Synth Wizards Episode 4: Desert Island SQ-80

The Syntaur team takes the Ensoniq SQ-80 from an all-around mainstay to an absolute essential, and gains a synth wizard in the process. Featuring a rare interview (well, sort of...) with Ensoniq founder Bob Yannes, and music by Quincas Moreira and Jeffrey Koepper.
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[@ChristianIce]

I found out about your channel only today. The quality, the fantasy, the irony, the content... You deserve 10X more the audience, I'll help as I can.

[@walkermcneill8223]

LOL I just ordered a key for my juno 106 from you guys!! Had no clue y'all had a youtube channel. This is all very cool.

[@neonether]

That LCD screen screams 80s, GOD I LOVE IT. RIP turquoise buttons :(

[@HappyHackingVideoBlog]

Those cyan buttons were perfect side-by-side with the VFD (vacuum fluorescent display). I bet Barbie meant magenta when she said pink!

[@Peter_S_]

That's a VFD, Vacuum Fluorescent Display. They predate LCDs.

[@neonether]

@@Peter_S_ Thanks for the clarification!

[@Peter_S_]

@@neonether We come from different camps on the turquoise buttons, but yeah, those are cool displays. I've specified them before in industrial controllers but they are rather pricey these days at about $100 a piece in small quantities. www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/noritake-company-inc/CU40025-UW6J/1628374

[@badideabearcub2747]

That's the only´thing I never liked from this keyboard. The cryptic names of the sounds due to the limited screen space.

[@BrianTylerComposer]

Oofff love you guys but retro Miami Vice 80s colors like turquoise is actually very cool, especially now. Came back in style big time.

[@AdamSpade]

Love is honest. Love is pain.

[@WrvrUgoThrUR]

Man am I glad I found this!! This could be a PBS show: 'This Old Synth" 😄 the ESQ-1 was my second synth and at the time I was a big Commodore 64 user--had no idea they were cousins!

[@synthsei]

My first synth was a Korg Poly 61, which I eventually sold to buy my second synth the ESQ-1. I loved the sequencer and poly timbral nature of it, compared to my Korg. However, I did miss some fo the cool bass synth tones on the Korg. But it was the right upgrade for me, I don't think I ever wrote as many short songs or sequences, as I did on my ESQ-1. It was very fast and intuitive to use. But I always which I could have afforded the SQ-80 for the floppy disc drive, some percussion wave forms and I almost forgot (the poly after-touch).

[@shookstylez]

removing the Turquoise buttons was a mistake!

[@dunstun365]

definitely a mistake. they look fine as they are

[@ME-ru4hv]

Lol maxamize maximum 80's turquoise to the max

[@909955847736]

Sam is a turquoisephobe.

[@Jguerra0392]

Very excited at the brief excerpt of Suzanne Ciani's "The Eighth Wave" at 6:05. I instantly recognized it.

[@excessofficialTV]

Ensoniq were simply great. Musical instruments designed for musicians. They had a philosophy. Got an Ensoniq EPS and it's my favourite sampler / keyboard.

[@javiceres]

But the turquoise buttons were beautiful :(

[@Abruzzo333]

Agree...replacing them with bland characterless grey ones is sacrilege!

[@stevenzagony6187]

It is an 80's synth...

[@waheex]

exactly, love the turquoise

[@neocollective]

I agree, no sense in turning it boringly average, they were the visual mojo

[@waheex]

@@neocollective I just bought one of these synths. So 80's colours here I come

[@j.d.8119]

shoulda never got rid of the turquoise buttons!

[@jst4curiosity704]

I've been a synth head for 25-yrs. or more.. Had a Roland Jupiter 8, Yamaha TX16, Korg MS-1 & MS2000, along with a CASIO CS-01. Love your channel and the great effort you put into making it entertaining, as well as informative. Great job Synth Wizards!!!

[@ourstarsRstars]

No question my favorite KZbin channel. The documentary style and over all production reminds me of watching PBS as a child for some reason, which I love. The Korg cave flick!!! Fabulous! Thank you for being my KZbin comfort food.

[@SRDhain]

I'd heard about how good the SQ-80 was from a friend of mine, but had no idea how good until i saw this video. The fact that Bob Yannes of the legendary 6581 MOS (i still have a spare PLUS the working one in my original c64) was behind this, means i can only hope i can get my hands on one for a day or two; especially now that i know it has polyphonic aftertouch, which is rare as rocking horse plop. The irony is that i had multiple opportunities to buy one in the 90s, but bought all manner of analog synths for my studio , which were used extensively ( and smelt odd at times, when being on for hours on end). Thank you for uploading this. It was a treat to watch.

