Really cheap synth?

[Oli]

Do you like working with software? A cheap controller with free VSTi is cheap, and effective. Also, there is a number of good free VSTis to choose from.

Controller + rack synth also works. Something like an MKS-50 can be had for peanuts, if you're patient.

Is there anything in particular you are looking for in a synth? 'Best' is really subjective. I suspect that you will at least require polyphony for soundtracks. You even like an older ROMpler.

ESQ-1 and SQ-80 can actually be found really cheaply too, so if you like these synths, then just be patient, and keep an eye out on all the usual markets. You can quite happily add soft synths along side these too, though you would likely need an audio/midi interface as well (perhaps you have this already?).

Where are you located? Do you have a well supplied local market?

P.S. If you dig around, you should be able to find a few threads here on budget synths (not necessarily all suited to your needs). You could go through the recommendations therein, to find the ones that may interest you.

[fooddude]

I have an exc condition ESQ for sale in southern california

[Momentum]

Novation A-Station, was my first synth, €250,00 new.
Lot's of nobs to tweek.
Still have it, made a sound on it which I use quit alot.

[skarekroh]

microkorg.. it was my first synth and i still love and play it all the time.

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[MikeInOttawa]

Originally Posted by Oli

ESQ-1 and SQ-80 can actually be found really cheaply too, so if you like these synths, then just be patient, and keep an eye out on all the usual markets. You can quite happily add soft synths along side these too, though you would likely need an audio/midi interface as well (perhaps you have this already?).

+1 Great synths. I have the SQ-80 and my son has the ESQ-1.

If you want REALLY REALLY cheap.....midi controller plus freeware softsynths.

[Lune]

korg N5 can be had for under your price range- it has great pads- including one called- wait for it- soundtrack! (or something like that). I love mine- you can layer sounds to your hearts content.

but in general i agree with the others about a controller and vst's- the number of free vst's out there is amazing and they really give you a ton of options for pads- soundscaping, ethereal, dark, evolving, ect. It doesn't take a very expensive computer to run these- many use very little cpu

[m.o]

I got an Ensoniq VFX for £110 - maybe not the most intuitive synth to program though
You can get a Roland D-10 / D-20 / D-110 for very little money.

But yeah if you're ok with a rack synth I might say Roland Jv-1080 / Jv-2080 great value for the money and reportedly not too difficult to program, and there's tons of sound banks for them.

Basicly right now early 90's synths are what's really cheap.

[Crawling Wind]

What is really cheap now is the next thing considered collectable. Or so the pattern usually goes...

[Classic_A]

Thanks for the help, nice synths, i'll be more specific to help also you to suggest me the best synths>

Originally Posted by Oli

Do you like working with software?

Is there anything in particular you are looking for in a synth? 'Best' is really subjective. I suspect that you will at least require polyphony for soundtracks. You even like an older ROMpler.

Where are you located? Do you have a well supplied local market?

1- no, only for recording... like to have what i need in the synth...
2- i need more realistic sounds possible, cause i play soundtracks and some classical piece, so don't like too much electronical sounds (clearly with my little budget i can't find anything great, but let's try to find at least the best in that range )
3- actually i live in Italy, don't have really good markets, but internet is my friend

synths are a hobby, so don't want to spend too much! thanks again for help you're providing

[cub005@yahoo.co.]

Yamaha MM6

Yamaha MM6 - YouTube

[login]

look for an ultranova in the second hand market

[Headz51230]

Kurzweil k2000 with Rom expansions, steep learning curve though :eek:

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[kcearl]

Korg Micro-x

25 keys, couple of knobs, triton(ish) engine, VST editor, and a hardcase


great fun for that price

[criminallysmooth]

Originally Posted by Classic_A

3- actually i live in Italy, don't have really good markets, but internet is my friend

being in Italy you might be able to find a Siel DK600/DK80. They are an Italian 1980s DCO-based synth which was never released in the US so they are extremely rare here but still inexpensive when they do show up on ebay.

[scottdavidson]

eowave instruments

[steveman]

Originally Posted by criminallysmooth

being in Italy you might be able to find a Siel DK600/DK80. They are an Italian 1980s DCO-based synth which was never released in the US so they are extremely rare here but still inexpensive when they do show up on ebay.

Hardly what the OP asked for

- i need more realistic sounds possible, cause i play soundtracks and some classical piece, so don't like too much electronical sounds...

Sounds like you're more after a rompler than a synth TBH. The Kurzweil is a good suggestion, not easy to get hold of in Europe though, and probably out of your price range. Look for early / mid 90s Korg / Roland / Yamaha romplers I'd say.

[criminallysmooth]

Originally Posted by steveman

Hardly what the OP asked for

Compared to ESQ/SQ I'd say it fits right in. At least for organs or strings.

I always suggest this for cheap realistic sounds (and nice keys) : Alesis Quadrasynth

[memristor]

Old Kurzweils are still quite expensive here I think but probably the best suited.
Besides old Roland/Yamaha romplers, maybe a Blofeld with sample option is an alternative, but it's emphasis is much more on electronic sounds. And its only cheap if you get the desktop version.
I dont know if you can still get copies of old Kurzweil samples which you could load into the Blofeld.
Arent there fitting EMU modules too ? I think they are not so expensice these days

But to fit in with the other answers I suggest a Korg Monotron. Or Jupiter 80.

[Lune]

If he wants/does classical/acoustic- wouldn't motif based Yamaha's be the obvious choice? Very available in Europe

[Psynthman]

Akai Miniak is dirt cheap and sounds amazing. Very thick and full sounding.

[Praxisaxis]

There's a lot of software under $300 which will give you a lot of bang for your buck.

Hardware-wise, I'd suggest a Monotribe with a MIDI kit, or a Shruti by Mutable Instruments, which is very versatile and extraordinarily cheap, however you have to build it yourself.

[skira]

49-key controller keyboard (take your pick from Novation, Akai, Arturia, m-Audio, etc) plus a ton of free or cheap VSTs.

Or a used Ultranova, MiniAK or microKORG.

[justindelay]

New member, so hello! I just picked up a used Novation X-Station 49 for $250, and I'm loving it. Worth it for the synth alone, plus you get a USB audio interface, a great MIDI controller, and awesome integration with the iPad.

[kpsiegel]

You might get lucky and find a desktop Blofeld for that price or perhaps you could find a Roland D-50. They are pretty plentiful and there may be some deals around that range for you. Either of those walk all over an ESQ-1. I have all three so this is at least an opinion of my own actual experience.

The K2000 is a great choice also.

[Headz51230]

K2000 is really that expensive in Europe?

Edit: I must've thought I was on another thread where the OP was looking for realistic sounds to do soundtrack stuff. so hell get an ESQ1 if you find one.

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[Juno6]

Casio HT-700, HT-3000 or HT-6000.

[verve92]

I often see used MicrKorgs for under $300 on CL and they are everywhere.
Also the Alpha Juno's. 6 voice analog poly in the $200-300 range. May need a controller though.

[fooddude]

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/gears...ix-filter.html

[jarlywarly]

Originally Posted by Classic_A

i need more realistic sounds possible, cause i play soundtracks and some classical piece, so don't like too much electronical sounds (clearly with my little budget i can't find anything great, but let's try to find at least the best in that range )

The e-mu romplers are worth a look. You could get a command station for that money, but there are also the various modules.
E-mu XL-7 Command Station | Vintage Synth Explorer