I'd love to try the new Kurzweil K2700, I rediscovered my K2000 over the pandemic. Not exactly analog warm, not exactly clean samples, to say the least, loll. I don't care, it's magic!
If Korg ever comes back out with the Wavestate SE design, I hope they send one out to you. You’d absolutely kill it. It’s be nice if they decided to upgrade it with some new features like some more filters or modulation capabilities.
More D-50, JD-Xi and Wavestation-in-the-garden videos, please))) Although I have the JD-Xi, D-05 and Wavestation VST, I am never tired of listening to these synths in your videos. There is something magical in your music played on these machines.
Wow Yamaha PSR range. My dad turned up with 1 for me on our access day. It was a PSR 36. 2 days after it came out. I remember my music teacher at school loved it. I carried it everywhere 😎
My mate had a PSR31 and I had a JVC KB800 keyboard that had a dedicated input allowing you to use its very basic flanger and delay fx on the external source including mic.
Hey man :) Thanx for the shoutout 😃😃😃😃 I really appreciate it a lot , and the cool thing is that I have been following your channel for a while as well , so it was an honour for me that you mentioned my name and my channel 😃😃😃 wow !!
haha, great to hear from you glenn, it's the least I can do, I've been binge watching and enjoying all your videos, would love to meet and hang with you some day!
Just got the boutique Juno ju 06A. Had a Juno 6 way back in the 80’s. Remember I swapped my cdi player to get it. Then later on sold it for around £80. Now to replace it would cost a lot more. I regret selling so for me that boutique machine helps there. It is definitely more diverse than the Juno 6 I had. It has two sound engines. So two synths in one but still you can’t beat owning the actual synth beautiful machine and I still miss my Juno 6.
Hi, Woody- You mentioned you weren’t into modular but you might consider trying out a monosynth, perhaps a Moog. I’d like to recommend the Moog Grandmother. I just got back from the Moog factory in Asheville, NC, and after trying one, I immediately bought it. What’s nice about this is it’s very similar in sound to a MiniMoog, even though it doesn’t look like one. It works without using the patch cables but allows you to dabble in the world of modular at your own pace. Patching opens up a lot of sonic possibilities, but it’s not strictly necessary when you’re new to the instrument. The Grandmother is around $1,000 (U.S.), which is pretty reasonable for a Moog, but you can find used ones quite a bit cheaper. I, too, love polysynths and digital, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one. Love the channel, BTW…all of it, including the more recent videos about history and bikes and building your new home. Good luck, and best wishes.
It’s a shame we don’t live anywhere near each other, Woody. My synth collection has kept on growing over the last few years and, if we did, I’d have been more than happy to lend you stuff for your channel.
Love your channel Bro. Just got myself a Jdxi. A few volcas, a circuit, monologue, keystep 37 and Beatstep pro, Electribe 2 Sampler Maschine MK3 a load of Behringer peddles, Behringer Micromix and a 8 channel mixer a microfreak , stands, god knows how many cabls and a few other bits. All still in the boxes lol. Got it for my boys. Wanting them to get into it. I'm 47, haven't touched a synth since I was 18. Had to sale my jp8000 and read and mc303 to pay my rent. Been gutted ever since building work going on. So not setting up until finished. It's getting to be a bit of a problem 😯. Watching your videos is making me wanna plug it all in now
Same here I'm slowly building a decent little "studio" with some equipment hoping my son will want to fool around with them and it will spur an interest in music in him
The Roland System 8 has a lot of good sound options with enough polyphony. It can run the Roland Cloud legendary synth models. You can of course hear all the sounds with the top level Roland Cloud subscription. The System 8 is a good controller for all those sounds. Because I am old I decided to splurge and order a historic Oberheim OB-X8. It is a great shame that Dave Smith is no longer with us.
so true., hello @mrfuzztone, you're right, yes the S8 would be an excellent controller for Roland Cloud, hadn't thought of that! congrats on the incoming OB!
For a mono synth, there's only one that I think would do for someone who appreciates what digital and poly synths have to offer: Sequential Pro 3. 2 analog oscillators and one digital (wavetable) oscillator make for some very interesting sounds :) And yes, I own one.
Interested in the Yamaha PSR e473 (e425) to see what you get for a much lower price than the SX arrangers. The SX600 for comparison could be interesting too. The Fantom 06 looks good too. All three look like they offer good connectivity via USB for sound out and midi in with just one cable to the pc/daw.
Same. I would really like to get my hands on the Pa5X as an upgrade to my Pa3X. Also looks like a hybrid of the Yamaha Genos, Roland Fantom with the sample pads, and I want to also say the Roland Jupiter but feel free to correct me on that one. Along with the sounds from the KRONOS and Nautilus if videos on CZcams are anything to go by.
@@Culture_of_Ghosts It really is. It's directness and simplicity really helped me focus on writing songs and stop fiddling around with thousands of different sounds/presets
Maybe worth to have a look at the Akai MPC either Keys as an all in one. Or an MPC hooked up with you MODX/Nautilus. For the MODX you need a USB single cable to connect MIDI and Audio. Great for recording Jams.
Hello Woody, despite my Kronos and my Montage and other synths, I've got a *Studiologic Sledge 2* , some years ago. Since 2012, it is still on selling (Thomann for example, 876€). It's a very interesting synth, with a good KB, a real good VA plus FM, Wavetables, Imported samples, etc.... So I suggest you this synth. The second one, you've mentionned it : the Behringer Deepmind 12 (Thomann, 835€). The both, although very different, are really intesresting and good machines. Best.
You are my go to guy for synth knowledge. Been subscribed for a couple of years. I will not be buying any new ones as I also can't afford or have room for them. In the future, I will only purchase online synth software collections, as I don't play out any more. I would appreciate more videos on what else is out there in software if you are inclined to do so. Also, how is the new home coming along? I enjoyed seeing the scenery in your country. Where I live in south Florida, we have two kinds of weather. Very hot constant sunshine and hurricanes. Ha. It's nice to see a place with four seasons. As always, I will be waiting for your next video. Cheers.
hi alex, aha of course Kurz! the K2000 is perhaps the last remaining vintage synth I might cover, but the new models aren't really that popular or widely in EU.
I’m very interested in a Rhodes MK8 video, I know the piano is pricey and you probably wouldn’t own one, but Rhodes seems to be very interested in having different people try it out.
You and I are well-aligned in synth opinions! I did spring for the Fantom-06, and I already have a System-8. To me, the sound and accessibility of the System-8 makes me use it for the classic Roland analog polysynths - the Fantom can do them, but the user interface is limited and the emulation isn't quite as accurate as the System-8. Same goes for the Jupiter-X and Juno-X. The Fantom is now my live synth however. JD-Xi - I sold mine. I couldn't live with the miserable keybed anymore, and the Fantom-06 does everything the JD-Xi could do, and ten times more. Wavestate - I bought mine when it first came out, I love the sounds, I am not in love with the sound design experience. MODX7 - I said I would never sell mine, it's the "do everything" synth I always wanted - but I recently sold it, and replaced it with a Montage 7, which is so much nicer to play, and easier to use. Reface CS - I loved mine, it sounded amazing, but ended up hardly using it, so I sold it JUST before the prices on used units skyrocketed. Go figure. Deepmind - I really debated on buying one of these, but I have a Novation Summit, and between it and the System-8, I think I have covered everything the Deepmind could possibly do. Eurorack - Yup. Not going there. I'd rather spend my time playing than patching. I did buy the original Hydrasynth when it came out, and when they brought out the Deluxe, I sold mine and bought the Deluxe. I love it, and I'm pretty sure you would as well!
fantastic feedback and opinions, thanks, especially coming from a fantom-0 and s8 owner, which are two candidates. wasn't aware of the reface price increases, interesting. yep, hydra very much on the radar, iirc they offered me a unit to review but the timing wasn't right.
