Not really a “bargain synth” though. Come to think of it many on this list aren’t either, lol. I guess it depends on everyone’s definition of “bargain”.
@@mjf1589 that’s a good deal. There is one for 700 Canadian dollars close by me in “good” condition. That is about 475€. Also, I have replaced all the screens on my old synths (JD-990, Tx802, Wavestation AD, Kurzweil K2000, and D-550). I’ve been told that the SyY77 and Sy99 are the biggest hassles to have that procedure done.
Love my Yamaha AN1x, a fake analog synth from 90s . I don't really understand the technology, but as someone who loathed FM synths in the 80s, I'm grateful it doesn't sound like that. Bought it for about $250 five years ago. Not sure what they go for now. [five minutes later] Holy crap, now they're well over a grand! I will cherish this device and take good care of it. Also, speaking of the 90s, I bought my Roland U-220 rack mount unit brand new (back then) for ~$1,000. I've had to service it a bit, but still love the thing. But maybe it's just me. They seem to be going for about $250 right now.
I had a couple (U220s) back in the day and grew to hate the hackneyed sounds so left one in my garden (I think I gave the other one away) and made a video of it still working after a year, which got loads of downticks ! At the time they were worth about £20 on ebay so it wasn't even worth selling it I've got a CS1x now - great machine
Still have both my Roland D-50 and Korg DW-8000. I just bought a Korg Prologue yesterday to replace the DW-8000 when I play live. I've used the Roland up until 2005, replaced with a Triton, and the DW-8000 from the 90's up until last week. It will enjoy a happy retirement in my home studio. Great list, I remember when all these synths came out. Affordable is hard to come by these days.
Any of that SY and TG range are worthy of adding to peoples collections. The premium priced models are the SY77 and SY99 though, but wow they are good.
Hey guys remember on the dx7 algorithms the carriers are always on the bottem and if theirs a number on top of a carrier its always a modulator. This saved my head fm synthesis can be confusing compared to subtractive synthesis or wavetable synthesis. The casio phase distortion synthesis is kinda like fm but could produce crazy sounds if used right casio hasn't made new ones since like 1990.
I was a synth tech for 34 years. The last ten I ended up condemning many of these synths because of lack of main circuit boards. So one takes a risk buying them. Many are now available in VST versions if you really want those sounds.
@@georgiependleton6475 On any synth with memory, the main circuit board is the CPU computer that controls everything. The last CPU main board I was able to repair to component level was a DX7II. But IC chips for them have long been obsolete. Today's main boards are not component level repairable. Many of the LSI chips are installed by computer robotics in wave soldering and are humanly impossible to replace.
@@georgiependleton6475 I went to night school classes in electronics engineering or eight years while I worked repairing audio visual equipment. This was back at the beginning of the digital revolution when we still troubleshot to the component level. I have no idea where one would learn the knowledge needed to work on synths at this time. Most electronics engineering is focused on digital with tons of programming languages required. The small pro-audio and keyboard repair shop I had barely paid me enough to survive. COVID killed it as all the musicians were no longer working. Support from the manufacturers was getting worse as well.
Happy to see my beloved ESQ1 on the list! I bought it in 1990, used it throughout the 90s for sounds and sequencing in a covers band and sold it in the 2000s. Regretted selling it immediately so last year I bought another one (and won't be selling it!). Also happy to see the DX7IIFD on the list (which I bought last year after wanting a DX7 for around 35 years). My keyboard player friend will be happy to see the Poly 800 on the list - he bought one of the first series new in 1983. I remember jamming with him in my bedroom in 1984 - he sequenced the bass line from Duran Duran - Hold Back the Rain (I still have the recording on cassette).
Thanks for sharing. Wave sequencing is tough to learn but can be worth it. Layering sounds and creating splits etc. is easy from the keyboard or A/D version with the big screen. Editing on the SR (only two lines of text), it's a chore.
Holy Smokes... I played the Korg DW8000 professionally in a band - in 1990 34 years ago... It was quite a synth at the time. I remember from one gig to the next it just died... and the crew set up a Roland Juno (can't remember which model) in it's place - and I never saw the Korg again...
So glad to see you included the ESQ -1… It was the first synthesizer I bought, and I sometimes regret selling it because it had cool sounds…I also have an original Wavestation keyboard, which, like you, I love .
Great video - agreed with most of your choices but you had me with the Poly-800. I remember playing with them in the 80s and they just did not sound that good especially in comparison with the Poly61. Also, have been looking for an Ax80 for years - pretty rare find indeed.
Thanks for sharing. I just like the Poly-800, because for folks wanting a classic 80's DCO synth it's affordable, but definitely agree that it's not so great compared to some others. I have a Synth Lore episode on the Poly-800 that will publish on June 25th where I compare it against a JUNO-106.
I’m old enough to remember when the Poly-800 first came out. Besides being incredibly ugly, I was disappointed in the sounds. But this is all pretty subjective.
I own half of those :) I would add in possibly the Alpha Juno. As far as reliability, rebuilding power supplies, replacing tact switches, and keybed maintenance is usually all that is required.
@@angelog.spicolaiii8021much cheaper than an Akai AX80 which is on the list, and mostly cheaper than the Ensoniq too. It’s in the same range as the D-50, so it shoukd be on the list.
Great list! But although I own a Casio CZ 101, I would definitely recommend the Cz-1 not the 5000! The Cz-1 has velocity sensitivity, which opens up a whole new world for this synth family! And where is the Alpha Juno? I expected it to be on the number one place!
Absolutely agree about the Alpha, but I had to limit the list to 11, and I had a list of over 30. The Alpha Juno is certainly worthy to be on this list and is scheduled to be on a future list along with several others.
Good to see the Akai AX80 on the list, and agree with your summary. It really is dull without effects, but add chorus (as per Juno), reverb and it does indeed come alive. I also put it through my Grove PolyMoog Resonator which can add some extra life. I think it is a mistake to expect it to excel as a "jack of all trades" - when I do it often disappoints.
I had it had to many problems the battery and midi and keybed. The battery used to heat up like crazy when connected but i made some really good patches saved on my computer. i miss my sq-80.
Surprised none of the EMU modules made the list. Particularly the Proteus 2000 or Mo Phatt. Typically these can be found under $300 and are very capable romplers.
Appreciate the comment. Emu is definitely worthy. I recall a friend demoing the original Proteus circa 1989, and I wanted one. More lists coming, eventually, and Emu will be a contender.
@@JeffreyScottPetro The EMU modules are the epitome of menu diving, but they do give users complete control over every parameter, it just requires time and patience. I also enjoy the "randomize preset" function. I can usually get something interesting in under 30 presses.
Great video. I still have/love my CZ-5000 I bought in 2000 and love the simplicity of programming it. This thing is anything but a toy. Maybe the Casio FZ-1/FZ10M would have been worth mentioning in the sampler section with their complex envelopes and synthesis features.
When my only synth was my Yamaha DX21, I was looking at getting a rack mounted FM syth and looked at the TX81Z but they were prohibitively expensive for a teenager on a budget back then! But I did find in a weekly for sale magazine you could buy at 7-11 stores, a band selling some of their old equipment and they had a Yamaha FB-01 that was very battle worn, but still quite functional! Picked it up for under $200 back in the late 80s. Paired it to my DX21 and by layering it got some really phat sounds out of the combination! Super difficult to use, but full of great FM sounds!
My buddy Brian and I were both going to buy the FB-01. We were going to get a better deal, because they were selling 2, and then the TX81Z came out and we both got a TX81Z. Still have a warm place in my heart for that little synth, Multi-tibral synths made all the difference to me as a budding composer with very little gear. Thanks for the story.
