Best Vintage Analog Synthesizers

Introduction

Analog synthesizers ruled the music world throughout the 1970s, 80s, and into the 90s by providing the quintessential sounds of electronic music. Classic instruments from Minimoog, Roland, Korg, Yamaha, and other pioneers became synonymous with genres like synth pop, new wave, electro, Krautrock, and film soundtracks.

Even with digital synthesis and software gaining prevalence, vintage analogs retain cult appeal. Their hands-on control, rich warm tones, and unique imperfections give timeless character. This guide explores the most influential, innovative, and best sounding analog synths from yesteryear – from polyphonic powerhouses to monophonic masterpieces. Let’s delve into the classics that produced the iconic music of eras past and still delight musicians today.

Key Takeaways:

• Pioneers like Moog and ARP popularized synthesis in the 1960s and 70s.
• Analog designs used oscillators, filters, envelopes to shape electronic sound.
• Mono synths dominated early, then polyphonic models gained popularity.
• Digital and software synths gradually took over by the 1990s.
• Vintage analogs are still prized for warmth, playability, and retro appeal.

What Makes Analog Synths Unique?

Analog synthesizers use continually variable electronic circuits and signals to generate and shape sound, producing several signature traits:

• Warmth – The natural circuit distortion adds pleasing harmonics and grit.
• Instability – Components drift leading to pitch instability and quirks.
• Expression – The knobs and switches invite hands-on experimentation.
• Limitations – Constraining creative choices can boost innovation.

Later digital synths use cleaner and more stable sound generation, but many musicians cherish the organic qualities of analogs. Let’s explore the pioneering instruments that defined the technology.

Early Innovators and Popularizers

The earliest synthesizers were enormous modular systems only universities could afford. But smaller instruments soon brought synthesis to the masses:

1964 – Moog Modular Synthesizer

• Robert Moog’s ambitious modular system required massive rooms.
• Formed from diverse modules patched together.
• The groundwork for standard analog synthesizer components.

1970 – Minimoog

• Portable pre-wired synthesizer for stage and studios.
• Brought Moog sounds out of the lab into live music.
• Monophonic – only played one note at a time.

1970 – ARP 2600

• Flexible semi-modular analog synth with integrated design.
• Duophonic – allowed two simultaneous notes.
• Patch cables expanded sound design options.

Moog and ARP’s creations made analog synthesis widely accessible and popularized electronic music.

Monophonic Masterpieces

The earliest breakthrough analogs focused on monophonic lead and bass sounds:

1978 – Korg MS-20

• Versatile monophonic analog synth and a hit with electronic artists.
• Two oscillators plus noise generator provided lush sounds.
• Patch panel enabled complex modulation options.

1978 – Moog Prodigy

• Moog’s portable and affordable synth for amateurs and students.
• Single oscillator and filter but fully patchable.
• Accessible price helped democratize synthesis.

1978 – Sequential Circuits Prophet-5

• The first microprocessor-based polyphonic synth.
• Used digital controls for analog sound generation.
• More stable tuning than earlier analogs.

1980 – Roland SH-101

• Portable monosynth ideal for melodic bass and lead sounds.
• Flexible controls encouraged experimentation.
• Built-in arpeggiator and sequencer.

These instruments dominated the late 1970s with bold lead melodies and fat basses laying rhythmic foundations.

Synths for the Masses

More consumer-friendly analogs brought synthesizers into affordable reach:

1975 – Moog Opus 3

• Rare monophonic synth marketed to amateurs for under $500.
• Pre-patched architecture simplified sound design.

1981 – Korg Polysix

• First polysynth targeted for mass consumption.
• Six voice polyphony and built-in effects.
• Clean and friendly interface.

1982 – Roland Juno-6

• Affordable polysynth for amateurs and professionals.
• Six voices of polyphony.
• Chorus effect thickened its sound signature.

1983 – Yamaha DX7

• First mass-market digital synth based on FM synthesis.
• Over 200,000 units sold thanks to price under $2000.

These synths made complex synthesis broadly accessible and began the move towards digitization.

Soundtrack Staples

The versatile tones of analogs made them ideal for movie and game music needs:

1975 – ARP String Ensemble

• Unique ensemble effect recreate orchestral strings.
• Created lush backing chords for soundtracks.

1976 – Oberheim OB-X

• Hugely flexible analog polysynth used across film scores.
• Layer and program sounds with its dual oscillators.

1977 – Polymoog

• Massive polyphonic analog famous for ethereal sweeps.
• 71-note weighted keyboard added expressiveness.

1979 – Yamaha CS-80

• Giant eight-voice polyphonic analog synth.
• Signature sounds featured in Vangelis’ Blade Runner and Chariots of Fire scores.

Their evocative timbres and programming helped drive analogs into the film and game industry.

Budget Beauties

Less expensive home analog synths democratized synth access in the 1980s:

1980 – Korg MS-10

• Monophonic sibling of the MS-20 at half the price.
• Cut costs but retained solid analog sound.

1980 – Roland SH-09

• Ultra compact and minimal monosynth for home producers.
• Versatile despite limitations from simplification.

1982 – Casio VL-1

• The first affordable commercial digital synth at under $100.
• Ability to save and load patches.
• Initial foray into digital before MIDI.

1983 – Casiotone MT-40

• Polyphonic home keyboard with drum patterns.
• Brought multi-voice synths into living rooms.

Even with lower prices, these models produced useable sounds exploring nascent digital technology.

Hybrid Powerhouses

Advancing capabilities blended analog and digital technologies:

1981 – E-MU Emulator

• One of the first mass-produced samplers.
• Allowed sampling snippets of real sounds alongside synthesis.