The Kronos is discontinued for sure. Also I understand your reason for the System-8, but I have to say in pure digital, I haven't found one that work so well and being so faithful to the control you had on real analog synth. The Juno-X may be close to that, but for me the Jupiter Xm is too cramped and too many menu diving when it come to sound design. The S-8 really feel like some analog synth to me on that aspect, no to really little menu diving.
Can confirm on the Kronos being discontinued as Korg made a very quite announcement about it and wiped it from the synth category on their website for current products. I've heard rumors that once a Kronos successor introduced they plan on dropping the Nautilus price to more properly put it into the mid market segment for workstations as of right now even the 61 key Nautilus is at the upper end for a mid market workstation pricing, granted it helps make up for that by being one of the most feature packed options. Oddly though I'm not sure how well even with a price reduction the Nautilus will do in the midmarket workstation category as the new MPC Key 61 has been thrown in as a bit of a new wild card (and a bit of a mixed bag from what I've seen out of it)
@Xeraser Well that might be your opinion on the Kronos not holding up but the fact it's still appearing on records semi often often in tandem with some rather big names in music says otherwise. Hell the Kronos has been considered the industry standard for session use and in studios since basically release. Hell the Nautilus seems to be doing well as well so far sales wise for as relatively niche as the workstation is these days. It's a top seller on Thomann for workstations as well as doing well on Sweetwater in the
@Xeraser The type of CPU isn't that relevant when the entire OS is optimised for the keyboard. Admittedly something like a Raspberry Pi might be a better choice these days. The worse choice is having an O/S full of bloatware, while the music making gets allocated one thread in a 12 core processor.
I recently had the opportunity to try two ASM Hydrasynth models. The full keyboard and the one with the smaller keys. Considering the price, I was blown away. They were both great sounding and, I think, great value for money. Perhaps a Xmas present for myself.
My dream synth list that I could see myself actually using: Arturia Polybrute, ASM Hydrasynth, Novation Summit, Roland Jupiter-X, Sequential Prophet-10 (2020)
Fantom 06 is imho the most impressive synth from Roland in ages. Combine that with a Moog Subsequent and some fx and your GAS is over... Another big synth (still) is the MatrixBrute.
I would love to see you cover the Dreadbox Nymphes. It's a six voice analog polysynth that's the size of a hardback book and sounds much much larger than it looks. It's currently my favorite synth and I've tried most of the other modern analog gear out there.
Mono synth = Behringer Model D. It's an obvious choice, but with some FX it will never disappoint. Also how about some older stuff like the Yamaha ANx1, Korg MS200 or newer Cobalt 8? Virtual analogue and maybe the best of both worlds? You can always sell them on later. For myself a Model D and a Wavestate are in my sights.
If Woody is short of space he could always try out some modules like the Yamaha VL-70m. Before the rise of the Rompler people thought they were the future of synthesis. Also maybe a JP8000/JP8080. I'm not selling mine though :-)
Hey Woody, been a while! You mentioned missing an analog synth when talking about the Moog, and then mentioned your thoughts on modular (which I agreed with) but you might dig the Sub/Subsequent 37. Think of it as the Sub Phatty but with much deeper routing capabilities. So you can get into nerdy sound design with it but you can also make it sweet and simple. Mine will be going to the grave with me. Along with the rest of my out-of-control collection...going to be a big grave.
i agree about what he said about the KORG Minilogue yea its a nice synth but 4 voice polyphony is too low for the sounds that you can create with it, therfor i prefer the Prologue 8 or 16
yeah, that does appeal tbf, definitely in the expensive boutique analogue category, which doesn't normally appeal, but there must be something about that blue color that I like... the inventor is a super cool guy too!
Hi Woody! Longtime fan from California here. Just a thought: If you're considering playing around with monosynths that offer fat lead and bass sounds, I have to say I've been really impressed with my little Behringer Wasp. You can pick these up used now for about $250 (US), and they really have their own rather unique palette of sounds based on the quirky original English Wasp synth architecture. Cheers.
oh wow, interesting suggestion, especially because I have a lot of nostalgia for the wasp & gnat having admired them in the music store back in the 80s!
Feel free to visit the synth museum for a year's worth of content. For your ultimate analog monosynth, go Moog Sub37. Korg Opsix and Wavstate will knock your socks off, brings back memories of the crescent moon performance
“A Woody State of the Union” what a great phrase! You might have a look at the Korg Prologue as an alternative to the other …logues. Also: I think Roland views the jupiterXm as the (pro) successor to the Jd-xi
Excellent update Woody! There's so much going on in the music gear world at the moment it was nice to have 'someone of my generation' running through their thoughts about it. I'm with you on the new Roland Aira gizmos, which are on my shopping list (if they ever come back in stock!). They've been compared to Korg Volcas but I feel the set of 3 are targeted more at the singer-songwriter, so dust off your vocal chords for that E-4 tweaker! If you get them they could form part of your DAWless set-up, which might also be the direction to be thinking when you go for a mono synth. Perhaps a Volca, Behringer, West Pest or East Beast, etc., small module so it can be part of a DAWless desktop set-up to cover your basslines. Oh, a thought for future content maybe (and I might even do it) - in my quest to be a one-man-band (I should really get more friends!) I've been unable to find CZcams videos where people combine arranger keyboards with workstation synths via MIDI to have the best of both worlds. I've done it with a Korg Pa700 + Roland Jd-Xi and some of the results sounded great (full and fat with very little effort). My apologies if you've done videos on this before (CZcams search is hopeless!). If so, please let me know. I'm aiming to combine the Pa700 with my new additions such as the MODX6, Jupiter XM, ASM Hydrasynth, Mininova, Argon8 and Cobalt8. I'm also in the process of growing three more arms! All the best, David
hello david, you're right, it's unusual to see arranger guys using any extra keyboards, they tend to favour their all-in-one board rigs. go for it and let us know so we can watch your vids!
Thanks Woody! I've got an Electribe 2 arriving tomorrow, inspired by you mentioning it. That's another rabbit hole I'll be heading down! I see there's a 'Hacktribe' bit of firmware going around for the Electribe now that Korg have stopped updating it, so there's no stopping those enthusiasts! I'll be watching out for an Electribe 3 and your subsequent reviews on it. Cheers!
Hi Woody! Great video as always. Completely agree with you on the modular stuff (I got myself into that territory and after spending almost €2000 and done nothing with it, had to fallback and sell everything). My suggestion for demo would be perhaps something already suggested by other viewers, like the Moogs Grandmother and Sub37 or the Sequential pro-3. I know that you are not quite into the analog PolySynths, but maybe the Sequential Take 5 would be a cheaper taste of the Prophet line. Regarding digital synths, maybe the Hydras and the Modal Cobalt and Argon. P.S: I have a Korg Wavestate that I can lend you for a while for you to try the real deal hardware and demo it on the channel, in case you’re interested. Just my suggestions Keep up the good work 🥂
hey there, thanks for the offer of a loan and some excellent suggestions! that's totally in line with what I'm into! i can totally see the moog gm in my future. i would only borrow locally, and even then, a bit reluctantly from another viewer in case of any issues.
