Yamaha DX5 – Rare Vintage Professional FM Synthesizer

The Yamaha DX5 is a rare and highly respected professional FM synthesizer from Yamaha’s legendary DX era. Introduced in the mid-1980s, the DX5 was designed as a high-end professional instrument for serious studio and stage use.

Unlike many other DX series synthesizers, the DX5 features two independent 6-operator FM synthesizer engines in one powerful instrument. This unique dual-engine architecture allows for rich layered sounds, keyboard splits, complex FM textures, and massive performance possibilities.

Professional Features

• Dual independent 6-operator FM synthesizer engines
• Two complete DX-style FM tone generators
• Up to 32 FM operators working simultaneously
• Powerful layered and split performance modes
• Velocity-sensitive professional keyboard
• Aftertouch capability
• 32 FM synthesis algorithms
• Extensive sound programming possibilities
• MIDI connectivity
• Professional studio and stage design
• Extremely solid and heavy-duty construction

The DX5 is capable of producing a huge range of classic and unique sounds, including:

• Legendary FM electric pianos
• Deep and punchy FM bass
• Bells and metallic tones
• Digital pads
• Synth brass
• Percussive sounds
• Complex evolving textures
• Experimental and futuristic FM sounds

Rare and Collectible

The Yamaha DX5 is significantly rarer than the legendary DX7 and is considered one of Yamaha’s most powerful vintage FM synthesizers.

With its dual-engine architecture and professional 76-key keyboard, the DX5 offers capabilities beyond a standard single-engine DX synthesizer. It was designed for professional musicians, recording studios, touring artists, and demanding live performers.

Today, the DX5 remains an increasingly desirable vintage instrument for collectors, synthesizer enthusiasts, sound designers, and musicians looking for authentic 1980s digital FM sound.

Professional Heritage

The Yamaha DX series helped define the sound of the 1980s and became one of the most influential synthesizer families in modern music history.

The DX5 was used or associated with professional artists including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Bernard Sumner/New Order, Rick Wakeman, Robert Martin during Frank Zappa’s 1988 tour, and Tommy Eyre with WHAM!.

Ryuichi Sakamoto extensively used Yamaha FM synthesizers including the DX5 during the production of his 1985 album Futurista.

A True Professional Vintage Instrument

The Yamaha DX5 is not simply another DX synthesizer. It is a large, powerful and professionally designed dual-engine FM synthesizer built during the golden era of Japanese synthesizer manufacturing.

With its massive sound potential, rare dual-engine architecture, professional keyboard, and iconic Yamaha build quality, the DX5 is an excellent instrument for:

• Vintage synthesizer collectors
• Professional recording studios
• Electronic music producers
• Techno and experimental musicians
• Ambient and cinematic composers
• Synth-pop and 1980s music enthusiasts
• FM sound designers
• Live performers

A rare opportunity to own one of Yamaha’s most powerful and impressive vintage FM synthesizers.

Famous Musicians Associated with the Yamaha DX5

Ryuichi Sakamoto

Ryuichi Sakamoto was one of the important artists associated with Yamaha FM synthesizers.

Yamaha specifically documents his extensive use of FM synthesizers including the Yamaha DX5, DX7 and TX816 on his 1985 album Futurista.

Notable examples include:

• Kodo Kogen (Loess Plateau) – FM electric piano
• G.T. – FM bass

Album:

• Futurista (1985)

Yamaha confirms that Sakamoto extensively used FM synthesizers including the DX5 during the production of this futuristic album. 

Bernard Sumner / New Order

Bernard Sumner and the production setup used by New Order included a Yamaha DX5.

During sessions with producer Stephen Hague, the DX5 reportedly provided many of the bass sounds.

Associated recordings include:

• True Faith (1987)
• 1963

The DX5 was part of the studio equipment used by New Order during this important period of synth-pop and electronic music production. 

Electronic

Electronic, the electronic project associated with Bernard Sumner and Johnny Marr, is also associated with Yamaha DX5 usage.

Albums associated with DX5 usage include:

• Electronic (1991)
• Raise the Pressure (1996)

The DX5’s powerful FM bass and digital textures were well suited to the group’s combination of electronic music, synth-pop and alternative rock. 

Rick Wakeman

Rick Wakeman has also been associated with the Yamaha DX5.

Known for his work with:

• YES
• Ozzy Osbourne
• Progressive rock
• Solo projects

The DX5 was part of Wakeman’s extensive collection of professional keyboards and synthesizers. 

Robert Martin / Frank Zappa

Robert Martin used the Yamaha DX5 as an important keyboard instrument.

The DX5 was reportedly his primary synthesizer during Frank Zappa’s 1988 tour, with Martin particularly appreciating its programming capabilities. 

Tommy Eyre / WHAM!

Tommy Eyre used a Yamaha DX5 as part of his touring keyboard setup with Wham!.

His touring setup reportedly included:

• Yamaha DX5
• Yamaha DX7
• Roland Juno-106 ×2
• Rhodes electric piano

This demonstrates that the DX5 was used in major professional pop touring productions during the mid-1980s. 

Grzegorz Ciechowski

Grzegorz Ciechowski was also documented performing with a Yamaha DX5.

He was known for his work with:

• Republika
• Solo projects
• Electronic and experimental music

The DX5 was documented in live performance during the late 1980s. 

The Yamaha DX5 was used or associated with major artists including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Bernard Sumner/New Order, Rick Wakeman, Robert Martin during Frank Zappa’s 1988 tour, Tommy Eyre with WHAM!, and others.

Ryuichi Sakamoto extensively used Yamaha FM synthesizers including the DX5 on his 1985 album Futurista, while New Order’s DX5 reportedly provided many of the bass sounds during the production of True Faith and 1963.

A rare and historically important professional FM synthesizer from Yamaha’s legendary DX era.

100V version