The Yamaha CS-80 Explained Through 28 Famous Riffs

Send us Fan MailYamaha 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 & SummaryQuestions 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 AndyProduction, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ 📲 Connect with AndyYouTube: @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.comSupport the show