Yamaha DX7

The DX7 killed analog synthesis overnight when it launched in 1983. FM synthesis produced sounds no subtractive synth could — electric pianos, metallic bells, glassy pads, and that bass slap heard on every mid-80s pop record. It sold over 200,000 units and became the best-selling synthesizer of all time. The preset "E.PIANO 1" is arguably the most famous synth patch ever created. Brian Eno, Phil Collins, A-ha, and Whitney Houston records all drip with DX7.