Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore

Send us Fan Mail Twenty famous riffs and keyboard parts from Prince, Van Halen, Rush, Eurythmics and more, recreated on an original Oberheim OB-8. Andy also explores the history of the OB-X, OB-Xa, OB-SX, OB-8 and modern OB-X8. In this episode of Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore , I recreate 20 famous riffs and keyboard parts using my original vintage Oberheim OB-8. You’ll recognise many of these songs immediately—but you may not realise how many classic recordings featured an Oberheim synthesizer or a sound from the same family. Although the episode contains 20 tracks, many of the recreations are constructed from several separate sounds and performances, including pads, brass stabs, bass lines, strings, sequences and filter sweeps. Some of these sounds took several hours to program, and the complete video and podcast project took around five days to assemble. Every sound in the episode was recreated on an original Oberheim OB-8. However, not every record was originally made using that exact model. Some featured the earlier OB-X or OB-Xa, while others belong more broadly to the classic Oberheim sonic family. The episode concludes with the history of the OB series and a closer look at the OB-8’s most important relatives: 1979 — Oberheim OB-X The predecessor to the OB-Xa and OB-8. Its more discrete, SEM-influenced architecture can give it a rawer, wider and slightly more unpredictable character. 1980 — Oberheim OB-Xa The closest and most significant relative of the OB-8. It replaced the OB-X, used Curtis chips and provided switchable 12-decibel and 24-decibel low-pass filtering. 1980 — Oberheim OB-SX A more preset-based OB-family instrument. It was less programmable than the OB-Xa or OB-8 but still belonged to the same era and sonic world. 1983 — Oberheim OB-8 The instrument featured throughout this episode. It is renowned for its enormous brass sounds, wide pads, splits, unison mode, stereo spread and polished early-80s Oberheim character. 2022 — Oberheim OB-X8 A modern Oberheim that brings together elements of the OB-X, OB-SX, OB-Xa and OB-8, including voice, filter and envelope characteristics inspired by the original instruments. FEATURED TRACKS Eurythmics – Sweet Dreams | OB-X | 1983 Van Halen – Why Can’t This Be Love | OB-8 | 1986 Rush – Subdivisions | OB-Xa | 1982 Sylvester Levay – Airwolf Theme | OB-Xa | 1984 Stevie Nicks – Stand Back | OB-Xa | 1983 Phil Collins – Sussudio | OB-8 | 1985 Simple Minds – Don’t You Forget About Me | OB-8 | 1985 Rush – Tom Sawyer | OB-X | 1981 Rod Stewart – Young Turks | OB-Xa | 1981 Van Halen – Jump | OB-X / OB-Xa | 1983 Prince – 1999 | OB-Xa | 1982 Styx – Mr. Roboto | OB-8 | 1983 Jean-Michel Jarre – L’Ouverture | OB-Xa | 1982 Prince – Delirious | OB-Xa | 1983 Kenny G – Songbird | OB-Xa | 1987 The Police – Invisible Sun | OB-X | 1981 Grover Washington Jr. – Winelight | OB-Xa | 1980 Prince – Little Red Corvette | OB-8 | 1983 Pat Metheny Group and David Bowie – This Is Not America | OB-8 | 1985 Prince – Purple Rain | OB-8 | 1984 WATCH MORE VINTAGE SYNTH VIDEOS https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0Dj_f71KJlNyPbuR4efYpxQXUtmRuX5B PODCAST WEBSITE https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com WORK WITH ANDY WHITMORE Music production, studio sessions and one-to-one tuition: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ CONNECT WITH ANDY Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/andywhitmore TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this Synth Icons episode, Andy Whitmore dives into the digital, glassy world of the Roland D-50 – with 20 iconic riffs you definitely know, but maybe never realised were D-50. Every sound in this episode comes from a real D-50, using classic factory presets like Pizzagogo, DigitalNativeDance, Staccato Heaven, Glass Voices, Metal Harp, Cathedral/pipe organs, Shakuhachi, Griitttarr and more. No other synths, no samples – just the D-50 doing what it does best. 🎧 Tracks & sounds featured include: Michael Jackson – Man in the Mirror (I-84 Afterthought ) Enya – Orinoco Flow (I-44 Pizzagogo ) Eric Clapton – Bad Love (I-77 O K Chorale ) Gary Numan – America (I-37 Soundtrack ) Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season 1 theme / OST (I-51 Glass Voices ) Paula Abdul – Straight Up (I-15 Horn Section ) Christopher Cross – Sailing (I-43 Basin Strat Blues ) Taylor Dayne – Tell It to My Heart (I-15 Horn Section ) George Michael – Faith (I-38 Cathedral Organ ) Mica Paris – My One Temptation (I-15 Horn Section ) Phil Collins – Another Day in Paradise (I-12 Metal Harp ) Bananarama – Love in the First Degree (I-15 Horn Section ) Mr. President – Coco Jamboo (I-16 Living Calliope ) Boy Meets Girl – Waiting for a Star to Fall (I-21 DigitalNativeDance ) Sabrina – Boys Boys Boys (I-15 Horn Section ) Spagna – Call Me (I-15 Horn Section ) George Michael – Father Figure (I-66 Shakuhachi ) Pink Floyd – Run Like Hell (I-26 Griitttarr – reimagined on D-50) Michael Jackson – Dirty Diana (I-21 DigitalNativeDance ) Michael Cooper – Shoop Shoop (Never Stop Givin’ You Love) (I-61 Staccato Heaven ) Plus preset demos: Intruder FX and Staccato Heaven Expect plenty of “wait… that’s a D-50?!” moments as these factory patches pop up in huge pop, rock and TV themes from the late 80s and early 90s. 