Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore
🎹 Synth Icons is the podcast where legendary keyboards come back to life. Hosted by producer and synth expert Andy Whitmore, each episode dives into the world’s most iconic synthesizers — from the lush analog power of the Yamaha CS-80, to the digital sparkle of the DX7, to the unmistakable sounds of the Korg M1.
Andy recreates famous riffs, compares hardware to modern software emulations, and reveals the stories, sounds, and production secrets behind the instruments that shaped pop, film, and electronic music.
If you're a synth enthusiast, a producer, or just love classic hits, Synth Icons lets you hear the legends for yourself.
👉 Follow for more synth deep-dives, blind tests, and studio stories.
🎧 Watch the full video versions on YouTube → @AndyWhitmore
Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore
20 Greatest Synth Riffs Ever — Original CS-80, Minimoog, DX7, Juno & More
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In this episode, I play 20 of the greatest synth riffs ever, recreated on the original synths and classic keyboards that helped make them famous.
From huge dance anthems to 80s synth-pop classics, rock keyboard hooks and legendary soundtrack themes, this episode brings together some of the most recognisable synth sounds in modern music.
Featured tracks include:
Darude – Sandstorm
Faithless – Insomnia
The Prodigy – Charly
Robin S – Show Me Love
Queen – The Show Must Go On
Underworld – Born Slippy .NUXX
Harold Faltermeyer – Axel F
Europe – The Final Countdown
Black Box – Ride on Time
Crystal Waters – Gypsy Woman
Human Resource – Dominator
Second Phase – Mentasm
Depeche Mode – Just Can’t Get Enough
The Human League – Don’t You Want Me
Madonna – Holiday
Bronski Beat – Smalltown Boy
Michael Jackson – Thriller
Vangelis – Chariots of Fire
Gary Numan – Are “Friends” Electric?
Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond
The instruments featured include the Minimoog, Roland JP-8080, Roland JD-800, Roland Alpha Juno-1, Korg M1, Roland Juno-106, Roland Jupiter-4, Roland Jupiter-8, Yamaha DX7, Yamaha CS-80, Logan String Machine, and Korg Rhythm 55B drum machine.
No generic preset run-throughs — these are hands-on recreations using the original synths and keyboards wherever possible.
Played, recorded and recreated by Andy Whitmore at Greystoke Studio.
Watch the full video version on YouTube:
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Work with Andy Whitmore:
https://www.andywhitmore.com/
Greystoke Studio:
https://greystokestudio.com/
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20 of the greatest synth rips ever played on the original synths. Have I got a treat for you today? In this episode, I'm bringing together 20 of the greatest synth rips ever, all played on the original synths and keyboards that made them famous. We're talking huge dance anthems, 80s synth pop classics, legendary keyboard hooks, rock moments, and iconic soundtrack themes. From Derude Sandstorm and Faithless Insomnia to Prodigy, the Peshmode, The Human League, Gary Newman, Van Gallis, Pink Floyd, and more. These are the riffs that help define the sound of modern music. And wherever possible, I'm using the instruments for my studio collection, including the Mini Mode, Roland Jupiter 8, Jupyter 4, Roland JD8080, Roland Alpha Juno, Roland JD 100, Yamaha CS80, Yamaha DX7, Korg M1, Juno 106, Logan String Machine, and even the Korg Rhythm 55B drum machine favoured by Depeche Mode. No generic preset run throughs, no close enough shortcuts, just hands-on recreations using the original synths and classic keyboards. So let's get to it. The rude sandstorm, JP8080, and mini mode. I really hope that took you back. Let me know which riff hit you hardest and which one you think I should do next. And if you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, subscribe on YouTube, and check out the full video version of my channel. See you on the next one.