First Synth: Korg MS-20 Mini vs Roland Boutique Synth

[vkapoor]

Hello

Interested in buying my first synth, but something in a small package.
Any thoughts on a Korg MS-20 mini vs one of the Roland Boutique Synths, preferably JU-06 or JP-08.

Not sure what to look for; looking for versatility of course and one that will teach me basics of synthesis and not be overwhelming as a beginner!

Thanks in advance.

[krzeppa]

I know that it isn't on your list, but I always thought a Novation K-Station was a nice smaller synth to learn on. It has a very simple layout and tons of knobs and sliders in a small package. Many functions are also just a simple menu away. They are a steal at under $300 as well. It is put together in such a logical way that it makes sound creation quite simple. I think they sound really good too. I used one for years as a live synth instead of hauling my big Supernova II around, and it definitely held its own. Oh yean, and It has decent built in FX to boot. I would think it would be a better investment than to two you mentioned, but that is just me. It aslo has full sized keys, which I like too. I tend to stumble over the smaller keys myself.
I've only demoed the MS-20 Mini and the Roland Boutique synths at the music store, and I didn't really connect with any of them.....so perhaps somebody else would better equipped to answer for you.

[Music Bird]

Remember, Korg MS-20 is monophonic, meaning you can only play one note at a time. Roland Boutique is polyphonic. What sounds are you after? Heavy bass? Synth reso leads? Oberheim or Jupiter style horns?

[Rick N Boogie]

Between the two mentioned, I would suggest the JP08. Everything on the front panel to learn basic synthesis with, though the sliders are a tad small. The sound however, is huge.
Didn't care for the MS20 mini very much, but it too would be a great learning tool.

[ninja6485]

+1 for the JP-08. You can do so much more with the addition of chords, pads, and other polyphonic synth sounds than you would be able to do starting out with a mono synth. The JP-08 really gives you a nice combination of versatility and quality in a small affordable package. It very well could be the only Synth you would ever need, unless you want to go the workstation / performance leviathan route later on. The MS-20 might be a better second synth, that adds to your arsenal.

[commodorejohn]

MS-20, definitely. It's a terrific learner synth with a lot of great features and sounds great into the bargain.