Ends October 30, 3PM NYC
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizer (Circa 1983) with Case Add to favourites
A true, one-of-a-kind piece of music history from one of the all-time greats.
This is Don Blackman’s personal Yamaha DX7 synthesizer, a staple of his recording setup from the mid-1980s onwards, as well as his live performances. Introduced in 1983, the DX7 became the de facto hitmaking tool for pop songwriters the world over, and one of the best-selling keyboards of all time—its crystalline textures color the melodies on everything from Prince’s “When Doves Cry” to “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” from Tears for Fears.
Don featured the DX7 throughout his 2002 album, Listen (many tracks from which were recorded years earlier), including on the cult-classic jam “Just Can’t Stay Away,” and also utilized it on Sting’s Brand New Day album and across his commercial and TV soundtrack career, as well as on tours with Hugh Masekela, Lenny White, Marcus Miller and others. “That is the closest thing you are going to get to Don Blackman if you are a producer or musician,” Don’s son Kyle Blackman says. “It was his main keyboard, the one he used to create his own sounds.” Some 200 as-yet unreleased songs made by Don using this DX7 exist in the family archives.
Don’s DX7 comes with a flight case (with exterior dimensions measuring approximately 44.5” x 17.5” x 9”, with an interior space of 41” x 13.5” x 4”) made by Calzone Case Co. Unique markings on the case include the name “DON BLACKMAN” written across one side, and the remnants of a sticker for Sam Ash Music Stores.
Specs: The Yamaha DX7 is a 61-key, velocity and aftertouch-sensitive synthesizer that uses 6-operator FM synthesis. It has 16 voices of polyphony and 32 algorithms, a 16-character LCD, and MIDI in/out/through ports.
Dimensions: 101.8cm (W) x 10.2cm (H) x 32.9cm (D)
(40″ x 4″ x 13″)
Weight: 14.2 kg (31.2 lbs)
Note: The High B key (second from right side) is damaged/missing and must be replaced for full functionality. Sold as is.
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