Owner of dozens of synths, I got a DW-8000 in the 80’s and it’s still wonderful. One other thing to add is.. it has a very unique feature. The Delay is out of phase, which brings it some really novel sounds, and useful, at least to me.
Nice video. I agree with you on all except maybe the Poly-800:) It was so nice to see ESQ-1 on your list. I still have mine and it is truly remarkable and is a hidden gem that is starting to climb in price. BUT I am missing the Roland JX-8P on your list which still is good value. Strangely enough the JX-3P is getting more popular even though it is a much more limited synth with horrible midi:) I have own all the synths on your list except the AX-80 and DW-8000 (I’ve had a couple of DSS-1 though) and still have some of them. BTW I also largely agree with the other overpriced list having owned 3-4 of them. Thanks!
I mainly agree on your list. I confirm the tx81z is a realy good machine. I still have mine, bought new!, in a rack. Among the old forgoten synths, what about the Kawai K5, the powa' of additive synthesis at your fingertips! (and a lot of head scratching too). The hardware samplers: I still have my S1100(+S1100EX) and an EPSm but to be honest I don't realy use them so often. The EPSm more often maybe, due to its more vintage sound, the S1100 is too "perfect" and I can have pristine sounding samples from my computers now. An other possible contender in the list: Roland alpha Juno 1 and 2 (there's a rack version too but I don't remember the name), not so expensive (I think) and digitaly controled analog.
I still have my Ensoniq EPS, but have to shell out for the replacement floppy upgrade. Also my EMU E5000 Ultra is still rockin', and still going pretty cheap even now. Amazing set of features and upgradeability, with the coolest filters. And last, but not least, my Novation KS4. Semi weighted keys, and wonderful smooth sound.
I picked up an analog keyboard not too long ago for 60 euro, the JVC KB-700. Its warm, a lovely stereo chorus and I love the stereo analog rhythm machine inside. Not a lot of info about this gem on the internet, but I freaking love it 😊 its from the same year as the Juno-60, which I have too.
The SY77 is a nice board as is the 99. I'm working on more lists, and the SY77 is definitely a contender- great sounds and an affordable price. Thanks for the comment.
We've all done that :-( I have an Episode titled "Seller's Remorse" scheduled to be released on April 19, 2024, you may want to take a look at it. Thanks for the comment, appreciate it.
I had a Casio MT65 in the late 1980s, loved some of its features such as the env modulation switches, man I wish I hadn't sold it to buy a more professional-sounding synth (Seq Circuits Pro1)!
"Phase Distortion" is literally FM described in a different way. SAME EXACT THING. The only difference is the sound of the chips used due to the patent.
What about the DX7 II Centennial? How did you get all the Wavestation presets up to 4 osc into the Kronos 2 osc architecture? Seems like the ESQ VFDs ought to be available, being used on everything they made for years until the mid 90s. Komtakt 6 and above does not convert Roland sample discs anymore. Don’t know about Yamaha.
I mention the DX7II Centennial in an upcoming episode. Last time I looked, a person was asking $5K, ouch. I didn't program the Wavestation patches into my Kronos. I downloaded them from a guy in Europe. They are really good, and worth a look. If I remember correctly, he uses the Combi mode on the Kronos to make the architecture work. Must have taken him hundreds of hours.
I've heard the Wavestate demos and I think they sound very good, but I haven't played one yet. I was thinking of buying one used, and then I looked at the VST version which looks good and wouldn't take up any physical space. Having heard the Korg Legacy Collection, I would think the Wavestation VST is really close or dead on. Appreciate your comment, sir.
KingKorg (the 61 key) is a great VA synth with 16 band vocoder. Several filters (Moog,Oberheim,SCI,MS20 etc.) Ergonomically nice yet not the best keybed. And yes, DCO with analog filter can sound great. Had a JX-3p in the 90's.
Fun fact. The Korg Wavestation contains a widely used keybed made by Yamaha. It isn't very robust, and the leaf springs can detach, which requires major dismantling to put right.
Yeah, I hate those pesky things- had to repair a key on my original Wavestation. I have a Synth Lore episode on the Wavestation coming out at the end of August. Thanks for the comment.
I kept my EMU ESi-32 from 1998 since today. Recently i even added an old SCSI CD-ROM Drive to my JAZ 1GB Drive (BTW not easy to find for a reasonable price...), because i was lucky to receive tons of Sample CDs from a friend. This thing sounds just unbelieveable. And i LOVE the old samples, for instance the Yamaha CP-70 Piano or the ARP Quadra. For me it's also a part of my youth, as i started my musical journey in the 80's. For me there is no reason NOT to use old gear.
I still have my Mint Ensoniq SD-1 32 Voice , all disks, Manual and SD-1 Bible.... Best live , on the fly , unbelievable at that time Midi , control board I've ever used !!!
Interesting. I've never seen that video, but using Protokol to monitor MIDI input on my PC from a DX7IIFD, I was able to get values higher and lower than those you listed.
I have the Roland XV-5080. Sounds good most of the time, but the device has a signal issue causing static. Turning it off and on again (possibly several times) may fix it temporarily. You also mention Kontakt. I purchased one of their controllers and immediately returned it. It requires a dedicated laptop computer for almost all its function,s including the backlight for the buttons! $499 sounded like a good price until I realized I had to tie up a $1000 laptop to make it work.
Roland issue: spotted and fixed random high pitched noise on one channel on my friends XP-50. It was a capacitor, but the problem remained even after replacing caps (eventually found out why and learned a lot about the synth electronics on the way). Anyway, recently I fixed an E-86. It also had capacitor issue, and also with the fancier looking metal can small caps. So, my experience shows that Roland has timebomb caps across their product line. E-86 cap leak had destroyed some PCB wiring. When you start having issues, repair immediately. Actually, service in any case, NOW.
It needs repair. A common and inescapable feature of older devices that use electrolytic capacitors. Even new hardware with electrolytic capacitors will eventually have issues. Buttons and pots wear. Batteries need replacement. Vintage synths will eventually need service and if you don’t have basic electronics troubleshooting skills, can be difficult to recondition.
@@matthewgaines10 I did have to replace the battery, but the static issue is well known. I saved a TH-cam video with repair instructions but have not yet attempted it.
Actually there were four models of the DX7 II. The Centennial model had a silver finish with gold Pitch and Modulation wheels and 76 Keys that glowed in the dark.
Most people who are after affordable synths have most of them. I have them in my rack because of space considerations. The only one I'm not interested in is your number one spot, just because it's a keyboard. Reliability...I need to fix a couple, including the TX802 (DX7II in a rack, but multi-timbral; probably the power supply), one of the Proteus 2000 (probably the screen), E-Mu Morpheus (something very wrong with the headphones output), and the Böhm Dynamic 12/24 (no sound). What you could also consider is a Waldorf Micro Q, maybe a Waldorf Microwave II if you find one at a good price, and the aforementioned E-Mu Proteus 2000. Instead of the DW-8000 and trhe ESQ1 I have the EX-8000 and the ESQm; instead of the CZ5000, I have the Hohner HS-2/E, which is a Casio VZ-10M in disguise. Then there's some other stuff, like the Novation Super Bass Station, Virus Rack XL (probably not that budget), Jomox AirBase 99, and the Ensoniq MR Rack. The D-550 is pretty high on my wish list.
Not a bad list! I wouldn't be able to compile a list with devices from the 80's because I wasn't able to experience them when they were in their glory days.... Fortunately, we can emulations of these great keyboards in today's modern synth to reuse/recreate sounds from that era. But, this was a good list nonetheless. Thanks.
