Home Recording Synth Reviews

[Somnium7]

Just an idea I had. Members of this forum who own synths should attempt to write reviews of their instruments for the benefit and education of other members. Allowing they have the time on their hands....

The reasons:

• It helps your fellow members make educated purchases

• It's cool to see what others have and how they compare
• It makes for good reading
• You can show off your latest board
• It's always cool to see who else owns the same instrument and correspond with them

i'm sure there's other good reasons and maybe even some bad ones. Whatever!
Shall we?

I'll kick it off with two I have written for my website
Kawai K3
Casio CZ-1

enjoy

[Obi-Wan zenabI]

I have a Moog (Radioshack) Concertmate MG-1. I saw Modest Mouse once and they rocked it live while the singer ranted about how we were all sheep...

It's fun to noodle around on, but otherwise unwieldy.

[Somnium7]

Originally Posted by Obi-Wan zenabI

I have a Moog (Radioshack) Concertmate MG-1. I saw Modest Mouse once and they rocked it live while the singer ranted about how we were all sheep...

It's fun to noodle around on, but otherwise unwieldy.

I owned this machine too for several years. I agree it wasn't the best synth ever made but it had it's uses. Tuning was surprisingly good though considering the analog VCOs. I could turn mine off and drive around with it in the back of my van for a month in the winter then turn it on again only to need a slight twist of the master tune knob to have it right where it had been.

Even though it looked like one it certainly wasn't a toy. It had good Moog designed circuitry inside and could make some serious sound when you applied yourself to the knobs and sliders.

[warble2]

Man, got me thinking about all the gear I've owned since I started this music thing from my first, to what I have now...

Yamaha DX100, Yamaha DX7S, Kawai K1, Korg M1, EMU Proformance/1 module, Kurzweil MicroPiano module, Korg 05R/W module, Roland XP80, Roland XP30, Korg Triton classic, Yamaha S80, Kurzweil ME1 module, Yamaha Motif 8 classic, Roland XV-3080 module.

They've all had their place in my musical creativity. Maybe I'll write out some thoughts on the ones that were most inspiring to me. I'd be interested to read about what others are using or have used. This would have to be better than some of the bonehead stuff I've read on Harmony Central! I've been there enough and seem to be able to weed out the idiots from the people that know what they're doing and talking about though.

Right now I'm being inspired by my recently acquired (last October) Motif 8. While maybe considered and "old" synth as it's been succeeded twice now, this thing still rocks IMO. Great feel, familiarity (if you've been in the Yamaha experience before), and a nice soundset.

Good thread.

[Somnium7]

Originally Posted by warble2

Man, got me thinking about all the gear I've owned since I started this music thing from my first, to what I have now...

Yamaha DX100, Yamaha DX7S, Kawai K1, Korg M1, EMU Proformance/1 module, Kurzweil MicroPiano module, Korg 05R/W module, Roland XP80, Roland XP30, Korg Triton classic, Yamaha S80, Kurzweil ME1 module, Yamaha Motif 8 classic, Roland XV-3080 module.

Pretty impressive collection of instruments. I spent plenty of time using borrowed M1s and learned to respect that machine despite it's shortcomings. A true classic though nowadays.

They've all had their place in my musical creativity. Maybe I'll write out some thoughts on the ones that were most inspiring to me. I'd be interested to read about what others are using or have used. This would have to be better than some of the bonehead stuff I've read on Harmony Central! I've been there enough and seem to be able to weed out the idiots from the people that know what they're doing and talking about though.

Harmony Central + Grain of salt
A bonus with having folks write reviews here in the forum is that members can help correct the boneheads if necessary

Right now I'm being inspired by my recently acquired (last October) Motif 8. While maybe considered and "old" synth as it's been succeeded twice now, this thing still rocks IMO. Great feel, familiarity (if you've been in the Yamaha experience before), and a nice soundset.

Good thread.

Thanks! I would be interested in a review of your Motif 8. It appears to be quite the do-all workstation of the Yamaha lineup.

I will be posting more reviews as time permits. I do analog synth repair and this work has introduced me to quite a list of nice classic synths. One of the studios I had a contract with in NYC had a huge synth room with over 50 classic synths that it was my job to maintain. As you might imagine, I could sit here and write synthesizer reviews for at least a couple years

My most recent repair job was an Arp Solina String Ensemble so I'll review it next while it's fresh in my mind.

[warble2]

Originally Posted by Somnium7

Pretty impressive collection of instruments. I spent plenty of time using borrowed M1s and learned to respect that machine despite it's shortcomings. A true classic though nowadays.


Harmony Central + Grain of salt
A bonus with having folks write reviews here in the forum is that members can help correct the boneheads if necessary


Thanks! I would be interested in a review of your Motif 8. It appears to be quite the do-all workstation of the Yamaha lineup.

I will be posting more reviews as time permits. I do analog synth repair and this work has introduced me to quite a list of nice classic synths. One of the studios I had a contract with in NYC had a huge synth room with over 50 classic synths that it was my job to maintain. As you might imagine, I could sit here and write synthesizer reviews for at least a couple years

My most recent repair job was an Arp Solina String Ensemble so I'll review it next while it's fresh in my mind.

