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Send us Fan Mail Andy Whitmore recreates 46 iconic riffs, hooks and sounds using the legendary Korg M1, featuring music associated with Madonna, Queen, Robin S, Black Box, Crystal Waters, Snap!, OMD, Aerosmith and many more. In this episode of Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore, I recreate 46 iconic riffs, hooks and sounds using the legendary Korg M1. The M1 helped define the sound of the late ’80s, ’90s and beyond, appearing across house, dance, pop and rock records. You’ll hear some of its most recognisable presets and sounds, including Piano 16', Organ 2, Universe, Symphonic, Choir, Pick Bass, Slap Bass, Pan Flute, Solo Sax, Lore and Ooh/Ahh. Some of these sounds became so familiar that an entire generation heard them without necessarily knowing they came from one of the most important digital synthesizers ever made. FEATURED TRACKS Bobby Brown – Two Can Play That Game  Strike – U Sure Do  Congress – 40 Miles  Gat Decor – Passion  Baby D – Let Me Be Your Fantasy  FPI Project – Rich in Paradise (Going Back to My Roots)  Nightcrawlers – Push The Feeling On  Alison Limerick – Where Love Lives  Kym Sims – Too Blind to See It  Kym Mazelle – Was That All It Was  Praga Khan – Injected With a Poison  Sabrina Johnston – Peace  Nightcrawlers – Surrender Your Love  N-Joi – Anthem  Robin S – Luv 4 Luv  Madonna – Vogue  49ers – Touch Me  Law & Order – Theme  Aerosmith – Janie’s Got a Gun  OMD – Sailing on the Seven Seas  Black Box – I Don’t Know Anybody Else  Kraze – The Party  Sandra – Hiroshima  Tasmin Archer – Sleeping Satellite  OMD – Pandora’s Box  OMD – Call My Name  Awesome 3 – Don’t Go  Dream Frequency – Feel So Real  M.A.N.I.C. – I’m Comin’ Hardcore  Jaydee – Plastic Dreams  Playahitty – The Summer Is Magic  Whigfield – Gimme Gimme  Enigma – Sadeness  Robin S – Show Me Love  Double You – Please Don’t Go  Queen – The Show Must Go On  Londonbeat – I’ve Been Thinking About You  The Family Stand – Ghetto Heaven (Strings)  The Family Stand – Ghetto Heaven (Bass)  Black Box – Ride on Time  Crystal Waters – Gypsy Woman  Queen – I’m Going Slightly Mad  CeCe Peniston – Finally  Beyoncé – BREAK MY SOUL  Queen – Don’t Try So Hard  Snap! – Rhythm Is a Dancer NOTE “Sadeness” is an M1-style recreation/approximation. The original flute is widely believed to have been sampler-based and derived from more than one source rather than being a single Korg M1 preset. Which Korg M1 riff or sound is your favourite — and which important one have I missed? WATCH MORE VINTAGE SYNTH VIDEOS https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0Dj_f71KJlNyPbuR4efYpxQXUtmRuX5B PODCAST WEBSITE https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com WORK WITH ANDY WHITMORE Music production, studio sessions and one-to-one tuition: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ CONNECT WITH ANDY Greystoke Studio:  https://greystokestudio.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic Twitter/X:  https://twitter.com/andywhitmore TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 CREDITS Louis Velasquez — Engineering, Mixing & Camera Setup  Sam Lofthouse — Engineering, Mixing & Camera Setup Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Andy Whitmore compares the Rhodes Clav Pro directly with an original Hohner Clavinet D6 across 16 iconic riffs from Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, Bill Withers and more. Can the software really capture the sound and character of the real vintage instrument? Can Rhodes Clav Pro really capture the sound and character of a genuine vintage Hohner Clavinet D6? In this episode of Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore, I compare Rhodes Clav Pro directly with my original Hohner Clavinet D6 using 16 iconic Clavinet riffs. Listen closely to the attack, bite, pickup combinations, muted sounds, wah, drive and effects as we put the software against the real instrument. Rhodes Clav Pro was deeply sampled from a rare 1977 Clav D6 “transition” model and includes authentic pickup and EQ controls, a mute slider, drive, compression, envelope wah, amp models and studio effects. Which do you prefer: the original Hohner Clavinet D6 or Rhodes Clav Pro? And how many of the 16 comparisons could you identify correctly? FEATURED TRACKS Stevie Wonder – Superstition