Jeffrey thank you so much for your priceless video… I’m discovering your channel and wanted to ask you, did you make a video about what effects to buy for our synths? I’m a bit lost on this subject, there are so many effects on the market… (EDIT: THE NEXT OF MY MESSAGE IS USELESS EXCEPT IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT ME sorry I write too much) I have a Yamaha RM1-x and I discovered that I love to use its internal guitar amp effects and distortion to filter its synth sounds/organs/bells etc. I would like to buy real hardware effects like that to filter my synths (HydraSynth, DeepMind12, MonologueXD, Akai MPCX and Force, Behringer RD9…) but I’m LOST… I would like also to find a nice reverb but not very expensive I don’t know if it’s possible… I’m a “beginner”, I was mixing turntables vinyls A LOT during the nineties, techno music, German and Detroit inspirations, then my level increased to mix on 3 turntables and I progressively wanted to compose music in the same time, I wanted to replace my third turntable by a groovebox so I bought the RM1x and I fell in love with hardware like that. Then studies and professional career stopped me, and two years ago I was thinking that I missed A LOT the sound of my eighties, my childhood, and realized that type of sound was MAINLY from synthesizers… so I decided to continue my journey into electronic music which I stopped twenty years ago… And now I’m learning a lot, the gears I’m buying I’m gonna keep them all my life, I’m the type of guy who prefer to dig very deep what I have and make it mine instead of barely scratching the surface and resell to buy new ones… I’m very satisfied with my analog and digital synths, I don’t want more, I just want to exploit them the best I can. I’m sorry if I’m asking or talking too much, I sincerely wish you the best and I’m gonna dig your videos maybe my answers are there ! Big salut 🫡 from France ! ViNZ.
Back in January 2007 when I was in the act of turning loose of my ARP Axxe MkII, the storekeeper who took it off my hands had a DW-8000 that deeply tempted me. Even as I turned the 8000 down, I was aware what a mistake I was making. As I commented previously, my first analog polyphonic experience was a Roland J.x-8p w/ PG-800. Where does it show up between the lists of bargain synths and overpriced ones? P. S. My 8p’s DCO1 square wave generator is non-functional. I’ve considered turning to a 3D-printing business I’m aware of called PBCWay to print me out replacement microchips. Thoughts?
I had an original Korg Poly 800. Within the first year I had to ship it back to Korg to fix the stick. It kept getting stuck with a noticeable vibrato even though it was in neutral position . It started again less than a year after the original repair so I disconnected it. Is this a known issue and is there a fix?
The List is pretty solid, with the glaring exception of your number 1 pick. the Poly800 is really paraphonic not polyphonic and it just isn't going to be worth much comparatively. you also missed the casio vz series, same engine as the cz series just built much better in industrial metal housings vs the cz's plastic.
The problem is if they use a floppy. I have an 01W-FD and the floppy went bad. It’s a 720k floppy not sold any more. The rom must match. Yes, I know they make a USB version. If my CR2032 battery goes dead I lose all my custom patches. I take it to a tech who can replace the battery with power connected.
Thanks for sharing. I recently ordered a USB drive for my Yamaha DX7IIFD, if it ever shows up, I'll probably include installation and operation it in the Synth Lore episode on the DX7 I have planned.
I kinda sorta agree with ya about the korg(s)poly-800's (bcos i had'em) but i guess u don't think Kurzweil K-series are a bargain for all the stuff they can do & what about the Kawaii K's¿thanx dude
I always thought of the DJX more as a mainstream consumer keyboard and not a pro keyboard. On the other hand, I started with a Yamaha PS20, and the DJX is lightyears ahead of the PS20. Thanks for the comment.
The Akai S6000 is truly a bargain. Such a powerful machine with serious hardware. Personally I hated the Poly 800. I thought it sounded really weak.. But interesting list!
Absolutely agree about the S6000/S5000. I am working on a sampler episode. Probably be out by the December holidays. I also have a Synth Lore episode on the Poly-800 that is completed and will be published in late June that includes a quiz against another classic analog synth. I appreciate your comment.
It could be that some of their earlier gear lacked in quality. It's certainly getting better, and they have an amazing number of clones. Thanks for the comment.
Vintage isn’t what I would ever call bargain. As these units age, they will need some form of service. Buttons, potentiometers, batteries, capacitors, key sensors, and felt. Don’t got down this road blind. Having basic electronics troubleshooting skills is a must if you’re going to go vintage. I only have one vintage unit. A Kurzweil K2500RS and it needed SRAM chip replacement. It has been serviced before me so it wasn’t its first problem. Find something newer that can sound like vintage where possible. Yamaha DX7 -> Korg Volca FM2. Roland D-50 -> Roland D-05. Roland XV-5080 -> Roland Integra 7. Kurzweil K2500 -> Kurzweil K2061. It won’t be perfect but good enough in a mix and still has some time on the clock before you’ll need to repair it. Vintage is a labor of love. Newer gear is for playing.
I thought "I wonder if he'll list something I have? Nah, the only cool old one is my Poly800" So that's fun. I like mine, except the patch/tape input frustrates me. The parameter entry is tedious, but It helped me learn the keyboard pretty quickly, as I tried to enter patches from written parameter values.
Through the decades I and friends have owned a fair few of these. Everything here was great for its day IMHO. Still, a used DW-8000 or ESQ1 vs a used Modwave to me is not even close. Same for a TX81Z vs a used Opsix (or pair of them vs DX7II). Also lowest US price I have seen on a Wavestation SR is the cost of a used Wavestate - also not even close to me. As a last bit of possible heresy I would also take a used Deepmind 6 over a Poly800II. Most of this is my view of just how good a job Korg did on their now second iteration(s) rPi synth trio.
I made the video, but I am very sentimental about a lot of my hardware synths, still, you make a good argument. I have some episodes coming up on this very issue. Appreciate the thoughtful comment.
@@JeffreyScottPetro not nearly as “sexy” or fun, but if being brutally honest with myself a Hydrasynth Deluxe or maybe a used Summit plus an Opsix and Modwave or Wavestate covers pretty much all the bases. Either of the latter two with Korg’s free sample builder software and the TONS of free multisamples out there make for basically a “super” XV5080 mode.
Yes, the D-50 was a keeper. I'm surprised that you didn't mention that it had polyphonic aftertouch. I owned a Poly-800. It has ONE FILTER for ALL the voices. That's one of the reasons I would never own one again. One synth missing from this list was the Oberheim Matrix-6. True, single input value slider, but the filters were butter (that is, awesome). If I had do-overs, I'd never have sold my D-50 nor my Matrix-6.
Love the D-50. I have a D-550. Used to own 2, wish I'd kept them both. Agree on the Matix 6 also. It didn't make this list due to price. It does make it onto some other lists that are scheduled to publish later in the year.
I guess I shouldn't have traded in my original Yamaha DX7, older MemoryMoogPlus, and original 'first synth' Korg POLY800, back in the late 80's, for a set of 'manual' Pearl Export drums.... oh well ; ( [oh yeah, probably had a Commodore64 to go with 'um!]
If Roland XV-5080 is mentioned, why not JV-1080 and JD-990, which they are even more valuable than XV-5080? Both of these alternatives can be excellent choices for those who don't need the sample playback feature, but still expandable with the SR-JV80 series boards.
9:00 Hey! I have a Wavestation SR! Hardly used it. I really should. Sounds great but any9 editing is a nightmare. I never realised SR meant Single Rack.
