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.

[neonether]

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

[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.

[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.

[CandyAppleBlue]

Removing the turquoise buttons is a downgrade.

[ourstarsRstars]

No question my favorite YouTube 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 YouTube comfort food.

[walkermcneill]

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.

[jacobwashburn]

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

[jstcuriosity]

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!!!

[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!

[javiceres]

But the turquoise buttons were beautiful :(

[DJmallninja]

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

[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.

[madsvadsholt]

I love this channel. Each video is a learning experience

[davereeves]

Great YouTube 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!

[shookstylez]

removing the Turquoise buttons was a mistake!

[j.d.]

shoulda never got rid of 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. :)

[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.

[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.

[JensHoglin]

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