) Depeche Mode — Just Can’t Get Enough (intro + verse 1)  Roland Jupiter-4 for bass/lead + Korg Rhythm 55B style drums Usher — Yeah! (riff)  Nord Lead 3 recreation of the classic intro hook Nightcrawlers — Push The Feeling On (track)  TR-909 drums + 3x Korg M1 parts: sax lick, organ riff, and the string riff from the MK Mix vibe  Prince — When Doves Cry (track)  DX7 mallet sound + LM-1 style drum recreation D-Train — You’re The One For Me (track)  Prophet-5 parts + LinnDrum drum recreation Darude — Sandstorm (riff)  JP-8080 recreation of the classic synth string hook The Prodigy — Charly (track)  Alpha Juno lead + full backing recreation Mouse on Mars — Future Dub (track)  All parts recreated using JD-800 plug-in (Roland Cloud) Tina Turner — What’s Love Got To Do With It (full version)  Full-length recreation using the same keyboard/synth setup as Track 1 Chapters / timestamps 0:00 Intro  0:24 Tina Turner — What’s Love Got To Do With It (1 min edit)  1:31 The Prodigy — Poison  1:57 Depeche Mode — Just Can’t Get Enough  2:46 Usher — Yeah!  3:02 Nightcrawlers — Push The Feeling On  3:53 Prince — When Doves Cry  4:29 D-Train — You’re The One For Me  5:58 Darude — Sandstorm  6:34 The Prodigy — Charly  7:11 Mouse on Mars — Future Dub  7:45 Tina Turner — What’s Love Got To Do With It (full version)  9:38 Outro Thanks @SamB-z4r (YouTube) for engineering 🔧 Work with Andy · Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ · Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ 📲 Connect with Andy · YouTube: @AndyWhitmore  · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic · TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 Support the show Comment prompt: Which riff surprised you most — and which synth did you think it was? Support the show

    11 min
  2. 20 Greatest Synth Riffs Ever — Original CS-80, Minimoog, DX7, Juno & More - Remastered

    5d ago

    20 Greatest Synth Riffs Ever — Original CS-80, Minimoog, DX7, Juno & More - Remastered

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I play 20 of the greatest synth riffs ever, recreated on the original synths and classic keyboards that helped make them famous. From huge dance anthems to 80s synth-pop classics, rock keyboard hooks and legendary soundtrack themes, this episode brings together some of the most recognisable synth sounds in modern music. Featured tracks include: Darude – Sandstorm Faithless – Insomnia The Prodigy – Charly Robin S – Show Me Love Queen – The Show Must Go On Underworld – Born Slippy .NUXX Harold Faltermeyer – Axel F Europe – The Final Countdown Black Box – Ride on Time Crystal Waters – Gypsy Woman Human Resource – Dominator Second Phase – Mentasm Depeche Mode – Just Can’t Get Enough The Human League – Don’t You Want Me Madonna – Holiday Bronski Beat – Smalltown Boy Michael Jackson – Thriller Vangelis – Chariots of Fire Gary Numan – Are “Friends” Electric? Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond The instruments featured include the Minimoog, Roland JP-8080, Roland JD-800, Roland Alpha Juno-1, Korg M1, Roland Juno-106, Roland Jupiter-4, Roland Jupiter-8, Yamaha DX7, Yamaha CS-80, Logan String Machine, and Korg Rhythm 55B drum machine. No generic preset run-throughs — these are hands-on recreations using the original synths and keyboards wherever possible. Played, recorded and recreated by Andy Whitmore at Greystoke Studio. Watch the full video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore Podcast website: https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com Work with Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 Support the show

    11 min
  3. Top 11 Most Expensive Synthesisers in the World (GX-1, CS-80, Moog & Jupiter-8) - Remastered

    Jun 6

    Top 11 Most Expensive Synthesisers in the World (GX-1, CS-80, Moog & Jupiter-8) - Remastered