Hi Charlie. I'm a real Wavestation fanboy. Programming wavesequences takes time and experience, layering sounds to create new ones, is actually pretty easy, but may be challenging on an SR with on two lines of text. Good luck.
There was no mention of anything Kawai in this video. While they're not the most desirable keyboards based on demand, they still have some great sounds in their own right. And I would think they would be considered, bargain synths.
I agree with you on the ESQ-1: Just a good all-around utility keyboard. I can't follow you with the Poly-800 Mk1 or MK2 though. I originally had the Mk1 with the reverse keybed. It was snazzy, but the sound was dull (I know, effects) and that questionable polyphony (was it the envelope or the filter that got shared, or both? I can't remember.) was just tragic. I bought a Mk2 at some point, but other keyboards won out over time and it sits in its case in my storage. The look is always cool, with a guitar strap, etc.; I would just have a better sound and smoother polyphony. Oh, and the MIDI out isn't compatible with newer MIDI (assuming I know how to use MIDI out), so you can't even use it as a cool controller. I'll admit, I fell in love with what I hoped to do with it, but I fell back out when I realized I wanted to make great sounding leads and chops. I still can't sell it though. maybe once they double in price :) Your reviews are great, even if we don't always agree. Keep up the great work!
I understand what you are saying, but the title says "bargain" not "inexpensive" and I list it 11th, because they've really gone up in price recently. Still, an 8 voice, 2 DCO plus a sub, multi-filter analog classic synth from the 80s, even at twice that price would be a bargain. These are similar voice specs to a Jupiter-8 (though not as nice sounding as a Jupiter-8), and the Jupiters can sell for $25,000+. Sorry, you thought it was misleading.
The bargains disappeared many years ago pre-2016 maybe. You have to be REALLY lucky to find anything low priced now. I found a Yamaha QS300 for £150 on Facebook Marketplace in 2021, but most on Ebay UK were and are going for £300+ and some for £500+ and not in great condition either (mine is near mint).
Yeah, the AX80 has really shot up in price lately :-(, but I still think of it as a bargain for what you get. 8 voices, 2 DCOS per voice with a sub, velocity sensitive keyboard, multiple envelopes, MIDI. Puts it in Jupiter-8 type specs territory. It doesn't sound anywhere near as good as the Jupiter, but with external effects, it rocks.
Another forgotten gem is the Yamaha SY77!
Not really a “bargain synth” though. Come to think of it many on this list aren’t either, lol. I guess it depends on everyone’s definition of “bargain”.
@@mjf1589 that’s a good deal. There is one for 700 Canadian dollars close by me in “good” condition. That is about 475€. Also, I have replaced all the screens on my old synths (JD-990, Tx802, Wavestation AD, Kurzweil K2000, and D-550). I’ve been told that the SyY77 and Sy99 are the biggest hassles to have that procedure done.
I had one! I regret selling that one too! so deep!
I had two, AND an SY99 ! Sold them all for peanuts. Got a Korg Opsix now which is great.
@@craigsg01 as someone who has never owned an SY77 or SY99, does the MODX cover most of the bases here?
Love my Yamaha AN1x, a fake analog synth from 90s . I don't really understand the technology, but as someone who loathed FM synths in the 80s, I'm grateful it doesn't sound like that. Bought it for about $250 five years ago. Not sure what they go for now.
[five minutes later] Holy crap, now they're well over a grand! I will cherish this device and take good care of it.
Also, speaking of the 90s, I bought my Roland U-220 rack mount unit brand new (back then) for ~$1,000. I've had to service it a bit, but still love the thing. But maybe it's just me. They seem to be going for about $250 right now.
There's the cs1x from the same era which is $200 less appealing possibilities but the sounds are great
I almost purchased an AX1x. It's a very capable synth. Thanks for sharing.
I had a couple (U220s) back in the day and grew to hate the hackneyed sounds so left one in my garden (I think I gave the other one away) and made a video of it still working after a year, which got loads of downticks ! At the time they were worth about £20 on ebay so it wasn't even worth selling it
I've got a CS1x now - great machine
Still have both my Roland D-50 and Korg DW-8000. I just bought a Korg Prologue yesterday to replace the DW-8000 when I play live. I've used the Roland up until 2005, replaced with a Triton, and the DW-8000 from the 90's up until last week. It will enjoy a happy retirement in my home studio. Great list, I remember when all these synths came out. Affordable is hard to come by these days.
"Affordable is hard to come by these days." Yes, sir, so sad. Thanks for the comment.
We are really lucky with the new influx of analog synths. The deep mind 6 is an incredible value - like the Polysix was at the time.
Indeed. Software has really taken a bite out of hardware profits. Behringer has some very affordable gear, especially 70's and 80's clones.
@@JeffreyScottPetro
...yeah but tooo bad those b-ear-ringer clone clowns blow chunks thanx dude
Plug the DeepMind series into another in poly-chain MIDI mode and your Dolby ATMOS 7.1.4 mix will thank you
@@angelog.spicolaiii8021cool story, bro
I used to have a Polysix in the 80s. Loved it. Now I have a Deepmind 12 - great synth !
Thank you for the excellent overview! Very useful!
Thanks for the comment, Markus, glad you enjoyed it.
A very,very good video! And listing affordable synths, good job!
Appreciate the comment, thanks, Fred.
I think the Yamaha SY22/35 are worthy of a mention.
Any of that SY and TG range are worthy of adding to peoples collections. The premium priced models are the SY77 and SY99 though, but wow they are good.
Agreed.. More lists coming. Thanks for the comment.
Hey guys remember on the dx7 algorithms the carriers are always on the bottem and if theirs a number on top of a carrier its always a modulator. This saved my head fm synthesis can be confusing compared to subtractive synthesis or wavetable synthesis. The casio phase distortion synthesis is kinda like fm but could produce crazy sounds if used right casio hasn't made new ones since like 1990.
I was a synth tech for 34 years. The last ten I ended up condemning many of these synths because of lack of main circuit boards. So one takes a risk buying them. Many are now available in VST versions if you really want those sounds.
VST is certainly an option. Aprrecite the info.
What does the lack of a main circuit board affect?
@@georgiependleton6475 On any synth with memory, the main circuit board is the CPU computer that controls everything. The last CPU main board I was able to repair to component level was a DX7II. But IC chips for them have long been obsolete. Today's main boards are not component level repairable. Many of the LSI chips are installed by computer robotics in wave soldering and are humanly impossible to replace.
@@keyboardtek Makes sense, thanks. I've wanted to get into electronics mostly to be able to work on my synths if need be.
@@georgiependleton6475 I went to night school classes in electronics engineering or eight years while I worked repairing audio visual equipment. This was back at the beginning of the digital revolution when we still troubleshot to the component level. I have no idea where one would learn the knowledge needed to work on synths at this time. Most electronics engineering is focused on digital with tons of programming languages required. The small pro-audio and keyboard repair shop I had barely paid me enough to survive. COVID killed it as all the musicians were no longer working. Support from the manufacturers was getting worse as well.
Happy to see my beloved ESQ1 on the list! I bought it in 1990, used it throughout the 90s for sounds and sequencing in a covers band and sold it in the 2000s. Regretted selling it immediately so last year I bought another one (and won't be selling it!). Also happy to see the DX7IIFD on the list (which I bought last year after wanting a DX7 for around 35 years). My keyboard player friend will be happy to see the Poly 800 on the list - he bought one of the first series new in 1983. I remember jamming with him in my bedroom in 1984 - he sequenced the bass line from Duran Duran - Hold Back the Rain (I still have the recording on cassette).
