Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore

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Andy Whitmore recreates 46 iconic riffs, hooks and sounds using the legendary Korg M1, featuring music associated with Madonna, Queen, Robin S, Black Box, Crystal Waters, Snap!, OMD, Aerosmith and many more.

In this episode of Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore, I recreate 46 iconic riffs, hooks and sounds using the legendary Korg M1.

The M1 helped define the sound of the late ’80s, ’90s and beyond, appearing across house, dance, pop and rock records.

You’ll hear some of its most recognisable presets and sounds, including Piano 16', Organ 2, Universe, Symphonic, Choir, Pick Bass, Slap Bass, Pan Flute, Solo Sax, Lore and Ooh/Ahh.

Some of these sounds became so familiar that an entire generation heard them without necessarily knowing they came from one of the most important digital synthesizers ever made.

FEATURED TRACKS

Bobby Brown – Two Can Play That Game
Strike – U Sure Do
Congress – 40 Miles
Gat Decor – Passion
Baby D – Let Me Be Your Fantasy
FPI Project – Rich in Paradise (Going Back to My Roots)
Nightcrawlers – Push The Feeling On
Alison Limerick – Where Love Lives
Kym Sims – Too Blind to See It
Kym Mazelle – Was That All It Was
Praga Khan – Injected With a Poison
Sabrina Johnston – Peace
Nightcrawlers – Surrender Your Love
N-Joi – Anthem
Robin S – Luv 4 Luv
Madonna – Vogue
49ers – Touch Me
Law & Order – Theme
Aerosmith – Janie’s Got a Gun
OMD – Sailing on the Seven Seas
Black Box – I Don’t Know Anybody Else
Kraze – The Party
Sandra – Hiroshima
Tasmin Archer – Sleeping Satellite
OMD – Pandora’s Box
OMD – Call My Name
Awesome 3 – Don’t Go
Dream Frequency – Feel So Real
M.A.N.I.C. – I’m Comin’ Hardcore
Jaydee – Plastic Dreams
Playahitty – The Summer Is Magic
Whigfield – Gimme Gimme
Enigma – Sadeness
Robin S – Show Me Love
Double You – Please Don’t Go
Queen – The Show Must Go On
Londonbeat – I’ve Been Thinking About You
The Family Stand – Ghetto Heaven (Strings)
The Family Stand – Ghetto Heaven (Bass)
Black Box – Ride on Time
Crystal Waters – Gypsy Woman
Queen – I’m Going Slightly Mad
CeCe Peniston – Finally
Beyoncé – BREAK MY SOUL
Queen – Don’t Try So Hard
Snap! – Rhythm Is a Dancer

NOTE

“Sadeness” is an M1-style recreation/approximation. The original flute is widely believed to have been sampler-based and derived from more than one source rather than being a single Korg M1 preset.

Which Korg M1 riff or sound is your favourite — and which important one have I missed?

WATCH MORE VINTAGE SYNTH VIDEOS

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PODCAST WEBSITE

https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com

WORK WITH ANDY WHITMORE

Music production, studio sessions and one-to-one tuition:

https://www.andywhitmore.com/

CONNECT WITH ANDY

Greystoke Studio:
https://greystokestudio.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic

Twitter/X:
https://twitter.com/andywhitmore

TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

CREDITS

Louis Velasquez — Engineering, Mixing & Camera Setup
Sam Lofthouse — Engineering, Mixing & Camera Setup

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Andy Whitmore compares the Rhodes Clav Pro directly with an original Hohner Clavinet D6 across 16 iconic riffs from Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, Bill Withers and more. Can the software really capture the sound and character of the real vintage instrument?

Can Rhodes Clav Pro really capture the sound and character of a genuine vintage Hohner Clavinet D6?

In this episode of Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore, I compare Rhodes Clav Pro directly with my original Hohner Clavinet D6 using 16 iconic Clavinet riffs.

Listen closely to the attack, bite, pickup combinations, muted sounds, wah, drive and effects as we put the software against the real instrument.

Rhodes Clav Pro was deeply sampled from a rare 1977 Clav D6 “transition” model and includes authentic pickup and EQ controls, a mute slider, drive, compression, envelope wah, amp models and studio effects.

Which do you prefer: the original Hohner Clavinet D6 or Rhodes Clav Pro? And how many of the 16 comparisons could you identify correctly?

FEATURED TRACKS

Stevie Wonder – Superstition
Stevie Wonder – Higher Ground
Rufus – Tell Me Something Good
Bill Withers – Use Me
Led Zeppelin – Trampled Under Foot
Bob Marley – Could You Be Loved
The Gap Band – Oops Upside Your Head
Kool & The Gang – Jungle Boogie
Stevie Wonder – You Haven’t Done Nothin’
ELO – Last Train to London
The Rolling Stones – Heartbreaker
Heatwave – Super Soul Sister
Tina Turner – Nutbush City Limits
Greg Kihn Band – Jeopardy
John Paul Young – Love Is in the Air
Sherbet – Howzat

RHODES CLAV PRO

Find out more about Rhodes Clav Pro:

https://youtu.be/lrGHQV-KpOU

This episode is a paid collaboration with Rhodes. The link above is an affiliate link, which means I may receive a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed are my own.

