Among Yamaha's DX line of synthesizers, the DX-1 is definitely the biggest and most expensive. With a dual 6-operator digital FM engine, it's like two DX-7's wrapped up in a wood-paneled case and comes with a truly professional weighted 73 note keyboard sensitive to both velocity and aftertouch. The DX-7 style membrane buttons have been replaced by actual push-buttons, display screens and the overall layout of buttons and diagrams is nicer and better organized.

Sound-wise, the DX-1 is like a fatter DX-7. It too features FM synthesis. That means that although the DX-1 is a digital synthesizer, its sounds are unique and fresh with an analog/digital hybrid feel. Programming however, is not at all like analog synth programming. All DX series synths use FM synthesis and all are rather difficult to program or, at least, difficult to understand what to program. Fortunately the advanced DX-1 has display screens that show amplitude modulation, envelopes, velocity, levels and de-tuning parameters unlike previous DX synths so you can better visualize what and how you are editing parameters. A neat new feature for the DX-1 is that two patches (Channel A and B) can be used simultaneously with the keyboard in layer or split-mode. This mode is generally 16-voice polyphonic, but with just one patch loaded you can have 32 voices of thick polyphony! Pretty good for a synth over 15 years old!

Although the DX-1 may seem like a better buy than the more popular DX-7, remember that the DX-1 is expensive. There were only about 140 of these synths made and the retail value of a DX-1 during its production year in 1985 was $13,900. The DX-1 was the most expensive project Yamaha ever invested in. Expect to pay well over $2,000 for one of these today. They were followed by the DX-5. Under the hood, the DX-5 is identical to the DX-1. The DX-5 has done away with the heavy wood-paneling and has a less fancy keyboard. The DX-5 also has a more compressed layout of buttons, sliders and diagrams on the front panel. The DX-1, outdone by cheaper and more competitive DX synths is today, primarily reserved for those musicians big enough or wealthy enough to splurge on a real Vintage instrument with exquisite performance and interface features and sounds. It is used to this day by Depeche Mode, Vince Clarke, Kitaro, Elton John and Herbie Hancock.

54 VISITOR COMMENTS

Electricjuiz

February 1, 2012 @ 3:08 pm

Bought mine 2 years ago for 6500 euro...really happy with it,but need to sell it now cause i need to get liquid...it stands in Gemany,NRW and can be tested...if someone is intersted write to : electricjuiz@gmx.de

Neil

February 1, 2012 @ 2:04 pm

Best all around synth I own, rather big to move around but the sounds are indeed the best of the DX series. Having paid $7000 for it in 2006 have no desire to sell it. With about 6 months of looking for one that would be foolish to sell it. Works as a great controller and main synth as the wooden keys are a nice feel. I couldnt imagine this a less expensive considering all the expensive components ti comes with as I think the case is worth over $1200 and external cards in combine. My wife thinks its too big but I just love programming and playing it.

JulianMic

January 29, 2012 @ 11:39 am

Well, since we are all talking prices. I bought my DX1 on ebay less than 7 months ago for < $2000 and have only seen the prices falling. People in the know, know why this synth is just not worth it. I really regret paying that much because it has some major issues that are rarely discussed.

The displays were fine when I got the machine. Pretty and red! But there seems to be some type of defect with them and mine washed out after a few weeks of constant playing. Seems like more people are concerned about selling a collectors item instead of actually playing.

Brad

January 28, 2012 @ 11:52 pm

For a $10,000.00 price tag for a DX1 you get a $20,000.00 machine. Where can you buy a handbuilt synthesizer in brazilian rose wood and wooden keys. Might be heavy to move around but was settled in my home in the family room, every guest cant stop looking at it with the red light display. Of the 10 synthesizers I own, the DX1 is the most impressive one I got. Nothing cheap about it, wouldn"t sell it to anybody either.

Hamish

January 27, 2012 @ 2:22 am

I was the one that bought mine on Ebay back in 2010 in early January that someone posted on here. I started bidding at $3500.00 and people kept adding the bids. within 3 days the price went from $3500.00 to $7500.00, so I give my final price of $9500.00 in the last 5 minutes of the auction, that if I had not gave that bid back in Jan 2010 I would have no DX1 now that was a decision I made but funny thing is, my neighbor wants to buy the thing from me for more money after he had seen it. I told him I would help him find one but not mine. Second I will admit the DX1 really is what they say, cool

<11109876543>

 

Post Comment!

Your Name: (required)

Email Address: (required)

Image verification: (required)

Message:

 

Posting Rules:
Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

I have read and understand the posting rules.