SH-201 vs. JP-8000

[33PM]

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[SickMonkey]

JP-8000.


You may want to be more specific in your question, though.

[Robonaut]

I'd actually suggest getting a JP-8080 over either, unless you really need a keyboard.

Also, what is it about the SH-201/JP-8000 that makes you want one? Have you considered other virtual analogues? Or real analogues? Or, heck, even a Waldorf Microwave XTk?

[Johnny Lenin]

I haven't used the JP-8000, but I had an SH-201, and its worth considering its shortcomings: The build quality is flimsy in the extreme [though it is pleasantly light]. It has only 64 patch memory locations, 32 of which are occupied by pretty lacklustre factory presets. The arpeggiator is okay, though I could never figure out how to program it, leaving me with 2/3 of the patterns which were pretty uninispired and uninspiring.

I didn't hate the board, actually, but if I could choose a synth with the same engine, that sells for about the same price, that overcomes these shortcomings, I'd go for that.

[33PM]

Thanks for replies!

Well, first off I'm not a prefessional keyboardist, but nonetheless I'd like to have a VA synth so that I can pratice analog techniques, record some riffs, and play it on stage every now and then. I don't know much about these two keyboards, but I played the SH-201 yesterday and I quite liked it, but again, I can't compare it to the JP-8000 since I've never used it. Secondly, I'm looking for a synth around $500.

[nigel]

I've played them both, although not side by side, and my verdict is

JP 80x0... HANDS DOWN.

Sh201, despite their claim its the same sound engine, doesn't sound even half as powerful, and is build cheaply (god awful knobs).

[Robonaut]

Thanks for replies!

Well, first off I'm not a prefessional keyboardist, but nonetheless I'd like to have a VA synth so that I can pratice analog techniques, record some riffs, and play it on stage every now and then. I don't know much about these two keyboards, but I played the SH-201 yesterday and I quite liked it, but again, I can't compare it to the JP-8000 since I've never used it. Secondly, I'm looking for a synth around $500.

If that's your criteria,then the Alesis Ion is definitely worth a look. They seem to sell for a bit less than the JP-8000 and they are a much deeper synthesizer.

I have not personally had the chance to play around with one, but a lot of folks on this board like them (as a search should reveal).

[nigel]

If that's your criteria,then the Alesis Ion is definitely worth a look. They seem to sell for a bit less than the JP-8000 and they are a much deeper synthesizer.

I have not personally had the chance to play around with one, but a lot of folks on this board like them (as a search should reveal).

Yah.. it's deeper, definitely more synthesis options.. but very stale sounding. You can try and try but I promise you won't get the nice, lush, warm analog sounds you'll get in a snap from the JP 80X0..

[33PM]

I heard the Ion is more of a string synth, isn't it? I'm more into bass and mono lead sounds...

[Big Gnome]

I heard the Ion is more of a string synth, isn't it? I'm more into bass and mono lead sounds...

Not even a little.

Opinion seems to be sharply divided on the Ion. Best to try it out for yourself if you're able.

[crystalmsc]

a JP-8080 over either, unless you really need a keyboard.

+1, the additional features over the jp-8000 are worth it.