Synth Icons

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

    1H AGO

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

    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
  2. Roland JD-800 Plug-In vs Real JD-800 (Iconic Riffs A/B Test)

    FEB 5

    Roland JD-800 Plug-In vs Real JD-800 (Iconic Riffs A/B Test)

    A straight A/B test: iconic riffs played first on the Roland Cloud JD-800 plug-in, then on my real vintage JD-800—same parts, same context, no tricks. Can you hear a difference? Roland JD-800 plug-in vs real JD-800 hardware sound comparison. In this episode I do a proper A/B test: the Roland Cloud JD-800 versus the original vintage Roland JD-800 hardware. Here’s the format: for each track you’ll hear two quick clips—first the plug-in, then the real JD-800—using the same riff/lick and the same musical idea so you can judge the differences (or similarities) for yourself. The JD-800 is one of the most iconic early-90s digital synths: bright, “produced,” and instantly recognisable for aggressive leads, glassy keys, and expressive patches. Featured A/B riffs from: ·       The Prodigy — “Voodoo People” (Wailing Guitar 15 / snarling riff) ·       Depeche Mode — “In Your Room” (intro bass motif) ·       Prince & The New Power Generation — “Damn U” (“Crystal Rhodes”) ·       Prince & The New Power Generation — “7” (Iceman intro → weird FX) ·       The Prodigy — “Their Law” (wailing guitar part) ·       Genesis — “I Can’t Dance” (“Bruiser Tines”) Question for you: Which one fooled you? Which version do you actually prefer—plug-in or hardware? Leave your pick in the comments, and tell me what synth A/B test 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/ ·       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

    7 min
  3. Korg M1: 21 Iconic Riffs You Know (But Forgot Existed!)

    JAN 29

    Korg M1: 21 Iconic Riffs You Know (But Forgot Existed!)

    Pure nostalgia and pure presets: the Korg M1 — one of the most recognisable keyboards of all time — and 21 famous parts you’ve definitely heard on records. This is the talky companion to my YouTube riffs video. In the video I reveal the song name + the preset before I play each part, so this isn’t a guessing game. It’s more like: here’s the sound, why it matters, and what to listen for. Important note: these are M1 recreations / M1-style parts. That doesn’t automatically mean the original record used only a Korg M1 — many tracks were layered with other synths, samplers and effects. The goal here is to spotlight the signature M1 character: Piano 16’, Organ 2, Choir, pads, and that famous Slap Bass. If you want a Part 3, tell me what to include: artist + track + the exact section you want recreated (timestamp appreciated). Intro Black Box — I Don’t Know Anybody Else — I01 Piano 16' Robin S — Luv 4 Luv — I17 Organ 2 N-Joi — Anthem — I01 Piano 16' Sabrina Johnston — Peace — I01 Piano 16' Nightcrawlers — Surrender Your Love — I17 Organ 2 Kraze — The Party — I01 Piano 16' 49ers — Touch Me — I01 Piano 16' Sandra — Hiroshima — I00 Universe Tasmin Archer — Sleeping Satellite — I30 Lore Law & Order Theme — I46 Slap Bass Madonna — Vogue — I01 Piano 16' Aerosmith — Janie’s Got a Gun — I46 Slap Bass OMD — Sailing on the Seven Seas — I00 Universe (not confirmed) OMD — Pandora’s Box — I23 Choir OMD — Call My Name — I23 Choir Awesome 3 — Don’t Go — I01 Piano 16' Dream Frequency — Feel So Real — I01 Piano 16' M.A.N.I.C. — I’m Comin’ Hardcore — I01 Piano 16' Jaydee — Plastic Dreams — I17 Organ 2 Playahitty — The Summer Is Magic — I17 Organ 2 Whigfield — Gimmie Gimmie — I17 Organ 2 Summary A fast, talky companion to my YouTube riffs video: 21 instantly recognisable Korg M1-style hooks with the presets explained and called out up front.   🎧 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

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

    JAN 25

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

    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/ ·       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

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

    JAN 15

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

    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 IntroParliament — 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)OutroIf 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/ ·       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

    13 min
  6. The Yamaha CS-80 Explained Through 28 Famous Riffs

    JAN 10

    The Yamaha CS-80 Explained Through 28 Famous Riffs

    Yamaha CS-80 — 28 Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were CS-80) The Yamaha CS-80 is one of the most expressive analog synthesizers ever made — and its sound is hiding in plain sight across classic pop, rock, TV themes, and film scores. In this episode, I’m playing 28 famous riffs you definitely know, all recreated on the Yamaha CS-80. From lush string pads and bold brass lines to flute-style leads and expressive glides, this is a tour of just how wide-ranging — and musical — the CS-80 really is. All parts are played on the CS-80 itself, using light, record-style effects where needed to match the original vibe. Use the chapter markers to jump between songs, and listen closely to how often this synth shows up in places you might not expect. Intro  Kate Bush – “Babooshka” Intro Lead  Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder – “Ebony and Ivory” Lead Synth  Doctor Who (Peter Howell, 1980s) Signature Sting  Doctor Who (Peter Howell, 1980s) Theme Bass  Toto – “Takin’ It Back” Sine Glissando Pad  Toto – “Africa” Brass Pad  Toto – “Rosanna” Brass Pad  ELO – “Time / Prologue” String Intro  Genesis – “Behind the Lines” Intro Brass (may have been Quadra)  10cc – “Tokyo” String Pad  10cc – “Tokyo” Flute Line  ELO – “Twilight” Brass Line  Michael Jackson – “Human Nature” Brass Pad  Paul McCartney – “Wonderful Xmas Time” Middle 8 Lick  Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder – “Ebony and Ivory” Intro Brass  Kate Bush – “Babooshka” Flute Glide  10cc – “Dreadlock Holiday” Lead Line  10cc – “For You and I” String Pad  ELO – “Yours Truly, 2095” Flute Line  Quincy Jones – “Betcha’ Wouldn’t Hurt Me” Lead Synth  Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean” String Part  10cc – “For You and I” Flute Line  Bruce Springsteen – “Born in the USA” Intro Synth Chordal Melody  Prefab Sprout – “If You Don’t Love Me” Intro Brass  Genesis – “Duchess” String Glide  Genesis – “Duchess” Pluck Line  Genesis – “Turn It On Again” Brass Line  Paul McCartney – “Wonderful Xmas Time” CS-80 Solo  Outro & Summary Questions for you: Which riff did you recognise instantly?Which one surprised you the most?And which synth should I cover next?If you enjoy these quick-fire famous riff episodes, check out my other synth specials and let me know what you’d like to hear next. 🎧 More Synth Icons episodes: Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly KnowRoland 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: @AndyWhitmoreInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusicTikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583🔧 Need professional production, mixing, or mastering?  🎧 Work with Andy Whitmore → andywhitmore.com Support the show

