Comparing the TG 77 with the other synths out there on the market today, I would have to say that the TG 77 can hold it's own on sound, but polyphony is lacking (it was after all made in 1990), and the memory is lacking for user/ multi presets, but the rest is just fine where it is.

Programming FM, like I have mentioned before has never been easier. You have LOOPABLE ENVELOPES, something that is so cool in an FM synth..., 24 dB Resonant lowpass and hi pass filters- imagine if the DX 7 had these filters!, up to four breakpoints, up to three feeback routes, and Frequency Modulation of the operators by on-board samples. Too cool. Plus, you have elements. Voices, Elements. Within an element you have multiple choices, including the one drum kit (sounds late 80's, but pretty good). You can have up to four AFM parts in mono, or two AWM and AFM parts in poly. Another gripe I have is that due to the lack of polyphony, you cannot have four parts poly of A(dvanced) FM. Although the number of samples are lacking, you have quite an array of looped samples. The piano is fine, but you will need to tailor it with an envelope to make it sound real. There are sampled analogue waveforms like the beloved saw... and remember- each element has its own filter!

In closing, the Yamaha TG 77 is a remarkable synth that came out at a time when synths were loaded with features- not like today where everything is hyped (V-Synth anyone?) and somewhat lacking. The Yamaha TG 77 does have backlit problems, but for the average price of $325 (I just got two of these and another TX 802 for $405!)- you may have a secret weapon on your hands for perfect acoustic sounds, and Frequency Modulated MADNESS!