Well, I missed the M1 so went the plugin route with Korg's Digital/Legacy stuff. I kind of fell into the M1 synth and got a good deal on it I think somewhere around 1993ish. The person who owned it played at the same church as I did, and really didn't know what she had under her hands. I had fun with that synth and agree with the classic status.

I don't have all that stuff around anymore, but do have my DX synths, newer Yamaha synths and the Roland module.

If I get some time, I'll reflect on the use of my Motif. This thing somehow keeps surprising me.

[Obi-Wan zenabI]

My Moog does tune well, but I believe some of the components have degraded-- I do have trouble recreating sounds sometimes. It makes some slammin bass grooves when I get it set right-- too bad I traded my octave pedal-- this thing would kill through that. An EH memory man does wonderful things with it.

I do wish I had more time and money to widen my experience with synthesizers. I'm a big real-instrument type person, but so much of the music I like has synthesizers in it. Stevie Wonder, anyone? Herbie Hancock?

[fraserhutch]

Which of there do you want a review of? I'll be damned if I'll review them all

Keyboards
---------------------
- Roland D50
- Roland SH201
- Korg DW8000
- EMU PK6
- Yamaha CS2X
- Yamaha SY85

Modules
---------------
- Kurzweil K2600
- Kurzweil K2500
- Korg Triton Rack
- Yamaha Motif Rack ES
- Roland XV 5080
- Roland XV 5050
- Roland JV 1080
- Roland JV 880
- AKAI S3000


Dead Modules that I could still review
-------------------------------------
- Korg Wavestation
- Roland MKS80

[mikeh]

While I like the general idea, I agree with Fraserhutch - too many to review. I would be willing to do a review on a specific unit (although I havn't purchased anything new in a few years).

Currently Have/Use

Keys:

Roland XP30
Roland D50
Roland Juno 106
Yamaha PSR 330
Casio PX310 Privia

Modules

Kurzweil 1200 Pro 1
Roland XV5050
Roland MBD1
Kawai K1r
Emu Proteus 1
Yamaha MU80
Akia S2000

Stuff I had that I still could review from memory:

Juno 6
Juno 60
Kawai K1
Casio CZ1

[Somnium7]

Originally Posted by warble2

Well, I missed the M1 so went the plugin route with Korg's Digital/Legacy stuff. I kind of fell into the M1 synth and got a good deal on it I think somewhere around 1993ish. The person who owned it played at the same church as I did, and really didn't know what she had under her hands. I had fun with that synth and agree with the classic status.

I don't have all that stuff around anymore, but do have my DX synths, newer Yamaha synths and the Roland module.

If I get some time, I'll reflect on the use of my Motif. This thing somehow keeps surprising me.

I liked the aftertouch on that M1, it was quite the novelty back in the day. The FX weren't that great but the ones I borrowed I ran through some outboard reverb and delay and got some sweet sounds.

Would be cool to read your thoughts on that Motif especially considering how popular the series is

My Moog does tune well, but I believe some of the components have degraded-- I do have trouble recreating sounds sometimes. It makes some slammin bass grooves when I get it set right-- too bad I traded my octave pedal-- this thing would kill through that. An EH memory man does wonderful things with it.

I do wish I had more time and money to widen my experience with synthesizers. I'm a big real-instrument type person, but so much of the music I like has synthesizers in it. Stevie Wonder, anyone? Herbie Hancock?

If you can do repair work on your MG-1 yourself I'd be happy to send you the schematics and service manual scans free of charge.
They are bestial to take apart though so use caution.

If you like I can do an overhaul on it for a reasonable price and toss in a custom octave divider circuit modded into the instrument. PM me if that appeals to you.

Stevie Wonder and Herbie are huge heroes of mine. Herbie really was so ahead of his time back in the early 80s. That song Rockit could be played on the radio now and sound fresh.

As for the impressive synth collections of mikeh and fraserhutch - wow guys! I'm very jealous
You both have some awesome pieces. I imagine you have rather large houses too
Half of one of your collections would have me living in the shed - and I wouldn't mind it at all considering!

If you'll allow me I can suggest the ones for you to review.
mikeh - Roland D50 or Kurzweil 1200
fraserhutch - Yamaha SY85 or SH201

Only suggestions mind you and based solely on what I find interesting so.. whatever. I'm sure somebody else might have good suggestions too...

[keith turner]

I'm in.Just got to find the time.In addition, my typing sucks.
I currently have:
Yamaha Motif8
Korg N1
Roland D-50
Sequential Circuits Prophet VS
Roland Juno 106
JV-880 Module
Have previously had or used:
Roland SH-5 MONO analog
Poly 800
DW-8000
DX-7
CP-80
Mini Review:
IMHO The most hardcore rippin synth mileage has been outta the d-50/ VS combo midi'ed together. the most impressive bends and stacked sounds have come from these two.
Best piano of the lot ,hands down the Motif.
I own a Fender Rhodes 73, but since I got the Motif it sits alone in the closet of the studio.
Best arpeggiator hands down the VS.It works like a sequencer in latch mode.
Most ethereal and breathy sounds and most convenient triggering goes to the D-50.
Synth I miss the most:
Roland SH-5
Use to play DOORS and HENDRIX on her miss that analog, never could afford a Moog.