I have one ordered. Never had an MPC before, but the combination of pads + sounds + keys + recording is compelling, and the reputation for a good workflow to play and record and even finish production on the MPC goes back years. I'll find out soon if it works for me. OF COURSE, curious if Woody has any interest....???
@@joegrant413 Awesome that you're getting one dude. Don't know why but I'm upset about the fact that a Key 61 would make things I have redundent (TR8s, JD-Xi, Novation 61SL) and I really like hardware. The plus sides for me in getting a Key 61 are to have a much better sequencer (than the 61SL) and to finally manage to shoehorn some soft synths/plugins into my dawless setup - my dawless setup is in the garage and the music PC (100% software + midi controller keyboard) is in the house, and I don't want to add a laptop to the garage setup. I've not had my TR8s long and I really like it but I'm not sure if it works with the Key 61. Not seen anyone connect hardware to a Key 61 yet. Decisions...!
@@Br00sta Totally get the feeling of not wanting the Key 61 to replace beloved gear! I love my BeatStep Pro and Behringer RD-9. But I have to be honest with my time and attention and budget -- and my studio space! -- and look at selling stuff IF (and only IF) the MPC 61 works out as planned. Also, I recently discovered how awesome desktop sample libraries are, like the UVI SonicPass. But do I really need the ultimate in sound for everything? Maybe not. Anyway, I'm hoping the Key 61 ties together the workflow nicely as a standalone tool. But, unlike the OP1, I expect the Key 61 will play well with stuff like the RD-9 if I choose it.
It's always going to be a hard choice to make deciding on the next keyboard. Well unless you're one of the super rich or own a high end recording studio that pays. I think Euro racks are interesting but probably hard to cope with unless you come from an electronic engineering background. Your selection is more appealing to the majority of us I think who want recognisable sounds and the extra drum, bass etc that are available in one unit. Good luck with your searching and hopefully the music companies will offer you some of their products to try out along the way. 👍😁
This may or may not be relevant, but what happened to the Korg Grandstage? I know of nobody who plays one, and I haven't heard a peep regarding them since shortly after they were released. The boot times were insufferably long, but some comparisons had it sounding on par with Nord keyboards.
What about the new MPC Keys 61? Digital synth. Powerful sequencer for Standalone track making. Now with decent Pianos and Organs, and even an FM engine.
always been curious about MPC, so maybe, but there are others I would prefer, I still see MPC as a beat making, hiphop kind of groovebox, no matter what the marketing is trying to make us believe.
Woody, you could do a review of the cheapest Casio keyboard and we'd all still watch it. It seems the Universe is increasing the size of the shack and I hope either the punters or the synth companies provide you with the best beautiful beasts available. I'm blissing out with Omnisphere 2 and your old mate Eric Persing is a sonic GENIUS !!! Bring it on Woody ...
I didn't knew that you were so much into the JD-Xi. Please make some more videos with it. I got one in MY storage room as well and would love to see some content. A Roland Juno Xm would be cool as well. Let's see if Roland will release one in the future.
that would be cool, I agree! yes the JD was a favorite but moved it on just because I have to keep rotating gear for the channel. was always a bit concerned about the keys breaking too, as I can dig in when getting into it!
yamaha just filed a trademark for the name 'AN-X', now there is speculation its for a new VA, similar to the AN1X. I however view this differently, the FM engine in the MODX/Montage is called FM-X, the MODX/Montage OS is long overdue a major update, people have been asking for VA on them for years and roland just gave people a reason to not buy a MODX with the fantom-0s. I'm fairly confident that the AN-X trademark is referring to a new VA engine for the MODX/Montage to be released in an OS update later this year.
Interesting once again - I'm trying to think of something that would do well in a video and you'd enjoy - First thing that comes to mind is the Hydrasynth - It doesn't sound like anything you've played with so far, and poly-aftertouch is very expressive. Maybe one of the Modal keyboards might be interesting - not super expensive, but honestly I haven't played with one yet so I can't really push it. Vintage-wise, perhaps the Korg Z1 would be cool if you could find one used. For the keyboard player, I'm sure you could find a Kurzweil K2600X for not a lot of money, and the hammer action is still holding up after all these years and VAST doesn't sound half-bad either. And, out of left field and I don't know if this is something you'd jibe with, but something hybrid like the N.I. Maschine now has a stand-alone version that could very well be a jam centerpiece. I haven't had too much time to dig into mind, but what I've managed to do with it is fun.
Thanks, Woody! There are so many new and interesting synths out there now that it's both mind-boggling and discouraging ($$$$$!). Honestly, from here on out I'll likely continue using my Logic Pro X DAW and Arturia Vintage Collection 9 (plus other Arturia offerings and effects), Korg's Collection 3 and other offerings, Cymatics, Spitfire Audio, and a few other soft synths and samples that strike my fancy. I suppose my varied interests prevent me from investing too much $ into any one of them. Cheers, Woody!
I think you’ll enjoy checking out the new Fantom. I have the Fantom 7. I have a Kronos 2 and I love most aspects of it, it that Unser interface is an archaic nightmare. I’m excited about Korg’s new Pa5X arranger (more so than putting the money on a Genos), but with the rumors of a new flagship workstation coming out next year to replace the Kronos, I’m tempted to wait. I can’t afford both. I’m not too excited about all those Eurorack modules either. Back, pre-MIDI, I had an Aries Modular so ynth with 18 modules in a pair of pinewood ‘box’ racks. That was fun and educational, but I’ve had my thrills. All my modular synths are now softsynths from Arturia & Cherry Audio. I recently discovered the Bohm SE10. I don’t know much about it, but it looks like fun. Oh, and when you mentioned Nord, you ignored their Stage 3. Thanx for your videos, I enjoy them.
I'm wanting to get a Fanton 06 or 07. Preferably the latter with more keys, but a higher price. I could MIDI my VR-730 to a Fantom 06. I have an FA-08 that I'm happy with for piano sounds and feel. I plan on playing synth sounds on an 06 and the extra controls will be very nice.
If you buy a Juno-X, Jupiter-X and Fantom then congrats - you've just bought the same synthesizer 3 times (although the n/zyme expansion on Fantom looks interesting). The Zen Core templating system (ABM) is rubbish for emulating old synths, so if you want a Juno the System-8 destroys all of them since it does modeling at the circuit component level (yes, that's why there's lower polyphony) JD-Xi pro? Try a JD-XA For an analogue monosynth I'd suggest Sequential Pro 3 or Pro 3 SE (same, just different case)
hi wagoo, yeah similar engines in 3 different hardware boxes, btw, JD-XA def not an XI upgrade, you lose the drums, 4 tracks and the amazing sequencer, it's far inferior in the features! really should get a S8 someday, thanks for the comment!
For me personally the keyboard I'm most looking forward to is getting my hands on a Korg Nautilus 61 here in the next few months. While workstations are not every one's cup of tea I do tend to enjoy using one and I'm sure a Nautilus will more than tide me over until there's a new option on the market that offers even more flexibility in a standalone keyboard. Oddly I think MPC might be on track to do exactly that with the new MPC Key line if they bring out more plugins for it but right now with how it's firmware sits it's got too many trade offs that I don't want to deal with if I'm buying a workstation for home studio use and as a keyboard to simply play on a regular basis.
