Yamaha CS-80 — 28 Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were CS-80)

The Yamaha CS-80 is one of the most expressive analog synthesizers ever made — and its sound is hiding in plain sight across classic pop, rock, TV themes, and film scores.

In this episode, I’m playing 28 famous riffs you definitely know, all recreated on the Yamaha CS-80. From lush string pads and bold brass lines to flute-style leads and expressive glides, this is a tour of just how wide-ranging — and musical — the CS-80 really is.

All parts are played on the CS-80 itself, using light, record-style effects where needed to match the original vibe. Use the chapter markers to jump between songs, and listen closely to how often this synth shows up in places you might not expect.

Intro
Kate Bush – “Babooshka” Intro Lead
Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder – “Ebony and Ivory” Lead Synth
Doctor Who (Peter Howell, 1980s) Signature Sting
Doctor Who (Peter Howell, 1980s) Theme Bass
Toto – “Takin’ It Back” Sine Glissando Pad
Toto – “Africa” Brass Pad
Toto – “Rosanna” Brass Pad
ELO – “Time / Prologue” String Intro
Genesis – “Behind the Lines” Intro Brass (may have been Quadra)
10cc – “Tokyo” String Pad
10cc – “Tokyo” Flute Line
ELO – “Twilight” Brass Line
Michael Jackson – “Human Nature” Brass Pad
Paul McCartney – “Wonderful Xmas Time” Middle 8 Lick
Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder – “Ebony and Ivory” Intro Brass
Kate Bush – “Babooshka” Flute Glide
10cc – “Dreadlock Holiday” Lead Line
10cc – “For You and I” String Pad
ELO – “Yours Truly, 2095” Flute Line
Quincy Jones – “Betcha’ Wouldn’t Hurt Me” Lead Synth
Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean” String Part
10cc – “For You and I” Flute Line
Bruce Springsteen – “Born in the USA” Intro Synth Chordal Melody
Prefab Sprout – “If You Don’t Love Me” Intro Brass
Genesis – “Duchess” String Glide
Genesis – “Duchess” Pluck Line
Genesis – “Turn It On Again” Brass Line
Paul McCartney – “Wonderful Xmas Time” CS-80 Solo
Outro & Summary

Questions for you:

• Which riff did you recognise instantly?
• Which one surprised you the most?
• And which synth should I cover next?

If you enjoy these quick-fire famous riff episodes, check out my other synth specials and let me know what you’d like to hear next.

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