[@jacobwashburn1098]

I would love to see a Synth Wizards episode on the Ensoniq Fizmo!

[@SPAZZOID100]

I never minded the Turquoise buttons.

[@ScoopexUs]

Synth Wizards makes the world all right. No fakers, haters and drama. Just like in real life. Don't know how to put this stronger. If this was on TV, I'd watch TV. :)

[@kixxalot]

Another cool episode, really was a pleasure to watch! Awesome how you included questions to Bob Yannes as well. I actually like the original Miami Vice like color scheme though, I think it adds a fun bit of flavor.

[@Syntaur]

Bob (a REAL synth wizard!) likes to stay out of the limelight, so having him work with us on this episode was really a blessing. The animation was a fun way to include him. Lots of people like the original color scheme, and I seem to have stirred up a bit of a hornet's nest by messing with it! But my real message is not 'This is bad and needs changing' - rather it is 'Here's an easy way to customize the look of an SQ-80'. Thanks for watching, and thanks for the kind words!

[@kixxalot]

Syntaur Bob is a bit of hero to me, if only for his SID chip that contributed to countless hours of fun behind my C64 in my childhood :) At least you not only made him look ridiculous in the animation, but yourself as well ;) Just kidding. About the colors: that's just a matter of taste, not worth arguing about.

[@mattluney517]

that's funny. in 5th grade people asked what we wanted to do when we grow up. I said WORK AT SYNTAUR! I'm 36 now and I still want to.

[@davereeves6776]

Great KZbin channel, Sam! I've been a longtime fan of Syntaur Productions since the Transoniq Hacker newsletter days from the late 80's - read every issue cover to cover and learned so many great programmibg tips for my ESQ-1 and VFX - both of which I still have - 30 years later! All hail the mighy Transwave! Cheers!

[@mass-1128]

Just got mine as a gift from a friend today. The synth belonged to my friend's dad who were the first guy to start a guitar workshop in South Africa and was great friends of Paul Reed Smith. Although he was a guitar guy, he loved this synth!

[@madsvadsholt5324]

I love this channel. Each video is a learning experience

[@tenthconcept]

With this one episode I've gained additional appreciation of Syntaur. This show could definitely make it on TV. I don't care what anyone says. I live in Texas, will visit someday!

[@JensHoglin]

Love Synth Wizards! Make it a weekly show on HBO!

[@regortex3364]

Great videos, so glad Syntaur exists. I like the turquoise buttons, gives it proper character. Can’t hide what it is, an 80’s classic.

[@elmosexwhistle]

The turquoise buttons are my favourite bit :(

[@Abruzzo333]

I know right?! I don't understand why anyone would want to make a synth look more bland. I hate when people say these things like "it looks too 80's" the 80's produced seemingly countless classic synthesizers and music....most of which has not be matched to this day and yet people always find a reason to rip on the decade in some way.

[@polardeathdog5093]

@@Abruzzo333 not everyone is into sodomy and cocaine.

[@timothypnolan]

@@polardeathdog5093 yeah some people haven't tried them.

[@maisonmallninja]

this has become my favorite thing on youtube after only 3 episodes

[@matrixmirage2699]

This is the first episode I have watched and I really like the editing style and format. Great job. Fun and entertaining.

[@JEPeters00]

Can't believe I just discovered this series. I'm incredibly captivated by all of this. Keep 'em comin!

[@augustwest304]

Thank you for properly teaching the history of Ensoniq

[@squeebbb]

Loving these videos guys, I really hope they grow in views and you continue to make them!

[@JulesFox]

Watched this for a second time today. Love it. I love my SQ80 - this makes me remember it definitely needs the Syntaur SQ80 key upgrade kit!

[@muco007]

Great Work, Thanks! I could watch these type shows every day.

[@franzwilhelm9682]

This is such a great show! I hope you make more of this style program. Very GOOD!

[@ropeburn6684]

0:30 stumbling around helplessly, desperately trying to find a power outlet! Gold.

[@michatroschka]

hahah i didnt even get it, thanks for pointing that out

[@DeusExAurum]

This series is incredible! Not just entertaining but very educational when it comes to the inner workings of old synths. Nice job!

[@Neuri]

I’m enjoying these in Yorkshire. Thanks for the coolest content dudes!!!!

[@Shnowz]

this channel is amazing, the music, the narration, everything. It's like an old 80's geology documentary, but about something that's a lot more interesting!

[@CandyAppleBlue]

Removing the turquoise buttons is a downgrade.

