Rare NOS Yamaha DX1 Synthesizer Listed For $157,972.85

 

Kim Oeij contacted us to let us know that they’ve listed a rare ‘new old stock’ Yamaha DX1 on Reverb.

The DX1, introduced in 1983, was the top of the line of Yamaha’s DX family of FM synthesizers. It starts with 32-voice polyphony – essentially two DX7 engines in one keyboard.

But it adds a 73-key weighted keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch, an array of displays designed to make FM programming easier, a beautiful rosewood body and more.

Here’s what they have to say about this DX1:

“Ultra-rare, brand new DX1. In full working order (tested by experts). No scratches, no discoloration.

Absolutely new. A true museum piece (currently stored in museum depot in The Netherlands). Has been kept in flight case for many decades (but has been regularly serviced). Absolutely new (even keys look untouched/not played. Sounds very rich and incredibly warm. Extremely low noise levels.

Yamaha only made 140 DX1 in 1983-1985 as ultimate showcase of FM synthesis. “

The jaw-dropping synth comes with a jaw-dropping price: 149,000 Euros, or $157,972.85 USD. Valuation report, documentation, further DX1 background information (Yamaha was also contacted), expert interviews re. value/price development available on request. See the listing for details.

23 thoughts on “Rare NOS Yamaha DX1 Synthesizer Listed For $157,972.85”

  5. The value of a product is the average price that it sold not the price that is offered. I can make something with sticks and glue in 2 minutes and offer it for 1M$, it will also be ultra-rare, absolutely new and only one will be made.
    Isn’t it just a bulky fully digital dx7 engines with shitty controls?

    1. The value of an item is whatever the next buyer is willing to pay. I don’t think anyone in their right mind will pay $150K for it. They might make a sufficiently high offer on reverb to convince the seller to part with it, though.

      1. No way anyone pays $150k for this…. And no way it’s “New old stock” – I’m a vintage nut, but this is excessive. It’s worth maybe 1/3 of that realistically.

  9. My TX816 with an original DMP11, controlled from my Hydrasynth Deluxe run rings around that synth.. doesn’t fit as well in my living room though..

    1. Correction.. stupid me – I was a tad to quick with that comment. The TX816 does not respond to key aftertouch (i.e. polyphonic) only channel. In order to get it polyphonic one will have to use it as one 8-voice synth (i.e. a separate MIDI-channel for each of the 8 modules..) ah well..

  15. What a lovely back panel! Exactly the things you prolly want to control from a pedal along with handy icons for each pedal type. Wish this “UI” was universal!

    1. True. Although. Even though I like foot pedals, I haven’t yet wished I had a specific portamento foot pedal. But portamento seems important on the DX1, one of the only sliders is for portamento.

  16. I’m a fan of vintage stuff, especially electronic/synth music from the 80s-90s. In short, I just adore the synthesizers of that period, but it is crazy to pay more than 100 thousand bucks for this synthesizer (even though it is in perfect condition). For this amount, you can buy the legendary Synclavier. This is truly a marvel of technology! I have heard the opinions of professional musicians and composers that even by modern standards it is not bad at all and can be relevant. It is not surprising, Synclavier is in fact an amazing professional workstation for creating music and a wide variety of sounds.

    But… anyway, this synthesizer is good, but it’s not worth that kind of money. IMHO.

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