    Send us Fan Mail A fast countdown of the 11 most valuable synthesizers of all time — famous owners, iconic tracks, and the wild prices behind the GX-1, CS-80, Moog modular systems, Jupiter-8 and more. Welcome to the top 11 most valuable synths of all time. From the Yamaha CS-80 to the legendary Yamaha GX-1, this episode counts down the rarest, most iconic synthesizers ever made — the ones with the biggest reputations and the most stratospheric values. You’ll hear the famous owners, classic songs they’re associated with, and what makes each machine special — including the EMS Synthi AKS, Roland Jupiter-8, Moog Model 15, Analogue Solutions Colossus, Polyfusion System 2000, Moog System 55, Yamaha DX1, EMS Synthi 100, and the ultra-rare Emerson Moog Modular System. Chapters: ·       Intro ·       EMS Synthi AKS ·       Roland Jupiter-8 ·       Moog Model 15 ·       Analogue Solutions Colossus ·       Yamaha CS-80 ·       Polyfusion System 2000 ·       Moog System 55 ·       Yamaha DX1 ·       EMS Synthi 100 ·       Emerson Moog Modular System ·       Yamaha GX-1 ·       Summary / Outro 💥 YouTube: @AndyWhitmore  🧢 Website: andywhitmore.com  🎛 Studio: greystokestudio.com If you enjoyed it, leave a comment or review — your comments are our oxygen. 🎧 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/ ·       Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/   📲 Connect with Andy ·       YouTube: @AndyWhitmore ·       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ ·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic ·       TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 Support the show

    14 min
  4. 20 Greatest Synth Solos — CS-80, Minimoog, Jupiter-8 & More - Remastered

    Jun 4

    20 Greatest Synth Solos — CS-80, Minimoog, Jupiter-8 & More - Remastered

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I perform 20 of the greatest synth solos using real hardware from my studio collection, including the Yamaha CS-80, Minimoog Model D, Roland Jupiter-8, Prophet-5, Yamaha CS-40M, EMS Synthi AKS, Yamaha DX7 and Roland JD-800. This episode focuses on proper synth solo moments — not just riffs, hooks or backing parts — where the synthesizer steps forward as the lead instrument. Featured tracks include Queen — I Want to Break Free, Tina Turner — Nutbush City Limits, Pink Floyd — Run Like Hell, Rush — Tom Sawyer, Pink Floyd — Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Howard Jones — New Song, Ultravox — Sleepwalk, The Prodigy — Their Law, Rick Wakeman — Catherine of Aragon, Quincy Jones — Betcha’ Wouldn’t Hurt Me, Return to Forever / Chick Corea — The Endless Night and more. Featured synths include the Roland Jupiter-8, Minimoog Model D, Prophet-5, Yamaha CS-80, Yamaha CS-40M, EMS Synthi AKS, Yamaha DX7 and Roland JD-800. If you love vintage synthesizers, classic keyboard solos, real hardware synths, progressive rock, synth-pop, funk, electronic music and iconic keyboard performances, this episode is for you. Short Summary 20 classic synth solos performed on real hardware, featuring the Yamaha CS-80, Minimoog Model D, Roland Jupiter-8, Prophet-5, EMS Synthi AKS, Yamaha CS-40M, Yamaha DX7 and Roland JD-800. Played, recorded and recreated by Andy Whitmore at Greystoke Studio. Watch the full video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore Podcast website: https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com Work with Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 Support the show Support the show

    14 min
  5. 20 Greatest Michael Jackson Keyboard Parts — CS-80, DX7 & More-Remastered

