Best synth to learn on: your thoughts

OK, for someone new to synth, whats your recommendation?

factors:

1. ease of use (strightforward, uncomplex, knobby?)

2. VA for emerson/wakeman like; would also be nice to have some modern too

if possible

3. I have yam s90 es, so with or w/out keyboard ok

my thoughts: nl2 ms2000 alesis ion(more knobs then micron) K station

dw/ex-8000 sh-201

Your input is greatly appreciated

roland sh-201

nord lead 2 / 2x

I'm learning on an x-station and it's working for me.

JP-8000

SH-201

Juno-6

Nord Lead 2/2X

SH-201

Juno 60 or 106

Seeing the position of knobs is a helpful learning tool. Another good tool is graphic information in a display, which is why I always say the Ion is best for learning on. It can also give you the kind of sounds you're looking for.

The OB12 had a great display too, but it's discontinued and getting hard to find.

Probably simplest overall is the sh-201.

Nl2 is also fine for learning on.

SH201 sounds good to me and it seems pretty durable (besides being plastic-y)

I just got a juno serviced so I wouldnt recommend one if you are expecting it to play out, be droppable, or have no failings at any point soon.

I think the Ion is a great synth to learn on due to its informative and large display... it's also a pretty deep synth in terms of its programmability so you won't soon outgrow it.

nl2

+1

nord lead 2

S90ES, since you own it. Crack open the manual and get started.

Thinking you need knobs and such is ridiculous. Just start with simple stuff...you don't have to tweak every parameter and use every feature just because it's there.

If you really need VA, buy a PLG150-AN board for your S90. It comes with editing software.

The first Nord Modular. There are thousands of patches you can load up to get started. It can start as simply as you like but it will grow with you and your skills/needs as a synthesist for years to come.

Carefully open up your synthesizer and connect an oscilloscope to the output pins of the the oscillators or multiplexer chips. This will give you a graphical representation of what your changing and help your understanding. Don't short circuit anything or you will be out a nice synthesizer.

ms2000 or k-station if you can pick these for cheap...

I don't agree with this one Meatball. I've got an AN board in my S80 and like it, but I think it would be a real struggle trying to learn on it.

It works within yamaha's convoluted system and can be hard to even find the sounds sometimes when your'e starting up with it.

Yamaha also has their own (and sometimes pretty different) way of doing things - like having a sync master and slave reside within the same oscillator.

It's better to have a standalone synth too, so you don't have to fire up the computer if you just want to goof around with the board.

Probably best to stick with something more out in the open to learn on, and then if he likes it, think about getting the plugin board later.

2 cents.

edit - I just re-read your post and ya, he could make some usable sounds from what's in the S90 es, but it sounds like he wants to dick around with a VA.

This has got to be the one of the most asked questions these days.

There are a lot of good synths out there. What you should buy depends on what you want to hear and what you want to spend. I see you have an S90ES. That certainly covers your rompler needs with quality sounds.

If you're looking for something basic SH201 doesn't look to shabby.

I like my Alesis ION, I do a lot of classic rock and it covers the RA stuff pretty well. Nice sounds effects too. Failry robust considering how inexpensive it is. Used ones are going for 350 to 400 bucks on Ebay.

Nord Lead 2 is a real popular synth too. Quality sound, although somewhat digital sounding to my ears. Its a higher quality system than the Ion, but its quite a bit more expensive too.

Mike T.