Remaking the lead synth from the 1981 song "Tom Sawyer" by Rush can be an exciting challenge for any synthesizer enthusiast. Here’s how you can create the "Tom Sawyer" lead patch and play this iconic sound on most hardware or software subtractive synthesizers (Serum, Vital, Pigments, Prophet, Korg, Moog, etc). We've included the preset download directly for your convenience, but we strongly recommend you use our programming tutorial to recreate it yourself.
Original Audio
The lead synthesizer sound in Rush’s “Tom Sawyer” is a prominent element that enters at 1:36, adding a dynamic and memorable fill to the track. This sound is likely created using an Oberheim OB-Xa synthesizer, which was a staple in Rush’s sound during that era. The slow flanging effect can be created by using an incredibly slow 1 cent detune of two oscillators, with no Oscillator Phase Start disabled so the flange effect slowly glides over the multi-note phrase.
Original Performing Instrument
Oberheim OB-X
Our Remake of The Lead Synth
This audio clip is how close we've matched the original tone of the lead synth from the song "Tom Sawyer" by Rush, giving you a reference point as you design your own synthesizer preset. Play it as often as you need to familiarize yourself with the nuances of the sound.
Synth Patch Programming Recipe
Getting Started
- Start by initializing your synthesizer to a plain saw with no filter, modulation or effects. For soft synths use the "init"/"default" preset or the the button to reset all parameters to their default factory values.
- No two synths are exactly alike, so treat the values below as approximate, and use your ear.
- Percentage values (e.g. 50%) represent the relative position of a knob or slider within its full range. The full range of each parameter may differ from synth to synth, so use your ear.
Voices
- Voice Mode: Mono Legato
- Portamento: 30 ms
Amp Envelope
- Attack: 0 ms
- Sustain: 100%
- Release: 20 ms
Oscillators
- Oscillator 1
- Waveform: Pulse
- Pulse Width: 70%
- Volume: 50%
- Pitch: +1 Cent
- Oscillator 2
- Waveform: Pulse
- Pulse Width: 70%
- Volume: 50%
- Unison
- Oscillators: All
- Voice Count: 2
- Detune Range: 3 Cents
- Stereo Spread: 100%
- Reset All Oscillators Phase On Note Start: No
Filter
- Type: Low Pass
- Cutoff: 75%
- Key Tracking: 30%
Chorus
- Mix: 20% Wet
- Rate: Slow
Reverb
- Mix: 0% Wet
- Size: Big
Note: the patch settings may slightly differ in the Syntorial challenge.
Explore More
- How To Remake Your Favorite Synth Sounds – YouTube
- “Tom Sawyer” Legendary Synth Intro – YouTube
- Synth Secrets Of Rush’s ‘Tom Sawyer’ – Synthtopia
Preset Downloads
Don't want to learn synth programming now? Use our synth preset as your starting point and tweak it from there. Register an account with Audible Genius and download the presets for free for the following synths:
- Primer, our free synthesizer VST
