Poly Synths

[davicon]

Hello all

I own a couple of analogue mono synths but i really need some analogue polyphony.

I have been looking and researching juno's for ages and i am pretty sure i would like to get hold of a Juno 60. The main reasons being the possibilities of hooking it up to midi via a converter. I over looked the straight up easy midi connection of the 106 as i have heard that the chips are fried more often than not, would you say that is correct? Also i feel a juno is as close as you can get to a 'budget' analogue poly synth these days.

I am also interested in a Korg polysix or mono/poly. What problems are common with these?

It would be great if any of you can make any other suggestions for analogue poly synths, around the price of a juno 60 or korg? Something that is hands on e.g. filters, envelopes, oscillator selection...

[maindeglorie]

They're not hands on, but the JX's are a MUCH better buy. Also. the Akai AX-60 perhaps.

Just look through the forum, we have had TONS of threads on analog polysynths recently, including one I started called "I really want an early 80's Roland poly." Explore, you will find answers to questions you never even thought about.

[computron]

Korg polysix one common problem is the NICad Battery leaks gas that destorys traces and ic's if left unchecked.The jx's would be good as mindeglorie stated

[Pro5]

I prefer JX's over junos... esp hooked up to a BCR/PG programmer (so you get the 'hands on' back). Juno 6/60 are very nice though.

Polysix is a beauty, it has the leaky battery problem so you are going to either buy one guaranteed 'fixed' (and pay a fairly high price these days) or buy one not working properly (i.e a 'bargain') the bargain depends on how extensive the damage is but you can get a new board etc and it doesn't cost the earth. YOu can also fit midi into the polysix in a number of ways from cheap (DIY) to costly.

If they are all working and in good condition I'd rank em thus:

Korg Polysix
Roland JX-3P
Juno 60
Roland JX-8P
Juno 6
Super JX
Juno 106

But that depends on what your music needs more, hard/fast envelopes (Juno) or dual osc flexibility and a less famous sound (JX). Polysix sounds different again, not always better than the JX-3P but different. Other times it sounds awesome and is the most organic of the above synths imo. Warm, dark, edgy, liquid... though prob not as flexible as other synths in it's price bracket... you buy it for the sound (Single VCO + Sub Osc)

[druzz]

mono poly is sick but expensive and hard to find . if you get a good deal on one JUMP on it.
i am trying to get a polysix myself. can be had for a reasonable price.
jx-3p + pg-200 = very good dual DCO poly synth . it is inexpensive. i love it

pro5 ranking seems to make sense to me . i find it interresting that the bigger jx's are ranked lower . i would love to read more about the JX's comparisons

[HideawayStudio]

Hello all

I own a couple of analogue mono synths but i really need some analogue polyphony.

I have been looking and researching juno's for ages and i am pretty sure i would like to get hold of a Juno 60. The main reasons being the possibilities of hooking it up to midi via a converter. I over looked the straight up easy midi connection of the 106 as i have heard that the chips are fried more often than not, would you say that is correct? Also i feel a juno is as close as you can get to a 'budget' analogue poly synth these days.

I am also interested in a Korg polysix or mono/poly. What problems are common with these?

It would be great if any of you can make any other suggestions for analogue poly synths, around the price of a juno 60 or korg? Something that is hands on e.g. filters, envelopes, oscillator selection...

JX-8P with a PG-800 would be lovely if it wasn't for the fact the PG-800 is becoming so difficult to find for sensible money. This combo is extremely reliable - it's only really the aftertouch sensor that's an issue.

I too am interested in Poly 6. I have a DW-8000 which sounds great but the user interface is not very nice.

[Pro5]

Hello all

I own a couple of analogue mono synths but i really need some analogue polyphony.

I have been looking and researching juno's for ages and i am pretty sure i would like to get hold of a Juno 60. The main reasons being the possibilities of hooking it up to midi via a converter. I over looked the straight up easy midi connection of the 106 as i have heard that the chips are fried more often than not, would you say that is correct? Also i feel a juno is as close as you can get to a 'budget' analogue poly synth these days.

I am also interested in a Korg polysix or mono/poly. What problems are common with these?

It would be great if any of you can make any other suggestions for analogue poly synths, around the price of a juno 60 or korg? Something that is hands on e.g. filters, envelopes, oscillator selection...

JX-8P with a PG-800 would be lovely if it wasn't for the fact the PG-800 is becoming so difficult to find for sensible money. This combo is extremely reliable - it's only really the aftertouch sensor that's an issue.

I too am interested in Poly 6. I have a DW-8000 which sounds great but the user interface is not very nice.

Don't forget the BCR2000 plugs straight in and works after 'learning mode' setup (2 mins work). They can be had 2nd hand from around £40 (that's what my two cost).

I've just got a Polysix... CHEAP, the usual battery leak meant it wasn't 'working' properly.

Luckily it wasn't that severe, only fried IC31 (cheap logic chip) which I'll replace shortly, I cut out the original blue varta straight away (before even turning on!) and did the mod to use lithium cell. Even with that logic chip gone I've been playing the synth in 'manual' mode all night (after reparing the SINGLE trace that was damaged - could have been MUCH worse - with a small jumper wire ) - awesome esp as It cost me no more than my JX-3P and 8P did, and is in great physical condition, better than my JX's (only one original owner from new!).

All voice chips were working also. No missing buttons, no crackly pots... got it running through mild reverb/chorus/delay - sweet sound,very punchy and great to play around with - unison is thick!

Also had to clean the keys/rubbers but they work like new now ... yes my new favourite synth haha.