Any *hardware* synth recommendations for UNDER $US 500

[mikemc]

I am thinking of buying a hardware synth to replace one that got wettened in a very unexpected flood.

But I don't want to spend a whole ton, hence the UNDER $500.

So, I thank you in advance for your input.

[pulsoc]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190580038412?ss ... 1555.l2649

I need a new pic for this

[Tone Deft]

^ooooh good find!

never played with one but have heard great things about them over the years.

bunch of MircorKorgs, a Waldorf Q and a Novation Nova. can't browse too much, dangerous for the bank account.

[pulsoc]

It's actually mine that I'm selling.

[willdahbe]

DSI - Mopho
Roland - HS-60 (which is a roland juno 106 w/speakers and different color scheme)
Korg - MS2000 or MS2000 Rack Unit
Kawai - K3 synth (which i'm selling, dont want to though)
Use Audio - Plugiator (supposedly has some of the best VA emulations around) other than ACE and Admiral Qualities PolyAna

P.S. Stay away from the micro korgs. You will hate yourself if you ever get to play with a MS2000, which is the big brother to the micro and opens up WAY more possibilities.

[pulsoc]

Mike if you have any interest in the an1x I will shave some $ off and you can pick it up to save on shipping. Let me know if you are interested

[shuutobi]

DSI - Evolver
DSI - Mopho
Doepher - Dark Energy (Used)
MFB - Synth Lite II / Nanozwerg
Akai - AX-80 (Used)
Moog - Rogue (Used) [no midi]
Moog/Realistic - Concertmate MG-1 (used) [no midi]
Roland - SH-101 (Used) [no midi]

[wjbuchanan]

Any DSI synth is worth it...the DSI Mohpho is good because it's expandable...i.e add another Mopho or Tetra for poly!

Sounds amazing and it's analog at a good price.

[Tarekith]

Alesis Micron
Used Desktop Evolver
K-Station

[Rationalizer]

Second hand Access Virus B or Nord Rack 2 since you're making electronic music.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190580038412?ss ... 1555.l2649

I need a new pic for this

Loved that synth 10 years ago.

[nuxnamon]

i've seen used roland JP8000's before around that price.. keep an eye out for those..

[evangelink]

Roland Alpha Juno's can be picked up for less than £500. Great sound, stable oscillators. Only problem is the lack of knobs on the front.

[Forge.]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190580038412?ss ... 1555.l2649

I need a new pic for this

I used to have the CS1x then CS2x years ago, I'm not sure what the an1x is like, but I'm not sure I'd recommend them as a hardware option, mainly because I don't think it offers enough of what I'd want hardware for now days - ie lots of immediate knobs to twiddle and real analogue sound.

I think they were ok for the price, but had a very digital sound and there was too much fucking around in the LCD screen to change things, which isn't really any advantage over VSTs IMO.

[trevox]

Really depends on whether you want sound quality or functionality.

I would agree with anything Dave Smith, but for that price, you would only get a mono synth. Of the others, I would steer clear of Yamaha CS1-X, AN1-X - they sound awful (sorry to the person trying to flog theirs!). The MS2000 has loads of functionality, but I don't think it sounds all that good. Waldorf Q's are pretty good (even the micro-Q) and for me, the Nord Modular G1 or G2 are still the 2 best analog modelling synths. Cost a bit more but well worth it.

The best advice I can give you for all round performer within your price range is to find a second hand Oberheim Matrix-1000. The oscillators are digital (DCO's), but it has analog filters and sounds great. Don't be fooled by lack of knobs as you can get an editor for Mac/PC to get inside it and manage your sounds. Polyphony is 6 and you can link a few of them together to increase this. Price-wise, you can get the on eBay for $350/400 which is in your price range. You could even buy a fairly decent controller keyboard with the change!!

[matthews]

Just picked up a used Korg MS-10 off the local classifieds for $500 Canadian (~$480 US). Couldn't believe it. Great deals around if you look.