[@tazcerogers2947]

I love dem buttons

[@dayglo98]

Nice to see some love for Ensoniq ! I'm also a big fan of the C64 and I didn't know they shared some history.

[@Stue007]

Top made story and video about the famous SQ-80 and Syntaur - happy new year!

[@medellindavid]

binge watching y'alls vids, crazy good content

[@paxwallacejazz]

The synthesizer never fulfilled it's promised potential. As viewed from the 60s

[@theaudioeng]

... coool!! Fun vid as always - got the ESQ-M which is fab :) Thanks for your spares BTW over the years - we all well appreciate your business in keeping all our classic kit going ....

[@LisaBellaDonnaMusic]

EXCELLENT VIDEO ❤️ So informative and fun!!

[@NathanChisholm041]

They know their stuff! I love your videos to. Moogs 🤘

[@cke1116]

Still have mine and still love it. The only synth I've had since the mid-80s. And I've had a ton of cool ones.

[@_P_M_]

Wow! Bob Yannes moves and sounds like the animatronic Lincoln at Disney World! Loved the interview!! In retrospect I wish I would've picked up the SQ80 instead of the EPS, but I thought back then a sampler would 'future-proof' me. I hope you guys will do some biographies on how you got into synths. I really enjoy your video series!

[@Eyepatchfilms]

Cool! Does this mean the SQ-80 rebuild kit will be in stock again?

[@rdoetjes]

This was brilliant! Thoroughly enjoyed the tear down and modding. Gosh, back then we still used screws and we could fix and mod stuff.

[@theloniouspunk6957]

Oh wow! Thanks, that was much needed! You guys are awesome!

[@wildchurch]

This channel is awesome! Had to pause this video to check the internet auction sites for SQ-80s

[@TheArchibyte]

I've finaly fixed my Ensoniq TS-12's keyboard for a week ago. But there was a standart Fatar/Roland keyboard mechanism. Also with polyphonic aftertouch, ofcourse. Ensoniq made great synthesizers.

[@DonLafontaine62]

Hey, welcome back!! Love this show, you really need to make it a regular thing.

[@steevee1945]

Ensoniq got me into synth playing and programming. Loved my SQ-80 back in the day. Two of my sons got ahold of it from time to time.and did some original music that I did not have the imagination to do, and gave me more respect for my boys.

[@samscott54]

Thx for doing this show - its so fun- my synth History - Kory model S? 74 , mini moog - mini korg- CAT synth! - jx3p - dx7 M1 - Alesis quadra - and many many more -- now- MODX8 and Kork Karmas - Prophet rev2 Toneclone organs

[@MrOuija-rr8kq]

I love the ensoniq screens back in the day

[@markmorgenstern]

omg two of the most formative pieces of gear of my childhood were from the same people??!! mind blown. Love your videos. Still have the SQ-80. wish I kept the Vic-20.

[@nichelcruz7749]

Wow!! Thank you very for such a cool video! Just me and my brother bought and we are so exciting to start making sounds with it!

[@ErikHawk]

This is really helpful. Showing us the system shortcuts is great. Thank you!

[@mbrombert]

Really glad I picked one of these up a few years back for about 200 euro! Another awesome video from you guys. I hope I can visit your wonderful museum one day...

[@thestateofartgrimsby421]

These episodes are excellent - keep it going

[@gustavopinto5863]

Excellent idea and concept. Your are doing a great job.

[@GNeuman]

I had an ESQ 1 back in the day. It absolutely blew the DX7 away both sonically and with that very intuitive on board sequencer. Loved it.

[@michaelmckenna7211]

Always great work!

[@midierror]

This is such a glorious synth! I'd love to have your job - great work!

[@Mr11Worcester]

Love your vids guys, when I see your shop full of vintage gear I get so jealous "hahaha" but seriously keep the vids coming 👍👍

[@Joedoriamusic]

THANK GAWD FOR SYNTAUR!! BIG FAN HERE

[@larslevinberget9558]

That was my attitude 100% back in 1994, the idea of a desert island synth workstation that would replace the Roland U20, Boss Dr550mkII and a sequencer + digital effects. While waiting for Roland's workstation version of the JV1080. The contenders were KORG X3, Ensoniq SD1, Peavey DPM Si, Kurzveil K2000 and Yamaha SY99 with KORG winning the title with the 01/WFD as "THE sound of the 90s".

[@jeffoff7795]

I'm thrilled to have discovered this channel.

[@GODZINACOMA101]

Great stuff guys! First one of your vids I've seen and I just had to subscribe. I'm currently rocking the Yamaha DX-21, Roland SH-32 and Arturia Microbrute. Keep up the damn fine work, I'm off to watch more of your vids!

