The iconic synthesizer that shaped Blade Runner’s sound gets an unexpected price cut.
In a shocking turn of events that’s making waves through the synthesizer community, one of the most legendary instruments ever created has just become slightly more attainable. Just as we witnessed with the Klon Centaur’s recent clone, iconic gear sometimes becomes more accessible.
Years ago, while interning at CCRMA, I had the rare privilege of playing a CS-80. The weight of history beneath my fingers was palpable, and that rich, warm sound still haunts my dreams. Though I couldn’t afford one then (or now), that experience forever changed my perspective on analog synthesis.
The Legendary CS-80’s Unprecedented Price Drop
Hold onto your patch cables, because a Reverb listing has just slashed the price of a second-hand Yamaha CS-80 by a staggering $61,227. That’s right – the synthesizer that gave Vangelis’s Blade Runner score its iconic sound is now available for half its original asking price.
The new price tag sits at $61,227, which still puts it firmly in the luxury category. But what you’re getting is pure synthesizer royalty. With its polyphonic aftertouch, dual-layer voice architecture, and those legendary patch editing parameters, the CS-80 remains the undisputed king of cinematic sound.
Vangelis himself declared it the most important synthesizer of his career, and Imagine Dragons’ Wayne Sermon recently expressed deep regret at passing up a chance to buy one. The instrument’s value has historically only increased, making this 50% discount a truly remarkable opportunity for the right collector.
Your Chance to Own Synthesizer History
Whether you’re a serious collector, a film score composer, or simply a passionate synth enthusiast, this price drop represents a rare moment in music technology history. While still far from affordable for most, it’s a reminder that even legendary instruments can sometimes become more attainable. What would you create with this piece of musical history? Share your dream patches in the comments below!
Quick CS-80 FAQ
The CS-80 is renowned for its polyphonic aftertouch, dual-layer voice architecture, and rich analog sound. It was famously used by Vangelis in the Blade Runner soundtrack and is considered one of the most expressive synthesizers ever made.
Yamaha produced approximately 820 CS-80 synthesizers between 1977 and 1980. Due to their limited production run and legendary status, they’re extremely rare and highly sought after.
The Yamaha CS-80 typically sells for around $100,000-$120,000. With the current discount, one particular unit is available for $61,227, representing a 50% price reduction.