Thanks for the comment and thanks for subscribing.
The Wavestation was designed in partnership with Dave Smith, hence the fantastic sound.
I've heard that they're nightmare to programme, though.
555@@MisAnnThorpe True. But worth the effort.
Thanks for sharing. Wave sequencing is tough to learn but can be worth it. Layering sounds and creating splits etc. is easy from the keyboard or A/D version with the big screen. Editing on the SR (only two lines of text), it's a chore.
Thank you for this great video. Korg dw 8000 is my favorite👍
That's a great sounding keyboard. Thanks for the comment.
Looks like I'm doing well, I have a good half of these or rack/module variants.
Awesome, thanks for sharing.
I still have my Korg 01Wfd. Great sounds.
Kurzweil K2000 runs circles around that korg thanx dude
Holy Smokes... I played the Korg DW8000 professionally in a band - in 1990 34 years ago... It was quite a synth at the time. I remember from one gig to the next it just died... and the crew set up a Roland Juno (can't remember which model) in it's place - and I never saw the Korg again...
I really like the sound of the DW8000, and they are still pretty affordable. Thanks for the comment.
So glad to see you included the ESQ -1… It was the first synthesizer I bought, and I sometimes regret selling it because it had cool sounds…I also have an original Wavestation keyboard, which, like you, I love .
Always liked the ESQ-1. Appreciate the comment.
Great video - agreed with most of your choices but you had me with the Poly-800. I remember playing with them in the 80s and they just did not sound that good especially in comparison with the Poly61.
Also, have been looking for an Ax80 for years - pretty rare find indeed.
Thanks for sharing. I just like the Poly-800, because for folks wanting a classic 80's DCO synth it's affordable, but definitely agree that it's not so great compared to some others. I have a Synth Lore episode on the Poly-800 that will publish on June 25th where I compare it against a JUNO-106.
Yup...I had one too! It sucked.
I’m old enough to remember when the Poly-800 first came out. Besides being incredibly ugly, I was disappointed in the sounds. But this
is all pretty subjective.
Great list!!!!
Thank you.
I own half of those :) I would add in possibly the Alpha Juno. As far as reliability, rebuilding power supplies, replacing tact switches, and keybed maintenance is usually all that is required.
...& that's no bargain thanx dude
@@angelog.spicolaiii8021much cheaper than an Akai AX80 which is on the list, and mostly cheaper than the Ensoniq too. It’s in the same range as the D-50, so it shoukd be on the list.
I like the Alpha. It will probably make it onto a future list. Appreciate the comment.
Sheesh, you meant to say JX-8P. Still cheaper than the alphas. Awesome board.
@@reidhauke3389 The JX-8P is not cheaper than the Alpha
Great list! But although I own a Casio CZ 101, I would definitely recommend the Cz-1 not the 5000! The Cz-1 has velocity sensitivity, which opens up a whole new world for this synth family!
And where is the Alpha Juno? I expected it to be on the number one place!
Absolutely agree about the Alpha, but I had to limit the list to 11, and I had a list of over 30. The Alpha Juno is certainly worthy to be on this list and is scheduled to be on a future list along with several others.
Good to see the Akai AX80 on the list, and agree with your summary. It really is dull without effects, but add chorus (as per Juno), reverb and it does indeed come alive. I also put it through my Grove PolyMoog Resonator which can add some extra life. I think it is a mistake to expect it to excel as a "jack of all trades" - when I do it often disappoints.
Well said, Anthony! I am working on an AX-80 Synth Lore episode that should be out by June.
The SQ-80 is worth the extra $$$ over the ESQ-1. More waveforms, sequencer, and poly aftertouch.
Agree, it will make it on to a future list.
I had it had to many problems the battery and midi and keybed. The battery used to heat up like crazy when connected but i made some really good patches saved on my computer. i miss my sq-80.
the esq-1 has the same sequencer as the sq-80. the sq-80 has extra waveforms, poly aftertouch and a floppy drive over the esq-1.
xv5080 has such wonderful sounds
Surprised none of the EMU modules made the list. Particularly the Proteus 2000 or Mo Phatt. Typically these can be found under $300 and are very capable romplers.
Appreciate the comment. Emu is definitely worthy. I recall a friend demoing the original Proteus circa 1989, and I wanted one. More lists coming, eventually, and Emu will be a contender.
@@JeffreyScottPetro The EMU modules are the epitome of menu diving, but they do give users complete control over every parameter, it just requires time and patience. I also enjoy the "randomize preset" function. I can usually get something interesting in under 30 presses.
yep for a 1U Unit the Proteus 2000 is a real winner has the added bonus of 3 extra ROM slots but i have a good collection of these E-MU units
Great video. I still have/love my CZ-5000 I bought in 2000 and love the simplicity of programming it. This thing is anything but a toy. Maybe the Casio FZ-1/FZ10M would have been worth mentioning in the sampler section with their complex envelopes and synthesis features.
Thanks for the comment. I've always liked the 5000.
I bought mine last year at a second hand store for $37 😂
@@UncleMilty What a steal :) Did you enjoy it so far?
When my only synth was my Yamaha DX21, I was looking at getting a rack mounted FM syth and looked at the TX81Z but they were prohibitively expensive for a teenager on a budget back then! But I did find in a weekly for sale magazine you could buy at 7-11 stores, a band selling some of their old equipment and they had a Yamaha FB-01 that was very battle worn, but still quite functional! Picked it up for under $200 back in the late 80s. Paired it to my DX21 and by layering it got some really phat sounds out of the combination! Super difficult to use, but full of great FM sounds!
My buddy Brian and I were both going to buy the FB-01. We were going to get a better deal, because they were selling 2, and then the TX81Z came out and we both got a TX81Z. Still have a warm place in my heart for that little synth, Multi-tibral synths made all the difference to me as a budding composer with very little gear. Thanks for the story.
Totally agree with you on the Korg Wavestation. I also have the original EX that I bought in the 90s. Will never part from it.
Thanks for the comment and for subscribing.
On the whole, I agree with your list - great selection of affordable yet interesting gear. But prices are going up all the time!
Couldn't agree more. Thanks for the comment.
Owner of dozens of synths, I got a DW-8000 in the 80’s and it’s still wonderful. One other thing to add is.. it has a very unique feature. The Delay is out of phase, which brings it some really novel sounds, and useful, at least to me.
Always loved the DW8000.
Nice video. I agree with you on all except maybe the Poly-800:) It was so nice to see ESQ-1 on your list. I still have mine and it is truly remarkable and is a hidden gem that is starting to climb in price.
BUT I am missing the Roland JX-8P on your list which still is good value. Strangely enough the JX-3P is getting more popular even though it is a much more limited synth with horrible midi:)
I have own all the synths on your list except the AX-80 and DW-8000 (I’ve had a couple of DSS-1 though) and still have some of them. BTW I also largely agree with the other overpriced list having owned 3-4 of them. Thanks!
I lusted after an ESQ-1, love the screen. Thanks for the comment.
My first "real" synth was a DW-8000. Loved that thing. Never should have gotten rid of it.
I've heard that a lot, and I always liked the 8000. Thanks for the comment.
Still in love With my DX7 (1983 model). Also Kurzweil K200VP, and Roland VR760, JV880, 1080, SH-101, and MC202.
That's some nice gear. Thanks for the comment.
not a waste of our time at all. very informative. thanks!
Thanks, Tommy, appreciate you.
I mainly agree on your list. I confirm the tx81z is a realy good machine. I still have mine, bought new!, in a rack.
