Home Computing Retrogaming Audio Random

Yamaha QY10 Music Sequencer

Updated 6 July 2022

I own a Yamaha QY10 music sequencer. The Yamaha QY10 was introduced by Yamaha circa 1992 as a DAW-less music machine. The QY10 was marketed by Yamaha as a music sequencer machine. It performed this function very well. It is also an incredibly useful standalone MIDI controller for your MIDI-enabled instruments. You can use the QY10 to write songs using its music creation workflow. You can also use the Yamaha QY10 to play accompaniment to you in practice sessions. This page is my notebook on all things Yamaha QY10.

Yamaha QY10 Music Workstation
image  Yamaha QY10 Music Sequencer

About the Yamaha QY10

The Yamaha QY10 is a MIDI-enabled music sequencer released in 1992. The package was marketed as a pocket-sized music making device that can go anywhere with you. The pack is the same size as a VHS cassette tape. Indeed, the Yamaha QY10 comes in a VHS cassette box.

The Yamaha QY10 can program complete compositions or accompaniments. You can record each track in real-time or note-by-note. There are two input interfaces. The front panel has a micro-keyboard for direct key entry. Notation is also possible through an external MIDI-enabled instrument. The Yamaha QY10 has a range of preset "patterns" in a variety of styles. The patterns include separate rhythm, bass, and two chord parts available. These patterns are useful as a starting point for your compositions. The patterns are available for use in whole or in part. You can even create your own custom patterns. The Yamaha QY10 has a range of editing functions to reshape and refine your work.

The user interface is typical of its time. The command interface is through a useful but limited LCD screen. There is a learning curve to get into this instrument. It is also useful to keep the reference sheets handy. This will save you time in looking for the instruments and patterns.

Do not let the age and basic interface fool you. The Yamaha QY10 is a powerful machine. The machine is battery powered. This makes the unit portable. I like to use the Yamaha QY10 on public transport and other environments where a full setup is not possible. This makes the Yamaha QY10 unique. Most DAW-less devices now on the market are for desktop use only.

The secret that Yamaha intended a musicians powerhouse reveals on the rear panel. Two full-sized MIDI connectors. One connector for IN and the other connector for MIDI out. There is also a line out plug for direct connection to your equipment. One the side are power and volume sliders, as well a headphone monitor jack. The MIDI standard has not changed significantly in decades. I expect the Yamaha QY-10 to control modern MIDI-controlled equipment with ease. Connecting a full-size MIDI keyboard is the obvious choice to start. It will be interesting to see what other equipment will make new connections.

Yamaha QY10 Photos

Yamaha QY10 leather handbag
Phil Collins holding Yamaha QY10
Yamaha QY10 Chick Corea

Yamaha QY10 Review

Yamaha QY10 Packaging

Small and portable. The Yamaha QY10 packaging reflects its intent. This music sequencer comes in a VHS cassette case. Look at me it shouts. "I am the size of a blank VHS cassette tape and I can do so much more!" Yamaha must be expecting customer returns. The packaging comes with a small warning note. This case is for protection of the unit during transport. Damage to the case after purchase is not covered by warranty. As a lover of vintage gear, I want my Yamaha QY10 to come in its VHS packaging.

I bought my Yamaha QY10 from a vendor in Japan. The machine arrived in excellent condition. There were two manuals. The first, 20-page, book is called the Yamaha QY10 Play Book. The second, 223-page, book is the user manual. Unfortunately, both manuals are Japanese only. The Play Book manual looks like a lot fun.

Yamaha QY10 packaging and manual
image  Yamaha QY10 Music Sequencer

Yamaha QY10 Voices

The Yamaha QY10 has 30 voices and one drum kit available. This may not seem like a lot. In fact, this does not even cover the range of GM voices available for a standard MIDI file. This may be a deal breaker for some musicians. This also misses the point of this machine. It is about music composition and MIDI sequencing. The chart shows the the voices available on vintage Yamaha noise generators. The voice limitation is some of the appeal of the Yamaha QY10. It is about creating music within creative boundaries.

The instruments available vary in quality. They are substantially better than chiptune or SID-based synthesizers. The tone generator will musicians compose melodies. The studio generator does not compose studio-quality sounds. The voices are fun to listen to. I do not need to take all my vintage gear seriously.

Yamaha QY10 Portability

Yamaha QY10 traveling on the train
image  Yamaha QY10 is a great machine for long country train trips

Yamaha has marketed the QY10 music sequencer as a portable device. Creating music on the move. The QY10 lives up to this goal. AA batteries power this machine for a long time. I have used the QY10 as a MIDI player and song creator on long country train trips. The only time I run out of batteries is when I forget to turn the machine off when I get off the train. The Yamaha QY10 stores eight MIDI sequences. There is also three demo songs to listen to as well. I have taken a photo of my Yamaha QY10 traveling along with me on the train. I chuck the VHS cassette box into my backpack and away I go. The Yamaha QY10 keeps me entertained for hours. Try finding something as useful as this on the current DAW-less market.