WATCH MORE VINTAGE SYNTH VIDEOS

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0Dj_f71KJlNyPbuR4efYpxQXUtmRuX5B

PODCAST WEBSITE

https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com

WORK WITH ANDY WHITMORE

Music production, studio sessions and one-to-one tuition:

https://www.andywhitmore.com/

CONNECT WITH ANDY

Greystoke Studio:
https://greystokestudio.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic

Twitter/X:
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TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

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Andy Whitmore recreates 23 iconic synth riffs, sequences, bass lines and pads on an original vintage Roland Jupiter-4.

The Roland Jupiter-4 was Roland’s first polyphonic synthesizer—and one of its most distinctive. Andy Whitmore recreates 23 famous synth parts associated with The Human League, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, Simple Minds, Spandau Ballet, The Cars, Styx, LCD Soundsystem, Sharon Van Etten and more, using an original vintage Jupiter-4.

The Roland Jupiter-4 was Roland’s first polyphonic synthesizer—and although it was later overshadowed by the Jupiter-8, it appeared on some enormous records.

In this episode, record producer and keyboard player Andy Whitmore recreates 23 iconic riffs, sequences, bass lines, brass sounds, pads and synth hooks using his original vintage Roland Jupiter-4.

Its raw oscillators, distinctive ensemble effect, unusual modulation and famously unpredictable arpeggiator gave the Jupiter-4 a character unlike almost any other synthesizer. It growls, spits, wobbles and frequently sounds as though it has a mind of its own.

The episode features music associated with The Human League, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, Simple Minds, Spandau Ballet, Heaven 17, Thomas Dolby, John Foxx, The Cars, Styx, Michael Jackson, LCD Soundsystem and Sharon Van Etten.

Every musical example has been recreated and performed on Andy’s original vintage Jupiter-4.

TRACKS FEATURED

Spandau Ballet – To Cut a Long Story Short
Main lead line — 1980

The Human League – Don’t You Want Me
Bass — 1981

Depeche Mode – New Life
Intro synths — 1981

Duran Duran – Rio
Arpeggiated sequence — 1982

Duran Duran – Rio
Middle-eight brass pad — 1982

Simple Minds – Theme for Great Cities
Lead, pad and distorted Jupiter-4 — 1981

Styx – Too Much Time on My Hands
Bass and resonant drone — 1981

Depeche Mode – Just Can’t Get Enough
Intro, lead, bass and Roland KR-55B drums — 1981

Michael Jackson – Thriller
Intro brass-pad recreation — 1982
The original sound is more commonly associated with the Jupiter-8’s dual mode.

The Human League – Open Your Heart
Bass and brass riff — 1981

The Cars – Shake It Up
Arpeggiator and organ riff — 1981

Depeche Mode – Photographic
Bass sequence, lead riff and upper sequence — 1981

Doctor Who
Trombone part from the television theme — 1980

Thomas Dolby – Windpower
Lead, bass and brass riff — 1982

The Human League – The Things That Dreams Are Made Of
Lead and bass — 1981

The Human League – Dreams of Leaving
Sequenced bass — 1980

Depeche Mode – Tora! Tora! Tora!
Bass — 1981

The Human League – Seconds
Bass, pad and strings — 1981

Heaven 17 – Geisha Boys and Temple Girls
Random arpeggiator — 1981

Gary Numan – This Wreckage
Multiple Jupiter-4 parts — 1980

LCD Soundsystem – How Do You Sleep?
Sequence — 2017

Sharon Van Etten – Jupiter 4
Bass and outro lead — 2018

John Foxx – Europe After the Rain
High string line — 1981

The Jupiter-8 may have become the superstar of Roland’s Jupiter range, but the Jupiter-4 has a raw, unstable and slightly dangerous quality that remains completely its own.

Which Jupiter-4 sound surprised you most? Let me know—and tell me which classic synthesizer I should explore next.

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Twenty famous riffs and keyboard parts from Prince, Van Halen, Rush, Eurythmics and more, recreated on an original Oberheim OB-8. Andy also explores the history of the OB-X, OB-Xa, OB-SX, OB-8 and modern OB-X8.

In this episode of Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore, I recreate 20 famous riffs and keyboard parts using my original vintage Oberheim OB-8.

You’ll recognise many of these songs immediately—but you may not realise how many classic recordings featured an Oberheim synthesizer or a sound from the same family.

Although the episode contains 20 tracks, many of the recreations are constructed from several separate sounds and performances, including pads, brass stabs, bass lines, strings, sequences and filter sweeps.