As a Kronos owner (and given they are nearly the same instrument), I can assure you the Nautilus would be a TON of fun. The AL-1 virtual analog synth engine is incredibly powerful and flexible (if extremely menu-divey), and the PolySix and MS-20 engines are highly underrated. Plus, MOD-7 is a full FM synth engine and BEYOND. And that’s not even half of its sonic capabilities!
Hi Woody. What are you thoughts on the similarities of synthesizers from the different brands? I recently saw your video on the pricing of the Roland Juno X. Personally I cannot see the use for it when we already have the Fantom O's and the System-8. I feel that Korg have a more exciting line-up with the wavestate, Minilogue and Opsix. For your polyphony-problem you have the Prologue.
i agree, a lot of overlap between current roland models, of those that share same sound engine, but I think it's great that they provide options for size, price, controls and features. but you probably won't want them all... especially if you have the roland cloud! prologue is a great shout, completely overlooked that, thanks.
it does indeed mathias! came out after I made the video otherwise it would have got mentioned, but I don't have those funds, unless I sold all my other synths and replaced everything with the PA!
Great video! Please let me suggest the Arturia MicroFreak for its truly unique concept - always interesting to hear another evaluation on that! Also, since you're into wavetable synths - the Waldorf M takes the concept of the Microwave line to the next level and also brings back many classic sounds from the PPGs in a desktop form factor! If you're looking for a great VA synth - the Novation KS series is quite underrated imo. I recently bought a KS rack and absolutely love its sound! And lastly - I enjoy the Roland Boutiques SH-01A and JU-01A a lot! Would be interesting to hear your views on them as well!
thx for all the suggestions, good stuff! ureggh, that MF not my bag... :) and I can summarise my thoughts on the JU boutique, I would never buy a juno with 4 note poly, shame on you roland :) the sh is super cool tho.
I would like to see woody on a digitakt making some sounds from single cycle waveforms. That would be different. Also I liked your elective beats. I bought an electribe
yeah electribe so much fun to use! congrats. o'm concerned the elektron stuff might be too hard for me, too technical at the expense of the musicality, but one day...
Loving the JDXI preset interludes. I would buy a update of it, if it had a better keyboard and a longer bar pattern sequencer. (I replaced it with a Wavestate). My current setup also includes a T8, J6, TB3, OG Circuit, Akai MPC One and Arturia Keystep running through a Roland Mx1 mixer. Would like to see your thoughts on the Akai ( I use it as a midi brain and blend it’s built in Synths with the J6. Good to see you again!
hello ed, great little rig you have there! yes, the keys let down the JD for me too. sure, i've always been curious about MCs since decades ago and a lot of hype around the new models.
@@WoodyPianoShack ah of course you may have released this video today but naively I thought you’d made it today… as in just sat in front of a camera and talked… there may be more to it than that. Ha ha
Interested list of gear! All of which I'd be interested to see on the channel at some point. But I just know that if you did a review of a toy keyboard, it would still be extremely entertaining to watch...
Would love to see something like the Moog One models, but the prices on those things is totally hillareous. Need to have real good income from ones channel, patreon etc. to be able to even touch that area of the market, or like you said, have some good collector friends to lend you gear. Personly what I am most interested in atm is the upcomming Akai MPC61. I Honestly think that might be our best Bet of a “Kronos” successor, or at least an interesting standalone workstation. I highly doubt Korg plans to continue the high end workstation line further. For all those Analog and Retro “Freaks” out there, the best Channel out there is definetly Esben Craft. He Seem to have that kind of friends making him able to show a lot of old 80’s gear both well known and the forgotten gems that was around back then.
oh yeah, we all love espen around here! i wouldn't want a collection like that myself, but I'm so grateful and happy we have guys like espen that share there synths for us all to enjoy! regarding MPC61, i don't understand what all the hype is about, I don't see that as a "workstation killer" at all, just an improved MPC if that's your thing.
I have an original Hydrasynth and it is truly an amazing machine - very powerful and flexible sound engine, and yet the editing is very approachable. Not to mention the incredible poly aftertouch which just takes everything to another level. I’m interested in ine day upgrading to the Deluxe version. Others of interest would be the Polybrute and the Fantom 0-series, and the System-8. And maybe one day the Behringer version of the CS-80!
Would you consider featuring a vintage synth clone of a synth you have always wanted to have a go with but never had a chance in the past. If one is ever put into reproduction or production?
a pro pos: amazing value of money: why the Roland Boutiques did you not mention them in this video? These are my best picks not only because of sound but its rich implementations of many settings other synths simply lack. And finally i love the size of boutiques to build dawless setups. F.e. the JX-08 with its 2 sequenzer tracks.
The Korg PA5x and the new AKAI look interesting. The Korg has a HDMI video output, and the new AKAI has built-in plugins which I saw on Sonic state. It’s like a DAW in a keyboard. Video output + embedded daw and touchscreen = modern take on Fairlight CMI 🤔. It’s quite interesting what today’s embedded computer technology can enable for keyboards and synths. I wonder what sort of OS they run.
Hi Woody! Great thoughts & suggestions there. I've been thinking also about a DAWless all encompassing solution, something I could get home from work and just jump straight in to. So I think you should definitely get hold of the new Akai MPC Key 61 synthesizer as that really does appear to capture all music creation tools in an intuitive synth 'workstation'. A lotvof fun it would seem. Tap up Andy Mac there for a demo unit 😁👍🎹🎵🍻
Great video Woody!! I see that Korg have just released the new PA5x, would you make a review about it? I would love to get my hands on it, even though it’s really expensive - but hey we’ll see 😁
Dear synth manufacturers,
please send Woody every single synth he would like to review. He’s the best.
LOL! this guy ↑↑↑ :D
I'd love to try the new Kurzweil K2700, I rediscovered my K2000 over the pandemic. Not exactly analog warm, not exactly clean samples, to say the least, loll. I don't care, it's magic!
If Korg ever comes back out with the Wavestate SE design, I hope they send one out to you. You’d absolutely kill it. It’s be nice if they decided to upgrade it with some new features like some more filters or modulation capabilities.
More D-50, JD-Xi and Wavestation-in-the-garden videos, please))) Although I have the JD-Xi, D-05 and Wavestation VST, I am never tired of listening to these synths in your videos. There is something magical in your music played on these machines.
that's very nice to read, thank you!
Wow Yamaha PSR range.
My dad turned up with 1 for me on our access day. It was a PSR 36. 2 days after it came out. I remember my music teacher at school loved it. I carried it everywhere 😎
My mate had a PSR31 and I had a JVC KB800 keyboard that had a dedicated input allowing you to use its very basic flanger and delay fx on the external source including mic.
Hey man :) Thanx for the shoutout 😃😃😃😃 I really appreciate it a lot , and the cool thing is that I have been following your channel for a while as well , so it was an honour for me that you mentioned my name and my channel 😃😃😃 wow !!
haha, great to hear from you glenn, it's the least I can do, I've been binge watching and enjoying all your videos, would love to meet and hang with you some day!
