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Yamaha has announced that they are discontinuing the Montage, their flagship workstation synthesizer, but says that a new synth workstation is coming in October

Released in 2016, Yamaha Montage synthesizer workstation has been hugely successful, finding a berth in studios and on stages around the world.

The successor to the Motif, the Montage was powered by the Motion Synthesis Engine, which combined Yamaha’s AWM2 waveform-based subtractive synthesis engine with a “modern version of synthesis” known as FM-X. It was released in 61-, 76- and 88-note formats. Explaining its decision, Yamaha has indicated that it has taken the Montage as far as it can. “As much as we would have liked to, we cannot develop the current Montage any further,” it explains in a statement.

But Yamaha also had good news to share about the Montage line, though, as Yamaha is saying sayonara with one final set of free content for Montage owners. This contains three acoustic pianos: a Yamaha U1 upright piano, a Yamaha C3 grand piano (AKA “Nashville Grand”) and a Felt Yamaha U1 upright piano.

In addition, the company is teasing that a next-generation Montage is arriving in October. Whether this will be an evolution of the existing model or a completely new design remains to be seen, but more information is set to be confirmed on the Yamaha Synth website in due course.

Here’s what the company says:

“Today we are discontinuing the MONTAGE music synthesizer.

Since its launch in 2016, MONTAGE has provided musicians with new ways to express themselves. As much as we would have liked to, we cannot develop the current MONTAGE any further.

As a thank you we are providing a final set of content free of charge for all MONTAGE owners. This pack contains three acoustic pianos: a Yamaha U1 upright piano, a Yamaha C3 grand piano (AKA “Nashville Grand”) and a Felt Yamaha U1 upright piano. MONTAGE owners can download this content free of charge right here.

We appreciate the music you made as well as the passion you show for Yamaha Synthesizers. Thank you for your support!

And one more thing…the next generation MONTAGE synthesizer is coming in October.”

What features would you want to see in an updated Yamaha Montage? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The Behringer TD-3-MO-BK is a style variant of their Devil Fish TB-303 knockoff, the TD-3-MO.

The Devil Fish Roland TB-303 was originally created by Robin Whittle and adds a variety of features that make the 303 a more powerful instrument for electronic musicians, including extended bass response, overdrive control, more flexible synth control, CV and gate connectivity and more.

The TD-3-MO brought these mods to Behringer TD-3, making it inexpensive alternative to an original modded 303.

Behringer says that the TD-3-MO-BK is now shipping, priced at $249.

Artiphon – creators of the Instrument 1 and Orba synthesizers and MIDI controllers – has launched a Kickstarter project to fund production of the Chorda, a new synthesizer, looper and MIDI controller that’s designed to be played in a variety of ways.

Chorda features 12 capacitive-sensing pads, an built-in synthesizer and sample engine, a looper, support for MIDI and is also an MPE controller.

What Artiphon say about it:

“Chorda is an incredibly versatile instrument. In fact, it’s like having many instruments in one! You can play Chorda flat like a keyboard or drum machine, or pick it up and strum like a guitar or ukulele.

Chorda lets you play music intuitively, whether you’ve never picked up an instrument or if you’ve played your whole life. With feather-sensitive “capacitive touch” sensors, it picks up even the slightest (or the wildest!) movements so you can express yourself instantly and explore your favorite music in new ways.”

Features:

• 12 capacitive-sensing pads respond to even the lightest velocities and enable per-note expression in multiple dimensions
• Bridge with six triggers for individual note articulation using familiar gestures like strumming, tapping, and pressing
• Onboard synthesizer and sample engine, and built-in speaker offer an immediate, standalone playing experience
• Accelerometer and gyroscope capture a range of multi-dimensional movements
• Use the built-in looper to easily layer Drum, Bass, Chord, and Lead parts
• Connect to the cross-platform Artiphon app for more sounds, songs, and settings
• Connect via MIDI over Bluetooth or USB-C, and use MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) to play your synths and music software in dynamic new ways
• Use the 1/8″ (3.5mm) output to listen on headphones, speakers, and amps
• Multicolor LEDs respond to the way you play
• Embedded haptic engine offers vibration feedback
• USB rechargeable battery with 4+ hours of battery life

Chorda supports the following MIDI expressive controls:

Per-note:

• Velocity
• Vibrato (Pitch)
• Radiate (CC74)
• Press (Channel Pressure, Aftertouch)

Universal:

• Tilt (CC1)
• Move (CC113)

The Chorda is available to project backers starting at $199.

*Note: Crowdfunded projects involve risk. Find out details on the project website.