Picking a lesser used but interesting synth...

[silikon]

So I've been on the prowl for a machine that's different from the standard fare; not for any other reason than to realize different timbres and maybe find some interesting workflow.

So given that, I've been working under these general guidelines:

--> under USD$2k
--> not modular kit (explain in a moment)
--> not a machine that has a large fanbase (quirky, lesser known stuff that has character)
--> not FM, Wavetable or Additive (those bases are covered already)
--> could be a sound-art piece, but more inclined towards a rack mount or keyboard unit
--> Doesn't matter if it's a pain in the a*s to program (See also my Crumar Bit-01 rack)

Things i've been considering:

Crumar DS-2
EOWave Persephone
Polivoks

I am completely out of ideas. Feel free to send ideas.

[Stab Frenzy]

Thing that springs to mind for me is the OB-12.

[Hybrid88]

Fizmo?

[Psy_Free]

Cheetah MS-6

[rhino]

second on the DS2
also:
Metasonics vacuum-tube synth
Casio VZ
Oscar
Wasp
Korg Z1

[garranimal]

When you say "not a machine that has a large fanbase" I also think about even a smaller group who are paying exorbitant auction prices for instruments. And to me that applies to Fizmo and EDP synths. There are a few that I have owned or played in the past that jump to mind that definitely have their own character:
- Korg Delta
- Korg DW8000/EX8000
- Akai AX-60
- Yamaha CS-15
- Sequential Six-Track is just now picking up in popularity again, but I found the sound to be really simple to the point of mundane.

And there are some that have good reason for not being more popular.
- ARP Omni. Rarely does one come up for sale that doesn't have issues.
- Korg Polysix has a good following and good analog ensemble circuit. But again the ones that don't have exorbitant prices will almost always have issues.

[GuyaGuy]

--> could be a sound-art piece, but more inclined towards a rack mount or keyboard unit

I don't have a suggestion...But what is a "sound-art piece?"

[cornutt]

--> could be a sound-art piece, but more inclined towards a rack mount or keyboard unit

I don't have a suggestion...But what is a "sound-art piece?"

I assume he means something like the stuff that Folktek and Bleep Labs do.

[silikon]

Thing that springs to mind for me is the OB-12.

Solid choice. I own one, albeit somewhat in an inpoerable state. That said, it's fun, and indeed quirky.

Fizmo?

Used to own one, loved it, had to part ways due to financial reasons, One day I will again own one.

Cheetah MS-6

Another intriguing idea I've been tossing around...

second on the DS2
also:
Metasonics vacuum-tube synth
Casio VZ
Oscar
Wasp
Korg Z1

Would love to own a wretch machine, but... it's like a financial baseball bat to the fruit basket. Same goes for the Oscar...
Why the Z1?
...and thanks for the affirmation on the DS-2...

There are a few that I have owned or played in the past that jump to mind that definitely have their own character:
- Korg Delta
- Korg DW8000/EX8000
- Akai AX-60
- Yamaha CS-15

What about the Akai and CS-15 ? (the CS-15 assuming I already own a CS-30)

I don't have a suggestion...But what is a "sound-art piece?"

Sound art -- folktek, things of that sort...

[THEODICY]

Akai VX600 could be something to consider.

[pflosi]

How about some nice strange effects?

[tallowwaters]

Korg Z1

[Richard Gear]

I was about to suggest the XT, but you already have it. I have a Z1, it's a great synth with some physical modelling options, but a steep learning curve.

Actually, I don't think you need to have more synth. You probably just need some inspiration from whithin.

[griffin avid]

I was also going to say do it Strange in the post patch effects.
Buy a massive chain of effect boxes (guitar ones) and filter toys.

You have one massive monster and run MANY synths through it.

[visceralvoids]

I was also going to say do it Strange in the post patch effects.
Buy a massive chain of effect boxes (guitar ones) and filter toys.

You have one massive monster and run MANY synths through it.

Is a Line 6 M13 recommended for this it is around $400 on a drum machine?
when I used to play guitar and I would dream about the TC Electronic G-System

EDIT: As for what synth I would pick Oberheim OB-12, Korg Karma if you like workstations... I tried Novation once. and they are worth a try