Among the old forgoten synths, what about the Kawai K5, the powa' of additive synthesis at your fingertips! (and a lot of head scratching too).
The hardware samplers: I still have my S1100(+S1100EX) and an EPSm but to be honest I don't realy use them so often. The EPSm more often maybe, due to its more vintage sound, the S1100 is too "perfect" and I can have pristine sounding samples from my computers now.
An other possible contender in the list: Roland alpha Juno 1 and 2 (there's a rack version too but I don't remember the name), not so expensive (I think) and digitaly controled analog.
Indeed, thanks for the comment.
I still have my Ensoniq EPS, but have to shell out for the replacement floppy upgrade.
Also my EMU E5000 Ultra is still rockin', and still going pretty cheap even now.
Amazing set of features and upgradeability, with the coolest filters.
And last, but not least, my Novation KS4. Semi weighted keys, and wonderful smooth sound.
Awesome, thanks for the comment. Always loved the sound of the Ensoniqs.
I picked up an analog keyboard not too long ago for 60 euro, the JVC KB-700. Its warm, a lovely stereo chorus and I love the stereo analog rhythm machine inside. Not a lot of info about this gem on the internet, but I freaking love it 😊 its from the same year as the Juno-60, which I have too.
Nice. Thanks for sharing!
I would have put the Yamaha SY77 in place of the CZ-5000. They're nice, but there are better options.
The SY77 is a nice board as is the 99. I'm working on more lists, and the SY77 is definitely a contender- great sounds and an affordable price. Thanks for the comment.
What a nice clear voice 👍
Thanks for the support.
The dx7 mk1 with supermax addon is phenomenal. Stack up to 4 voices with detune, patch morphing and a arp. And loads of extra preset banks.
Thanks for the comment.
I had a CZ-5000 and didn't understand it at the time, and sold it for 300. I would kill to have one now.
We've all done that :-( I have an Episode titled "Seller's Remorse" scheduled to be released on April 19, 2024, you may want to take a look at it. Thanks for the comment, appreciate it.
@@JeffreyScottPetro great idea for a show! it's the story of all synth lovers hahah
7:46 The Rev 1 Prophet-5 had the power switch on the panel in almost the same place. It was red, too.
Thanks for the info.
I had a Casio MT65 in the late 1980s, loved some of its features such as the env modulation switches, man I wish I hadn't sold it to buy a more professional-sounding synth (Seq Circuits Pro1)!
That's a classic. Stay tuned for another, even older, Casio classic coming up in an episode in May.
Good video! The killer are capacitors. These go bad and it can be painful to fix.
Thanks for the comment. Agreed, I have recapped a bunch of power supplies. Digikey gets half my paycheck from time-to-time.
"Phase Distortion" is literally FM described in a different way. SAME EXACT THING. The only difference is the sound of the chips used due to the patent.
What about the DX7 II Centennial? How did you get all the Wavestation presets up to 4 osc into the Kronos 2 osc architecture? Seems like the ESQ VFDs ought to be available, being used on everything they made for years until the mid 90s. Komtakt 6 and above does not convert Roland sample discs anymore. Don’t know about Yamaha.
I mention the DX7II Centennial in an upcoming episode. Last time I looked, a person was asking $5K, ouch. I didn't program the Wavestation patches into my Kronos. I downloaded them from a guy in Europe. They are really good, and worth a look. If I remember correctly, he uses the Combi mode on the Kronos to make the architecture work. Must have taken him hundreds of hours.
Thanks for the excellent video! - Would you say the newer Wavestate matches what you like most about the Wavestation? In terms of warmth etc?
I've heard the Wavestate demos and I think they sound very good, but I haven't played one yet. I was thinking of buying one used, and then I looked at the VST version which looks good and wouldn't take up any physical space. Having heard the Korg Legacy Collection, I would think the Wavestation VST is really close or dead on. Appreciate your comment, sir.
Only able to report what I've read on the internet, which is that the Wavestate has a very welcome sequencer, but not the warmth of the Wavestation.
D-50 was one of my favs
Mine too, thanks for the comment.
KingKorg (the 61 key) is a great VA synth with 16 band vocoder.
Several filters (Moog,Oberheim,SCI,MS20 etc.) Ergonomically nice yet not the best keybed.
And yes, DCO with analog filter can sound great. Had a JX-3p in the 90's.
Fun fact. The Korg Wavestation contains a widely used keybed made by Yamaha. It isn't very robust, and the leaf springs can detach, which requires major dismantling to put right.
Yeah, I hate those pesky things- had to repair a key on my original Wavestation. I have a Synth Lore episode on the Wavestation coming out at the end of August. Thanks for the comment.
Great job with the list. The keyboard equivalent of the TX81Z is the DX11. The Yamaha V50 is even better with 16 note polyphony and built in fx.
Thanks for sharing. I think the TX81Z was my first rack sound module, good memories.
@@JeffreyScottPetro what's the name of the infamous bass sound from the TX81Z that was used all the time?
@@madness8556 "Lately bass"
You are bang on!
Thanks, appreciate the comment.
I kept my EMU ESi-32 from 1998 since today. Recently i even added an old SCSI CD-ROM Drive to my JAZ 1GB Drive (BTW not easy to find for a reasonable price...), because i was lucky to receive tons of Sample CDs from a friend. This thing sounds just unbelieveable. And i LOVE the old samples, for instance the Yamaha CP-70 Piano or the ARP Quadra. For me it's also a part of my youth, as i started my musical journey in the 80's. For me there is no reason NOT to use old gear.
Thanks for the comment. There are a lot of good arguments from people about using plugins, but I love classic gear.
I still have my Mint Ensoniq SD-1 32 Voice , all disks, Manual and SD-1 Bible....
Best live , on the fly , unbelievable at that time Midi , control board I've ever used !!!
Thanks for sharing!
I think the SUPER JX10 is still the biggest vintage synth "bargain", for what it is, even without the Vecoven upgrades.
I love the JX-10. Beautiful warm pads and punchy brass.
Great list!! 👌🏻😃
AX80 ✅
DW8000 ✅
TX81Z ✅
Wavestation EX ✅
X7000 ✅
Emax ✅
I like your choices, and I do have another list coming out in the future. Thanks for the comment.
There's a fantastic, free DW-6000/8000 VST called the FB-7999 by Full Bucket Music
Yes, I have it. The first patch (a synth brass patch) sells the VST, and it's free. Thanks for posting the info.
The Dx7 Mk1 and MK2 both out put 9-109 velocity. Someone did a test with both somewhere online.
Interesting. I've never seen that video, but using Protokol to monitor MIDI input on my PC from a DX7IIFD, I was able to get values higher and lower than those you listed.
I have the Roland XV-5080. Sounds good most of the time, but the device has a signal issue causing static. Turning it off and on again (possibly several times) may fix it temporarily. You also mention Kontakt. I purchased one of their controllers and immediately returned it. It requires a dedicated laptop computer for almost all its function,s including the backlight for the buttons! $499 sounded like a good price until I realized I had to tie up a $1000 laptop to make it work.
Roland issue: spotted and fixed random high pitched noise on one channel on my friends XP-50. It was a capacitor, but the problem remained even after replacing caps (eventually found out why and learned a lot about the synth electronics on the way). Anyway, recently I fixed an E-86. It also had capacitor issue, and also with the fancier looking metal can small caps. So, my experience shows that Roland has timebomb caps across their product line. E-86 cap leak had destroyed some PCB wiring. When you start having issues, repair immediately. Actually, service in any case, NOW.
It needs repair.