🎹 More Synth Icons episodes: Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1) Sequential Prophet-5 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know Roland Jupiter-8 & Jupiter-4 – Hidden 80s Synth Gems Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know CS-80 / Vangelis sounds and Yamaha DX7 specials ✏️ 1-to-1 lessons & synth help If you want one-to-one lessons on how to program or produce in Logic Pro – or you’d like help programming synths (hardware or analogue-style VSTs) – head over to Andy’s website and get in touch. 📲 Connect with me: 🌐 Website → https://greystokestudio.com/ 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ 📺 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore 👍 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic 𝕏 X → https://twitter.com/andywhitmore 🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 If you enjoy this D-50 special, follow the Synth Icons podcast, leave a rating or review, and let Andy know which synth – or which artist – you’d like to hear next. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this Synth Icons episode, Andy Whitmore fires up the real Yamaha CS-80 to recreate some of Vangelis’ most iconic moments – this time with the full effects chain rebuilt. Big reverbs, delays and chorus bring the CS-80 right back into that huge, cinematic Blade Runner / Chariots of Fire space. Across the episode you’ll hear eight classic Vangelis riffs , all played on an original CS-80, focusing on brass, strings, flutes and pads – with no soft synths and no emulations, just pure vintage hardware. 🎧 Riffs featured: Vangelis – Chariots of Fire – Brass melody Vangelis – Blade Runner – Brass line Vangelis – Blade Runner – String pad Jon & Vangelis – I Hear You Now – Main theme Vangelis – Chariots of Fire – Brass lick Vangelis – To the Unknown Man – Intro melody Vangelis – Blade Runner – Flute intro line Vangelis – Blade Runner – Brass line (no bass) Expect long, evolving notes, expressive vibrato and that unmistakable CS-80 warmth, all swimming in reverb and delay just like the original recordings. 🎹 More Synth Icons episodes: Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1) Yamaha DX7 – Classic 80s Riffs & Presets Roland Jupiter-4 & Jupiter-8 – Hidden 80s Synth Gems Sequential Prophet-5 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know Roland D-50 – Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were D-50) ✏️ 1-to-1 lessons & synth help If you want one-to-one lessons on how to program or produce in Logic Pro – or you’d like help programming synths (hardware or analogue-style VSTs) – head over to Andy’s website and get in touch. 📲 Connect with me: 🌐 Website → https://greystokestudio.com/ 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ 📺 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore 👍 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic 𝕏 X → https://twitter.com/andywhitmore 🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 If you enjoy this CS-80 / Vangelis special, follow the Synth Icons podcast, leave a rating or review, and let Andy know which Vangelis moment, which CS-80 sound, or which synth you’d like to hear next. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Paste this into the main description box: In this Synth Icons episode, Andy Whitmore puts the Sequential Prophet-5 Rev 3.2 through its paces with a stack of famous riffs – from moody pads to punchy bass lines and full-on synth leads. You’ll hear classic parts from Radiohead, D Train, Cameo, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Phil Collins, Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Daryl Hall & John Oates – all played on Andy’s own Prophet-5, with no other synths in the chain. The episode finishes with a fuller Prophet-5 recreation of “You’re the One for Me” by D Train. Riffs & Sections Radiohead – Everything In Its Right Place (main riff) The Cars – Let’s Go (intro melody) Talking Heads – This Must Be the Place (flute-style lead) Phil Collins – In the Air Tonight (Prophet-5 pad) Pink Floyd – Run Like Hell (driving synth line) Frankie Goes to Hollywood – Relax (bass drops & brass licks) D Train – You’re the One for Me (bass, lead, extra synth parts, bass drops & organ-style solo) Cameo – She’s Strange (moody Prophet-5 lines) Daryl Hall & John Oates – I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do) (filter swell, main riff & flute lick) D Train – You’re the One for Me (Prophet-5 song recreation) 🎧 More Synth Icons episodes: Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4) Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1) 🔧 Work with Andy Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ 📲 Connect with Andy YouTube: @AndyWhitmore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 If you enjoy this Prophet-5 special, follow the Synth Icons podcast, leave a rating or review, and let Andy know which synth – or which artist – you’d like to hear next. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Synth Icons , we funk things up with one of the most instantly recognisable keyboards in music history — the Hohner Clavinet D6 . With its sharp, percussive tone and rhythm guitar-like attack, the Clavinet became a cornerstone of funk, soul and rock throughout the 70s and early 80s. I recreate 12 classic riffs that defined its legendary sound — all played on a real Clavinet D6 , no software, no emulations. 🎧 Featured riffs include: Stevie Wonder – Superstition Stevie Wonder – Higher Ground The Gap Band – Oops Upside Your Head Bob Marley – Could You Be Loved Kool & The Gang – Jungle Boogie Led Zeppelin – Trampled Under Foot The Commodores – Machine Gun The Meters – Just Kissed My Baby Steely Dan – Kid Charlemagne Billy Preston – Outa-Space …and more! From Motown to rock arenas, reggae to jazz fusion — this keyboard changed groove music forever. If you love funk history, vintage keyboards and iconic riffs , this episode is for you. 🎹🔥 🎛️ Work with me (production, mixing & mastering): https://www.andywhitmore.com 🔗 Connect with Andy Whitmore Website: https://greystokestudio.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore Instagram: https://instagram.com/andywhitmore2014 Facebook: https://facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 #HohnerClavinet #ClavinetD6 #FunkRiffs #VintageKeys #StevieWonder #Superstition #KeyboardLegends #FunkMusic #SynthIcons #MusicPodcast Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Synth Icons , we shine a light on one of the most underrated classic analog synths of all time — the Roland Jupiter-4 . Before the Juno-60 and Jupiter-8 stole the spotlight, this synth helped shape the sound of early synth-pop with its raw, punchy tone and lush analog character. I recreate 15 famous Jupiter-4 riffs from legendary artists including Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, The Human League, Gary Numan, Michael Jackson, Heaven 17 and more. Expect shimmering brass pads, pulsing basses, eerie arps, vintage strings and bold leads — all played on a real Jupiter-4 . ✅ No plugins ✅ No samples ✅ 100% authentic analog 🎧 Featured tracks include: The Human League – Don’t You Want Me Depeche Mode – I Just Can’t Get Enough Doctor Who Theme – Peter Howell version Duran Duran – Rio Michael Jackson – Thriller Gary Numan – The Wreckage LCD Soundsystem – How Do You Sleep? Sharon Van Etten – Jupiter 4 …and more synth classics. If you love vintage synths, new wave, electro, Italo and synth-pop history , this episode is for you. 🎹 Listen to more Synth Icons episodes Korg M1 – Famous Riffs Yamaha DX7 – 21 Iconic Sounds Yamaha CS-80 Blind Test 🔗 Connect with Andy Whitmore Website: https://greystokestudio.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore Instagram: https://instagram.com/andywhitmore2014 Facebook: https://facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic 🎚️ Work with me (mixing/production/mastering): https://andywhitmore.com Roland Jupiter-4, Jupiter 4, Roland Synth, Vintage Synth, Analog Synth, Synth Pop, Depeche Mode, The Human League, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, 80s Synths, Synth Icons, Music Production, Retro Synths Support the show

Send us Fan Mail The Korg M1 is one of the most iconic keyboards ever made — the sound of late-’80s and early-’90s pop, dance, and film music. In this episode of Synth Icons , producer and synth collector Andy Whitmore recreates 13 legendary riffs that defined the era. From the unmistakable Piano 16’ and Universe sounds to classic hits by House, Madonna, Inner City, and Pet Shop Boys , you’ll instantly recognise how the M1 shaped the sound of a generation. Every riff is performed on the original hardware — no samples, no emulations — giving you the real sound of the synth that changed everything. 👉 Follow for more classic synth deep-dives, blind tests, and studio stories from @AndyWhitmore . 🎹 Watch the full video version on YouTube → @AndyWhitmore 🎧 More Synth Icons episodes: Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4) Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1) 🔧 Work with Andy Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ 📲 Connect with Andy YouTube: @AndyWhitmore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 🔧 Need professional production, mixing, or mastering? 