Electronic music as we know it today wouldn’t exist without the pioneering synthesizers that pushed sound design into new territory. These iconic instruments didn’t just make new sounds—they made entirely new genres possible. From early analog behemoths to compact digital innovators, classic synths have shaped everything from synthpop and techno to ambient and EDM.
If you’re serious about understanding the roots of electronic music—and becoming a more intentional producer—learning the history and sound of these synths is essential. Let’s dive into five classic synthesizers that have left a lasting mark on music history.
1. Minimoog Model D (1970s)
No synth has quite the legendary status of the Minimoog Model D. Released in 1970 by Moog Music, this monophonic analog synthesizer was the first to combine a keyboard with a built-in synth module, making it a portable powerhouse for musicians. Its warm, fat tones and signature ladder filter made it instantly recognizable and widely loved.
Impact on Music:
The Minimoog became a go-to instrument for early electronic pioneers like Kraftwerk, Jean-Michel Jarre, and Giorgio Moroder. It also crossed over into rock, jazz fusion, and funk, used by legends like Herbie Hancock and Pink Floyd.
Why It Mattered:
Before the Minimoog, synths were massive, modular, and studio-bound. The Model D brought analog synthesis to the stage and studio in an accessible form—making it a cornerstone of electronic sound design.
2. Roland TB-303 (1980s)
The Roland TB-303 Bass Line was initially marketed as a tool for guitarists to practice with, but its real legacy began when early house and techno producers picked it up on the used market. With its squelchy, resonant filter and step-sequencing capabilities, the TB-303 laid the foundation for the acid house movement.
Impact on Music:
Producers like Phuture and Richie Hawtin transformed the TB-303’s “wrong” sounds into the right ingredients for new genres. It became the iconic voice of acid house and techno in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.
Why It Mattered:
It taught producers that “limitations” can inspire innovation. The TB-303’s peculiar quirks became defining characteristics of entire genres, proving that creativity often trumps perfection.
3. Yamaha DX7 (1980s)
When the Yamaha DX7 hit the market in 1983, it revolutionized the music world with digital FM (frequency modulation) synthesis. Its crystal-clear, bell-like tones and punchy electric piano presets became ubiquitous in pop, rock, and R&B throughout the ’80s.
Impact on Music:
The DX7 was embraced by artists like Prince, Whitney Houston, and Brian Eno. Its sound is all over ‘80s radio hits—from smooth ballads to funky synth pop.
Why It Mattered:
The DX7 introduced musicians to digital synthesis at a time when analog ruled. It also made preset culture more mainstream, with its instantly recognizable “E. Piano 1” becoming one of the most used patches in history.
4. Roland Juno-106 (1980s)
The Juno-106 is another Roland masterpiece that found its way into a wide range of music. This 6-voice polyphonic analog synth is beloved for its lush pads, warm basses, and iconic chorus effect. It’s both beginner-friendly and studio-ready—qualities that made it a favorite across decades.
Impact on Music:
Used by everyone from New Order and Depeche Mode to Tame Impala and Calvin Harris, the Juno-106 has remained relevant across genres and generations.
Why It Mattered:
It balanced analog warmth with digital control, paving the way for more affordable and programmable synths. Its unmistakable character helped define the sound of ‘80s synthpop and continues to shape indie electronic music today.
5. Korg MS-20 (1970s–1980s)
The MS-20 is a semi-modular monophonic synth known for its aggressive filters and flexible patching capabilities. It was originally released in 1978 and became popular among experimental artists and sound designers for its raw, edgy sound.
Impact on Music:
The MS-20 played a key role in early industrial and experimental scenes. Later, it was rediscovered by electronic musicians in the techno, glitch, and ambient worlds. Aphex Twin and The Chemical Brothers are just a few notable users.
Why It Mattered:
Its hands-on interface and flexible signal routing encouraged exploration. Even today, it’s a go-to for producers looking to break away from polished presets and dive into gritty, analog experimentation.
Synths as Time Machines
These synthesizers weren’t just tools—they were turning points. Each one offered new ways to think about music, sound, and technology. Whether you’re sampling classic patches or recreating them with modern plugins, knowing the history behind these synths deepens your understanding of electronic music production.
Studying their influence can also shape your approach as a modern producer. By learning how these machines changed the sound of music, you can build a bridge between the past and the future—between foundational knowledge and your unique creative voice.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into synthesis, sound design, and production techniques, you can earn a drum degree online or explore structured courses that walk you through both classic and contemporary tools. These programs provide not just historical insight, but hands-on guidance to help you shape your own sound in today’s ever-evolving musical landscape.
Whether you’re producing techno, synthwave, trap, or ambient music, the DNA of these five synths runs through it all. The more you explore them, the more you’ll understand what makes electronic music so endlessly creative—and why the classics still matter.