[Whale Bone]

I have:
Roland JV-1080 sound module (no expansion cards)
Fatar SL-161 controller (2 zones, 61 unweighted keys, aftertouch)
Yamamha S90

The Fatar and the Roland have done very well for me for years. I have used them with Sonar 4 and Sibelius (notation software). The sounds are dated, but it's been great for demo work and even some finished work where there was a decidedly electronic sound. A real workhorse.

I recently got a used S90 because I got a great deal buying it from a prodution I've worked on for years. It has great keyboard sounds - pianos, clav, rhodes, wurlitzer and quite nice drum sounds too. I'll use it for the same as the Roland but with the nicer sounds I can probably get away with some more finished work. Before I get flamed for not using real musicians, I'm talking about a small amount of low-budget stuff. I'm a bass player so I know what it's like to be replaced by a machine.

I arrange for a variety of acts and having a good sound module helps for auditioning arrangements and making demos for the bands to hear. There's no sustitute for the way real players play and the way real instrument interfere with each other in tight harmony, but these keyboards have helped me work faster and learn more about arranging choices.

The S90's more of a keyboard than I can make proper use of, but now there's a more piano-like thing in the house if my daughter ends up showing an interest.

[Somnium7]

At first glance it looks fake. The cheap veneered chip board box all scratched up and covered with dings and gouges showing through to the mealy looking glued wood chips beneath. Then there are the garishly colored knobs and buttons - egad that color only existed in the early 1970s. I think crayola banned it in 78 and then by 1980 there was an ammendment to the constitution forbidding it's use on anything.
However the homely little thing does kinda grow on you in an ugly duckling sort of way.

Then at some point you have to pick it up HOLY JEBUS it's FREAKIN HEAVY!!!! OUCH OUCH OUCH! I won't be standing up straight anytime soon

The magic happens after the first time you begin playing it. You tentatively start with a few keys here and there. Then you begin to use it's full polyphony and start laying in the progressively more complicated chords. Next thing you know - like an alien abduction story, several hours have passed that you cannot recall....

It's not an X-File. It is the majestic sound of an Arp Solina String Ensemble. Once you hear it you could care less if the entire instrument was that horrid shade of orange on the knobs.

49 keys with full polyphony.
22 keys of monophonic bass.
4 main preset sounds
2 bass presets
and an ensemble effect that you wouldn't believe...

Don't take it from me, listen for yourself! (these are played from my Akai sampler - I took the samples myself)
http://www.somnium7.com/samples/SolinaDemo.mp3
(if you are prompted for a password attempting to access that mp3 let me know and I'll fix it.)

The Solina is a string synth. All it does is stringish sounding stuff, period.
Normally that wouldn't be much to write home about but this sucker is beguiling and entrancing unlike a digital sample playback unit with real string sounds. Inside the ugly faux wood and encased in a welded tube-steel frame resembling the Queensborough Bridge is some of the most madman-brilliant circuit design I have ever seen. There is nothing resembling the usual circuits found in an analog synthesizer. To think that it was made in 1974 you wonder if the people behind it had formerly worked at Area 51. Their unorthodox collection of transistors and wires is responsible for making the Solina a true musical instrument.

A 9th chair should be added to every orchestra's violin section for this awesome machine.

[Obi-Wan zenabI]

I have something called a "String Symphonizer" A little like that Arp only huger and heavier and brokenner.

[Somnium7]

Originally Posted by Obi-Wan zenabI

I have something called a "String Symphonizer" A little like that Arp only huger and heavier and brokenner.

Is this the Freeman String Symphonizer?
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb0...emanstring.htm

Looks like an interesting little piece. apparently uses the same octave divider engine as most other similar units. Too bad it's broke I would love to hear it.

[Obi-Wan zenabI]

Originally Posted by Somnium7

Is this the Freeman String Symphonizer?
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb0...emanstring.htm

Looks like an interesting little piece. apparently uses the same octave divider engine as most other similar units. Too bad it's broke I would love to hear it.

Holy Crap!



I should really take a road trip to my parents house in Maryland and rescue it from the attic. It's probably melted into complete irretrevability...

But maybe I should get my Symphonizer as well as my Moog MG1 to you this spring and see what you can do with it!

[Somnium7]

Originally Posted by Obi-Wan zenabI

Holy Crap!



I should really take a road trip to my parents house in Maryland and rescue it from the attic. It's probably melted into complete irretrevability...

But maybe I should get my Symphonizer as well as my Moog MG1 to you this spring and see what you can do with it!

Sure just let me know. I'll have to give you the same warning I did for the gentleman whos Solina I repaired - Many top octave divider chips can be impossible to find now. These are used in most polyphonic synth instruments from the 1970s. Let us hope none of them have gone bad on your Symphonizer.

[M10K]

Those String Ensembles are indeed HEAVY!!!! I had one fall on my foot last year... The keyboard stand I was using simply collapsed under it! Lost my big toenail after that one. I'm just glad I didn't break anything.