🎧 Work with Andy Whitmore → andywhitmore.com 📲 Connect with me: 🌐 greystokestudio.com 📸 Instagram → @andywhitmore2014 📺 YouTube → Andy Whitmore 👍 Facebook → Andy Whitmore Music 🐦 Twitter → @andywhitmore 🎵 TikTok → @andywhitmore9583 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail The Yamaha DX7 is one of the most iconic synthesizers of all time, shaping the sound of pop, rock, funk, electronic, and film music throughout the 80s and 90s. In this episode, I recreate 21 legendary riffs that defined decades of music — from Berlin and Toto to Michael Jackson, Vangelis, Madonna, Phil Collins, Sade, Daft Punk, and more. All played note-for-note on the original DX7 — no software, no emulation. From the lush E.Piano of Elton John’s Sacrifice to the haunting Syn-Vox of The X-Files Theme , these instantly recognizable sounds tell the story of how one synth became a legend. 👉 Follow the podcast for more classic synth deep-dives, iconic sounds, and the stories behind them. 🎧 More Synth Icons episodes: Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4) Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1) 🔧 Work with Andy Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ 📲 Connect with Andy YouTube: @AndyWhitmore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 🔧 Need professional production, mixing, or mastering? 🎧 Work with Andy Whitmore → andywhitmore.com 📲 Connect with me: 🌐 greystokestudio.com 📸 Instagram → @andywhitmore2014 📺 YouTube → Andy Whitmore 👍 Facebook → Andy Whitmore Music 🐦 Twitter → @andywhitmore 🎵 TikTok → @andywhitmore9583 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Can you tell the difference between the legendary Yamaha CS-80 and today’s best software emulations? In this blind test, I compare the real CS-80 with recreations from Arturia, Softube, Cherry Audio, and XILS Lab — and the results might surprise you! 🎹 You’ll hear iconic sounds made famous by Vangelis, Michael Jackson, Toto , and even Doctor Who , but only one of them is the true analog hardware. Play along, make your guesses, and see if your ears can spot the genuine CS-80 among the plugins. 👉 Subscribe for more synth deep-dives, blind tests, and behind-the-scenes stories from the studio. 🎹 Watch the full video version on YouTube → @AndyWhitmore 🎧 More Synth Icons episodes: Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4) Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1) 🔧 Work with Andy Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ 📲 Connect with Andy YouTube: @AndyWhitmore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail A straight A/B test: iconic riffs played first on the Roland Cloud JD-800 plug-in, then on my real vintage JD-800—same parts, same context, no tricks. Can you hear a difference? Roland JD-800 plug-in vs real JD-800 hardware sound comparison. In this episode I do a proper A/B test: the Roland Cloud JD-800 versus the original vintage Roland JD-800 hardware . Here’s the format: for each track you’ll hear two quick clips— first the plug-in , then the real JD-800 —using the same riff/lick and the same musical idea so you can judge the differences (or similarities) for yourself. The JD-800 is one of the most iconic early-90s digital synths: bright, “produced,” and instantly recognisable for aggressive leads, glassy keys, and expressive patches. Featured A/B riffs from: · The Prodigy — “Voodoo People” (Wailing Guitar 15 / snarling riff) · Depeche Mode — “In Your Room” (intro bass motif) · Prince & The New Power Generation — “Damn U” (“Crystal Rhodes”) · Prince & The New Power Generation — “7” (Iceman intro → weird FX) · The Prodigy — “Their Law” (wailing guitar part) · Genesis — “I Can’t Dance” (“Bruiser Tines”) Question for you: Which one fooled you? Which version do you actually prefer —plug-in or hardware? Leave your pick in the comments, and tell me what synth A/B test you want next. 🎧 More Synth Icons episodes: · Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know · Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4) · Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1) 🔧 Work with Andy · Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ · Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ 📲 Connect with Andy · YouTube: @AndyWhitmore · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic · TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail That “wait… I know that song!” moment — but it’s all Wurlitzer electric piano. 