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A keyboardist is nothing without their keys… here are the three main pieces of equipment Doyle uses as part of her rig (and where you can buy them or similar models for yourself!):

Candida Doyle: a brief biography

Candida Doyle was born in Belfast in 1963 and raised in Sheffield, where her musical journey began. Her mother was a writer, and her brother, Magnus, was actually Pulp’s original drummer, so creativity ran in the family. She joined Pulp in 1984, initially playing cheap Casios and string synths, and quickly became a core part of the band’s sound.

At the age of 16, Candida was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. By 17, it was affecting her hands, knees, ankles and shoulders, making everyday tasks painful. To work around this, she adapts her setup in smart, practical ways. For example, she often samples fast chord runs and triggers them with a single key, reducing strain while still delivering complex parts live. 

She’s spoken openly about how hard this period was. “I was living every day and night with discomfort,” she told The Guardian in 2024, explaining how her condition shaped her resilience and changed her relationship with music. Despite the challenges, she has stuck with Pulp through the ’90s to now.

She played on all the band’s major albums and tours. Her style wasn’t about flash, it was about feel, texture and knowing exactly when to hold back. That subtlety became a big part of what made Pulp stand out.

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What gear does Candida Doyle use?

Moog Minimoog Model D

One of the most iconic synths in Candida Doyle’s setup. The Moog Minimoog Model D is known for its thick, warm tones and punchy bass. It’s perfect for creating rich, analog textures – something that’s become part of Pulp’s sonic DNA. While Doyle hasn’t spoken at length about the Model D in interviews, it’s listed among her known gear.

The synth is monophonic, with three oscillators and a classic Moog filter that gives it a weighty, unmistakable character. It’s not overly complex to operate, which makes it great for dialling in gritty, expressive sounds without getting bogged down in menus or programming.

If you’re looking for something more affordable, the Behringer Model D is a great option. It captures much of the original’s analog charm at a much friendlier price, making it ideal for musicians who want that classic Moog-style sound without breaking the bank.

Fender Rhodes

Candida Doyle’s use of the Fender Rhodes helped shape some of Pulp’s softer, more intimate sounds. Its distinctively smooth, chime-like tone can be heard on tracks like “Live Bed Show” and “Something Changed”, among others, where it adds warmth and space without overwhelming the mix.

The instrument suits Doyle’s subtle, minimalist approach perfectly with its mellow yet rich sound, sitting somewhere between a piano and a synth.

For something similar, we currently stock the meticulously crafted Rhodes MK8 – the modern version of the original classic. If you’re looking for something more affordable, the Nord Stage 4 offers authentic Rhodes-style tones with modern flexibility – a great pick for players after that classic Pulp-style electric piano sound.

Roland Juno-6

The Roland Juno-6 was a staple in Candida Doyle’s early Pulp setup, known for its lush pads and bold chorus effect. It helped shape the band’s more atmospheric tracks in the late ’80s and early ’90s, especially during their transition into a more synth-driven sound.

The Juno’s warm analog character aligns well with her understated playing style. If you’re after that signature tone, try the Roland JU-06A Sound Module. It nails the Juno-6’s sound while being far more compact and affordable for today’s setups.

Korg Trident

The Korg Trident featured in Pulp’s earlier years, helping to shape the layered, atmospheric feel of their late ’80s sound. It’s an analog polysynth with separate sections for strings, brass, and synth tones, making it ideal for building rich, textured parts.

Its sound is warm and slightly gritty, perfect for moody pads or vintage leads that sit well in a mix. For a similar feel today, the Korg Minilogue XD delivers analog depth and flexibility in a modern, compact format, with plenty of scope for customising sounds to suit your own style.

Farfisa Professional

The Farfisa Professional was part of Candida Doyle’s live rig during Pulp’s early gigs, bringing a sharp, reedy tone that cut through the band’s rawer, guitar-driven sound. Its tone is punchy and slightly lo-fi, with a distinct character that suits post-punk and indie styles.

This combo organ became a defining part of Pulp’s live sound before their mainstream breakthrough. If you’re chasing a similar vibe, we recommend the Roland VR-09-B V-Combo Keyboard as it offers classic transistor organ tones with modern reliability, making it a strong option for capturing that vintage Farfisa-style edge in a live or studio setting.

Stylophone 350S

Remember the distinctive buzzing tone of Pulp’s more experimental tracks? The Stylophone 350S was used by Candida Doyle during Pulp’s Separations era. Unlike the basic Stylophone, the 350S features multiple voices, a larger stylus keyboard and built-in effects, giving it more sonic range.

Its sound is quirky and unmistakably lo-fi, perfect for adding odd textures and character to a mix. For a modern alternative, the Dubreq Stylophone S1 captures that same playful spirit with updated features, making it a fun and affordable choice if you’re after something a bit different.

Ensoniq ASR-10

The Ensoniq ASR-10 became part of Candida Doyle’s setup during Pulp’s This Is Hardcore period, offering sampling and sequencing features that added depth to the band’s darker, more cinematic sound. It’s a powerful workstation known for its warm sample playback and onboard effects.

The ASR-10 was well suited to layering moody textures and loops, blending organic and synthetic elements in a flexible way. Today, the Roland SP-404MKII provides similar creative possibilities in a modern format, with sample manipulation and effects that make it ideal for building atmospheric soundscapes in both studio and live settings.

Korg Delta

The Korg Delta was part of Candida Doyle’s setup in Pulp’s early years. It’s a hybrid synth and string machine with lush pads and a slightly gritty analog character.

With both synth and string sections, the Delta added warmth and movement to the band’s evolving sound, giving a fuller texture to live performances and recordings from that era.

If you’re looking for something similar to the original sound of the Delta, the Behringer VC340 offers rich string and ensemble tones with an authentic vintage flavour.

Casio MT-100

The Casio MT-100 was one of the first keyboards Candida Doyle used when she joined Pulp in the mid-’80s. It’s a small, home-style keyboard with built-in rhythms and simple sounds, offering lo-fi charm that suited the band’s early DIY aesthetic.

Its tone is basic but characterful, giving a slightly rough edge to recordings from that period. For a modern-day alternative, the VISIONKEY-1 37 Key Portable Mini Keyboard provides onboard rhythms, a compact design, and beginner-friendly features that echo the MT-100’s playful, accessible vibe.

FAQs

Who was Pulp influenced by?

Pulp has an eclectic array of influences, from ABBA to David Bowie to The Velvet Underground. You can hear these in the band’s iconic mix of electronic, pop, and rock sounds.

How old was Jarvis Cocker when he formed Pulp?

Jarvis Cocker was 15 years old when he formed Pulp. He started the band in 1978 while attending City School in Sheffield, initially naming it “Arabicus Pulp.” This early start laid the foundation for Pulp’s evolution into one of Britpop’s most influential acts.

Is Pulp a goth band?

Pulp is not considered a goth band. While some early tracks had darker tones, their music evolved into a blend of Britpop, art rock, and disco influences. Their witty lyrics and theatrical style set them apart from the gothic genre, aligning them more with the Britpop movement.

Final thoughts

Pulp keyboardist Candida Doyle played a hugely influential role in that classic Britpop sound. Her musical versatility, the gear she uses, and the way she’s adapted her live setup to suit her is inspirational to any budding keys player.

Luckily, if you’re looking to recreate that iconic Pulp sound, there are plenty of alternatives on the market that offer a similar sound – sometimes at a more affordable price.