Just got the boutique Juno ju 06A. Had a Juno 6 way back in the 80’s. Remember I swapped my cdi player to get it. Then later on sold it for around £80. Now to replace it would cost a lot more. I regret selling so for me that boutique machine helps there. It is definitely more diverse than the Juno 6 I had. It has two sound engines. So two synths in one but still you can’t beat owning the actual synth beautiful machine and I still miss my Juno 6.
Hi, Woody- You mentioned you weren’t into modular but you might consider trying out a monosynth, perhaps a Moog. I’d like to recommend the Moog Grandmother. I just got back from the Moog factory in Asheville, NC, and after trying one, I immediately bought it. What’s nice about this is it’s very similar in sound to a MiniMoog, even though it doesn’t look like one. It works without using the patch cables but allows you to dabble in the world of modular at your own pace. Patching opens up a lot of sonic possibilities, but it’s not strictly necessary when you’re new to the instrument. The Grandmother is around $1,000 (U.S.), which is pretty reasonable for a Moog, but you can find used ones quite a bit cheaper. I, too, love polysynths and digital, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one. Love the channel, BTW…all of it, including the more recent videos about history and bikes and building your new home. Good luck, and best wishes.
great post, thanks so much for the recommendation, exactly the type of feedback I was hoping for! will keep my eyes open for that.
I would love an acoustic upright! I don't think the neighbouring flats' residents would be as keen, but that would be lovely.
It’s a shame we don’t live anywhere near each other, Woody. My synth collection has kept on growing over the last few years and, if we did, I’d have been more than happy to lend you stuff for your channel.
it is indeed, would have been lovely to come visit and feature or borrow your synths!
@@WoodyPianoShack I still occasionally look at houses in Stockholm and Skane... so, you never know!
I'm very interested in Kurzweil products. At last a tactile screen on the SP7. That would be a great mouvement to try.
Love your channel Bro. Just got myself a Jdxi. A few volcas, a circuit, monologue, keystep 37 and Beatstep pro, Electribe 2 Sampler Maschine MK3 a load of Behringer peddles, Behringer Micromix and a 8 channel mixer a microfreak , stands, god knows how many cabls and a few other bits. All still in the boxes lol. Got it for my boys. Wanting them to get into it. I'm 47, haven't touched a synth since I was 18. Had to sale my jp8000 and read and mc303 to pay my rent. Been gutted ever since building work going on. So not setting up until finished. It's getting to be a bit of a problem 😯.
Watching your videos is making me wanna plug it all in now
Same here I'm slowly building a decent little "studio" with some equipment hoping my son will want to fool around with them and it will spur an interest in music in him
@@jh5131 exactly the same bud
The Roland System 8 has a lot of good sound options with enough polyphony. It can run the Roland Cloud legendary synth models.
You can of course hear all the sounds with the top level Roland Cloud subscription.
The System 8 is a good controller for all those sounds.
Because I am old I decided to splurge and order a historic Oberheim OB-X8. It is a great shame that Dave Smith is no longer with us.
so true., hello @mrfuzztone, you're right, yes the S8 would be an excellent controller for Roland Cloud, hadn't thought of that! congrats on the incoming OB!
Yes an artura keystep is a great upgrade if you cannot play, just load up the notes and away you go. but any keyboard over £500 should be ok.
For a mono synth, there's only one that I think would do for someone who appreciates what digital and poly synths have to offer: Sequential Pro 3.
2 analog oscillators and one digital (wavetable) oscillator make for some very interesting sounds :)
And yes, I own one.
oh wow, that's cool! a lot of coin for a mono synth but it's certainly a beauty!
@@WoodyPianoShack I agree. At least I got mine before the price went up (about $500 cheaper than it is at the moment). Still high though, I know.
Interested in the Yamaha PSR e473 (e425) to see what you get for a much lower price than the SX arrangers. The SX600 for comparison could be interesting too. The Fantom 06 looks good too. All three look like they offer good connectivity via USB for sound out and midi in with just one cable to the pc/daw.
I think the Korg Pa5X is interestingly. It reminds me of the Kronos having wooden side panels like the Kronos.
Same. I would really like to get my hands on the Pa5X as an upgrade to my Pa3X. Also looks like a hybrid of the Yamaha Genos, Roland Fantom with the sample pads, and I want to also say the Roland Jupiter but feel free to correct me on that one. Along with the sounds from the KRONOS and Nautilus if videos on CZcams are anything to go by.
No arpeggios, no USB audio interface & no rotary knobs will probably mean I will wait for the Kronos successor!
Oh my organ on youtube again :)
it still lives
You forgot about Kurzweil Woody, they make some fantastic keyboards too!
of course, thanks! for some reason always fall of my radar because not as common here in europe.
Definitely try out the Moog Grandmother. No presets but a gorgeous, wooly sound
It's a great little unit isn't it?
@@Culture_of_Ghosts It really is. It's directness and simplicity really helped me focus on writing songs and stop fiddling around with thousands of different sounds/presets
Sequential Take5 and Pro3 are on the more affordable side and have potential for exploration.
yes, you're right, that's a nice entry point into sn iconic brand!
Great idea, that Take 5 sounds creamy.
Would love you to demonstrate the DeepMind12 they’re very cheap now
14:15 Moog Analog monosynth - the cheapest you can get: Moog Werkstatt, or the updated Mavis. ≈2000sek nypris.
Maybe worth to have a look at the Akai MPC either Keys as an all in one. Or an MPC hooked up with you MODX/Nautilus. For the MODX you need a USB single cable to connect MIDI and Audio. Great for recording Jams.
I really like the Juptiter x and Juno X
Hello Woody, despite my Kronos and my Montage and other synths, I've got a *Studiologic Sledge 2* , some years ago. Since 2012, it is still on selling (Thomann for example, 876€). It's a very interesting synth, with a good KB, a real good VA plus FM, Wavetables, Imported samples, etc....
So I suggest you this synth. The second one, you've mentionned it : the Behringer Deepmind 12 (Thomann, 835€).
The both, although very different, are really intesresting and good machines.
Best.
You are my go to guy for synth knowledge. Been subscribed for a couple of years. I will not be buying any new ones as I also can't afford or have room for them. In the future, I will only purchase online synth software collections, as I don't play out any more. I would appreciate more videos on what else is out there in software if you are inclined to do so. Also, how is the new home coming along? I enjoyed seeing the scenery in your country. Where I live in south Florida, we have two kinds of weather. Very hot constant sunshine and hurricanes. Ha. It's nice to see a place with four seasons. As always, I will be waiting for your next video. Cheers.
hi edward thanks for the comment and encouraging message, yes, software is in the pipeline for sure, stay tuned.
I would love to hear your take on a Kurzweil K2700!!!
hi alex, aha of course Kurz! the K2000 is perhaps the last remaining vintage synth I might cover, but the new models aren't really that popular or widely in EU.
@@WoodyPianoShack If you do, I really suggest getting the expansion boards as well. The K2661 has them pre-built into the keyboard itself.
I’m very interested in a Rhodes MK8 video, I know the piano is pricey and you probably wouldn’t own one, but Rhodes seems to be very interested in having different people try it out.
You and I are well-aligned in synth opinions!
I did spring for the Fantom-06, and I already have a System-8. To me, the sound and accessibility of the System-8 makes me use it for the classic Roland analog polysynths - the Fantom can do them, but the user interface is limited and the emulation isn't quite as accurate as the System-8. Same goes for the Jupiter-X and Juno-X. The Fantom is now my live synth however.