🎹⚡️ In this episode, Andy plays 11 instantly recognisable Wurly riffs as short solo snippets — no backing tracks, no full songs, just the hook. From Supertramp , The Beatles and Marvin Gaye to Ray Charles , Queen and Beck , this is the Wurlitzer doing what it does best: bark, bite, and that warm, chewy midrange that cuts straight through a mix. Play along: try to name each riff before it’s revealed, then tell Andy your score — and which one gave you the biggest “NO WAY!” moment. Track list (short Wurlitzer snippets) Supertramp — Dreamer Marvin Gaye — I Heard It Through The Grapevine The Beatles — Get Back Supertramp — The Logical Song Cannonball Adderley — Mercy, Mercy, Mercy Beck — Where It’s At Supertramp — School Ray Charles — What’d I Say Supertramp — Goodbye Stranger Queen — You’re My Best Friend Supertramp — Bloody Well Right 🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1fRHQauzfOw 🌐 Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ 🏛️ Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ Note: This audio episode accompanies the YouTube video and includes short performance snippets for commentary/demo purposes. Episode links (optional) YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore Podcast site: https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com Studio enquiries: info@greystokestudio.com Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this Synth Icons episode, Andy Whitmore powers up the legendary Roland Jupiter-8 to uncover 20 hidden 80s synth gems. From shimmering pads and string intros to bold brass, sequences and moody bass lines, every sound you hear comes straight from Andy’s own Jupiter-8 – no plugins, no emulations, just authentic analogue. 🎧 Riffs & tracks featured: Queen – I Want to Break Free (strings intro, solo + sequence stabs) Howard Jones – What Is Love? (brass & synth solo) Duran Duran – Save a Prayer (sequence and lead lines) Prince – 1999 (Jupiter-8 brass intro) Simple Minds – Don’t You (Forget About Me) (brass lick) Michael Jackson – Thriller (intro pad) Pet Shop Boys – West End Girls (strings + bass) Tears for Fears – Mad World (bass intro & organ part) Tears for Fears – Pale Shelter (bass intro) Tears for Fears – Everybody Wants to Rule the World (main pad) Each part is played note-for-note from the original recordings , showing why the Jupiter-8 became one of the most loved polysynths of the 80s. 🎹 More Synth Icons episodes: Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4) Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1) Yamaha DX7, Prophet-5 and more classic synth deep-dives ✏️ 1-to-1 lessons & mentoring If you want one-to-one lessons on how to program or produce in Logic Pro – or you’d like help programming synths, analogue or VST – head over to Andy’s website and get in touch. 📲 Connect with Andy YouTube: @AndyWhitmore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 If you enjoy this Jupiter-8 special, follow the Synth Icons podcast, leave a rating or review, and let Andy know which synth – or which artist – you’d like to hear next. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail That “wait… I know that song!” moment — but it’s all clavinet . 🔥 In this episode, Andy plays 10 instantly recognisable clavinet riffs as short solo snippets — no backing tracks, no full songs, just the hook . From pop and disco to rock and deep funk cuts, this is the clavinet doing what it does best: snappy, percussive, and ridiculously funky . Play along: try to name each riff before the title is revealed, then tell Andy your score — and which one surprised you most. Track list (short clavinet snippets) Electric Light Orchestra — Last Train to London Rufus — Tell Me Something Good Greg Kihn Band — Jeopardy Bill Withers — Use Me The Rolling Stones — Heartbreaker Heatwave — Super Soul Sister Tina Turner — Nutbush City Limits John Paul Young — Love Is in the Air Betty Davis — Don’t Call Her No Tramp Sherbet — Howzat 🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8U-Z6kGx5QE 🌐 Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ 🏛️ Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ Note: This audio episode accompanies the YouTube video and includes short performance snippets for commentary/demo purposes. YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore Podcast site: https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com Studio enquiries: info@greystokestudio.com Support the show

Send us Fan Mail The Roland Juno-106 has been quietly sneaking onto hit records for decades. In this Synth Icon episode, I put it front and centre and show you why it became a true studio workhorse. I’ll play you 15 famous basslines, pads and leads from artists like Underworld, Daft Punk, Madonna, Tame Impala, The Weeknd, Com Truise, Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein (Stranger Things) and more – all recreated live on my Juno-106 in the studio. No samples, no stems, just the real hardware with some chorus and FX. Along the way we talk about why the 106 keeps turning up on records, how producers layer it with other Junos and synths, and what makes its chorus, filter and envelopes so addictive. Riffs featured in this episode (in order): · The Weeknd – Blinding Lights · Underworld – Born Slippy (Nuxx) Part A · Underworld – Born Slippy (Nuxx) Part B · Daft Punk – Around the World · Stranger Things – Kids · Daft Punk – Voyager · Charlie Puth – BOY · Tame Impala – Nangs · 808 State – Pacific State · Dr. Alban – No Coke · Com Truise – Memory · Talk Talk – It’s My Life · Daft Punk – Rollin’ & Scratchin’ · Madonna – Ray of Light · Tame Impala – Eventually Listen with headphones if you can – there’s a lot of chorus movement, filter detail and low-end weight that phone speakers won’t give you. Tell me in the comments / reviews: Which Juno-106 riff surprised you most? Which synth should I feature next in the Synth Icon series – Juno-60, JD-800, DX7, M1… or something weirder? 