Some of these sounds took several hours to program, and the complete video and podcast project took around five days to assemble.

Every sound in the episode was recreated on an original Oberheim OB-8. However, not every record was originally made using that exact model. Some featured the earlier OB-X or OB-Xa, while others belong more broadly to the classic Oberheim sonic family.

The episode concludes with the history of the OB series and a closer look at the OB-8’s most important relatives:

1979 — Oberheim OB-X

The predecessor to the OB-Xa and OB-8. Its more discrete, SEM-influenced architecture can give it a rawer, wider and slightly more unpredictable character.

1980 — Oberheim OB-Xa

The closest and most significant relative of the OB-8. It replaced the OB-X, used Curtis chips and provided switchable 12-decibel and 24-decibel low-pass filtering.

1980 — Oberheim OB-SX

A more preset-based OB-family instrument. It was less programmable than the OB-Xa or OB-8 but still belonged to the same era and sonic world.

1983 — Oberheim OB-8

The instrument featured throughout this episode. It is renowned for its enormous brass sounds, wide pads, splits, unison mode, stereo spread and polished early-80s Oberheim character.

2022 — Oberheim OB-X8

A modern Oberheim that brings together elements of the OB-X, OB-SX, OB-Xa and OB-8, including voice, filter and envelope characteristics inspired by the original instruments.

FEATURED TRACKS

Eurythmics – Sweet Dreams | OB-X | 1983
Van Halen – Why Can’t This Be Love | OB-8 | 1986
Rush – Subdivisions | OB-Xa | 1982
Sylvester Levay – Airwolf Theme | OB-Xa | 1984
Stevie Nicks – Stand Back | OB-Xa | 1983
Phil Collins – Sussudio | OB-8 | 1985
Simple Minds – Don’t You Forget About Me | OB-8 | 1985
Rush – Tom Sawyer | OB-X | 1981
Rod Stewart – Young Turks | OB-Xa | 1981
Van Halen – Jump | OB-X / OB-Xa | 1983
Prince – 1999 | OB-Xa | 1982
Styx – Mr. Roboto | OB-8 | 1983
Jean-Michel Jarre – L’Ouverture | OB-Xa | 1982
Prince – Delirious | OB-Xa | 1983
Kenny G – Songbird | OB-Xa | 1987
The Police – Invisible Sun | OB-X | 1981
Grover Washington Jr. – Winelight | OB-Xa | 1980
Prince – Little Red Corvette | OB-8 | 1983
Pat Metheny Group and David Bowie – This Is Not America | OB-8 | 1985
Prince – Purple Rain | OB-8 | 1984

WATCH MORE VINTAGE SYNTH VIDEOS

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0Dj_f71KJlNyPbuR4efYpxQXUtmRuX5B

PODCAST WEBSITE

https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com

WORK WITH ANDY WHITMORE

Music production, studio sessions and one-to-one tuition:

https://www.andywhitmore.com/

CONNECT WITH ANDY

Greystoke Studio:
https://greystokestudio.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic

Twitter/X:
https://twitter.com/andywhitmore

TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

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In this Synth Icons episode, Andy Whitmore dives into the digital, glassy world of the Roland D-50 – with 20 iconic riffs you definitely know, but maybe never realised were D-50.

Every sound in this episode comes from a real D-50, using classic factory presets like Pizzagogo, DigitalNativeDance, Staccato Heaven, Glass Voices, Metal Harp, Cathedral/pipe organs, Shakuhachi, Griitttarr and more. No other synths, no samples – just the D-50 doing what it does best.

🎧 Tracks & sounds featured include:

• Michael Jackson – Man in the Mirror (I-84 Afterthought)
• Enya – Orinoco Flow (I-44 Pizzagogo)
• Eric Clapton – Bad Love (I-77 O K Chorale)
• Gary Numan – America (I-37 Soundtrack)
• Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season 1 theme / OST (I-51 Glass Voices)
• Paula Abdul – Straight Up (I-15 Horn Section)
• Christopher Cross – Sailing (I-43 Basin Strat Blues)
• Taylor Dayne – Tell It to My Heart (I-15 Horn Section)
• George Michael – Faith (I-38 Cathedral Organ)
• Mica Paris – My One Temptation (I-15 Horn Section)
• Phil Collins – Another Day in Paradise (I-12 Metal Harp)
• Bananarama – Love in the First Degree (I-15 Horn Section)
• Mr. President – Coco Jamboo (I-16 Living Calliope)
• Boy Meets Girl – Waiting for a Star to Fall (I-21 DigitalNativeDance)
• Sabrina – Boys Boys Boys (I-15 Horn Section)
• Spagna – Call Me (I-15 Horn Section)
• George Michael – Father Figure (I-66 Shakuhachi)
• Pink Floyd – Run Like Hell (I-26 Griitttarr – reimagined on D-50)
• Michael Jackson – Dirty Diana (I-21 DigitalNativeDance)
• Michael Cooper – Shoop Shoop (Never Stop Givin’ You Love) (I-61 Staccato Heaven)
• Plus preset demos: Intruder FX and Staccato Heaven

Expect plenty of “wait… that’s a D-50?!” moments as these factory patches pop up in huge pop, rock and TV themes from the late 80s and early 90s.

