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 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 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 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.

Yamaha QY10 Preset Pattern List