Picking a lesser used but interesting synth...
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- silikon
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Picking a lesser used but interesting synth...
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.
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.
echo 1 > /dev/awesome
- Stab Frenzy
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Re: Picking a lesser used but interesting synth...
Thing that springs to mind for me is the OB-12.
- Psy_Free
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Re: Picking a lesser used but interesting synth...
Cheetah MS-6
- rhino
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Re: Picking a lesser used but interesting synth...
second on the DS2
also:
Metasonics vacuum-tube synth
Casio VZ
Oscar
Wasp
Korg Z1
also:
Metasonics vacuum-tube synth
Casio VZ
Oscar
Wasp
Korg Z1
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- Confucius
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- garranimal
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Re: Picking a lesser used but interesting synth...
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.
- 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
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Re: Picking a lesser used but interesting synth...
I don't have a suggestion...But what is a "sound-art piece?"silikon wrote:
--> could be a sound-art piece, but more inclined towards a rack mount or keyboard unit
- cornutt
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Re: Picking a lesser used but interesting synth...
I assume he means something like the stuff that Folktek and Bleep Labs do.GuyaGuy wrote:I don't have a suggestion...But what is a "sound-art piece?"silikon wrote:
--> could be a sound-art piece, but more inclined towards a rack mount or keyboard unit
Switches, knobs, buttons, LEDs, LCD screens, monitors, keys, mice, jacks, sockets. Now two joysticks!
- silikon
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Re: Picking a lesser used but interesting synth...
Solid choice. I own one, albeit somewhat in an inpoerable state. That said, it's fun, and indeed quirky.Stab Frenzy wrote:Thing that springs to mind for me is the OB-12.
Used to own one, loved it, had to part ways due to financial reasons, One day I will again own one.Hybrid88 wrote:Fizmo?
Another intriguing idea I've been tossing around...Psy_Free wrote:Cheetah MS-6
Would love to own a wretch machine, but... it's like a financial baseball bat to the fruit basket. Same goes for the Oscar...rhino wrote:second on the DS2
also:
Metasonics vacuum-tube synth
Casio VZ
Oscar
Wasp
Korg Z1

Why the Z1?
...and thanks for the affirmation on the DS-2...
What about the Akai and CS-15 ? (the CS-15 assuming I already own a CS-30)garranimal wrote: 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
Sound art -- folktek, things of that sort...GuyaGuy wrote:I don't have a suggestion...But what is a "sound-art piece?"
echo 1 > /dev/awesome
Re: Picking a lesser used but interesting synth...
Akai VX600 could be something to consider.
- pflosi
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Re: Picking a lesser used but interesting synth...
How about some nice strange effects?
- tallowwaters
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Re: Picking a lesser used but interesting synth...
Korg Z1
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- Richard Gear
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Re: Picking a lesser used but interesting synth...
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.
Actually, I don't think you need to have more synth. You probably just need some inspiration from whithin.
- griffin avid
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Re: Picking a lesser used but interesting synth...
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.
Buy a massive chain of effect boxes (guitar ones) and filter toys.
You have one massive monster and run MANY synths through it.
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- visceralvoids
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Re: Picking a lesser used but interesting synth...
Is a Line 6 M13 recommended for this it is around $400 on a drum machine?griffin avid wrote: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.
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