🎹 More Synth Icons episodes:

• Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)
• Sequential Prophet-5 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
• Roland Jupiter-8 & Jupiter-4 – Hidden 80s Synth Gems
• Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
• CS-80 / Vangelis sounds and Yamaha DX7 specials

✏️ 1-to-1 lessons & synth help
If you want one-to-one lessons on how to program or produce in Logic Pro – or you’d like help programming synths (hardware or analogue-style VSTs) – head over to Andy’s website and get in touch.

📲Connect with me:

🌐 Website → https://greystokestudio.com/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/

📺 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore

👍 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic

𝕏 X → https://twitter.com/andywhitmore

🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

If you enjoy this D-50 special, follow the Synth Icons podcast, leave a rating or review, and let Andy know which synth – or which artist – you’d like to hear next.

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In this Synth Icons episode, Andy Whitmore fires up the real Yamaha CS-80 to recreate some of Vangelis’ most iconic moments – this time with the full effects chain rebuilt. Big reverbs, delays and chorus bring the CS-80 right back into that huge, cinematic Blade Runner / Chariots of Fire space.

Across the episode you’ll hear eight classic Vangelis riffs, all played on an original CS-80, focusing on brass, strings, flutes and pads – with no soft synths and no emulations, just pure vintage hardware.

🎧 Riffs featured:

• Vangelis – Chariots of Fire – Brass melody
• Vangelis – Blade Runner – Brass line
• Vangelis – Blade Runner – String pad
• Jon & Vangelis – I Hear You Now – Main theme
• Vangelis – Chariots of Fire – Brass lick
• Vangelis – To the Unknown Man – Intro melody
• Vangelis – Blade Runner – Flute intro line
• Vangelis – Blade Runner – Brass line (no bass)

Expect long, evolving notes, expressive vibrato and that unmistakable CS-80 warmth, all swimming in reverb and delay just like the original recordings.

🎹 More Synth Icons episodes:

• Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)
• Yamaha DX7 – Classic 80s Riffs & Presets
• Roland Jupiter-4 & Jupiter-8 – Hidden 80s Synth Gems
• Sequential Prophet-5 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
• Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
• Roland D-50 – Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were D-50)

✏️ 1-to-1 lessons & synth help
If you want one-to-one lessons on how to program or produce in Logic Pro – or you’d like help programming synths (hardware or analogue-style VSTs) – head over to Andy’s website and get in touch.

📲Connect with me:

🌐 Website → https://greystokestudio.com/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/

📺 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore

👍 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic

𝕏 X → https://twitter.com/andywhitmore

🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

If you enjoy this CS-80 / Vangelis special, follow the Synth Icons podcast, leave a rating or review, and let Andy know which Vangelis moment, which CS-80 sound, or which synth you’d like to hear next.

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In this Synth Icons episode, Andy Whitmore puts the Sequential Prophet-5 Rev 3.2 through its paces with a stack of famous riffs – from moody pads to punchy bass lines and full-on synth leads.

You’ll hear classic parts from Radiohead, D Train, Cameo, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Phil Collins, Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Daryl Hall & John Oates – all played on Andy’s own Prophet-5, with no other synths in the chain. The episode finishes with a fuller Prophet-5 recreation of “You’re the One for Me” by D Train.

Riffs & Sections

• Radiohead – Everything In Its Right Place (main riff)
• The Cars – Let’s Go (intro melody)
• Talking Heads – This Must Be the Place (flute-style lead)
• Phil Collins – In the Air Tonight (Prophet-5 pad)
• Pink Floyd – Run Like Hell (driving synth line)
• Frankie Goes to Hollywood – Relax (bass drops & brass licks)
• D Train – You’re the One for Me (bass, lead, extra synth parts, bass drops & organ-style solo)
• Cameo – She’s Strange (moody Prophet-5 lines)
• Daryl Hall & John Oates – I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do) (filter swell, main riff & flute lick)
• D Train – You’re the One for Me (Prophet-5 song recreation)

🎧 More Synth Icons episodes:

• Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
• Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4)
• Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)

🔧 Work with Andy

• Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/
• Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/

📲 Connect with Andy

• YouTube: @AndyWhitmore
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

If you enjoy this Prophet-5 special, follow the Synth Icons podcast, leave a rating or review, and let Andy know which synth – or which artist – you’d like to hear next.

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In this episode of Synth Icons, we funk things up with one of the most instantly recognisable keyboards in music history — the Hohner Clavinet D6.

