Yamaha DX7

The Yamaha DX7, released in 1983, is the best-selling synthesizer of all time, its FM synthesis engine producing the crystalline electric pianos, glassy bells, and metallic bass sounds that defined 1980s pop. Over 200,000 units sold, making its presets — particularly the 'E.Piano 1' patch — among the most recognizable sounds in recorded music. Madonna's 'Like a Virgin,' Michael Jackson's 'Thriller,' and Depeche Mode's 'Enjoy the Silence' all feature the DX7's distinctive timbres. Its six-operator FM architecture offers nearly infinite tonal possibilities, though most users relied on its factory patches.