The Yamaha Electone D-85 is an analog home organ released in 1980. Despite being marketed as a home organ, its rich, warm sound is more akin to an analog synthesizer than a typical organ.

PrecisionSound – D-85

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YAMAHA ELECTONE D-85

Overview

The Yamaha Electone D-85 is an analog home organ released in 1980. Despite being marketed as a home organ, its rich, warm sound is more akin to an analog synthesizer than a typical organ.

Key Features

  • Sound Generation: Fully analog using PASS (Pulse Analog Synthesis System)
  • Technology Origin: Developed from the legendary Electone GX-1
  • Release Year: 1980
  • Original Price: Around $10,000 (high-end for its time)

Sound Characteristics

  • Overall Sound: Rich, warm, big, and very much analog synth-like
  • Gothic Choir Sounds: Superb, reminiscent of Kraftwerk
  • Strings and Pads: Rich and warm
  • Built-in Drum Machine: Clearer, thinner sound compared to ACE Tone/Roland, with progressive and unique programming
  • Gothic choir sounds are particularly notable
  • Drum machine has unique programming compared to contemporaries

Unique Aspects

  • Despite being designed as a home organ, it has a distinct analog synth sound

Legacy

The Yamaha Electone D-85 stands out as a unique instrument that bridges the gap between home organs and analog synthesizers. Its rich, warm tones and distinctive sounds make it a sought-after instrument for sampling and use in modern music production, particularly for those seeking vintage analog tones.