🎧 Watch the live performance video on YouTube: search for “The Juno-106 Hit Machine | 15 Iconic Riffs – Andy Whitmore” - https://youtu.be/KzA9ZHBn06M 🔗 For more synth demos, recreations and deep dives, check out my YouTube channel and socials in the show notes - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0Dj_f71KJlNyPbuR4efYpxQXUtmRuX5B&si=voZg2MznmUrowl11 🎧 More Synth Icons episodes: Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4) Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1) 🔧 Work with Andy Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ 📲 Connect with Andy YouTube: @AndyWhitmore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 🔧 Need professional production, mixing, or mastering? 🎧 Work with Andy Whitmore → andywhitmore.com Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Roland Jupiter-8: 40 Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were Jupiter-8) Andy Whitmore explores 40 iconic riffs played on the legendary Roland Jupiter-8, recreating famous brass hooks, pads, leads, basses and sequences from classic tracks by Europe, Harold Faltermeyer, Billy Idol, Duran Duran, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Journey, The Human League, Depeche Mode and more. In this episode, Andy dives into the unmistakable sound of the Roland Jupiter-8 by recreating 40 famous riffs you almost certainly know but may not have realised were played on one of the most legendary analogue synths ever made. From The Final Countdown and Axel F to Rebel Yell, Relax, Save a Prayer, Obsession, Mirror Man, 19, A Question of Lust and more, this is a fast-moving tour through the brass sounds, silky pads, biting unison leads, basses and sequences that made the Jupiter-8 such an important part of late-70s and 80s music. Everything you hear is played on Andy’s original Roland Jupiter-8. No software, no emulations, just the real instrument. If you love classic synths, iconic records, and finding out what was really used on famous tracks, this one is for you. What you’ll hear in this episode Huge Jupiter-8 brass sounds Classic analogue pads and strings Unison leads and synth hooks Basses, drones and arpeggiated parts 40 famous riffs recreated on the original synth Featured artists include Europe, Harold Faltermeyer, Billy Idol, Duran Duran, Animotion, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Journey, Tangerine Dream, The Human League, Paul Hardcastle, Depeche Mode, Blancmange, Queen, Howard Jones, Simple Minds, Michael Jackson and Tears for Fears. Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:54 Europe - The Final Countdown - Brass Lead / Pad 1:23 Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F - Main Riff 1:38 Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F - Brass Stab Riff 1:48 Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F - Bell Drop / Swell / White Noise 1:53 Animotion - Obsession - Brass 2:15 Animotion - Obsession - Flute 2:31 Billy Idol - Rebel Yell - Plucked Sound 2:39 Billy Idol - Rebel Yell - Sequence 2:51 Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax - String Intro / Sync Lead 3:22 Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax - Deep Bass Drop / Brass Riff 3:36 Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax - Bass / String Drop 3:56 Duran Duran - Hungry Like the Wolf - Sequence 4:16 Duran Duran - Save a Prayer - Intro Arpeggiator / Unison Lead 4:46 Journey - Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) - Intro Sequence 4:58 Tangerine Dream - White Eagle - Random Arpeggiator 5:37 The Human League - Mirror Man - Pad / Swell Pad / String Line 5:54 The Human League - Mirror Man - Stab Part 6:11 Paul Hardcastle - 19 - Bells / String Pad 6:32 Depeche Mode - My Secret Garden - Brass Lick 6:44 Depeche Mode - A Question of Lust - Sound FX Intro / Bass 7:05 Blancmange - Blind Vision - Flute 7:24 Blancmange - Blind Vision - Brass Lick 7:27 Queen - I Want to Break Free - Strings Intro 7:44 Queen - I Want to Break Free - Jupiter-8 Synth Solo amped through Fender Twin Reverb 8:14 Howard Jones - What Is Love? - Brass 8:31 Howard Jones - What Is Love? - Synth Solo 8:45 Simple Minds - Don’t You (Forget About Me) - Brass Lick 9:06 Michael Jackson - Thriller - Intro Brass Pad 9:25 Tears for Fears - Mad World - Bass Intro 9:43 Tears for Fears - Mad World - Organ Part 10:02 Tears for Fears - Pale Shelter - Bass Arpeggiator Intro 10:36 Outro Listen / watch more For more synth breakdowns, famous riff recreations and classic keyboard content, visit Andy Whitmore online. Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Yamaha CS-80 — 28 Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were CS-80) The Yamaha CS-80 is one of the most expressive analog synthesizers ever made — and its sound is hiding in plain sight across classic pop, rock, TV themes, and film scores. In this episode, I’m playing 28 famous riffs you definitely know , all recreated on the Yamaha CS-80 . From lush string pads and bold brass lines to flute-style leads and expressive glides, this is a tour of just how wide-ranging — and musical — the CS-80 really is. All parts are played on the CS-80 itself, using light, record-style effects where needed to match the original vibe. Use the chapter markers to jump between songs, and listen closely to how often this synth shows up in places you might not expect. Intro Kate Bush – “Babooshka” Intro Lead Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder – “Ebony and Ivory” Lead Synth Doctor Who (Peter Howell, 1980s) Signature Sting Doctor Who (Peter Howell, 1980s) Theme Bass Toto – “Takin’ It Back” Sine Glissando Pad Toto – “Africa” Brass Pad Toto – “Rosanna” Brass Pad ELO – “Time / Prologue” String Intro Genesis – “Behind the Lines” Intro Brass (may have been Quadra) 10cc – “Tokyo” String Pad 10cc – “Tokyo” Flute Line ELO – “Twilight” Brass Line Michael Jackson – “Human Nature” Brass Pad Paul McCartney – “Wonderful Xmas Time” Middle 8 Lick Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder – “Ebony and Ivory” Intro Brass Kate Bush – “Babooshka” Flute Glide 10cc – “Dreadlock Holiday” Lead Line 10cc – “For You and I” String Pad ELO – “Yours Truly, 2095” Flute Line Quincy Jones – “Betcha’ Wouldn’t Hurt Me” Lead Synth Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean” String Part 10cc – “For You and I” Flute Line Bruce Springsteen – “Born in the USA” Intro Synth Chordal Melody Prefab Sprout – “If You Don’t Love Me” Intro Brass Genesis – “Duchess” String Glide Genesis – “Duchess” Pluck Line Genesis – “Turn It On Again” Brass Line Paul McCartney – “Wonderful Xmas Time” CS-80 Solo Outro & Summary Questions for you: Which riff did you recognise instantly? Which one surprised you the most? And which synth should I cover next? If you enjoy these quick-fire famous riff episodes, check out my other synth specials and let me know what you’d like to hear next. 🎧 More Synth Icons episodes: Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4) Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1) 🔧 Work with Andy Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ 📲 Connect with Andy YouTube: @AndyWhitmore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 🔧 Need professional production, mixing, or mastering? 🎧 Work with Andy Whitmore → andywhitmore.com Support the show

Send us Fan Mail A keyboard-focused breakdown of Dark Side of the Moon , using the original Richard Wright instruments: Hammond C3, Wurlitzer 200A, EMS Synthi AKS and Steinway piano. Hear The Dark Side of the Moon as a keyboard-focused journey, recreated on the original instruments associated with Richard Wright’s parts on the album. In this episode, I break down the signature keyboard sounds of Dark Side of the Moon using Hammond C3 with Leslie 147, Steinway Model O grand piano, EMS Synthi AKS, and Wurlitzer 200A. From the swirling synth sequence of On the Run to the haunting textures of The Great Gig in the Sky, these are the sounds that helped define one of the most important albums ever made. Everything is played on the real instruments associated with the album — no plug-ins, no software emulations, just the real thing. Tracks covered Breathe On the Run Time The Great Gig in the Sky Money Us and Them Any Colour You Like Brain Damage Eclipse Credits Engineered by Sam Lofthouse and Alex Hargreaves. Follow the podcast for more keyboard breakdowns, famous riffs, and original-instrument synth content. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail The Minimoog Model D is one of the most recognisable synth sounds ever recorded — from funk basslines to prog leads and classic pop hooks. In this episode, I’m doing a straight-up A/B comparison: a Vintage Minimoog Model D versus the 2016 Reissue , playing 21 famous riffs, leads, basslines, and effects back-to-back so you can hear what’s changed… and what hasn’t. To keep these riffs true to the records, I’m using light, “record-style” effects where needed (chorus/delay/reverb), but the core sound is always the Minimoog . Both synths are treated the same, so the comparison stays fair. Format Each riff is played on both Model Ds (quick-fire, short, and punchy). Each chapter is labelled Definitely (documented Minimoog) or Likely (strongly associated / commonly credited as Moog/Minimoog). Your call: which one wins — Vintage or Reissue ? Definitely Intro Parliament — Flash Light (Bass) Rush — Tom Sawyer (Intro/Bass) — BONUS (originally Oberheim OB-X era) Pink Floyd — Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Lead) DEVO — Smart Patrol / Mr. DNA (Effects) Michael Jackson — Rock With