First synth

[Bearstripes]

Hey

So I'm ready to synth.
Learning piano (at a slow rate) and intend on getting a synth in January. I was messing around with one the other day and realized it's a pedal ou can play and I need one!

So what to get?

Budget 500
Analog is cool
Presets are cool
Polyphonic is cool unless you can make me think other wise.

I'm looking at
The mini lounge
That Roland jdxi
That little Yamaha one (I believe it's the cp3)

And although they are monophonic
The micro brute
Ms20 mini

Didn't look any thing vintage so throw some at me if you think they are tight

[jrfox92]

My first was my Microbrute that I got earlier in the year.
It's

Also, if you can, you should try getting one of the Roland Boutique synths.
I'd planned on getting one but bills suddenly started piling up and I wasn't able to.

[D.o.S.]

Not to be brutally reductive but if you want polyphonic you probably shouldn't go for a monophonic synth.

[Bearstripes]

I figured as much but seeing as I can barely play keys and they look so cool I figured I would consider one

[Faldoe]

Are you set on analog?

Some of the older Novation stuff is cool.

I have a K-Station which is an analog modeled synth. It's polyphonic. The layout of the knobs is really nice and intuitive. Good for creativity.

http://www.vintagesynth.com/novation/kstation.php

[lordgalvar]

If you want more keyboard, esq-1 can be found under 500.

Korg DW-8000 maybe (they've been creeping up in price).

Redsound Darkstar plus a fun midi controller is a blast (VA, 8 voices I think...easy to get into).

I have a friend that loves his roland jx-di (I think that's the one) and it was under 500. He uses it a ton on his industrial/dark dance kinda techno stuff.

The 90s Yamaha CS an AN stuff could be cool too. A lot of people love those.

Maybe there is a chance to pick up a Nord lead if you look around.

If you are going monophonic, 0-coast is a blast except keys will put you above budget slightly. I think it is much more versatile and sounds way better than the minitaur, Mopho, and microbrute.

Lots of options out there.

Edit: dang autocorrect or beer

[echorec]

What kinds of sounds do you want to make? If you are serious about the piano, then I'd advise you to look into something like the Yamaha MX49. If I had found that before buying a Reface CP, then I would have skipped the Reface. (I love a piano bank with some lo-fi reverb or delay.) It's got fairly realistic piano sounds to go along with Wurlitzer patches, harpsichords, organs, synths, strings, and acoustic instruments. Unfortunately most of the demos only showcase groove engines and club sounds.

If you want pianos & synths, then I'd go with the MX49. The synth sounds won't necessarily be as strong out of the box as something like a Reface CS, but you can edit the individual banks to get more desirable sounds. You could get an MX new from Musician's Friend for $460 (if you’re in the U.S. just call in January and ask for a discount).

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ5z4RvkbB8[/youtube]

If you're wanting just an entry synth to experiment with, then the JU-06 is a lot of fun. It's easy to access presets and to make tweaks. You can get one of those modules for $200 in open box/mint condition from an authorized dealer on Reverb. Hook up a MIDI controller along with delay or verb and you'd be all set.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FogNFE5cWl0[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUgppYxfWps[/youtube]

Of course if you're determined to twist knobs and tell your friends that you have a real analog synth, then perhaps you should look to the Minilogue. Activate the sequencer and then just roll through the first 100 presets, while tweaking the different knobs. You'll learn a lot about synthesis and how more complex sounds are formed. Between the arpeggiator and the sequencer, there's a lot you can do with 1 finger or no keyboard play at all. Without cracking the manual I was able to start saving presets, editing the parameters and programming more colorful textures. (generally I just play something new for a few minutes to make sure it's working. I rarely feel wowed or inspired enough to play something for 2 straight hours. With the Minilogue, though, I just tweaked and tweaked until it started getting too late to play anymore.) It's a very intuitive and fun experience compared to a lot of gear I've used. Some stuff is unnecessarily complex, some stuff too simplistic, but the Minilogue is fairly balanced and user-friendly. It's great for drones, retro sounds, and even more aggressive synth textures.

This demo was a big reason why I got a Minilogue:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPUyJ9EVi9A[/youtube]

You don't, of course, need to know a lot about keyboarding to make pleasant sounds and you certainly don't need an expensive synth either. It certainly doesn't hurt, but you could make a gorgeous album with a Casio and a Zoom pedal.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgfRuSBtt3U[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLXPiNw3a90[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFcSB9CSEOU[/youtube]

[space6oy]

i'm totally guilty of being a vintage synth / drum machine junkie, but you'll probably have to stay at least relatively modern w/ that.
personally i wouldn't suggest anything modern by roland. everything they've done for years now has sucked IMO.

big suggestion i'd make if you're wanting polyphony, get one w/ three octaves of keys.
i hate having just two.

maybe just start off w/ a microkorg. if you don't mind mini keys. or a poly-800, i actually wish i'd hung onto mine, might pick one up again someday.

[01010111]

I think if you want one that'll encourage you to continue learning how to play the keyboard you'll want to get a poly synth.

I think the minilogue is a good one, but I wouldn't write off those roland boutiques if those are the kind of sound you're looking for. But I'd definitely recommend getting a different controller so you can have a better range.