Stevie Wonder – Higher Ground Rufus – Tell Me Something Good Bill Withers – Use Me Led Zeppelin – Trampled Under Foot Bob Marley – Could You Be Loved The Gap Band – Oops Upside Your Head Kool & The Gang – Jungle Boogie Stevie Wonder – You Haven’t Done Nothin’ ELO – Last Train to London The Rolling Stones – Heartbreaker Heatwave – Super Soul Sister Tina Turner – Nutbush City Limits Greg Kihn Band – Jeopardy John Paul Young – Love Is in the Air Sherbet – Howzat RHODES CLAV PRO Find out more about Rhodes Clav Pro: https://youtu.be/lrGHQV-KpOU This episode is a paid collaboration with Rhodes. The link above is an affiliate link, which means I may receive a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed are my own. WATCH MORE VINTAGE SYNTH VIDEOS https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0Dj_f71KJlNyPbuR4efYpxQXUtmRuX5B PODCAST WEBSITE https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com WORK WITH ANDY WHITMORE Music production, studio sessions and one-to-one tuition: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ CONNECT WITH ANDY Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/andywhitmore TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Andy Whitmore recreates 23 iconic synth riffs, sequences, bass lines and pads on an original vintage Roland Jupiter-4. The Roland Jupiter-4 was Roland’s first polyphonic synthesizer—and one of its most distinctive. Andy Whitmore recreates 23 famous synth parts associated with The Human League, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, Simple Minds, Spandau Ballet, The Cars, Styx, LCD Soundsystem, Sharon Van Etten and more, using an original vintage Jupiter-4. The Roland Jupiter-4 was Roland’s first polyphonic synthesizer—and although it was later overshadowed by the Jupiter-8, it appeared on some enormous records. In this episode, record producer and keyboard player Andy Whitmore recreates 23 iconic riffs, sequences, bass lines, brass sounds, pads and synth hooks using his original vintage Roland Jupiter-4. Its raw oscillators, distinctive ensemble effect, unusual modulation and famously unpredictable arpeggiator gave the Jupiter-4 a character unlike almost any other synthesizer. It growls, spits, wobbles and frequently sounds as though it has a mind of its own. The episode features music associated with The Human League, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, Simple Minds, Spandau Ballet, Heaven 17, Thomas Dolby, John Foxx, The Cars, Styx, Michael Jackson, LCD Soundsystem and Sharon Van Etten. Every musical example has been recreated and performed on Andy’s original vintage Jupiter-4. TRACKS FEATURED Spandau Ballet – To Cut a Long Story Short Main lead line — 1980 The Human League – Don’t You Want Me Bass — 1981 Depeche Mode – New Life Intro synths — 1981 Duran Duran – Rio Arpeggiated sequence — 1982 Duran Duran – Rio Middle-eight brass pad — 1982 Simple Minds – Theme for Great Cities Lead, pad and distorted Jupiter-4 — 1981 Styx – Too Much Time on My Hands Bass and resonant drone — 1981 Depeche Mode – Just Can’t Get Enough Intro, lead, bass and Roland KR-55B drums — 1981 Michael Jackson – Thriller Intro brass-pad recreation — 1982 The original sound is more commonly associated with the Jupiter-8’s dual mode. The Human League – Open Your Heart Bass and brass riff — 1981 The Cars – Shake It Up Arpeggiator and organ riff — 1981 Depeche Mode – Photographic Bass sequence, lead riff and upper sequence — 1981 Doctor Who Trombone part from the television theme — 1980 Thomas Dolby – Windpower Lead, bass and brass riff — 1982 The Human League – The Things That Dreams Are Made Of Lead and bass — 1981 The Human League – Dreams of Leaving Sequenced bass — 1980 Depeche Mode – Tora! Tora! Tora! Bass — 1981 The Human League – Seconds Bass, pad and strings — 1981 Heaven 17 – Geisha Boys and Temple Girls Random arpeggiator — 1981 Gary Numan – This Wreckage Multiple Jupiter-4 parts — 1980 LCD Soundsystem – How Do You Sleep? Sequence — 2017 Sharon Van Etten – Jupiter 4 Bass and outro lead — 2018 John Foxx – Europe After the Rain High string line — 1981 The Jupiter-8 may have become the superstar of Roland’s Jupiter range, but the Jupiter-4 has a raw, unstable and slightly dangerous quality that remains completely its own. Which Jupiter-4 sound surprised you most? Let me know—and tell me which classic synthesizer I should explore next. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Twenty famous riffs and keyboard parts from Prince, Van Halen, Rush, Eurythmics and more, recreated on an original Oberheim OB-8. Andy also explores the history of the OB-X, OB-Xa, OB-SX, OB-8 and modern OB-X8. In this episode of Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore, I recreate 20 famous riffs and keyboard parts using my original vintage Oberheim OB-8. You’ll recognise many of these songs immediately—but you may not realise how many classic recordings featured an Oberheim synthesizer or a sound from the same family. Although the episode contains 20 tracks, many of the recreations are constructed from several separate sounds and performances, including pads, brass stabs, bass lines, strings, sequences and filter sweeps. Some of these sounds took several hours to program, and the complete video and podcast project took around five days to assemble. Every sound in the episode was recreated on an original Oberheim OB-8. However, not every record was originally made using that exact model. Some featured the earlier OB-X or OB-Xa, while others belong more broadly to the classic Oberheim sonic family. The episode concludes with the history of the OB series and a closer look at the OB-8’s most important relatives: 1979 — Oberheim OB-X The predecessor to the OB-Xa and OB-8. Its more discrete, SEM-influenced architecture can give it a rawer, wider and slightly more unpredictable character. 1980 — Oberheim OB-Xa The closest and most significant relative of the OB-8. It replaced the OB-X, used Curtis chips and provided switchable 12-decibel and 24-decibel low-pass filtering. 1980 — Oberheim OB-SX A more preset-based OB-family instrument. It was less programmable than the OB-Xa or OB-8 but still belonged to the same era and sonic world. 1983 — Oberheim OB-8 The instrument featured throughout this episode. It is renowned for its enormous brass sounds, wide pads, splits, unison mode, stereo spread and polished early-80s Oberheim character. 2022 — Oberheim OB-X8 A modern Oberheim that brings together elements of the OB-X, OB-SX, OB-Xa and OB-8, including voice, filter and envelope characteristics inspired by the original instruments. FEATURED TRACKS Eurythmics – Sweet Dreams | OB-X | 1983 Van Halen – Why Can’t This Be Love | OB-8 | 1986 Rush – Subdivisions | OB-Xa | 1982 Sylvester Levay – Airwolf Theme | OB-Xa | 1984 Stevie Nicks – Stand Back | OB-Xa | 1983 Phil Collins – Sussudio | OB-8 | 1985 Simple Minds – Don’t You Forget About Me | OB-8 | 1985 Rush – Tom Sawyer | OB-X | 1981 Rod Stewart – Young Turks | OB-Xa | 1981 Van Halen – Jump | OB-X / OB-Xa | 1983 Prince – 1999 | OB-Xa | 1982 Styx – Mr. Roboto | OB-8 | 1983 Jean-Michel Jarre – L’Ouverture | OB-Xa | 1982 Prince – Delirious | OB-Xa | 1983 Kenny G – Songbird | OB-Xa | 1987 The Police – Invisible Sun | OB-X | 1981 Grover Washington Jr. – Winelight | OB-Xa | 1980 Prince – Little Red Corvette | OB-8 | 1983 Pat Metheny Group and David Bowie – This Is Not America | OB-8 | 1985 Prince – Purple Rain | OB-8 | 1984 WATCH MORE VINTAGE SYNTH VIDEOS https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0Dj_f71KJlNyPbuR4efYpxQXUtmRuX5B PODCAST WEBSITE https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com WORK WITH ANDY WHITMORE Music production, studio sessions and one-to-one tuition: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ CONNECT WITH ANDY Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/andywhitmore TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this Synth Icons episode, Andy Whitmore dives into the digital, glassy world of the Roland D-50 – with 20 iconic riffs you definitely know, but maybe never realised were D-50. Every sound in this episode comes from a real D-50, using classic factory presets like Pizzagogo, DigitalNativeDance, Staccato Heaven, Glass Voices, Metal Harp, Cathedral/pipe organs, Shakuhachi, Griitttarr and more. No other synths, no samples – just the D-50 doing what it does best. 