JD-Xi - I sold mine. I couldn't live with the miserable keybed anymore, and the Fantom-06 does everything the JD-Xi could do, and ten times more.
Wavestate - I bought mine when it first came out, I love the sounds, I am not in love with the sound design experience.
MODX7 - I said I would never sell mine, it's the "do everything" synth I always wanted - but I recently sold it, and replaced it with a Montage 7, which is so much nicer to play, and easier to use.
Reface CS - I loved mine, it sounded amazing, but ended up hardly using it, so I sold it JUST before the prices on used units skyrocketed. Go figure.
Deepmind - I really debated on buying one of these, but I have a Novation Summit, and between it and the System-8, I think I have covered everything the Deepmind could possibly do.
Eurorack - Yup. Not going there. I'd rather spend my time playing than patching.
I did buy the original Hydrasynth when it came out, and when they brought out the Deluxe, I sold mine and bought the Deluxe. I love it, and I'm pretty sure you would as well!
fantastic feedback and opinions, thanks, especially coming from a fantom-0 and s8 owner, which are two candidates. wasn't aware of the reface price increases, interesting. yep, hydra very much on the radar, iirc they offered me a unit to review but the timing wasn't right.
mono synth i recommend to look at the Korg NTS-1
The Kronos is discontinued for sure.
Also I understand your reason for the System-8, but I have to say in pure digital, I haven't found one that work so well and being so faithful to the control you had on real analog synth. The Juno-X may be close to that, but for me the Jupiter Xm is too cramped and too many menu diving when it come to sound design. The S-8 really feel like some analog synth to me on that aspect, no to really little menu diving.
Can confirm on the Kronos being discontinued as Korg made a very quite announcement about it and wiped it from the synth category on their website for current products. I've heard rumors that once a Kronos successor introduced they plan on dropping the Nautilus price to more properly put it into the mid market segment for workstations as of right now even the 61 key Nautilus is at the upper end for a mid market workstation pricing, granted it helps make up for that by being one of the most feature packed options. Oddly though I'm not sure how well even with a price reduction the Nautilus will do in the midmarket workstation category as the new MPC Key 61 has been thrown in as a bit of a new wild card (and a bit of a mixed bag from what I've seen out of it)
@Xeraser Well that might be your opinion on the Kronos not holding up but the fact it's still appearing on records semi often often in tandem with some rather big names in music says otherwise. Hell the Kronos has been considered the industry standard for session use and in studios since basically release.
Hell the Nautilus seems to be doing well as well so far sales wise for as relatively niche as the workstation is these days. It's a top seller on Thomann for workstations as well as doing well on Sweetwater in the
@Xeraser The type of CPU isn't that relevant when the entire OS is optimised for the keyboard. Admittedly something like a Raspberry Pi might be a better choice these days. The worse choice is having an O/S full of bloatware, while the music making gets allocated one thread in a 12 core processor.
I recently had the opportunity to try two ASM Hydrasynth models. The full keyboard and the one with the smaller keys. Considering the price, I was blown away. They were both great sounding and, I think, great value for money. Perhaps a Xmas present for myself.
cool, thanks for sharing! i'm sure they offered to send one over at some point, but I wasn't into making a demo at that time.
My dream synth list that I could see myself actually using: Arturia Polybrute, ASM Hydrasynth, Novation Summit, Roland Jupiter-X, Sequential Prophet-10 (2020)
You could build a very competent system around a Jupiter X and a Hydrasynth, add the others later as "spice" for the meal.
@@ChrisCebelenski What’s funny is that I already have a nice setup with some hardware and a lot of software. But one can still dream, right? =]
Fantom 06 is imho the most impressive synth from Roland in ages. Combine that with a Moog Subsequent and some fx and your GAS is over...
Another big synth (still) is the MatrixBrute.
you might be right, that would be an excellent combo.
I would love to see you cover the Dreadbox Nymphes. It's a six voice analog polysynth that's the size of a hardback book and sounds much much larger than it looks. It's currently my favorite synth and I've tried most of the other modern analog gear out there.
Mono synth = Behringer Model D. It's an obvious choice, but with some FX it will never disappoint. Also how about some older stuff like the Yamaha ANx1, Korg MS200 or newer Cobalt 8? Virtual analogue and maybe the best of both worlds? You can always sell them on later. For myself a Model D and a Wavestate are in my sights.
If Woody is short of space he could always try out some modules like the Yamaha VL-70m. Before the rise of the Rompler people thought they were the future of synthesis. Also maybe a JP8000/JP8080. I'm not selling mine though :-)
some brilliant suggestions, I overlooked the cobalt stuff. somehow mono-timbral digital synths leave me feeling a bit flat, generally.
Hey Woody, been a while! You mentioned missing an analog synth when talking about the Moog, and then mentioned your thoughts on modular (which I agreed with) but you might dig the Sub/Subsequent 37. Think of it as the Sub Phatty but with much deeper routing capabilities. So you can get into nerdy sound design with it but you can also make it sweet and simple. Mine will be going to the grave with me. Along with the rest of my out-of-control collection...going to be a big grave.
a lot of guys in the comments loving their subs! thanks for the tip!
i agree about what he said about the KORG Minilogue yea its a nice synth but 4 voice polyphony is too low for the sounds that you can create with it, therfor i prefer the Prologue 8 or 16
we agree then, and sorry for forgetting the prologue!
good video, you're quite sensible on what to get.
or i overthink everything... :D thanks!
How about an UDO? Either the kbd or the module. Echoes of Juno’s, Jupiter’s and SH101’s.....but better imo. Or sell everything and find a Fairlight 😉
yeah, that does appeal tbf, definitely in the expensive boutique analogue category, which doesn't normally appeal, but there must be something about that blue color that I like... the inventor is a super cool guy too!
No new Electribe coming. There was a Drumlogue that never got out of their heads. I think the Modwave AFAIK was the closest to any Tribe V3.
Channel request: favorite Christmas songs edition!
I had a Subphatty 3 years unboxed before sold it, in 2022 around 600 VSTs that are testing.
Check out the New Akai MPC Keys 61. Getting some great reviews.
Hi Woody! Longtime fan from California here. Just a thought: If you're considering playing around with monosynths that offer fat lead and bass sounds, I have to say I've been really impressed with my little Behringer Wasp. You can pick these up used now for about $250 (US), and they really have their own rather unique palette of sounds based on the quirky original English Wasp synth architecture. Cheers.
oh wow, interesting suggestion, especially because I have a lot of nostalgia for the wasp & gnat having admired them in the music store back in the 80s!
I want a Jupiter-X, Juno-X and System-8. I love them so much.
Feel free to visit the synth museum for a year's worth of content. For your ultimate analog monosynth, go Moog Sub37. Korg Opsix and Wavstate will knock your socks off, brings back memories of the crescent moon performance
I really want a Juno X but I can't find it within myself to pay so much for it - I think 1200 GBP is much more realistic.
Been watching the channel now for about 6 years! Can't remember you ever using a Korg Kronos?!
correct, never achieved those dizzy heights!
“A Woody State of the Union” what a great phrase!
You might have a look at the Korg Prologue as an alternative to the other …logues.
Also: I think Roland views the jupiterXm as the (pro) successor to the Jd-xi
Yamaha: time for that reface VL!!
The Fantom is really nice. I'm interested in the Hydrasynth and the new Wave 3, which sounds really really lush in the videos I've seen. Nice video.