    12 min
  7. Roland Jupiter-8 – 20 Hidden 80s Synth Gems (Queen, Prince, Tears for Fears + more!)

    JAN 1

    Roland Jupiter-8 – 20 Hidden 80s Synth Gems (Queen, Prince, Tears for Fears + more!)

    In this Synth Icons episode, Andy Whitmore powers up the legendary Roland Jupiter-8 to uncover 20 hidden 80s synth gems. From shimmering pads and string intros to bold brass, sequences and moody bass lines, every sound you hear comes straight from Andy’s own Jupiter-8 – no plugins, no emulations, just authentic analogue. 🎧 Riffs & tracks featured: Queen – I Want to Break Free (strings intro, solo + sequence stabs)Howard Jones – What Is Love? (brass & synth solo)Duran Duran – Save a Prayer (sequence and lead lines)Prince – 1999 (Jupiter-8 brass intro)Simple Minds – Don’t You (Forget About Me) (brass lick)Michael Jackson – Thriller (intro pad)Pet Shop Boys – West End Girls (strings + bass)Tears for Fears – Mad World (bass intro & organ part)Tears for Fears – Pale Shelter (bass intro)Tears for Fears – Everybody Wants to Rule the World (main pad)Each part is played note-for-note from the original recordings, showing why the Jupiter-8 became one of the most loved polysynths of the 80s. 🎹 More Synth Icons episodes: Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly KnowRoland 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)Yamaha DX7, Prophet-5 and more classic synth deep-dives✏️ 1-to-1 lessons & mentoring If you want one-to-one lessons on how to program or produce in Logic Pro – or you’d like help programming synths, analogue or VST – head over to Andy’s website and get in touch. 📲 Connect with Andy YouTube: @AndyWhitmoreInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusicTikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583If you enjoy this Jupiter-8 special, follow the Synth Icons podcast, leave a rating or review, and let Andy know which synth – or which artist – you’d like to hear next. Support the show

    9 min
  8. Synth Icon: Roland Juno-106 – The Hit Machine (15 Iconic Riffs)

    12/25/2025

    Synth Icon: Roland Juno-106 – The Hit Machine (15 Iconic Riffs)

    The Roland Juno-106 has been quietly sneaking onto hit records for decades. In this Synth Icon episode, I put it front and centre and show you why it became a true studio workhorse. I’ll play you 15 famous basslines, pads and leads from artists like Underworld, Daft Punk, Madonna, Tame Impala, The Weeknd, Com Truise, Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein (Stranger Things) and more – all recreated live on my Juno-106 in the studio. No samples, no stems, just the real hardware with some chorus and FX. Along the way we talk about why the 106 keeps turning up on records, how producers layer it with other Junos and synths, and what makes its chorus, filter and envelopes so addictive. Riffs featured in this episode (in order): ·  The Weeknd – Blinding Lights ·  Underworld – Born Slippy (Nuxx) Part A ·  Underworld – Born Slippy (Nuxx) Part B ·  Daft Punk – Around the World ·  Stranger Things – Kids ·  Daft Punk – Voyager ·  Charlie Puth – BOY ·  Tame Impala – Nangs ·  808 State – Pacific State ·  Dr. Alban – No Coke ·  Com Truise – Memory ·  Talk Talk – It’s My Life ·  Daft Punk – Rollin’ & Scratchin’ ·  Madonna – Ray of Light ·  Tame Impala – Eventually   Listen with headphones if you can – there’s a lot of chorus movement, filter detail and low-end weight that phone speakers won’t give you. Tell me in the comments / reviews: Which Juno-106 riff surprised you most?Which synth should I feature next in the Synth Icon series – Juno-60, JD-800, DX7, M1… or something weirder?🎧 Watch the live performance video on YouTube: search for “The Juno-106 Hit Machine | 15 Iconic Riffs – Andy Whitmore” - https://youtu.be/KzA9ZHBn06M 🔗 For more synth demos, recreations and deep dives, check out my YouTube channel and socials in the show notes - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0Dj_f71KJlNyPbuR4efYpxQXUtmRuX5B&si=voZg2MznmUrowl11 🎧 More Synth Icons episodes: Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly KnowRoland 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: @AndyWhitmoreInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusicTikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583🔧 Need professional production, mixing, or mastering?  🎧 Work with Andy Whitmore → andywhitmore.com Support the show

    6 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
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Synth Icons
  • Show Website
    Synth Icons

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