You (Lead) Likely Madonna — Holiday (Lead Line) Madonna — Holiday (Bass) Rick Wakeman — Catherine of Aragon (Bass Melody) Dr. Dre — Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang (Lead) D-Train — You’re The One For Me (Bass) Madonna — Borderline (Lead Line) Madonna — Borderline (Bass) Gary Numan — Are “Friends” Electric? (Theme) Gary Numan — Are “Friends” Electric? (Lead Line) Michael Jackson — Workin’ Day and Night (Bass) Michael Jackson — Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough (Bass) Chaka Khan — We Can Work It Out (Bass) Barclay James Harvest — Victims of Circumstance (Lead) Stevie Wonder — I Wish (Bass) Stevie Wonder — Isn’t She Lovely (Bass) Stevie Wonder — That Girl (Bass) Outro If you enjoy these quick-fire, famous-riff shootouts, check out my other classics (M1, D-50, CS-80, DX7, Prophet, Jupiter series and more) — and tell me which synth you want next. 🎧 More Synth Icons episodes: · Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know · Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4) · Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1) 🔧 Work with Andy · Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ · Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ 📲 Connect with Andy · YouTube: @AndyWhitmore · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic · TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail A real Roland Jupiter-4 playing 20 classic riffs across 8 famous songs — no plug-ins, no software, just the original vintage synth. Hear 20 classic riffs across 8 famous songs, recreated on the original Roland Jupiter-4. In this episode, I focus on the real sound of one of the most distinctive vintage analogue synths of the early 80s, known for its raw tone, punchy filter, unique arpeggiator and unmistakable character. From The Human League and Depeche Mode to Simple Minds, Thomas Dolby, Styx and John Foxx, everything is played on the actual Jupiter-4 — no plug-ins, no software, just the real thing. Where the original records used layered Jupiter-4 parts, those layers are recreated here in the same spirit on the real synth. Featured songs The Human League – Open Your Heart The Cars – Shake It Up Depeche Mode – Photographic Simple Minds – Love Song / Themes for Great Cities Thomas Dolby – Windpower Spandau Ballet – To Cut a Long Story Short Styx – Too Much Time on My Hands John Foxx – Europe After the Rain Jupiter-4 programmed by Paul Soulsby Mixed by Alex Hargreaves Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Watcher • Carpet Crawlers • Invisible Touch • Mama • Follow You Follow Me • I Can’t Dance — live-style JD-800 patch recreations + parts Tony Banks used the Roland JD-800 throughout Genesis’ 1990s tours—here are my closest recreations of his live patches, with the parts transcribed and played in Tony’s live style across six iconic songs. Tony Banks’ Genesis JD-800 live tour patches recreated (1990s). In this episode, I recreate Tony Banks’ Roland JD-800 live patches as heard on Genesis’ big 90s tours—then I play the parts the way Tony performed them on stage. A lot of these lines began life in the studio on totally different instruments (Mellotron, Prophet-10, ARP 2600), but the live JD-800 versions have their own character: big, authoritative pads, punchy stabs, and that unmistakable 90s touring sheen. Technical note: I’m playing the parts on my JD-800, but what you’re hearing here is the Roland Cloud JD-800 plug-in. Also, my hardware JD-800 buttons aren’t behaving, so I can’t reliably save patches—everything you hear is my best “get it right in the moment” recreation. If you’re into Genesis keys, Tony Banks parts, and classic synth textures, you’ll enjoy this one. Tell me your favourite patch/part, and what Genesis/Tony Banks sound I should tackle next (song + section if possible). Chapters / Timestamps Intro Watcher of the Skies — Main string pad (studio origin: Mellotron) Carpet Crawlers — Main string pad (studio origin: Mellotron layer) Invisible Touch — Stabby keyboard (studio origin: Prophet-10) Mama — Main pad (studio origin: Prophet-10) Follow You Follow Me — Chorus lead riff (studio origin: ARP 2600) I Can’t Dance — “Bruiser Tines” Summary / What should I recreate next? Note on authenticity: Live rigs aren’t always about perfectly matching the studio source—they’re about making the part translate through a PA, night after night. This episode focuses specifically on the live JD-800 vibe. 🎧 More Synth Icons episodes: · Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know · Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4) · Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1) 🔧 Work with Andy · Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ · Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ 📲 Connect with Andy · YouTube: @AndyWhitmore · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic · TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 Support the show