You can pick up a microkorg for super cheap too if you're feeling hesitant about starting a synth addiction? It's a really good synth and the editing interface isn't that bad once you get used to it. I usually have to talk myself out of picking another one up about twice a year. They really need to release it as a module...

[Psyre]

I'm right here with you, well not my first synth more like 6th, but I am looking to get a new one. Analog is nice, and I'll be pulling the trigger on a Minilogue in the next couple of weeks. I've got the $$ but just need to make sure catastrophe doesn't strike. My only other analog synth is a Roland SH-09 that I love ever so dearly (I got it from another member on here, but I just can't recall who. was it you Lord Galvar??) it's a mono synth though, but I think eventually you will want both poly and mono synths, I know I do. They both have their definite uses. I'm glad I started with a mono synth tbh, got me more focused on synthesizing and less focused on "playing" or atleast what I was playing. Limitations can be really good for learning.

That being said, don't underestimate the power of the currently CHEAP FM "Keyboards" especially for your first synth.... I absolutely adore simple FM synths like my Yamaha DSR1000 (and the big brother DSR2000) as well as my Yamaha PSS-470. There are plenty more other similar models out there, just begging to be played at Flea Markets and Pawn Shops. They have your Resonance/Decay/Attack/Sustain and envelope options. Hell even the obscure "Rhythmic 8" has various waveforms and envelopes. It's silly how cheap great synths can be found that just aren't in vogue. I, personally, would steer you away from the somewhat overwhelming experience of spending $500 on 30 knobs, and recommend starting with more immediate synthesis you can delve into right away. Run any FM Keyboard through your pedal board and it will be hard to keep a smile off your face, especially when it only cost you $50.

[Psyre]

Double post

[lordgalvar]

I'm right here with you, well not my first synth more like 6th, but I am looking to get a new one. Analog is nice, and I'll be pulling the trigger on a Minilogue in the next couple of weeks. I've got the $$ but just need to make sure catastrophe doesn't strike. My only other analog synth is a Roland SH-09 that I love ever so dearly (I got it from another member on here, but I just can't recall who. was it you Lord Galvar??) it's a mono synth though, but I think eventually you will want both poly and mono synths, I know I do. They both have their definite uses. I'm glad I started with a mono synth tbh, got me more focused on synthesizing and less focused on "playing" or atleast what I was playing. Limitations can be really good for learning.

That being said, don't underestimate the power of the currently CHEAP FM "Keyboards" especially for your first synth.... I absolutely adore simple FM synths like my Yamaha DSR1000 (and the big brother DSR2000) as well as my Yamaha PSS-470. There are plenty more other similar models out there, just begging to be played at Flea Markets and Pawn Shops. They have your Resonance/Decay/Attack/Sustain and envelope options. Hell even the obscure "Rhythmic 8" has various waveforms and envelopes. It's silly how cheap great synths can be found that just aren't in vogue. I, personally, would steer you away from the somewhat overwhelming experience of spending $500 on 30 knobs, and recommend starting with more immediate synthesis you can delve into right away. Run any FM Keyboard through your pedal board and it will be hard to keep a smile off your face, especially when it only cost you $50.

Yup, it was my sh-09. I kinda miss it, haha. Oh well. If you ever want to sell it, hit me up haha.

On the FM note, FB01 and a midi keyboard can be a heck of a lot of fun with pedals (that storm patch is pretty neat). They are editable, but a pain. I picked up a cheap ($15) Yamaha midi recorder too...you can play and record your notes and then play back and play something else or on another synth.

There are tons of great synths out there at every price point.

Roland rs09 can be a blast (and may be a good starter).

[Psyre]

Well rest assured, it's loved getting daily use. Got a thorough inside cleaning, and it's just cherry inside. You're Papa #1 so you'll definitely have dibs should I lose my hands

FB-01 is a great piece of kit. I found one here in Arkansas for $5.... these great FM synths are so cheap, just due to trends. It's the 4OP version of the DX-7 and just as painful to edit, but there are tools to easily edit via computer. Wish I hadn't sold it these days, was just getting too cluttered and unable to be productive.

Also, in agreement with Lord Galvar on the RS-09, I've been wanting a Version 1 to go with my SH-09. It falls under the Organ/Strings umbrella, but you get analog strings and cleaner organ tones to run through effects. Vintage Poly for $350-400.

[askashrub]

I think you probably want to go Minilogue.
It's a pretty outstanding thing.

That being said, you would not regret going with a Microbrute.
(Unless you want to make a chord?...)
It was my first "real synth" and I love it.
I've added polyphonic synths since, but the Microbrute stays.
Beautiful device, with simple, deceptively versatile controls.
Great synth to learn on.

[askashrub]

if the microbrute was polyphonic.. i wouldn't even care if it was analogue, could be digitally controlled, same layout etc.

would be perfect, i can't give up chords i'm afraid.

I was firmly in that camp myself.

In a strange way, it was part of my decision to buy the Microbrute.
I wanted to learn how to play monophonically.

I've really learned a lot from the little brute.
I use the mono / lead setting on other devices now as well.