With its sharp, percussive tone and rhythm guitar-like attack, the Clavinet became a cornerstone of funk, soul and rock throughout the 70s and early 80s. I recreate 12 classic riffs that defined its legendary sound — all played on a real Clavinet D6, no software, no emulations.

🎧 Featured riffs include:

• Stevie Wonder – Superstition
• Stevie Wonder – Higher Ground
• The Gap Band – Oops Upside Your Head
• Bob Marley – Could You Be Loved
• Kool & The Gang – Jungle Boogie
• Led Zeppelin – Trampled Under Foot
• The Commodores – Machine Gun
• The Meters – Just Kissed My Baby
• Steely Dan – Kid Charlemagne
• Billy Preston – Outa-Space
…and more!

From Motown to rock arenas, reggae to jazz fusion — this keyboard changed groove music forever. If you love funk history, vintage keyboards and iconic riffs, this episode is for you. 🎹🔥

🎛️ Work with me (production, mixing & mastering):
https://www.andywhitmore.com/

🔗 Connect with Andy Whitmore
Website: https://greystokestudio.com/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore
Instagram: https://instagram.com/andywhitmore2014
Facebook: https://facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

#HohnerClavinet #ClavinetD6 #FunkRiffs #VintageKeys #StevieWonder #Superstition #KeyboardLegends #FunkMusic #SynthIcons #MusicPodcast

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In this episode of Synth Icons, we shine a light on one of the most underrated classic analog synths of all time — the Roland Jupiter-4. Before the Juno-60 and Jupiter-8 stole the spotlight, this synth helped shape the sound of early synth-pop with its raw, punchy tone and lush analog character.

I recreate 15 famous Jupiter-4 riffs from legendary artists including Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, The Human League, Gary Numan, Michael Jackson, Heaven 17 and more. Expect shimmering brass pads, pulsing basses, eerie arps, vintage strings and bold leads — all played on a real Jupiter-4.
✅ No plugins
✅ No samples
✅ 100% authentic analog

🎧 Featured tracks include:

• The Human League – Don’t You Want Me
• Depeche Mode – I Just Can’t Get Enough
• Doctor Who Theme – Peter Howell version
• Duran Duran – Rio
• Michael Jackson – Thriller
• Gary Numan – The Wreckage
• LCD Soundsystem – How Do You Sleep?
• Sharon Van Etten – Jupiter 4
…and more synth classics.

If you love vintage synths, new wave, electro, Italo and synth-pop history, this episode is for you.

🎹 Listen to more Synth Icons episodes
Korg M1 – Famous Riffs
Yamaha DX7 – 21 Iconic Sounds
Yamaha CS-80 Blind Test

🔗 Connect with Andy Whitmore
Website: https://greystokestudio.com/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore
Instagram: https://instagram.com/andywhitmore2014
Facebook: https://facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic

🎚️ Work with me (mixing/production/mastering):
https://andywhitmore.com/

Roland Jupiter-4, Jupiter 4, Roland Synth, Vintage Synth, Analog Synth, Synth Pop, Depeche Mode, The Human League, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, 80s Synths, Synth Icons, Music Production, Retro Synths

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The Korg M1 is one of the most iconic keyboards ever made — the sound of late-’80s and early-’90s pop, dance, and film music. In this episode of Synth Icons, producer and synth collector Andy Whitmore recreates 13 legendary riffs that defined the era.

From the unmistakable Piano 16’ and Universe sounds to classic hits by House, Madonna, Inner City, and Pet Shop Boys, you’ll instantly recognise how the M1 shaped the sound of a generation.

Every riff is performed on the original hardware — no samples, no emulations — giving you the real sound of the synth that changed everything.

👉 Follow for more classic synth deep-dives, blind tests, and studio stories from @AndyWhitmore.
🎹 Watch the full video version on YouTube → @AndyWhitmore

🎧 More Synth Icons episodes:

• Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
• Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4)
• Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)

🔧 Work with Andy

• Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/
• Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/

📲 Connect with Andy

• YouTube: @AndyWhitmore
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

🔧 Need professional production, mixing, or mastering?
🎧 Work with Andy Whitmore → https://www.andywhitmore.com/

📲 Connect with me:
🌐 https://greystokestudio.com/
📸 Instagram → @andywhitmore2014
📺 YouTube → Andy Whitmore
👍 Facebook → Andy Whitmore Music
🐦 Twitter → @andywhitmore
🎵 TikTok → @andywhitmore9583

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

The Yamaha DX7 is one of the most iconic synthesizers of all time, shaping the sound of pop, rock, funk, electronic, and film music throughout the 80s and 90s.

In this episode, I recreate 21 legendary riffs that defined decades of music — from Berlin and Toto to Michael Jackson, Vangelis, Madonna, Phil Collins, Sade, Daft Punk, and more. All played note-for-note on the original DX7 — no software, no emulation.

From the lush E.Piano of Elton John’s Sacrifice to the haunting Syn-Vox of The X-Files Theme, these instantly recognizable sounds tell the story of how one synth became a legend.