Lovely video thank you very much very honest sincere. :-)
Excellent update Woody! There's so much going on in the music gear world at the moment it was nice to have 'someone of my generation' running through their thoughts about it. I'm with you on the new Roland Aira gizmos, which are on my shopping list (if they ever come back in stock!). They've been compared to Korg Volcas but I feel the set of 3 are targeted more at the singer-songwriter, so dust off your vocal chords for that E-4 tweaker! If you get them they could form part of your DAWless set-up, which might also be the direction to be thinking when you go for a mono synth. Perhaps a Volca, Behringer, West Pest or East Beast, etc., small module so it can be part of a DAWless desktop set-up to cover your basslines.
Oh, a thought for future content maybe (and I might even do it) - in my quest to be a one-man-band (I should really get more friends!) I've been unable to find CZcams videos where people combine arranger keyboards with workstation synths via MIDI to have the best of both worlds. I've done it with a Korg Pa700 + Roland Jd-Xi and some of the results sounded great (full and fat with very little effort). My apologies if you've done videos on this before (CZcams search is hopeless!). If so, please let me know. I'm aiming to combine the Pa700 with my new additions such as the MODX6, Jupiter XM, ASM Hydrasynth, Mininova, Argon8 and Cobalt8. I'm also in the process of growing three more arms! All the best, David
hello david, you're right, it's unusual to see arranger guys using any extra keyboards, they tend to favour their all-in-one board rigs. go for it and let us know so we can watch your vids!
Thanks Woody! I've got an Electribe 2 arriving tomorrow, inspired by you mentioning it. That's another rabbit hole I'll be heading down! I see there's a 'Hacktribe' bit of firmware going around for the Electribe now that Korg have stopped updating it, so there's no stopping those enthusiasts! I'll be watching out for an Electribe 3 and your subsequent reviews on it. Cheers!
Wish if yamaha make a 73 full keys version of the CP reface.
long waited Korg pa5x is finally here !!!
Hi Woody! Great video as always.
Completely agree with you on the modular stuff (I got myself into that territory and after spending almost €2000 and done nothing with it, had to fallback and sell everything).
My suggestion for demo would be perhaps something already suggested by other viewers, like the Moogs Grandmother and Sub37 or the Sequential pro-3.
I know that you are not quite into the analog PolySynths, but maybe the Sequential Take 5 would be a cheaper taste of the Prophet line.
Regarding digital synths, maybe the Hydras and the Modal Cobalt and Argon.
P.S: I have a Korg Wavestate that I can lend you for a while for you to try the real deal hardware and demo it on the channel, in case you’re interested.
Just my suggestions
Keep up the good work
🥂
hey there, thanks for the offer of a loan and some excellent suggestions! that's totally in line with what I'm into! i can totally see the moog gm in my future. i would only borrow locally, and even then, a bit reluctantly from another viewer in case of any issues.
What about the new MPC Key 61? I'm seriously considering it to replace some things in my dawless setup. £1700 though, which is a bit steep but...GAS!
I have one ordered. Never had an MPC before, but the combination of pads + sounds + keys + recording is compelling, and the reputation for a good workflow to play and record and even finish production on the MPC goes back years. I'll find out soon if it works for me. OF COURSE, curious if Woody has any interest....???
@@joegrant413 Awesome that you're getting one dude. Don't know why but I'm upset about the fact that a Key 61 would make things I have redundent (TR8s, JD-Xi, Novation 61SL) and I really like hardware. The plus sides for me in getting a Key 61 are to have a much better sequencer (than the 61SL) and to finally manage to shoehorn some soft synths/plugins into my dawless setup - my dawless setup is in the garage and the music PC (100% software + midi controller keyboard) is in the house, and I don't want to add a laptop to the garage setup. I've not had my TR8s long and I really like it but I'm not sure if it works with the Key 61. Not seen anyone connect hardware to a Key 61 yet. Decisions...!
@@Br00sta Totally get the feeling of not wanting the Key 61 to replace beloved gear! I love my BeatStep Pro and Behringer RD-9. But I have to be honest with my time and attention and budget -- and my studio space! -- and look at selling stuff IF (and only IF) the MPC 61 works out as planned. Also, I recently discovered how awesome desktop sample libraries are, like the UVI SonicPass. But do I really need the ultimate in sound for everything? Maybe not. Anyway, I'm hoping the Key 61 ties together the workflow nicely as a standalone tool. But, unlike the OP1, I expect the Key 61 will play well with stuff like the RD-9 if I choose it.
It's always going to be a hard choice to make deciding on the next keyboard. Well unless you're one of the super rich or own a high end recording studio that pays.
I think Euro racks are interesting but probably hard to cope with unless you come from an electronic engineering background. Your selection is more appealing to the majority of us I think who want recognisable sounds and the extra drum, bass etc that are available in one unit.
Good luck with your searching and hopefully the music companies will offer you some of their products to try out along the way. 👍😁
This may or may not be relevant, but what happened to the Korg Grandstage? I know of nobody who plays one, and I haven't heard a peep regarding them since shortly after they were released. The boot times were insufferably long, but some comparisons had it sounding on par with Nord keyboards.
For me, I'm just looking at upgrading to an Arturia KeyLab Mk2.
I've had one for 2 years and love it.
What about the new MPC Keys 61?
Digital synth.
Powerful sequencer for Standalone track making.
Now with decent Pianos and Organs, and even an FM engine.
always been curious about MPC, so maybe, but there are others I would prefer, I still see MPC as a beat making, hiphop kind of groovebox, no matter what the marketing is trying to make us believe.
Woody, you could do a review of the cheapest Casio keyboard and we'd all still watch it. It seems the Universe is increasing the size of the shack and I hope either the punters or the synth companies provide you with the best beautiful beasts available. I'm blissing out with Omnisphere 2 and your old mate Eric Persing is a sonic GENIUS !!! Bring it on Woody ...
oh for sure, you can come a long way with omni! yeah, i see opportunities soon when we have space and a beautiful studio to show off the latest gear!
I hope you get a chance to check the new Korg PA5x just released.
I didn't knew that you were so much into the JD-Xi. Please make some more videos with it. I got one in MY storage room as well and would love to see some content. A Roland Juno Xm would be cool as well. Let's see if Roland will release one in the future.
that would be cool, I agree! yes the JD was a favorite but moved it on just because I have to keep rotating gear for the channel. was always a bit concerned about the keys breaking too, as I can dig in when getting into it!
No word about the korg opsix? I really enjoy mine and would suggest you take a closer look!
you're right, should have included that one, thanks!
yamaha just filed a trademark for the name 'AN-X', now there is speculation its for a new VA, similar to the AN1X. I however view this differently, the FM engine in the MODX/Montage is called FM-X, the MODX/Montage OS is long overdue a major update, people have been asking for VA on them for years and roland just gave people a reason to not buy a MODX with the fantom-0s. I'm fairly confident that the AN-X trademark is referring to a new VA engine for the MODX/Montage to be released in an OS update later this year.
yeah, i heard those rumours too, would be great for yammy to get back into VAs!
