Rare Wind Synthesizers for Expression
- Tapetown
- Oct 3
- 2 min read
Wind synthesizers let musicians add expressive, breath-controlled melodies to their music. Rare models from the 1970s to 1980s, used by players like Michael Brecker, offer unique tones for recording studios and live performances. Their limited production makes them hard to find, but they’re great for music creation. Here are 10 wind synthesizers that can inspire your expression.
1. Yamaha WX7
Era: 1980s
Used By: Michael Brecker for jazz
Sound: Dynamic MIDI tones controlled by breath.
Rarity: Limited production, niche instrument.
Why Musicians Want It: Its expressiveness suits studio recording.
2. EWI 1000
Era: 1980s
Used By: Fusion jazz players
Sound: Analog synth tones with breath sensitivity.
Rarity: Early models are scarce.
Why Musicians Want It: Its dynamic sound inspires music creation.
3. Lyricon I
Era: 1970s
Used By: Tom Scott for film scores
Sound: Warm, reed-like analog tones.
Rarity: Limited production, delicate electronics.
Why Musicians Want It: Its soulful sound enhances performance gear.
4. Steiner EVI
Era: 1970s
Used By: Experimental musicians
Sound: Brass-like analog tones with valve control.
Rarity: Hand-built, very few made.
Why Musicians Want It: Its unique voice sparks songwriting.
5. Korg EX-8000 (Wind Controller Version)
Era: 1980s
Used By: Synth-pop performers
Sound: Versatile MIDI synth tones for live use.
Rarity: Rare prototype wind controller version.
Why Musicians Want It: Its dynamics suit music creation.
6. Akai EWI 2000
Era: 1980s
Used By: Early electronic musicians
Sound: Analog tones with sensitive breath control.
Rarity: Early models are hard to find.
Why Musicians Want It: Its expressiveness enhances studio recording.
7. Computone Wind Synthesizer Controller
Era: 1970s
Used By: Avant-garde studio players
Sound: Breath-controlled analog synth tones.
Rarity: Obscure brand, limited production.
Why Musicians Want It: Its experimental sound inspires music creation.
8. Yamaha WX11
Era: 1980s
Used By: Pop and jazz performers
Sound: Versatile MIDI tones for live and studio.
Rarity: Limited, overshadowed by WX7.
Why Musicians Want It: Its breath control suits performance gear.
9. Casio DH-100
Era: 1980s
Used By: Budget studio musicians
Sound: Simple digital tones with breath control.
Rarity: Limited production, niche brand.
Why Musicians Want It: Its accessibility inspires songwriting.
10. Lyricon II
Era: 1970s
Used By: Progressive rock players
Sound: Refined analog wind synth tones.
Rarity: Limited, improved but scarce model.
Why Musicians Want It: Its soulful sound enhances music creation.
Wind synthesizers like the Yamaha WX7 and Lyricon I give musicians expressive, breath-controlled tones for music creation and performance. Their rarity makes them valuable for recording studios and live stages. Check out our articles on string synthesizers for more expressive tools.
Read more about some of the most rare Synthesizers out there: https://www.tapetownstudio.com/post/10-most-rare-synthesisers