A common and inescapable feature of older devices that use electrolytic capacitors. Even new hardware with electrolytic capacitors will eventually have issues. Buttons and pots wear. Batteries need replacement.
Vintage synths will eventually need service and if you don’t have basic electronics troubleshooting skills, can be difficult to recondition.
@@matthewgaines10 I did have to replace the battery, but the static issue is well known. I saved a TH-cam video with repair instructions but have not yet attempted it.
Actually there were four models of the DX7 II. The Centennial model had a silver finish with gold Pitch and Modulation wheels and 76 Keys that glowed in the dark.
Yes, I have an episode coming up that talks about the Centennial model. Appreciate the comment.
Most people who are after affordable synths have most of them. I have them in my rack because of space considerations. The only one I'm not interested in is your number one spot, just because it's a keyboard.
Reliability...I need to fix a couple, including the TX802 (DX7II in a rack, but multi-timbral; probably the power supply), one of the Proteus 2000 (probably the screen), E-Mu Morpheus (something very wrong with the headphones output), and the Böhm Dynamic 12/24 (no sound).
What you could also consider is a Waldorf Micro Q, maybe a Waldorf Microwave II if you find one at a good price, and the aforementioned E-Mu Proteus 2000.
Instead of the DW-8000 and trhe ESQ1 I have the EX-8000 and the ESQm; instead of the CZ5000, I have the Hohner HS-2/E, which is a Casio VZ-10M in disguise.
Then there's some other stuff, like the Novation Super Bass Station, Virus Rack XL (probably not that budget), Jomox AirBase 99, and the Ensoniq MR Rack.
The D-550 is pretty high on my wish list.
Appreciate the comment. I really miss my two Waldorf Micro Q. I need to fix my D-550. I should have kept the one that was more reliable:-(
Just a shout out for the Roland Juno DS for having the XV-5080 patches installable for free.😁🎶🎹🎹🎶Play On
That's good info. I just purchased a 5080...
Not a bad list! I wouldn't be able to compile a list with devices from the 80's because I wasn't able to experience them when they were in their glory days....
Fortunately, we can emulations of these great keyboards in today's modern synth to reuse/recreate sounds from that era.
But, this was a good list nonetheless. Thanks.
Thanks for the comment.
This guy knows his💩! Amazing,you Rock!
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.
He's reading hahaha
I would buy that Casio CZ500. Thak you 4 recommend that
Cool video
Cool comment, thank you!
Jeffrey thank you so much for your priceless video…
I’m discovering your channel and wanted to ask you, did you make a video about what effects to buy for our synths?
I’m a bit lost on this subject, there are so many effects on the market…
(EDIT: THE NEXT OF MY MESSAGE IS USELESS EXCEPT IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT ME sorry I write too much)
I have a Yamaha RM1-x and I discovered that I love to use its internal guitar amp effects and distortion to filter its synth sounds/organs/bells etc.
I would like to buy real hardware effects like that to filter my synths (HydraSynth, DeepMind12, MonologueXD, Akai MPCX and Force, Behringer RD9…) but I’m LOST…
I would like also to find a nice reverb but not very expensive I don’t know if it’s possible…
I’m a “beginner”, I was mixing turntables vinyls A LOT during the nineties, techno music, German and Detroit inspirations, then my level increased to mix on 3 turntables and I progressively wanted to compose music in the same time, I wanted to replace my third turntable by a groovebox so I bought the RM1x and I fell in love with hardware like that. Then studies and professional career stopped me, and two years ago I was thinking that I missed A LOT the sound of my eighties, my childhood, and realized that type of sound was MAINLY from synthesizers… so I decided to continue my journey into electronic music which I stopped twenty years ago…
And now I’m learning a lot, the gears I’m buying I’m gonna keep them all my life, I’m the type of guy who prefer to dig very deep what I have and make it mine instead of barely scratching the surface and resell to buy new ones…
I’m very satisfied with my analog and digital synths, I don’t want more, I just want to exploit them the best I can.
I’m sorry if I’m asking or talking too much, I sincerely wish you the best and I’m gonna dig your videos maybe my answers are there !
Big salut 🫡 from France !
ViNZ.
I enjoyed reading about your journey. I have a detailed Top 11 list on rackmount Multi-effects processors that will publish in mid-September.
Back in January 2007 when I was in the act of turning loose of my ARP Axxe MkII, the storekeeper who took it off my hands had a DW-8000 that deeply tempted me. Even as I turned the 8000 down, I was aware what a mistake I was making.
As I commented previously, my first analog polyphonic experience was a Roland J.x-8p w/ PG-800. Where does it show up between the lists of bargain synths and overpriced ones?
P. S. My 8p’s DCO1 square wave generator is non-functional. I’ve considered turning to a 3D-printing business I’m aware of called PBCWay to print me out replacement microchips. Thoughts?
You may want to try Syntaur: syntaur.com/keyboard.php?keyboard=Korg_DW-8000
Much obliged,@@JeffreyScottPetro.
I had an original Korg Poly 800. Within the first year I had to ship it back to Korg to fix the stick. It kept getting stuck with a noticeable vibrato even though it was in neutral position . It started again less than a year after the original repair so I disconnected it. Is this a known issue and is there a fix?
I've never heard of this issue, but I've only owned my 800 for about 5 years. Hope you can find a fix.
Ok Jeffrey.... Im listening
We like you and your channel
Thanks, I appreciate your support.
The List is pretty solid, with the glaring exception of your number 1 pick. the Poly800 is really paraphonic not polyphonic and it just isn't going to be worth much comparatively.
you also missed the casio vz series, same engine as the cz series just built much better in industrial metal housings vs the cz's plastic.
The problem is if they use a floppy. I have an 01W-FD and the floppy went bad. It’s a 720k floppy not sold any more. The rom must match. Yes, I know they make a USB version. If my CR2032 battery goes dead I lose all my custom patches. I take it to a tech who can replace the battery with power connected.
Thanks for sharing. I recently ordered a USB drive for my Yamaha DX7IIFD, if it ever shows up, I'll probably include installation and operation it in the Synth Lore episode on the DX7 I have planned.
I kinda sorta agree with ya about the korg(s)poly-800's (bcos i had'em) but i guess u don't think Kurzweil K-series are a bargain for all the stuff they can do & what about the Kawaii K's¿thanx dude
Kurz and Kawaii have some great products. They'll definitely make it onto future lists. Thanks for the comment.
@@JeffreyScottPetro No, Thank You¡! JSP u tooo dude
Must say that I have not been able to find a Wavestation anywhere near the prices mentioned here. Which may be a result of this video; hard to say.
Wait no Yamaha DJX?
I always thought of the DJX more as a mainstream consumer keyboard and not a pro keyboard. On the other hand, I started with a Yamaha PS20, and the DJX is lightyears ahead of the PS20. Thanks for the comment.
The Akai S6000 is truly a bargain. Such a powerful machine with serious hardware. Personally I hated the Poly 800. I thought it sounded really weak.. But interesting list!
Absolutely agree about the S6000/S5000. I am working on a sampler episode. Probably be out by the December holidays. I also have a Synth Lore episode on the Poly-800 that is completed and will be published in late June that includes a quiz against another classic analog synth. I appreciate your comment.
Timestamp for each entry would have been excellent.
Interesting vid - wondering why the beringher rip-offs are not killing some of this market......
It could be that some of their earlier gear lacked in quality. It's certainly getting better, and they have an amazing number of clones. Thanks for the comment.
