Vintage Synth Explorer

Yamaha • SY-77

The SY-77 is like having a super-sized sample-memory workstation with the added synthesis and sounds of a DX-7mkII. For its synthesizer section it employs a 6 operator FM synth engine similar to, if not better than, the original DX's. The FM section offers 45 algorithms, 3 feedback loops and 16 waveforms for creating some of those unique FM sounds. Sampled sounds (AWM) which are in memory (or on external ROM cards) can then be mixed with the FM sounds to create entirely wild new sounds! And these sounds are quite shapeable thanks to the resonant multi stage Time Variant Filters which offer the chance to recreate the warm analog sounds of classic synths, or create something entirely new.

There's an on-board sequencer section for creating your songs right on the SY-77. It's got 16 tracks, channel 16 belongs to the SY-77's built-in drum synthesizer which holds up to 61 sounds. The sequencer can hold up to 16,000 notes, 99 patterns and 1 song. And since the SY-77 features 16 voices of polyphony for the FM section, and another 16 voices for the sampled sounds, there are (32) plenty of voices to go around to build your song. Add the fact that there are 4 independent digital multi-effects which include reverb, delay, chorus, panning and more and you have yourself a classic music production workhorse.

The SY-77 was also marketed in a rack-mount module called the TG-77. All the same features as the SY-77, except the keyboard, sequencer and 3.5" disk drive are gone. Following the SY-77 came the upgraded SY-99. Its main features and guts were the same however it had increased memory, waveforms and a bigger keyboard. The SY-77 (or TG-77) is great for really controlling and creating sounds for use in various electronic forms of music and has been used by 808 State, Skinny Puppy, Brian Eno, Europe, Toto, Vangelis, Chick Corea, and Front 242.

VISITOR COMMENTS (33)

Comments page 7 of 7

Click here to add a comment

Your Name:

Email Address:

Image verification:

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.

 

az78

Posted 24 days ago

One of the BEST digital synths ever created, factor in the silly money they go for and you'd be a fool not to own one. Better than DX, as good as D-50 in some areas, and totally unique in other areas. A very good piece for the studio - a workhorse for unique sounds using advanced FM!

Marc

Posted 26 days ago

I had one years ago..... was actually looking a SY99 but couldn't find one so I bought a 2nd hand 77. Later I found a 99 and sold the 77. Yes, the 99 is more powerful and generally sounds better, but this doesn't mean that the 77 sounds bad. Far from it... there are sounds you can make with the 77 that just doesn't sound as good on the 99. The 77 uses SPX90 circuitry for the FX section, while the 99 has a couple of SPX900/1000 built-in. This is what makes the major difference in the the way both synths sound. The 77 can sound more aggressive and gritty while the sound of the 99 is more transparent and crystal clear. Both synths are keepers. While the 99 is still quite desirable and sometimes difficult to find. the 77 should be a good bargain. If you have enough with a module, the TG77 is a good choice. It's more than just a SY77 module.

bill

Posted 39 days ago

i am certainly one who is very happy these synths dont tend to appeal to the twiddle and play crowd.
it simply smashes any new va synth into pieces.
just keep thinkings its a rompler and the ones who know will be happy.

btw its also one of the easiest synth interfaces of them all.

Dunster

Posted 100 days ago

Can sound awesome. truly awesome. But bland menu driven black boxes like this blow chunks in terms of usability.
Screen light goes. Disk drive stops reading data but a new belt will fix, easy DIY too.
Sold mine after 20 years. Not missed.

JulianWB

Posted 154 days ago

I had a 77 then upgraded to a 99. The 99 offers a lot more if you're looking for the 'ultimate synth' : user samples, more waveforms, better quality sound. Yes they can sound as good as ANYTHING else and are really playable, but you have to go digging to make it happen, and I get bored quickly these days. No real character of their own, unless you count FM which lots of other Yamahas do (77/99 do it best though). Display fades with age. Keys and buttons can stop working, so they're not entirely future-proof. I wouldn't have another one, but if you're really into button pushing you'll like them.

<7654321>