Yamaha198316-voice polyPolyphonic Keyboard$$Mid-Range($250–800)
Yamaha DX7
Producers wanting the definitive glassy 80s FM electric-piano and bass sounds.
Find on ReverbUsed-gear listings, graded conditionCheck prices on eBayBroader inventory, live auctions
Strengths
- FM synthesis delivers glassy bells, electric pianos, and basses no analog synth of its era could produce
- Was one of the first synths with built-in MIDI, making it a hub for early-80s studio setups
- 16-voice polyphony was class-leading for its time
Trade-offs
- Menu-diving, button-based programming makes sound design slow and unintuitive
- No physical filter or patch cables limits the kind of hands-on sound-shaping many players expect
Full Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Yamaha |
| Model | DX7 |
| Era | 1983 |
| Typical Price Tier | Mid-Range ($250–800) |
| Voice Architecture | Polyphonic (16-voice) |
| Polyphony | 16 voices |
| Oscillator Type | FM digital (6 operators) |
| Filter | None (FM operator envelopes shape timbre) |
| Keys | 61 |
| Built-in Sequencer | No |
| MIDI Equipped | Yes |
| Patching | Menu-based digital (no patch cables) |
A relative used-market guide, not a live quote — real prices vary by condition, region, and timing. Check the Reverb/eBay links on any item for current listings.
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This deckYamaha DX7
Match48
Flexibility60
Portability40
Ease of Use35
Tonal Neutrality55
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