1970 - 1981- ARP 2600 - Perhaps the only keyboard that could give the Mimimoog a run for its money in terms of legendary keyboards status. They ARP 2600 had a long life span and was used by countless recording artists. It had 3 voltage controlled oscillators and was Monophonic. Unlike the Minimoog the ARP 2600 went through countless cosmetic changes over the years. As was the case with many of ARP's keyboards.
1974-1977 - YAMAHA GX-1- This analog synthesizer was quite a beast to say the least. At first glance it looks more like an organ than a synthesizer. It was never meant to be portable as it came with its own bench and base instaled. There were less than ten ever made. This keyboard had an incredible price tag of $50,000. It was also the predecessor to the Yamaha CS80. A far more affordable Yamaha synthesizer.
1975 - 1981 - ARP Axxe - This ARP keyboard was one of their cheaper models. It is monophonic with a single voltage controlled oscillator. Perhaps the most unique feature of this keyboard is the fact that the keys expanded outward from the body. If you look at a top view of this keyboard you'll instantly know what I am referring to.
1977 - YAMAHA SS30 - this keyboard looks truly dated today as it is in case you full wood paneling. It looks quite quaint by today's standards. This keyboard uses organ like architecture rather than synthesizer architecture. The purpose of this keyboard was solely to imitate the sound of synthesized strings. All the sounds on this keyboard were preset.
1979-83 - YAMAHA CS-5 - This was a basic bare bones entry level synthesizer with a single voltage controlled oscillator and was monophonic. It had a simple and classic design with a black casing that was very similar to the Roland keyboards of the time. An interesting feature of this keyboard is that it had a sliding lever instead of the pitch bending wheel.