👉 Follow the podcast for more classic synth deep-dives, iconic sounds, and the stories behind them.

🎧 More Synth Icons episodes:

• Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
• Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4)
• Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)

🔧 Work with Andy

• Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/
• Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/

📲 Connect with Andy

• YouTube: @AndyWhitmore
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

🔧 Need professional production, mixing, or mastering?
🎧 Work with Andy Whitmore → https://www.andywhitmore.com/

📲 Connect with me:
🌐 https://greystokestudio.com/
📸 Instagram → @andywhitmore2014
📺 YouTube → Andy Whitmore
👍 Facebook → Andy Whitmore Music
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🎵 TikTok → @andywhitmore9583

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🎧 Can you tell the difference between the legendary Yamaha CS-80 and today’s best software emulations?

In this blind test, I compare the real CS-80 with recreations from Arturia, Softube, Cherry Audio, and XILS Lab — and the results might surprise you! 🎹

You’ll hear iconic sounds made famous by Vangelis, Michael Jackson, Toto, and even Doctor Who, but only one of them is the true analog hardware. Play along, make your guesses, and see if your ears can spot the genuine CS-80 among the plugins.

👉 Subscribe for more synth deep-dives, blind tests, and behind-the-scenes stories from the studio.

🎹 Watch the full video version on YouTube → @AndyWhitmore

🎧 More Synth Icons episodes:

• Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
• Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4)
• Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)

🔧 Work with Andy

• Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/
• Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/

📲 Connect with Andy

• YouTube: @AndyWhitmore
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

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A straight A/B test: iconic riffs played first on the Roland Cloud JD-800 plug-in, then on my real vintage JD-800—same parts, same context, no tricks. Can you hear a difference?

Roland JD-800 plug-in vs real JD-800 hardware sound comparison.
In this episode I do a proper A/B test: the Roland Cloud JD-800 versus the original vintage Roland JD-800 hardware.

Here’s the format: for each track you’ll hear two quick clips—first the plug-in, then the real JD-800—using the same riff/lick and the same musical idea so you can judge the differences (or similarities) for yourself.

The JD-800 is one of the most iconic early-90s digital synths: bright, “produced,” and instantly recognisable for aggressive leads, glassy keys, and expressive patches.

Featured A/B riffs from:

· The Prodigy — “Voodoo People” (Wailing Guitar 15 / snarling riff)

· Depeche Mode — “In Your Room” (intro bass motif)

· Prince & The New Power Generation — “Damn U” (“Crystal Rhodes”)

· Prince & The New Power Generation — “7” (Iceman intro → weird FX)

· The Prodigy — “Their Law” (wailing guitar part)

· Genesis — “I Can’t Dance” (“Bruiser Tines”)

Question for you: Which one fooled you? Which version do you actually prefer—plug-in or hardware? Leave your pick in the comments, and tell me what synth A/B test you want next.

🎧 More Synth Icons episodes:

· Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know

· Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4)

· Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)

🔧 Work with Andy

· Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/

· Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/

📲 Connect with Andy

· YouTube: @AndyWhitmore

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/

· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic

· TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

That “wait… I know that song!” moment — but it’s all Wurlitzer electric piano. 🎹⚡️

In this episode, Andy plays 11 instantly recognisable Wurly riffs as short solo snippets — no backing tracks, no full songs, just the hook. From Supertramp, The Beatles and Marvin Gaye to Ray Charles, Queen and Beck, this is the Wurlitzer doing what it does best: bark, bite, and that warm, chewy midrange that cuts straight through a mix.

Play along: try to name each riff before it’s revealed, then tell Andy your score — and which one gave you the biggest “NO WAY!” moment.

Track list (short Wurlitzer snippets)

• Supertramp — Dreamer
• Marvin Gaye — I Heard It Through The Grapevine
• The Beatles — Get Back
• Supertramp — The Logical Song
• Cannonball Adderley — Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
• Beck — Where It’s At
• Supertramp — School
• Ray Charles — What’d I Say
• Supertramp — Goodbye Stranger
• Queen — You’re My Best Friend
• Supertramp — Bloody Well Right

🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1fRHQauzfOw

🌐 Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/
🏛️ Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/

Note: This audio episode accompanies the YouTube video and includes short performance snippets for commentary/demo purposes.

Episode links (optional)

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore
Podcast site: https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com/
Studio enquiries: info@greystokestudio.com

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In this Synth Icons episode, Andy Whitmore powers up the legendary Roland Jupiter-8 to uncover 20 hidden 80s synth gems. From shimmering pads and string intros to bold brass, sequences and moody bass lines, every sound you hear comes straight from Andy’s own Jupiter-8 – no plugins, no emulations, just authentic analogue.

