The Yamaha GX-1, first released as Electone GX-707, is an analog polyphonic synthesizer developed by Yamaha as a test bed for later consumer synths and Electone series organs for stage and home use. The GX-1 has four synthesizer "ranks" or three manuals, called Solo, Upper, and Lower, plus Pedal, and an analog rhythm machine. (Which together equals a total of 951 kg, or 2096 lb).

The GX-1 cost $60,000 (equivalent to $ in adjusted for inflation) and was premiered in the US in 1973 at the NAMM Convention. The exact production number is unknown, but thought to total fewer than 100. At least 13 GX-1s are known to exist outside Japan, the remainder are presumed to have stayed in Japan.

Notable users

A number of artists used the Yamaha GX-1 extensively in their recordings:

  • Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake & Palmer in their albums Works Volume 1, Works Volume 2, Love Beach, and In Concert, as well as various soundtrack projects in the late 1970s and early 1980s, including their eponymous Emerson, Lake & Powell album, as well as in the concert film of their 1977 Works Orchestral tour and in the music videos for "Fanfare for the Common Man" - filmed at the Montreal Olympic Stadium in winter - "Touch and Go" and "Black Moon". Emerson described touring with the GX-1 as a "roadie's nightmare" because of its 600 lb. mass. Hans Zimmer later bought one of Keith Emerson's old GX-1s.
  • John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin used a GX-1 on their 1979 album In Through the Out Door. Jones also used it on Led Zeppelin's 1979 concerts at Knebworth. He later sold his to Keith Emerson.
  • Rick van der Linden of Ekseption, whose solo album GX1 was played entirely on it.
  • Richard D. James of The Tuss and Aphex Twin made a track named "GX1 solo", which was entirely composed with the Yamaha GX-1. Richard acquired the GX-1 from Mickie Most's estate after Most's death.
  • Anoushiravan Rohani purchased a GX-1 in the mid-1970s and still has it today.
  • The late Venezuelan organist and pianist Tulio Enrique León changed from a model C-3 Hammond organ to GX-1 in 1973. He used that instrument until his last recording in 1980.

See also

  • Electone

Notes

References

Bibliography

  • <br/> Yamaha GX-1 Owner's Manual.
  • <br/> Gordon Reid's article on the workings of the GX-1.
  • <br/> Gordon Reid's story on how he encountered his very own GX-1.
  • The Electone Museum's GX-1 description, features and photos.
  • Keith Emerson playing the GX-1 in Fanfare for the common man video