    Jun 3

    20 Greatest Michael Jackson Keyboard Parts — CS-80, DX7 & More-Remastered

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I recreate 20 of the greatest keyboard and synth parts from Michael Jackson songs, performed on original vintage synthesizers and keyboards associated with those classic recordings. From the analogue warmth of the Minimoog, Yamaha CS-80 and Roland Jupiter-8, to the digital sounds of the Yamaha DX7, Roland D-50 and Korg M1, this episode follows the evolution of Michael Jackson’s iconic keyboard production across Off The Wall, Thriller, Bad and Dangerous. Featured tracks include Billie Jean, Thriller, Human Nature, Beat It, Rock With You, Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough, Remember The Time, Dirty Diana, Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, P.Y.T., Man in the Mirror and more. All parts were recreated and performed using original hardware synthesizers and keyboards from my studio collection. Featured synthesizers and keyboards include the Yamaha CS-80, Minimoog Model D, Roland Jupiter-4, Roland Jupiter-8, Yamaha DX7, Roland D-50, Korg M1, Oberheim Xpander, Rhodes piano, Steinway Model O grand piano and more. Featured tracks include: Remember The Time  Human Nature  Speed Demon  Billie Jean  Thriller  Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough  Rock With You  Dirty Diana  Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’  Beat It  Another Part of Me  P.Y.T.  Baby Be Mine  Workin’ Day and Night  I Can’t Help It  Man in the Mirror  The Girl Is Mine  Will You Be There  She’s Out of My Life  The Lady in My Life Buzzsprout Episode Subtitle 20 iconic Michael Jackson keyboard and synth parts recreated on original vintage gear Buzzsprout Tags Michael Jackson, synths, synthesizers, keyboards, CS-80, DX7, Minimoog, D-50, Korg M1, Jupiter-8, Rhodes, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, Off The Wall, vintage synths, keyboard player, synth riffs, music production Played, recorded and recreated by Andy Whitmore at Greystoke Studio. Watch the full video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore Podcast website: https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com Work with Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 Support the show Support the show

    10 min
  6. 20 Greatest Michael Jackson Keyboard Parts — CS-80, DX7 & More

    May 28

    20 Greatest Michael Jackson Keyboard Parts — CS-80, DX7 & More

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I recreate 20 of the greatest keyboard and synth parts from Michael Jackson songs, performed on original vintage synthesizers and keyboards associated with those classic recordings. From the analogue warmth of the Minimoog, Yamaha CS-80 and Roland Jupiter-8, to the digital sounds of the Yamaha DX7, Roland D-50 and Korg M1, this episode follows the evolution of Michael Jackson’s iconic keyboard production across Off The Wall, Thriller, Bad and Dangerous. Featured tracks include Billie Jean, Thriller, Human Nature, Beat It, Rock With You, Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough, Remember The Time, Dirty Diana, Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, P.Y.T., Man in the Mirror and more. All parts were recreated and performed using original hardware synthesizers and keyboards from my studio collection. Featured synthesizers and keyboards include the Yamaha CS-80, Minimoog Model D, Roland Jupiter-4, Roland Jupiter-8, Yamaha DX7, Roland D-50, Korg M1, Oberheim Xpander, Rhodes piano, Steinway Model O grand piano and more. Featured tracks include: Remember The Time  Human Nature  Speed Demon  Billie Jean  Thriller  Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough  Rock With You  Dirty Diana  Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’  Beat It  Another Part of Me  P.Y.T.  Baby Be Mine  Workin’ Day and Night  I Can’t Help It  Man in the Mirror  The Girl Is Mine  Will You Be There  She’s Out of My Life  The Lady in My Life Buzzsprout Episode Subtitle 20 iconic Michael Jackson keyboard and synth parts recreated on original vintage gear Buzzsprout Tags Michael Jackson, synths, synthesizers, keyboards, CS-80, DX7, Minimoog, D-50, Korg M1, Jupiter-8, Rhodes, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, Off The Wall, vintage synths, keyboard player, synth riffs, music production Played, recorded and recreated by Andy Whitmore at Greystoke Studio. Watch the full video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore Podcast website: https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com Work with Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 Support the show Support the show

    10 min
  7. 20 Greatest Synth Riffs Ever — Original CS-80, Minimoog, DX7, Juno & More