🎧 Riffs & tracks featured:

• Queen – I Want to Break Free (strings intro, solo + sequence stabs)
• Howard Jones – What Is Love? (brass & synth solo)
• Duran Duran – Save a Prayer (sequence and lead lines)
• Prince – 1999 (Jupiter-8 brass intro)
• Simple Minds – Don’t You (Forget About Me) (brass lick)
• Michael Jackson – Thriller (intro pad)
• Pet Shop Boys – West End Girls (strings + bass)
• Tears for Fears – Mad World (bass intro & organ part)
• Tears for Fears – Pale Shelter (bass intro)
• Tears for Fears – Everybody Wants to Rule the World (main pad)

Each part is played note-for-note from the original recordings, showing why the Jupiter-8 became one of the most loved polysynths of the 80s.

🎹 More Synth Icons episodes:

• Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
• Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4)
• Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)
• Yamaha DX7, Prophet-5 and more classic synth deep-dives

✏️ 1-to-1 lessons & mentoring
If you want one-to-one lessons on how to program or produce in Logic Pro – or you’d like help programming synths, analogue or VST – head over to Andy’s website and get in touch.

📲 Connect with Andy

• YouTube: @AndyWhitmore
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

If you enjoy this Jupiter-8 special, follow the Synth Icons podcast, leave a rating or review, and let Andy know which synth – or which artist – you’d like to hear next.

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Send us Fan Mail

That “wait… I know that song!” moment — but it’s all clavinet. 🔥

In this episode, Andy plays 10 instantly recognisable clavinet riffs as short solo snippets — no backing tracks, no full songs, just the hook. From pop and disco to rock and deep funk cuts, this is the clavinet doing what it does best: snappy, percussive, and ridiculously funky.

Play along: try to name each riff before the title is revealed, then tell Andy your score — and which one surprised you most.

Track list (short clavinet snippets)

• Electric Light Orchestra — Last Train to London
• Rufus — Tell Me Something Good
• Greg Kihn Band — Jeopardy
• Bill Withers — Use Me
• The Rolling Stones — Heartbreaker
• Heatwave — Super Soul Sister
• Tina Turner — Nutbush City Limits
• John Paul Young — Love Is in the Air
• Betty Davis — Don’t Call Her No Tramp
• Sherbet — Howzat

🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8U-Z6kGx5QE

🌐 Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/
🏛️ Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/

Note: This audio episode accompanies the YouTube video and includes short performance snippets for commentary/demo purposes.

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore
Podcast site: https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com/
Studio enquiries: info@greystokestudio.com

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

The Roland Juno-106 has been quietly sneaking onto hit records for decades. In this Synth Icon episode, I put it front and centre and show you why it became a true studio workhorse.

I’ll play you 15 famous basslines, pads and leads from artists like Underworld, Daft Punk, Madonna, Tame Impala, The Weeknd, Com Truise, Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein (Stranger Things) and more – all recreated live on my Juno-106 in the studio. No samples, no stems, just the real hardware with some chorus and FX.

Along the way we talk about why the 106 keeps turning up on records, how producers layer it with other Junos and synths, and what makes its chorus, filter and envelopes so addictive.

Riffs featured in this episode (in order):

· The Weeknd – Blinding Lights

· Underworld – Born Slippy (Nuxx) Part A

· Underworld – Born Slippy (Nuxx) Part B

· Daft Punk – Around the World

· Stranger Things – Kids

· Daft Punk – Voyager

· Charlie Puth – BOY

· Tame Impala – Nangs

· 808 State – Pacific State

· Dr. Alban – No Coke

· Com Truise – Memory

· Talk Talk – It’s My Life

· Daft Punk – Rollin’ & Scratchin’

· Madonna – Ray of Light

· Tame Impala – Eventually

Listen with headphones if you can – there’s a lot of chorus movement, filter detail and low-end weight that phone speakers won’t give you.

Tell me in the comments / reviews:

• Which Juno-106 riff surprised you most?
• Which synth should I feature next in the Synth Icon series – Juno-60, JD-800, DX7, M1… or something weirder?

🎧 Watch the live performance video on YouTube: search for “The Juno-106 Hit Machine | 15 Iconic Riffs – Andy Whitmore” - https://youtu.be/KzA9ZHBn06M

🔗 For more synth demos, recreations and deep dives, check out my YouTube channel and socials in the show notes - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0Dj_f71KJlNyPbuR4efYpxQXUtmRuX5B&si=voZg2MznmUrowl11

🎧 More Synth Icons episodes:

• Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
• Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4)
• Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)

🔧 Work with Andy

• Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/
• Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/

📲 Connect with Andy

• YouTube: @AndyWhitmore
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

🔧 Need professional production, mixing, or mastering?
🎧 Work with Andy Whitmore → https://www.andywhitmore.com/

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Roland Jupiter-8: 40 Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were Jupiter-8)

Andy Whitmore explores 40 iconic riffs played on the legendary Roland Jupiter-8, recreating famous brass hooks, pads, leads, basses and sequences from classic tracks by Europe, Harold Faltermeyer, Billy Idol, Duran Duran, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Journey, The Human League, Depeche Mode and more.

