Another Mono, please help...

[stevebirss]

I own a Moog Little Phatty and LOVE it. I mostly use it (live) for bass tones. I am looking for another mono synth to compliment it. Either something that is killer at bass that would free up the Little Phatty for other lead stuff, or something killer at leads to compliment the LP, OR something good at both. I want to get something vintage, just because I have never owned a vintage Mono before and want to give it a whirl. So please don't suggest the DSI MEK.
I have come up with a short list, and as I don't have any friends that own any of these, I need to rely on your knowledge if you've played any or all of these. I am also trying to keep it under $800 or so if I can. So no Minimoogs, Arp 2600's, or obvious killer machines that are WAY out of my price range.

My choices that I have narrowed down to:
Moog Prodigy
Moog Rogue (or MG-1)
Yamaha CS-15 (or CS-10, but I think the 15 seems better?)
Sequential Pro-One
Korg MS-10
Korg Mono/Poly (Only mono sometimes)

So that is what I'm thinking. I am leaning towards the Pro-One or CS-15 as I think they would be the most different from my L.P. Do you think getting another Moog (Prodigy or Rogue) would be redundant, or a good compliment?
Thank you for your time and input. If you are wondering what else I use, check out my signature below.
Peace
- steve

[nathanscribe]

From your list, I have an LP, Rogue and CS-15. The Rogue does sound different to the LP, and has the ability to have env-modded sync at the same time as using the mod wheel to add LFO to filter/vco (afaik the LP can't do this). However, it's a very limited machine. Sounds good, fairly cheap, fun.

the CS-15 is a good deal more complex than the CS-5 or 10. It's almost 2 CS-5's in a box, though not quite. It has BP, HP and LP filters, and is capable of sounds the LP (or Rogue) would never get near. People talk about them being "thin" sounding, but I disagree. They don't have the 24dB ladder sound, but there's plenty of cut & welly to them.

I can't help with the others, but regarding the above two, I would say it simply depends what kind of sounds you fancy. If you want something from the same stable as the LP, get the Rogue. If you want something quite different, get a CS. Don't underestimate the usefulness of the CS-5 or 10 though - they're very easy to use and sound great, and are likely to be so cheap you could get something else as well.

[Christopher Winkels]

I know you said you want vintage, but have you considered a Future-Retro XS?

Four mode filter, three oscillators (well, two-and-a-half), responds to both MIDI and CD, lots of modulation options (both prepatched and through the semi-modular 1/4" jack row). It's a bit of a beast sonically, and makes a nod at old Oberheim and ARP gear in terms of tonal quality. Very much a different animal when compared against the Little Phatty.

Plus you get a warranty with it.

[stevebirss]

Cool, thanks for the suggestions. I checked out the Future Retro XS, it looks pretty cool! I may keep it in mind for a future purchase, but I think I really want to try my hand at something actually vintage. Something that's stood the test of time and is still considered amazing after 30 years. All of the Future Retro stuff looks pretty amazing though!!
Has anyone here used the S.C. Pro One? That one has caught my eye and I'm curious what you guys think of the bass/lead capabilities of this beast comparatively to the others I mentioned.

[OriginalJambo]

Don't underestimate the Octave CAT. You should be able to find for for $800 I would imagine.

[mirt]

pro one could be the best choice in leads and bass. i have it and in comparison with my ms10 and cs5 is very universal synth. yamaha cs is rather subtle synth and ms10 is raw and agressive, pro one is closer to ms but with more capabilities. pro one have great modulation section, you can do some nice fm bass sounds and screamy sync leads.

[stevebirss]

Has anyone here used the Octave Kitten? Thoughts? Do you really miss the second VCO?

[Stab Frenzy]

Has anyone here used the S.C. Pro One? That one has caught my eye and I'm curious what you guys think of the bass/lead capabilities of this beast comparatively to the others I mentioned.

It's a great hairy beast of a synth. If you want aggressive, it's probably the best out there for bass and leads. Its sound isn't the most dissimilar to the LP of all the synths you've mentioned though.

[OriginalJambo]

Has anyone here used the Octave Kitten? Thoughts? Do you really miss the second VCO?

Well it doe have PWM and 2 mixable sub oscillators, so that's probably as good as you're gonna get with only one VCO.

[V301H]

The CS-15 is probably the most versatile of the synths listed. It is pretty much two single-oscillator monosynths in one unit. Not real fat sounding, but offers lots of possibilities not commonly found elsewhere.

The Pro-One is a standard dual-oscillator design. It sounds moderately fat with flexible modulation routings. The only major function it lacks is Sample/Hold. The LFO speed control also controls the sequencer tempo which limits modulation use when the sequencer is operating. Pro-Ones are commonly found and usually more reasonably priced than comparable monosynths.

The Mono/Poly is a good choice just for the four oscillators not normally found in this price range. It has two LFO's which allows complex modulations. It also lacks S/H, I believe.

[TACO]

Kitten would be sweet... simple yet nice features... but I NEVER see them anymore.

CS-15 is a great synth, but I don't know if it will fit your needs along the little phatty. You might want something with a bit more "bite". Mono/Poly would be pleasant overkill!! Or maybe the CS-bastards. CS-15D or CS-20m? They sound very different than the normal 5/10/15 to my ears.

I love the Pro-One, but honestly I've never tried playing one, I have only sequenced one (ours has a shitty keyboard as usual)

EDIT - Also just remembered when thinking about the CS-15 I used to have... traded for a Crumar DS-2. Whatta synth if you can find a good one!

[OriginalJambo]

The Mono/Poly is a good choice just for the four oscillators not normally found in this price range. It has two LFO's which allows complex modulations. It also lacks S/H, I believe.

Yup - no sample and hold I'm afraid. And only one waveform on the second LFO, although it's a triangle which IMO is generally the most useful. Also the arpeggiator is clocked to the second LFO, à la Pro-One.

Despite all these minor niggles if you can find a Mono/Poly for less than $800 it's a great choice.

[iProg]

Has anyone here used the S.C. Pro One? That one has caught my eye and I'm curious what you guys think of the bass/lead capabilities of this beast comparatively to the others I mentioned.

It's a great hairy beast of a synth. If you want aggressive, it's probably the best out there for bass and leads. Its sound isn't the most dissimilar to the LP of all the synths you've mentioned though.

The Pro-One is my only monosynth. It has a distinct analog sound, great filter and is perfect for leads as well as bass!
You just can't go wrong with it. It would be a good compliment to the LP and has a truly unique sound!

[pflosi]

i'd also consider an ms20 - great synth, quite similar to the cs 15, with few little differences

dont get an ms10, u'll always wanna have an ms20 looking at the ms10

[stevebirss]

Thanks for all your help. I bought a Yamaha CS-10 from Clueless. I am also going to keep an eye out for a S.C. Pro One.
Thanks again.