    May 21

    20 Greatest Synth Riffs Ever — Original CS-80, Minimoog, DX7, Juno & More

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I play 20 of the greatest synth riffs ever, recreated on the original synths and classic keyboards that helped make them famous. From huge dance anthems to 80s synth-pop classics, rock keyboard hooks and legendary soundtrack themes, this episode brings together some of the most recognisable synth sounds in modern music. Featured tracks include: Darude – Sandstorm Faithless – Insomnia The Prodigy – Charly Robin S – Show Me Love Queen – The Show Must Go On Underworld – Born Slippy .NUXX Harold Faltermeyer – Axel F Europe – The Final Countdown Black Box – Ride on Time Crystal Waters – Gypsy Woman Human Resource – Dominator Second Phase – Mentasm Depeche Mode – Just Can’t Get Enough The Human League – Don’t You Want Me Madonna – Holiday Bronski Beat – Smalltown Boy Michael Jackson – Thriller Vangelis – Chariots of Fire Gary Numan – Are “Friends” Electric? Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond The instruments featured include the Minimoog, Roland JP-8080, Roland JD-800, Roland Alpha Juno-1, Korg M1, Roland Juno-106, Roland Jupiter-4, Roland Jupiter-8, Yamaha DX7, Yamaha CS-80, Logan String Machine, and Korg Rhythm 55B drum machine. No generic preset run-throughs — these are hands-on recreations using the original synths and keyboards wherever possible. Played, recorded and recreated by Andy Whitmore at Greystoke Studio. Watch the full video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore Podcast website: https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com Work with Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 Support the show

    11 min
  8. Can You Tell Which Is the Real Alpha Juno?

    May 15

    Can You Tell Which Is the Real Alpha Juno?

    Send us Fan Mail A blind Hoover sound test comparing the real Roland Alpha Juno-1 against Roland Cloud Zenology Pro. Can you tell which one is the real hardware? Can you tell the difference between the real Roland Alpha Juno-1 and Roland Cloud Zenology Pro? In this episode, I turn the classic Hoover sound comparison into a blind test. You’ll hear the same famous Hoover riffs played twice — one version is the real Roland Alpha Juno-1, the other is Roland Cloud — but you won’t know which is which until the reveal. The sound is the legendary “WhatThe” preset from the Roland Alpha Juno, better known as the Hoover sound: one of the most aggressive, detuned and instantly recognisable synth sounds in rave, hardcore, jungle and techno history. Keep score as you listen and see how many you can get right. Featured Hoover riffs include: Human Resource – Dominator Second Phase – Mentasm 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 Played, recorded and recreated by Andy Whitmore at Greystoke Studio. Roland Alpha Juno, Alpha Juno-1, Alpha Juno-2, Roland Cloud, Zenology Pro, Hoover sound, WhatThe preset, What The preset, blind test, synth blind test, hardware vs software, VST vs hardware, rave synth, hardcore synth, jungle synth, techno synth, oldskool rave, 90s rave, classic rave, famous riffs, vintage synth, Roland synth, electronic music, dance music, Human Resource, Dominator, Second Phase, Mentasm, The Prodigy, Charly Listen / watch more For more synth breakdowns, famous riff recreations and classic keyboard content, visit Andy Whitmore online. Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ TikTok: 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 Support the show

    11 min
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About

🎹 Synth Icons is the podcast where legendary keyboards come back to life. Hosted by producer and synth expert Andy Whitmore, each episode dives into the world’s most iconic synthesizers — from the lush analog power of the Yamaha CS-80, to the digital sparkle of the DX7, to the unmistakable sounds of the Korg M1. Andy recreates famous riffs, compares hardware to modern software emulations, and reveals the stories, sounds, and production secrets behind the instruments that shaped pop, film, and electronic music. If you're a synth enthusiast, a producer, or just love classic hits, Synth Icons lets you hear the legends for yourself. 👉 Follow for more synth deep-dives, blind tests, and studio stories. 🎧 Watch the full video versions on YouTube → @AndyWhitmore

Information

  • Creator
    Andy Whitmore (andy@andywhitmore.com)
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore
  • Show Website
    Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore

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