Yamaha QY10 Programming Sheet

There is no hiding the learning curve for the Yamaha QY10. Sure this little machine can do a lot. The way that I work my way through the workflow is to sketch out my music. Every musician has a different approach. The Yamaha QY10 user manual recommends starting with the backing tracks. Then you can sequence out your chord progressions. You will now how the space to compose your tunes. Playing around and making changes is the key. I have created a Yamaha QY10 music programming template in PDF. I have found that this little template kick starts the creativity process. One you have your machine programmed up then you can working on tuning your creation to perfection. Download here: Yamaha GQ10 Music Sequencer Programming Sheet.

AudioPhil review of the AKAI SW-125 bookshelf loudspeaker

Yamaha QY10 Preset Pattern List

PresetNameDescriptionTempo
24FU4BuzzUp-tempo dance126
25FU4JammyHeavy pop funk102
26FU4LAPopPop funk106
27FU4SlamHeavy dance funk120
28FU4NYPopR&B funk121
29FU4KickAKick funk121
30FU2PowerRock funk130
31FU4HiTecElectro funk117
32FU8LAFunBrassy funk rock117
33FU4BrassBrass rock funk116
34EU4Euro1Eurobeat126
35EU4Euro2Eurobeat114
36EU4FloorBalearic beat129
37EU4ELPopElectronic pop124
38EU4HouseEuro house music120
39EU2Go 2British house reggae117
40FS4EasyLaid-back west coast92
41FS4SBeatEuro swing-beat96
42FS4CaribCaribeab electronic98
43FS4NYFunNew York 90s funk100
44FS4Strut90s funk94
45FS4FunqWest coast 90s funk102
46FS4 HipHeavy funk93
47BA2 DarkDark electronic ballad84
48BASlow1Country ballad72
49BASlow2Electric-piano ballad68
50BA8 6/86/8 ballad70
51BA4Soul2Swing beat ballad90
52BA4Funk1Funk ballad80
53BA4Funk2Funk ballad91
54BANuAgeNew-age ballad80
55CR2LyinLight rock shuffle140
56CR4DropsLight country rock shuffle130
57SA2Sals1Salsa117
58SA4Sals2Salsa120
59SA4Sals3Salsa110
60SA4Bosa1Bossa-nova138
61SA4Bosa2Bossa-nova134
62ET4BaliEthnic 3/4104
63SW4Jazz1Jazz swing160
64SW4Jazz2Jazz swing130
65SW2BeBopBe-bop148
66SW8WaltzJazz waltz132
67RE8Drop11-drop reggae shuffle144
68RE4Jamza1-drop reggae shuffle145
69RP4BrassBrassy rock pop120
70PR4ClothBright rock pop132
71RP4RinseFunk rock pop120
72RP2RoyalHeavy rock pop117
73HR2HeavyHard rock120
74HR2MetalHard rock147
75HR4ProckProgressive 6/8 rock111
76RR4FireRock and roll158
77RR4ZeroRock and roll200
78RR2OneRock and roll154
79RR2TwoRock and roll180
80RR4ThreeRock and roll132
81RR4FourRock and roll150
82RS2Bgy1Boogie133
83RS2Bgy2Rock boogie120
84RS2StealRock shuffle128
85RS2HeavyHeavy metal boogie147
86BL4 Jam 18-beat blues120
87BL2 Jam 212-beat blues68
88RB4BrassRhythm and blues125
89RB4FGoodRhythm and blues120
90RB4GroovRhythm and blues120
91RB4MCityDetroit style rhythm and blues108
92GO8Spell3/4 gospel120
93CW4GrassBlue grass134
94BK1OneBreak - rhythm and blues111
95BK1TwoBreak - rhythm and blues120
96BK1ThreeBreak - shuffle103
97BK1FourBreak - pop shuffle100
98BK1FiveBreak - heavy120
99BK2DrumsBreak - drum break100

Other articles we think you might like

AudioPhil review of the AKAI SW-125 bookshelf loudspeaker

AKAI SW-125
loudspeaker review

1970 Blaupunkt Arizona Stereo Console

Blaupunkt Arizona
Stereo Receiver

List of commercial Atari ST software

Atari ST
music software

Yamaha PSR-530 Arranger Keyboard

Yamaha PSR-530
Arranger Keyboard