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SY20 - Image 1

SY20

KeyboardAnalogMonophonic

Back in 1982, this synth marked Yamaha's final bow to pure analog before the DX7 ushered in the digital FM era, and it was crafted exclusively for the Japanese market as a hands-on learning tool for synthesis basics.

Its single analog VCO mixes sawtooth and square waveforms with pulse-width modulation and white noise options, spanning octaves from 2' to 32', while the VCF delivers resonant low-pass or dual band-pass modes with cutoff, resonance, and full ADSR envelope for sculpted tones. The VCA mirrors that ADSR control for amplitude shaping, and a versatile LFO modulates pitch, filter, or amplitude independently; extras like portamento, sustain, transpose (notched in half-steps), and brilliance add glide and expression. Built sturdy at 11 kg with a slim 777 x 326 x 102 mm footprint, 44 aftertouch-sensitive keys, and a foot pedal input, sections switch on/off for preset blending or full manual tweaking from its logically grouped panels—Japanese labels included.

Owners cherish its smooth, fat tones reminiscent of Yamaha's CS series but with unique filter character and layering potential, calling it intuitive and surprisingly versatile despite the rarity.

Released

1982

Status

Discontinued

Synthesizer
Format
Keyboard
Type
Analog, Subtractive
Internal Battery
No
Voice
A/D
Analog
Polyphony
Monophonic
Oscillators
1
Oscillator Type
VCO (Voltage Controlled)
Voices
1
Filter
Lowpass, Bandpass, Resonant
Envelopes
2
LFO
1
Effects
Portamento, Sustain, Transpose, Brilliance
Expression
Aftertouch
Monophonic
Velocity
-
MPE
No
Additional
-
Software
-
I/O
Audio In
-
Audio Out
1x 1/4"
Headphone
2x (front and rear)
MIDI
-
MIDI Type
-
Ports
Volume Pedal, Sustain Pedal
Wi-Fi
No
Workflow
Arpeggiator
No
Sequencer
No
Mod Matrix
-
Memory
Preset Group A: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Sax, Fagot, Violin, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, FX; Preset Group B: Trumpet, Muted Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Pizz Violin, Pizz Viola, Pizz Cello, Pizz Bass, Harpsichord
Measurements
Dimensions
777 x 326 x 101.6 mm
Weight
11 kg
Last updated Mar 25, 2026