[@HappyHackingVideoBlog]

Here at home I have lots of fun with my recently acquired DX7 and a Microbrute I've had for a couple years :-) And I was aware of the Ensoniq SD-1 because it amazed me when I found out someone emulated that one on MAME! (there is a video of it here on youtube)

[@activistarts7722]

2:08 I see my keyboard! I bought a Kurzweil sp76 for $250 as a practice piano and I love it. What a steal

[@martjeninga7245]

3:05 - 'Not to be used as a flotation device.' Made my day.

[@Syntaur]

I like poking fun at the knuckle-heads who come up with these silly disclaimers to 'protect us'. I recently assembled a Christmas gift that required using a Phillips screwdriver. The instructions told me I needed to wear not just safety goggles, but ANSI-approved safety goggles, and that I first needed to clear the area of any bystanders. Don't we feel safer now?

[@ghfjfghjasdfasdf]

Great Episode! I love this channel, very informative, and extremely entertaining! The tune @ 16:10 is jamming.

[@gabesickler3692]

This show is so good even in the 20's

[@FrancisMaxino]

I'm with Barbie on that one, the other buttons would like so suit a pink upgrade

[@anotherwolff3650]

i discovered you channel.....and i love it!

[@winstontk]

Another great and informative restoration!!

[@kehindea]

Very informative. Ensoniq EPS was my first synth/sampler. Great to hear bout its history

[@supermonkeycollider]

Two years later, and I'm still ok without the turquoise button covers.

[@shaft9000]

I have always admired ensoniq in general and the sq-80 in particular

[@larslevinberget9558]

In 1995 when I got my first own synth it HAD to be a desert island keyboard due to steep prices and portability...so it became the TV-star KORG 01/WFD I got from a freelance musician. Though it lacked things like portamento, arpeggiator and sample playback/capability, it became the heart of my studio-setup for 10 years...still got it :)

[@andytawse]

Great series, thanks! More please

[@westscape2]

Ensoniq made some amazing gear. I remember my Mirage was so musical; intuitive to program even through that tiny display. Even though just 8 bits the preset disks had some amazing sounds. It blew my DX7 out of the water especially live. I later got a Casio 16 bit monster heavy sampler keyboard (FZ-1) but it was very poor sounding compared to the Mirage. I had no idea Ensoniq came from Commodore.

[@heikkiwi]

Very good and informative! Thanks! Cheers from Finland! Should visit your shop!

[@shookstylez]

i didn't know billy bob thornton was a synth head

[@ricjenner1120]

I almost posted the same thing...now I'm looking for an esq1

[@adamgh0]

12:26 Keyboards, keyboards everywhere but not a broken DX7 in sight. Tanks they are. (I'm sure there's a few in there somewhere!)

[@synthartist69]

Man I love these videos

[@this_connor_guy]

Wonderful video! Didn't know you guys had a channel. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled. Love my Mirage to death. Traded a JEN SX-1000 for the original DSK-8. Do not regret that one bit!

[@copheart]

Great video! Love stuff like this.

[@electreelife]

super interesting videos...just when I thought i have enough synths you pull me back in!

[@Jj-ne8ke]

I was anticipating this release

[@DonQuiSjot]

very interesting episodes every time :)

[@mollyringmod3815]

I had no idea! This was very educational. Thank you

[@jorgeegrojjorge]

Amazing channel!

[@patatructruc3607]

You guys from Syntaur are so cool, professional, helpfull and funny

[@shawnaebbeson7882]

I am a long time Ensoniq lover and user (have a VFX, VFX-SD and 2 SQ-R+/32 rack units). I used to subscribe to the Transoniq Hacker and remember all the adverts from Syntaur. I am glad they were/are there :) If I consider the 'what synth to take with me to a desert island' question, I would almost, every time, say the Ensoniq VFX-SD. I bought a Korg PA700 arranger back in September 2017 and have fallen in love with that too. I have over 16 synths in my studio and I would say that my desert island board would be both the PA700 and the VFX-SD. I would also need a few extra SD cards for the PA700 and a few boxes of floppy disks for the VFX-SD and a MIDI cable :)

[@suitandtieguy]

this is good content. thank you for posting!

[@jerod-s-rivera]

Bought some Juno 106 chips from you guys and couldnt be happier!

[@tonyjackson5261]

This was a great episode. We need more like this..... Anything on the TS12/MR76/ASR88/ZR76 body repair or synth repairs?

[@burnieking1401]

Love your series guys, Moar Moar Moar syntaurs!!!

[@JamesJLaRue]

I love rhe plug-in emulation of it, never had a real one.