1981 – Fairlight CMI

• Digital sampler with pioneering graphics and editing.
• Used by artists like Herbie Hancock and Kate Bush.

1983 – Yamaha DX7

• Digital FM synthesis generated complex new timbres.
• MIDI integration made it integral to many studios.

1983 – Prophet VS

• Combined vector analog synthesis with digital control.
• Massive polyphonic sound design abilities.

As digitization took hold, hybrid instruments opened new creative possibilities.

The Rise of MIDI and Polyphony

Two key developments helped drive analog synthesizers by the 1980s:

MIDI

The MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) protocol standardized communication between instruments and computers. This inter-connectivity sparked an explosion of creativity.

Polyphony

Earlier analog synths could generally play only one note simultaneously. New polyphonic designs allowed lush chords advancing keyboard parts.

These changes coincided with the apex of analog prevalence before eventual digital dominance. But their legacy and appeal persists today.

Modern Love for Vintage Analogs

Despite advanced digital technologies now available, vintage analog synths still attract contemporary musicians seeking:

• Warmth and richness – The natural circuit overdrive adds depth.
• Hands-on control – Knobs and sliders provide tangible interaction.
• Inspiring limitations – Fixed parameters force creative problem solving.
• Signature sounds – Each model has sonic qualities all its own.
• Retro cred – Analog gear radiates old-school authenticity.

For these reasons, seminal instruments like the Minimoog, Prophet-5, and SH-101 hold up their stature and value.

Notable Artists and Usage

Analog synthesizers permeated virtually every electronic genre as both sound design and compositional tools:

Pop – Synth pop bands used rich polyphonic textures in infectious hooks and hits.

Rock – Groups like Pink Floyd and Rush wove analog synths into progressive rock anthems.

Krautrock – German avant-gardists like Kraftwerk and Neu! sculpted experimental soundscapes.

Electro – Futuristic sounds drove funk and hip hop evolution.

New Wave – Bands like Duran Duran designed iconic tones coloring New Wave.

Film/TV – Sweeping cinematic sounds featured in soundtracks and themes.

Dance/Techno – Thumpingbass and stark lead lines propelled electronic dance music.

From the Munich underground to the Top 40 charts, analogs provided the core palette of electronic textures.

Buying and Collecting Analog Synths Today

Thanks to timeless appeal, vintage analog synthesizers remain coveted by musicians today. Prices vary widely:

$200 to $800 – Affordable models like the Korg MS-10 and Roland SH-09. Rarer finds under $500.

$800 to $2,500 – Mid-range models such as the ARP Axxe, Polymoog, and E-MU Emulator. Condition affects pricing.

$2,500 to $5,000 – Classic synths like the Minimoog Model D and Yamaha CS-80 in great shape.

$5,000+ – Rare vintage synths in pristine condition such as early modular systems and Fairlight CMI’s.

Pricing depends heavily on condition, rarity, and demand. But many models have steadily appreciated as vintage instruments gain collector interest.

Choosing a Vintage Analog Synth

When selecting a vintage analog synthesizer, consider:

• Sounds sought – Leads, basses, pads, effects? Start with synths specialized for these.
• Composition needs – Monophonic for solos or polyphonic for chords?
• Features required – Oscillator waveform options, filter types, modulation sources, etc.
• Typical usages – In the studio only, or for portability?
• Collectability – Seek rare gems or just great sound?
• Budget – From a few hundred to many thousands, analogs span all budgets.
• Condition – Will normal wear impact operations and value? Prioritize mint or accept imperfections?

Analog synthesizers of the past offer amazing diversity – identifying your needs helps match the perfect vintage model.

Keeping Analog Synths in Top Shape

To maintain analog synths optimally:

• Inspect solder joints – Resolder any deteriorated connections.
• Clean controls – Use electrical contact cleaner spray on pots and sliders.
• Replace bushings – Swap out worn rubber grommets and bushings.
• Test tubes – If equipped with tubes, check for failure.
• Verify DC voltages – Heaters, anodes, and DC rails should be steady.
• Inspect filters – Change leaking or bulging filter capacitors.
• Confirm pitch stability – Analog oscillators are prone to drift.
• Calibrate – Properly tune oscillators and voltage controlled elements.

With care, vintage analogs can be kept in top form and primed to continue making musical history.

FAQ

What made analog synths sound unique?

The natural warm harmonic distortion of analog circuits gave depth and character. Inspiring limitations and hands-on knobs also shaped signature sounds.

How did early synths work?

Oscillators generated raw tones then fed into filters sculpting the harmonic profile, with envelopes and LFOs providing shape and motion.

What was revolutionary about the Minimoog?

It made portable pre-wired synthesis available in a compact package without modular patching, opening music to synthesizer sounds.

Why do musicians still use vintage analog synths?

Beyond retro appeal, their richness, playability, and unconventional qualities continue inspiring artists in new ways.

What is the difference between monophonic and polyphonic?

Monophonic synths can only play one note at a time while polyphonic models allow chords by producing multiple notes simultaneously.

How did MIDI change synthesizers?

The MIDI protocol standardized instrument connectivity and communication, enabling synchronize between synths and computers.

Which vintage analog synths are most rare?

Modular systems by Moog, Buchla and others are exceptionally rare. One-off custom made synths also have miniscule availability.

How should vintage analog synths be maintained?

Routine cleaning of controls, inspection of solder joints, replacing aged parts like bushings, and oiling switches helps keep analog synths functioning optimally.