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Yamaha SY85 Keyboard

Yamaha SY85
Synthesiser and Workstation

Launched in 1992 many thought that this synthesiser initially was a modification of the previously released Yamaha SY77 or SY99.  But it was actually a different beast. 

The SY77 and SY99 used AFM and AWM to generate the synthesis. Where as the Yamaha SY85 uses samples which are manipulated to generate the sounds.

For me the Yamaha SY85 was lucky find.  The case was cosmetically in very good condition.  But a number of the internal elements were not working, although described by the seller as fully operational. 

The refurbishment project that was undertaken on this instrument corrected the issues that I found on acquisition.  The two main issues that were found are listed below.

Power supply - the power switch was jammed in an ON position, however when I opened the instrument up I found more damage to the power supply.

Disk drive - this made a high pitched noise but would not load any data into the instrument. A common problem with this instrument was the drive belt would perish.

If you need help getting software for this synthesiser may be I can help.  Get in contact using this link.

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