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

    5d ago

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Yamaha CS-40M – 9 Famous Songs, 27 Classic Synth Parts

    May 9

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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/ 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

    9 min
  5. 13 Famous Hoover Riffs You Know Instantly!

    Apr 27

    13 Famous Hoover Riffs You Know Instantly!

    Send us Fan Mail 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

    5 min
  6. Roland Jupiter-4: 8 Famous Songs You Know Instantly

    Apr 16

    Roland Jupiter-4: 8 Famous Songs You Know Instantly

    Send us Fan Mail 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

    4 min
  7. Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon | Richard Wright Keyboard Sounds

    Apr 10

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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

    10 min
  8. Roland Jupiter-8: 40 Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were Jupiter-8)

    Mar 19

    Roland Jupiter-8: 40 Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were Jupiter-8)

    Send us Fan Mail Roland Jupiter-8: 40 Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were Jupiter-8) Andy Whitmore explores 40 iconic riffs played on the legendary Roland Jupiter-8, recreating famous brass hooks, pads, leads, basses and sequences from classic tracks by Europe, Harold Faltermeyer, Billy Idol, Duran Duran, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Journey, The Human League, Depeche Mode and more. In this episode, Andy dives into the unmistakable sound of the Roland Jupiter-8 by recreating 40 famous riffs you almost certainly know but may not have realised were played on one of the most legendary analogue synths ever made. From The Final Countdown and Axel F to Rebel Yell, Relax, Save a Prayer, Obsession, Mirror Man, 19, A Question of Lust and more, this is a fast-moving tour through the brass sounds, silky pads, biting unison leads, basses and sequences that made the Jupiter-8 such an important part of late-70s and 80s music. Everything you hear is played on Andy’s original Roland Jupiter-8. No software, no emulations, just the real instrument. If you love classic synths, iconic records, and finding out what was really used on famous tracks, this one is for you. What you’ll hear in this episode Huge Jupiter-8 brass sounds Classic analogue pads and strings Unison leads and synth hooks Basses, drones and arpeggiated parts 40 famous riffs recreated on the original synth Featured artists include Europe, Harold Faltermeyer, Billy Idol, Duran Duran, Animotion, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Journey, Tangerine Dream, The Human League, Paul Hardcastle, Depeche Mode, Blancmange, Queen, Howard Jones, Simple Minds, Michael Jackson and Tears for Fears. Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:54 Europe - The Final Countdown - Brass Lead / Pad 1:23 Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F - Main Riff 1:38 Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F - Brass Stab Riff 1:48 Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F - Bell Drop / Swell / White Noise 1:53 Animotion - Obsession - Brass 2:15 Animotion - Obsession - Flute 2:31 Billy Idol - Rebel Yell - Plucked Sound 2:39 Billy Idol - Rebel Yell - Sequence 2:51 Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax - String Intro / Sync Lead 3:22 Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax - Deep Bass Drop / Brass Riff 3:36 Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax - Bass / String Drop 3:56 Duran Duran - Hungry Like the Wolf - Sequence 4:16 Duran Duran - Save a Prayer - Intro Arpeggiator / Unison Lead 4:46 Journey - Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) - Intro Sequence 4:58 Tangerine Dream - White Eagle - Random Arpeggiator 5:37 The Human League - Mirror Man - Pad / Swell Pad / String Line 5:54 The Human League - Mirror Man - Stab Part 6:11 Paul Hardcastle - 19 - Bells / String Pad 6:32 Depeche Mode - My Secret Garden - Brass Lick 6:44 Depeche Mode - A Question of Lust - Sound FX Intro / Bass 7:05 Blancmange - Blind Vision - Flute 7:24 Blancmange - Blind Vision - Brass Lick 7:27 Queen - I Want to Break Free - Strings Intro 7:44 Queen - I Want to Break Free - Jupiter-8 Synth Solo amped through Fender Twin Reverb 8:14 Howard Jones - What Is Love? - Brass 8:31 Howard Jones - What Is Love? - Synth Solo 8:45 Simple Minds - Don’t You (Forget About Me) - Brass Lick 9:06 Michael Jackson - Thriller - Intro Brass Pad 9:25 Tears for Fears - Mad World - Bass Intro 9:43 Tears for Fears - Mad World - Organ Part 10:02 Tears for Fears - Pale Shelter - Bass Arpeggiator Intro 10:36 Outro Listen / watch more For more synth breakdowns, famous riff recreations and classic keyboard content, visit Andy Whitmore online. Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ Support the show

    12 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
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Synth Icons
  • Show Website
    Synth Icons