Yamaha TG33

Yamaha TG33 Image

The TG33 sound module is a slightly enhanced key-less version of the SY22. It is a digital synthesizer that employs frequency modulation (FM) synthesis combined with low-fi (12-bit) AWM ROM samples. However, this machine is not low quality (especially for the electronica-oriented musician). Its preset sounds are a bit thin, however using the joystick controller you can manipulate and combine the 12-bit samples with the any of the 256 FM vector voices. This gives it a range of tone and sound that is as dynamic and mysterious as other vector synths such as the Korg Wavestation and ProphetVS.

Yamaha TG33 Image

Also available is a drum kit, effects, 16-part multitimbrality for layering sounds and 32 note polyphony! Definitely a powerful little beast that can create pretty nice sounds with lots of motion and character. With its wide range of sonic possibility, the TG33 has what it takes to create unique sounds that will keep you and you're music sounding a little different from the rest!

33 Visitor comments
relic
April 23, 2010 @ 7:43 pm
it's the soul of my new project! it will never be sold. a gem i'm glad i discovered. thanks VSE!
Mr. Britt
December 19, 2009 @ 7:49 pm
Of all the boards and modules I have owned, it is the only unit that I will keep no mater what. Good sounds, ease of use, and the vector ability, is the reason this things is special. If they had thought about it as a wave controller it may still be in use to this day. Next to it the Kawai k-5000 was able to take 16 sounds into one and the TG took 4 sound into one. Wow!!! Why companies don't try new things I do not know.
Ron
November 30, 2009 @ 7:59 pm
Hey there KRM, My TG33 came with the rack ears when I bought it new, back when I can't remember when! It's a cool little synth but, I never did used the memory slot for different patterns and sounds.
KRM
November 19, 2009 @ 8:14 pm
Great and very unique little box. This was my first synth, picked it up for ~$300 back in 1991. Still have it to this day and would never give it up. My volume knob quit working but that's not really an issue since it is controlled remotely.

Paid $50 to Yamaha for the rack ears. Does anyone know if these came with new new units (mine was purchased used)?
squishmusic
September 7, 2009 @ 12:54 pm
I totally agree this is a very underated synth. Dont let 12bit put you off. Basically its the same as SY22 (which is more accepted) Was used by moby & pet shop boys.
I got this in 92 - still works with no probs!
Wrote my first electronic tracks on it until 96 - when i concentrated on Uni.
Anyway, I have still a great fanbase for my music I wrote with this. (Won top demo award - SOS mag 1996!)
I bascially controlled it with a yamaha QY10 8 trk seq recording direct to tape. Listen to www.myspace.com/squishmusic to hear what i wrote with this synth. I think you'll agree that its an amazing synth and it really shows when used in multitimbral mode running various tracks through it. One has to be patience and creative then you can do anything with this synth. Will never sell this - even though i've hung up my musical boots for a while.
In short I love it!!! Thanks yamaha for giving me so much musical pleasure back in the early nineties! I miss those rave days!
 
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VSE Rating

Excellent

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Rated 4 (371 Votes)

  • Demos & Media

  • YouTube Thumbnail
    Video 1     - Yamaha TG33 demo 1

    Audio Clip 1 - A short demo of the TG33 demonstrating its awesome vector synthesis.

    Manual - Download the original owner's manual from SoundProgramming.net.

  • Specifications
  • Polyphony - 32 voices
  • Oscillators - 2 Digital FM operators + 2 AWM (using 12-bit ROM samples)
  • LFO - AM, PM, Saw Up, Saw Down, Triangle, Square, Sample & Hold
  • Filter - None
  • Effects - 16 Digital Reverbs and Delays
  • Keyboard - None
  • Memory - 128 preset, 64 user
  • Control - MIDI (responds to Velocity and Aftertouch)
  • Date Produced - 1990

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