Vintage isn’t what I would ever call bargain. As these units age, they will need some form of service. Buttons, potentiometers, batteries, capacitors, key sensors, and felt. Don’t got down this road blind. Having basic electronics troubleshooting skills is a must if you’re going to go vintage. I only have one vintage unit. A Kurzweil K2500RS and it needed SRAM chip replacement. It has been serviced before me so it wasn’t its first problem.
Find something newer that can sound like vintage where possible. Yamaha DX7 -> Korg Volca FM2. Roland D-50 -> Roland D-05. Roland XV-5080 -> Roland Integra 7. Kurzweil K2500 -> Kurzweil K2061. It won’t be perfect but good enough in a mix and still has some time on the clock before you’ll need to repair it.
Vintage is a labor of love. Newer gear is for playing.
Agreed. Thanks for the comment.
Great video !! Ok, no keyboards, but racks and great synths too: TG77, JD990, JV1080 and 2080, Kurzweil K2000...
Appreciate your comment.
I have a Korg 6000 in its original case stashed under my bed. Needs reprogrammed but don't have a cassette player to do it with...
soundcloud.com/jphwacheski/dw-6000-patchdump-audio-data
I thought "I wonder if he'll list something I have? Nah, the only cool old one is my Poly800"
So that's fun.
I like mine, except the patch/tape input frustrates me. The parameter entry is tedious, but It helped me learn the keyboard pretty quickly, as I tried to enter patches from written parameter values.
I have more lists in the pipeline, so perhaps I'll hit on something else you have in a future video. Appreciate the comment.
Through the decades I and friends have owned a fair few of these. Everything here was great for its day IMHO. Still, a used DW-8000 or ESQ1 vs a used Modwave to me is not even close. Same for a TX81Z vs a used Opsix (or pair of them vs DX7II). Also lowest US price I have seen on a Wavestation SR is the cost of a used Wavestate - also not even close to me. As a last bit of possible heresy I would also take a used Deepmind 6 over a Poly800II. Most of this is my view of just how good a job Korg did on their now second iteration(s) rPi synth trio.
I made the video, but I am very sentimental about a lot of my hardware synths, still, you make a good argument. I have some episodes coming up on this very issue. Appreciate the thoughtful comment.
@@JeffreyScottPetro not nearly as “sexy” or fun, but if being brutally honest with myself a Hydrasynth Deluxe or maybe a used Summit plus an Opsix and Modwave or Wavestate covers pretty much all the bases. Either of the latter two with Korg’s free sample builder software and the TONS of free multisamples out there make for basically a “super” XV5080 mode.
I should have kert my dw800, And the tx81z I midied them and had it all
Loved my TX81Z, and I have a warm spot for the DW8000, thanks for the comment.
Yes, the D-50 was a keeper. I'm surprised that you didn't mention that it had polyphonic aftertouch.
I owned a Poly-800. It has ONE FILTER for ALL the voices. That's one of the reasons I would never own one again.
One synth missing from this list was the Oberheim Matrix-6. True, single input value slider, but the filters were butter (that is, awesome).
If I had do-overs, I'd never have sold my D-50 nor my Matrix-6.
Love the D-50. I have a D-550. Used to own 2, wish I'd kept them both. Agree on the Matix 6 also. It didn't make this list due to price. It does make it onto some other lists that are scheduled to publish later in the year.
...Matrix-6 is no bargain they're pretty expensive, not say they're not good bcos i had one but i got (replaced it with) a Kurz thanx dude
The D-50 does not have Polyphonic Aftertouch......
@@garys-617 ...tis true dude
@@angelog.spicolaiii8021 The D-50 has Channel Aftertouch.
I'm amazed these 80s sounds aren't available via modelling or sampling. Or are they?
Yes. So many keyboards and modules are available in a virtual package. Thanks for the comment.
I guess I shouldn't have traded in my original Yamaha DX7, older MemoryMoogPlus, and original 'first synth' Korg POLY800, back in the late 80's, for a set of 'manual' Pearl Export drums.... oh well ; ( [oh yeah, probably had a Commodore64 to go with 'um!]
Wow. Yeah, but you probably enjoyed those drums. Thanks for the comment.
If Roland XV-5080 is mentioned, why not JV-1080 and JD-990, which they are even more valuable than XV-5080? Both of these alternatives can be excellent choices for those who don't need the sample playback feature, but still expandable with the SR-JV80 series boards.
Both great machines, and at least one of them appears in an up-coming video.
9:00 Hey! I have a Wavestation SR! Hardly used it. I really should. Sounds great but any9 editing is a nightmare. I never realised SR meant Single Rack.
Hi Charlie. I'm a real Wavestation fanboy. Programming wavesequences takes time and experience, layering sounds to create new ones, is actually pretty easy, but may be challenging on an SR with on two lines of text. Good luck.
Can you do drum machines ?
I can. I'll put it on my list. It won't happen super soon, but I'll get to it. Thanks for the suggestion.
@@JeffreyScottPetro Thank you it would be wonderful
Decent list.
Thanks.
There was no mention of anything Kawai in this video. While they're not the most desirable keyboards based on demand, they still have some great sounds in their own right. And I would think they would be considered, bargain synths.
Absolutely, and they will probably make a future list.
My Korg trinity is still gigging…
Awesome. Appreciate the comment.
👍
Thanks for the support, love the name.
Damn, i owned half these plus I still have a linn9000
The Linn is a classic. Appreciate the comment.
I agree with you on the ESQ-1: Just a good all-around utility keyboard.
I can't follow you with the Poly-800 Mk1 or MK2 though. I originally had the Mk1 with the reverse keybed. It was snazzy, but the sound was dull (I know, effects) and that questionable polyphony (was it the envelope or the filter that got shared, or both? I can't remember.) was just tragic. I bought a Mk2 at some point, but other keyboards won out over time and it sits in its case in my storage. The look is always cool, with a guitar strap, etc.; I would just have a better sound and smoother polyphony. Oh, and the MIDI out isn't compatible with newer MIDI (assuming I know how to use MIDI out), so you can't even use it as a cool controller. I'll admit, I fell in love with what I hoped to do with it, but I fell back out when I realized I wanted to make great sounding leads and chops. I still can't sell it though. maybe once they double in price :)
Your reviews are great, even if we don't always agree. Keep up the great work!
It's an investment for now. Thanks for the comment.
it has 1 filter and 1 amp for all 8 oscillators.
Cazzio?
Yeppers....:-)
I thought this was bargain keyboards! The first one on the list is $1000 - $1500.
I understand what you are saying, but the title says "bargain" not "inexpensive" and I list it 11th, because they've really gone up in price recently. Still, an 8 voice, 2 DCO plus a sub, multi-filter analog classic synth from the 80s, even at twice that price would be a bargain. These are similar voice specs to a Jupiter-8 (though not as nice sounding as a Jupiter-8), and the Jupiters can sell for $25,000+. Sorry, you thought it was misleading.
The bargains disappeared many years ago pre-2016 maybe. You have to be REALLY lucky to find anything low priced now. I found a Yamaha QS300 for £150 on Facebook Marketplace in 2021, but most on Ebay UK were and are going for £300+ and some for £500+ and not in great condition either (mine is near mint).
You're late to the party for bargains...
AX80 a Bargain!! It costs 1500/2000 euro;s here
Yeah, the AX80 has really shot up in price lately :-(, but I still think of it as a bargain for what you get. 8 voices, 2 DCOS per voice with a sub, velocity sensitive keyboard, multiple envelopes, MIDI. Puts it in Jupiter-8 type specs territory. It doesn't sound anywhere near as good as the Jupiter, but with external effects, it rocks.
Roland D-50. Please don’t buy it. I need to get one and don’t need y’all to jack up the price.