🎧 Tracks & sounds featured include: Michael Jackson – Man in the Mirror (I-84 Afterthought)Enya – Orinoco Flow (I-44 Pizzagogo)Eric Clapton – Bad Love (I-77 O K Chorale)Gary Numan – America (I-37 Soundtrack)Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season 1 theme / OST (I-51 Glass Voices)Paula Abdul – Straight Up (I-15 Horn Section)Christopher Cross – Sailing (I-43 Basin Strat Blues)Taylor Dayne – Tell It to My Heart (I-15 Horn Section)George Michael – Faith (I-38 Cathedral Organ)Mica Paris – My One Temptation (I-15 Horn Section)Phil Collins – Another Day in Paradise (I-12 Metal Harp)Bananarama – Love in the First Degree (I-15 Horn Section)Mr. President – Coco Jamboo (I-16 Living Calliope)Boy Meets Girl – Waiting for a Star to Fall (I-21 DigitalNativeDance)Sabrina – Boys Boys Boys (I-15 Horn Section)Spagna – Call Me (I-15 Horn Section)George Michael – Father Figure (I-66 Shakuhachi)Pink Floyd – Run Like Hell (I-26 Griitttarr – reimagined on D-50)Michael Jackson – Dirty Diana (I-21 DigitalNativeDance)Michael Cooper – Shoop Shoop (Never Stop Givin’ You Love) (I-61 Staccato Heaven)Plus preset demos: Intruder FX and Staccato HeavenExpect plenty of “wait… that’s a D-50?!” moments as these factory patches pop up in huge pop, rock and TV themes from the late 80s and early 90s. 🎹 More Synth Icons episodes: Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)Sequential Prophet-5 – Famous Riffs You Instantly KnowRoland Jupiter-8 & Jupiter-4 – Hidden 80s Synth GemsHohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly KnowCS-80 / Vangelis sounds and Yamaha DX7 specials✏️ 1-to-1 lessons & synth help If you want one-to-one lessons on how to program or produce in Logic Pro – or you’d like help programming synths (hardware or analogue-style VSTs) – head over to Andy’s website and get in touch. 📲Connect with me: 🌐 Website → https://greystokestudio.com/ 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ 📺 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore 👍 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic 𝕏 X → https://twitter.com/andywhitmore 🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 If you enjoy this D-50 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

Send us Fan Mail In this Synth Icons episode, Andy Whitmore fires up the real Yamaha CS-80 to recreate some of Vangelis’ most iconic moments – this time with the full effects chain rebuilt. Big reverbs, delays and chorus bring the CS-80 right back into that huge, cinematic Blade Runner / Chariots of Fire space. Across the episode you’ll hear eight classic Vangelis riffs, all played on an original CS-80, focusing on brass, strings, flutes and pads – with no soft synths and no emulations, just pure vintage hardware. 🎧 Riffs featured: Vangelis – Chariots of Fire – Brass melodyVangelis – Blade Runner – Brass lineVangelis – Blade Runner – String padJon & Vangelis – I Hear You Now – Main themeVangelis – Chariots of Fire – Brass lickVangelis – To the Unknown Man – Intro melodyVangelis – Blade Runner – Flute intro lineVangelis – Blade Runner – Brass line (no bass)Expect long, evolving notes, expressive vibrato and that unmistakable CS-80 warmth, all swimming in reverb and delay just like the original recordings. 🎹 More Synth Icons episodes: Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)Yamaha DX7 – Classic 80s Riffs & PresetsRoland Jupiter-4 & Jupiter-8 – Hidden 80s Synth GemsSequential Prophet-5 – Famous Riffs You Instantly KnowHohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly KnowRoland D-50 – Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were D-50)✏️ 1-to-1 lessons & synth help If you want one-to-one lessons on how to program or produce in Logic Pro – or you’d like help programming synths (hardware or analogue-style VSTs) – head over to Andy’s website and get in touch. 📲Connect with me: 🌐 Website → https://greystokestudio.com/ 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ 📺 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore 👍 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic 𝕏 X → https://twitter.com/andywhitmore 🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 If you enjoy this CS-80 / Vangelis special, follow the Synth Icons podcast, leave a rating or review, and let Andy know which Vangelis moment, which CS-80 sound, or which synth you’d like to hear next. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Paste this into the main description box: In this Synth Icons episode, Andy Whitmore puts the Sequential Prophet-5 Rev 3.2 through its paces with a stack of famous riffs – from moody pads to punchy bass lines and full-on synth leads. You’ll hear classic parts from Radiohead, D Train, Cameo, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Phil Collins, Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Daryl Hall & John Oates – all played on Andy’s own Prophet-5, with no other synths in the chain. The episode finishes with a fuller Prophet-5 recreation of “You’re the One for Me” by D Train. Riffs & Sections Radiohead – Everything In Its Right Place (main riff)The Cars – Let’s Go (intro melody)Talking Heads – This Must Be the Place (flute-style lead)Phil Collins – In the Air Tonight (Prophet-5 pad)Pink Floyd – Run Like Hell (driving synth line)Frankie Goes to Hollywood – Relax (bass drops & brass licks)D Train – You’re the One for Me (bass, lead, extra synth parts, bass drops & organ-style solo)Cameo – She’s Strange (moody Prophet-5 lines)Daryl Hall & John Oates – I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do) (filter swell, main riff & flute lick)D Train – You’re the One for Me (Prophet-5 song recreation)🎧 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/@andywhitmore9583If you enjoy this Prophet-5 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

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Synth Icons, we funk things up with one of the most instantly recognisable keyboards in music history — the Hohner Clavinet D6. With its sharp, percussive tone and rhythm guitar-like attack, the Clavinet became a cornerstone of funk, soul and rock throughout the 70s and early 80s. I recreate 12 classic riffs that defined its legendary sound — all played on a real Clavinet D6, no software, no emulations. 🎧 Featured riffs include: Stevie Wonder – SuperstitionStevie Wonder – Higher GroundThe Gap Band – Oops Upside Your HeadBob Marley – Could You Be LovedKool & The Gang – Jungle BoogieLed Zeppelin – Trampled Under FootThe Commodores – Machine GunThe Meters – Just Kissed My BabySteely Dan – Kid CharlemagneBilly Preston – Outa-Space …and more!From Motown to rock arenas, reggae to jazz fusion — this keyboard changed groove music forever. If you love funk history, vintage keyboards and iconic riffs, this episode is for you. 🎹🔥 🎛️ Work with me (production, mixing & mastering): https://www.andywhitmore.com 🔗 Connect with Andy Whitmore Website: https://greystokestudio.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore Instagram: https://instagram.com/andywhitmore2014 Facebook: https://facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 #HohnerClavinet #ClavinetD6 #FunkRiffs #VintageKeys #StevieWonder #Superstition #KeyboardLegends #FunkMusic #SynthIcons #MusicPodcast Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Synth Icons, we shine a light on one of the most underrated classic analog synths of all time — the Roland Jupiter-4. Before the Juno-60 and Jupiter-8 stole the spotlight, this synth helped shape the sound of early synth-pop with its raw, punchy tone and lush analog character. I recreate 15 famous Jupiter-4 riffs from legendary artists including Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, The Human League, Gary Numan, Michael Jackson, Heaven 17 and more. Expect shimmering brass pads, pulsing basses, eerie arps, vintage strings and bold leads — all played on a real Jupiter-4. ✅ No plugins ✅ No samples ✅ 100% authentic analog 🎧 Featured tracks include: The Human League – Don’t You Want MeDepeche Mode – I Just Can’t Get EnoughDoctor Who Theme – Peter Howell versionDuran Duran – RioMichael Jackson – ThrillerGary Numan – The WreckageLCD Soundsystem – How Do You Sleep?Sharon Van Etten – Jupiter 4 …and more synth classics.If you love vintage synths, new wave, electro, Italo and synth-pop history, this episode is for you. 🎹 Listen to more Synth Icons episodes Korg M1 – Famous Riffs Yamaha DX7 – 21 Iconic Sounds Yamaha CS-80 Blind Test 🔗 Connect with Andy Whitmore Website: https://greystokestudio.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore Instagram: https://instagram.com/andywhitmore2014 Facebook: https://facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic 🎚️ Work with me (mixing/production/mastering): https://andywhitmore.com Roland Jupiter-4, Jupiter 4, Roland Synth, Vintage Synth, Analog Synth, Synth Pop, Depeche Mode, The Human League, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, 80s Synths, Synth Icons, Music Production, Retro Synths Support the show

