New, but very interested

I'm new to this whole synth thing, but I've been interested for a long time. The thing is I have no idea where to start.

I've read up on things, but they all seem very forign and confusing.

So what should I do? what should I buy?

There are a lot 'where should I go' 'what should I buy' questions regarding synths. I guess the first question you have to ask yourself in order to answer the bigger question is 'what do i want to accomplish'.

Answer that, and then the path becomes clearer.

What kinds of music are you interested in making? Would you want to make music only using a computer, or were you interested in buying dedicated instruments?

I'm interested in making techno, trance, etc.

I would like to use machines.

http://www.monomachine.com/

http://www.machinedrum.com/

I think that pair would probably make you quite happy.

Maybe start with Reason v3 (software) and a controller - relatively small investment to give you access to the basics for trance and techno while you learn the ropes and figure out where you want to go.

Its a good environment to learn about synths and production basics, sound aint bad if you invest the effort (same as anything really).

If you start from day one with a bunch of hardware and a full DAW is going to be expensive and hard work.

Of course I could suggest a bunch of starting synths, and drum machines and god knows what, but to start with I think variety to explorer that sound god enough to be inspring is what you want to aim for - and no expensive mistakes on day one. Having that broad base then gives you a chance to move on as you discover what it is you are missing (if anything).

I would like to use hardware.

I have {censored}ty computer and rather not use them.

i would like the stay in the more inexpensive price range at first.

Yeah I got a job, but I also got a gf... so would like to spend around 200 - 400

Your really better of starting with software until you know what your doing. If you go with hardware your going to have a hard time getting a studio setup that is going to let you actually record anything to cd's for that price range in addition to buying an instrument. Sure you may be able to get a used instrument that makes noise in that price range but you want to actually record it too right?

Khazul's advice is good, or you could go with something like Cakewalk's Project5 and a cheapo controller keyboard. Chances are your going to have to buy a real sound card as well and those start at about $100+ (Soundblasters are not real sound cards).

Realistically if your starting from ground zero (no computer or one that needs serious upgrades) your entry point is about $1k for a studio (decent sound card, decent computer, decent speakers, decent software) and an instrument and that would be a very low end instrument and a very low end studio.

I second the recommendations to start with Reason or Project5. The integrated enviroments are going to teach you a lot about what's important - writing music and creating sounds, without getting you bogged down in learning to deal with a hardware setup.

If you really want to start with hardware units and are into electronic, try going with a couple of the older electribe models. Ive never used them, but for ~$400 you can get sampler, synth, and drum machine all with pretty easy-to-learn step sequencers that sync together. You can compose your pieces on the grooveboxes, then play it right into the audio-in on your PC's soundcard. Wont sound the greatest without a nice audio I/O for your PC, but will be a fun and inspiring way to get started.

I understand using software, but like I said I would like to use machines.

I'm stuborn... So what would you recommend for me to buy. I play the drums, so I was thinking just for the beginning to use real drum instead of a drum machine.

So i can't just have a synth I would need other hardwear as well?

well, a 'synth' is a very generic term these days. they go all the way down to monophonic (one note only) synthesizers, all the way up to workstation synthesizers that attempt to be a whole recording studio in a box. Some have keyboards attached to them, some dont...its a very wide field.

so define for us what your looking for. do you want a keyboard instrument you can play? do you want to sequence (i.e. write music) on with the synthesizer? are you planning to form a band? all these factors will help you decide.

You may want to check out Sound On Sound magazine as well. They have some good 'synthesizer basics' articles that you may find useful. www.soundonsound.com

I would like to create music.

Creating a band is on my mind, but I dunno.

I would love to create electronic music.

Also where is the synth basics on that site.

how about this. go out and find an used yamaha SY85. it will do everything you want, or it wont and then you can move on from there. it will definitely be in your price range.

That was my first synth, btw.

+1 on the Electribes.

Hardware and money's tight. Techno and Trance. Crap computer. Horde money and hit E-Bay for a used......

Roland JP-8000

Korg ER-1

and buy a copy of Sony's Acid Music Studio 6.