In this episode, Andy dives into the unmistakable sound of the Roland Jupiter-8 by recreating 40 famous riffs you almost certainly know but may not have realised were played on one of the most legendary analogue synths ever made.

From The Final Countdown and Axel F to Rebel Yell, Relax, Save a Prayer, Obsession, Mirror Man, 19, A Question of Lust and more, this is a fast-moving tour through the brass sounds, silky pads, biting unison leads, basses and sequences that made the Jupiter-8 such an important part of late-70s and 80s music.

Everything you hear is played on Andy’s original Roland Jupiter-8. No software, no emulations, just the real instrument.

If you love classic synths, iconic records, and finding out what was really used on famous tracks, this one is for you.

What you’ll hear in this episode

Huge Jupiter-8 brass sounds
Classic analogue pads and strings
Unison leads and synth hooks
Basses, drones and arpeggiated parts
40 famous riffs recreated on the original synth

Featured artists include

Europe, Harold Faltermeyer, Billy Idol, Duran Duran, Animotion, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Journey, Tangerine Dream, The Human League, Paul Hardcastle, Depeche Mode, Blancmange, Queen, Howard Jones, Simple Minds, Michael Jackson and Tears for Fears.

Chapters

0:00 Intro
0:54 Europe - The Final Countdown - Brass Lead / Pad
1:23 Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F - Main Riff
1:38 Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F - Brass Stab Riff
1:48 Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F - Bell Drop / Swell / White Noise
1:53 Animotion - Obsession - Brass
2:15 Animotion - Obsession - Flute
2:31 Billy Idol - Rebel Yell - Plucked Sound
2:39 Billy Idol - Rebel Yell - Sequence
2:51 Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax - String Intro / Sync Lead
3:22 Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax - Deep Bass Drop / Brass Riff
3:36 Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax - Bass / String Drop
3:56 Duran Duran - Hungry Like the Wolf - Sequence
4:16 Duran Duran - Save a Prayer - Intro Arpeggiator / Unison Lead
4:46 Journey - Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) - Intro Sequence
4:58 Tangerine Dream - White Eagle - Random Arpeggiator
5:37 The Human League - Mirror Man - Pad / Swell Pad / String Line
5:54 The Human League - Mirror Man - Stab Part
6:11 Paul Hardcastle - 19 - Bells / String Pad
6:32 Depeche Mode - My Secret Garden - Brass Lick
6:44 Depeche Mode - A Question of Lust - Sound FX Intro / Bass
7:05 Blancmange - Blind Vision - Flute
7:24 Blancmange - Blind Vision - Brass Lick
7:27 Queen - I Want to Break Free - Strings Intro
7:44 Queen - I Want to Break Free - Jupiter-8 Synth Solo amped through Fender Twin Reverb
8:14 Howard Jones - What Is Love? - Brass
8:31 Howard Jones - What Is Love? - Synth Solo
8:45 Simple Minds - Don’t You (Forget About Me) - Brass Lick
9:06 Michael Jackson - Thriller - Intro Brass Pad
9:25 Tears for Fears - Mad World - Bass Intro
9:43 Tears for Fears - Mad World - Organ Part
10:02 Tears for Fears - Pale Shelter - Bass Arpeggiator Intro
10:36 Outro

Listen / watch more

For more synth breakdowns, famous riff recreations and classic keyboard content, visit Andy Whitmore online.

Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/

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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.

🎧 More Synth Icons episodes:

• Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
• Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4)
• Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)

🔧 Work with Andy

• Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/
• Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/

📲 Connect with Andy

• YouTube: @AndyWhitmore
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583

🔧 Need professional production, mixing, or mastering?
🎧 Work with Andy Whitmore → https://www.andywhitmore.com/

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

A keyboard-focused breakdown of Dark Side of the Moon, using the original Richard Wright instruments: Hammond C3, Wurlitzer 200A, EMS Synthi AKS and Steinway piano.

Hear The Dark Side of the Moon as a keyboard-focused journey, recreated on the original instruments associated with Richard Wright’s parts on the album.

In this episode, I break down the signature keyboard sounds of Dark Side of the Moon using Hammond C3 with Leslie 147, Steinway Model O grand piano, EMS Synthi AKS, and Wurlitzer 200A.

From the swirling synth sequence of On the Run to the haunting textures of The Great Gig in the Sky, these are the sounds that helped define one of the most important albums ever made.

Everything is played on the real instruments associated with the album — no plug-ins, no software emulations, just the real thing.

Tracks covered
Breathe
On the Run
Time
The Great Gig in the Sky
Money
Us and Them
Any Colour You Like
Brain Damage
Eclipse

Credits

Engineered by Sam Lofthouse and Alex Hargreaves.

Follow the podcast for more keyboard breakdowns, famous riffs, and original-instrument synth content.

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