Send us Fan Mail The Korg M1 is one of the most iconic keyboards ever made — the sound of late-’80s and early-’90s pop, dance, and film music. In this episode of Synth Icons, producer and synth collector Andy Whitmore recreates 13 legendary riffs that defined the era. From the unmistakable Piano 16’ and Universe sounds to classic hits by House, Madonna, Inner City, and Pet Shop Boys, you’ll instantly recognise how the M1 shaped the sound of a generation. Every riff is performed on the original hardware — no samples, no emulations — giving you the real sound of the synth that changed everything. 👉 Follow for more classic synth deep-dives, blind tests, and studio stories from @AndyWhitmore. 🎹 Watch the full video version on YouTube → @AndyWhitmore 🎧 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 📲 Connect with me:  🌐 greystokestudio.com 📸 Instagram → @andywhitmore2014 📺 YouTube → Andy Whitmore 👍 Facebook → Andy Whitmore Music 🐦 Twitter → @andywhitmore 🎵 TikTok → @andywhitmore9583 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail The Yamaha DX7 is one of the most iconic synthesizers of all time, shaping the sound of pop, rock, funk, electronic, and film music throughout the 80s and 90s. In this episode, I recreate 21 legendary riffs that defined decades of music — from Berlin and Toto to Michael Jackson, Vangelis, Madonna, Phil Collins, Sade, Daft Punk, and more. All played note-for-note on the original DX7 — no software, no emulation. From the lush E.Piano of Elton John’s Sacrifice to the haunting Syn-Vox of The X-Files Theme, these instantly recognizable sounds tell the story of how one synth became a legend. 👉 Follow the podcast for more classic synth deep-dives, iconic sounds, and the stories behind them. 🎧 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 📲 Connect with me:  🌐 greystokestudio.com 📸 Instagram → @andywhitmore2014 📺 YouTube → Andy Whitmore 👍 Facebook → Andy Whitmore Music 🐦 Twitter → @andywhitmore 🎵 TikTok → @andywhitmore9583 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Can you tell the difference between the legendary Yamaha CS-80 and today’s best software emulations? In this blind test, I compare the real CS-80 with recreations from Arturia, Softube, Cherry Audio, and XILS Lab — and the results might surprise you! 🎹 You’ll hear iconic sounds made famous by Vangelis, Michael Jackson, Toto, and even Doctor Who, but only one of them is the true analog hardware. Play along, make your guesses, and see if your ears can spot the genuine CS-80 among the plugins. 👉 Subscribe for more synth deep-dives, blind tests, and behind-the-scenes stories from the studio. 🎹 Watch the full video version on YouTube → @AndyWhitmore 🎧 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/@andywhitmore9583Support the show

Send us Fan Mail 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

Send us Fan Mail That “wait… I know that song!” moment — but it’s all Wurlitzer electric piano. 🎹⚡️ In this episode, Andy plays 11 instantly recognisable Wurly riffs as short solo snippets — no backing tracks, no full songs, just the hook. From Supertramp, The Beatles and Marvin Gaye to Ray Charles, Queen and Beck, this is the Wurlitzer doing what it does best: bark, bite, and that warm, chewy midrange that cuts straight through a mix. Play along: try to name each riff before it’s revealed, then tell Andy your score — and which one gave you the biggest “NO WAY!” moment. Track list (short Wurlitzer snippets) Supertramp — DreamerMarvin Gaye — I Heard It Through The GrapevineThe Beatles — Get BackSupertramp — The Logical SongCannonball Adderley — Mercy, Mercy, MercyBeck — Where It’s AtSupertramp — SchoolRay Charles — What’d I SaySupertramp — Goodbye StrangerQueen — You’re My Best FriendSupertramp — Bloody Well Right🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1fRHQauzfOw 🌐 Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ 🏛️ Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ Note: This audio episode accompanies the YouTube video and includes short performance snippets for commentary/demo purposes. Episode links (optional) YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore Podcast site: https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com Studio enquiries: [email protected] Support the show

Send us Fan Mail 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