Interesting once again - I'm trying to think of something that would do well in a video and you'd enjoy - First thing that comes to mind is the Hydrasynth - It doesn't sound like anything you've played with so far, and poly-aftertouch is very expressive. Maybe one of the Modal keyboards might be interesting - not super expensive, but honestly I haven't played with one yet so I can't really push it. Vintage-wise, perhaps the Korg Z1 would be cool if you could find one used. For the keyboard player, I'm sure you could find a Kurzweil K2600X for not a lot of money, and the hammer action is still holding up after all these years and VAST doesn't sound half-bad either. And, out of left field and I don't know if this is something you'd jibe with, but something hybrid like the N.I. Maschine now has a stand-alone version that could very well be a jam centerpiece. I haven't had too much time to dig into mind, but what I've managed to do with it is fun.
hello chris, these are all good suggestions, thanks, and appealing to me, so I guess you know me quite well!
what about the Kuzweil K2700? that would be interesting to see on the channel if possible.
Korg Kronos replacement.
Korg PA5x,
Yamaha Montage Replacement.
Roland Fantom O
Thanks, Woody! There are so many new and interesting synths out there now that it's both mind-boggling and discouraging ($$$$$!). Honestly, from here on out I'll likely continue using my Logic Pro X DAW and Arturia Vintage Collection 9 (plus other Arturia offerings and effects), Korg's Collection 3 and other offerings, Cymatics, Spitfire Audio, and a few other soft synths and samples that strike my fancy. I suppose my varied interests prevent me from investing too much $ into any one of them. Cheers, Woody!
in logic pro you have everything needed to make some great music, so not a bad strategy to focus on that. and thanks so much for the tip, you rock!
I think you’ll enjoy checking out the new Fantom. I have the Fantom 7.
I have a Kronos 2 and I love most aspects of it, it that Unser interface is an archaic nightmare. I’m excited about Korg’s new Pa5X arranger (more so than putting the money on a Genos), but with the rumors of a new flagship workstation coming out next year to replace the Kronos, I’m tempted to wait. I can’t afford both.
I’m not too excited about all those Eurorack modules either. Back, pre-MIDI, I had an Aries Modular so ynth with 18 modules in a pair of pinewood ‘box’ racks. That was fun and educational, but I’ve had my thrills. All my modular synths are now softsynths from Arturia & Cherry Audio.
I recently discovered the Bohm SE10. I don’t know much about it, but it looks like fun. Oh, and when you mentioned Nord, you ignored their Stage 3.
Thanx for your videos, I enjoy them.
"archaic nightmare", that made me laugh, I think i know what you mean... :) hmm, i'm aware of the NS3 of course, but no desire to try one though.
Grab a Modal Cobalt 8X…my fav from last year
I'm wanting to get a Fanton 06 or 07. Preferably the latter with more keys, but a higher price. I could MIDI my VR-730 to a Fantom 06. I have an FA-08 that I'm happy with for piano sounds and feel. I plan on playing synth sounds on an 06 and the extra controls will be very nice.
If you buy a Juno-X, Jupiter-X and Fantom then congrats - you've just bought the same synthesizer 3 times (although the n/zyme expansion on Fantom looks interesting). The Zen Core templating system (ABM) is rubbish for emulating old synths, so if you want a Juno the System-8 destroys all of them since it does modeling at the circuit component level (yes, that's why there's lower polyphony)
JD-Xi pro? Try a JD-XA
For an analogue monosynth I'd suggest Sequential Pro 3 or Pro 3 SE (same, just different case)
hi wagoo, yeah similar engines in 3 different hardware boxes, btw, JD-XA def not an XI upgrade, you lose the drums, 4 tracks and the amazing sequencer, it's far inferior in the features! really should get a S8 someday, thanks for the comment!
For me personally the keyboard I'm most looking forward to is getting my hands on a Korg Nautilus 61 here in the next few months. While workstations are not every one's cup of tea I do tend to enjoy using one and I'm sure a Nautilus will more than tide me over until there's a new option on the market that offers even more flexibility in a standalone keyboard. Oddly I think MPC might be on track to do exactly that with the new MPC Key line if they bring out more plugins for it but right now with how it's firmware sits it's got too many trade offs that I don't want to deal with if I'm buying a workstation for home studio use and as a keyboard to simply play on a regular basis.
As a Kronos owner (and given they are nearly the same instrument), I can assure you the Nautilus would be a TON of fun. The AL-1 virtual analog synth engine is incredibly powerful and flexible (if extremely menu-divey), and the PolySix and MS-20 engines are highly underrated. Plus, MOD-7 is a full FM synth engine and BEYOND. And that’s not even half of its sonic capabilities!
congrats on that incoming nautilus! perhaps a goo combo with an MPC (and not necessarily the keyboard version!)
Hi Woody. What are you thoughts on the similarities of synthesizers from the different brands? I recently saw your video on the pricing of the Roland Juno X. Personally I cannot see the use for it when we already have the Fantom O's and the System-8. I feel that Korg have a more exciting line-up with the wavestate, Minilogue and Opsix. For your polyphony-problem you have the Prologue.
i agree, a lot of overlap between current roland models, of those that share same sound engine, but I think it's great that they provide options for size, price, controls and features. but you probably won't want them all... especially if you have the roland cloud! prologue is a great shout, completely overlooked that, thanks.
Great info Woody..thanks, I have a Nautilus and MODX6. So what are you currently rocking since yours are in storage?
been enjoying my little korg kross but I think my viewers would like me to demo something new!
Hi ! What about the New Korg arranger, the PA5X. It look Amazing 😍
it does indeed mathias! came out after I made the video otherwise it would have got mentioned, but I don't have those funds, unless I sold all my other synths and replaced everything with the PA!
Great video! Please let me suggest the Arturia MicroFreak for its truly unique concept - always interesting to hear another evaluation on that!
Also, since you're into wavetable synths - the Waldorf M takes the concept of the Microwave line to the next level and also brings back many classic sounds from the PPGs in a desktop form factor!
If you're looking for a great VA synth - the Novation KS series is quite underrated imo. I recently bought a KS rack and absolutely love its sound!
And lastly - I enjoy the Roland Boutiques SH-01A and JU-01A a lot! Would be interesting to hear your views on them as well!
thx for all the suggestions, good stuff! ureggh, that MF not my bag... :) and I can summarise my thoughts on the JU boutique, I would never buy a juno with 4 note poly, shame on you roland :) the sh is super cool tho.
Try groove box roland mv1 with song mode
I would like to see woody on a digitakt making some sounds from single cycle waveforms. That would be different. Also I liked your elective beats. I bought an electribe
Oops at the wrong button on my phone. Anyway I bought an electribe after watching your video and love creating beats on that thing
yeah electribe so much fun to use! congrats. o'm concerned the elektron stuff might be too hard for me, too technical at the expense of the musicality, but one day...
How about a Prophet X. Iridum, Polybrute or a Hydrasynth Woody
hmmm, i was going to discuss hydrasynth, it's a candidate yes, the others, too high-end for me!
I’ll swap ya my montage 6 for your nautilus woody
Loving the JDXI preset interludes. I would buy a update of it, if it had a better keyboard and a longer bar pattern sequencer. (I replaced it with a Wavestate). My current setup also includes a T8, J6, TB3, OG Circuit, Akai MPC One and Arturia Keystep running through a Roland Mx1 mixer. Would like to see your thoughts on the Akai ( I use it as a midi brain and blend it’s built in Synths with the J6. Good to see you again!
hello ed, great little rig you have there! yes, the keys let down the JD for me too. sure, i've always been curious about MCs since decades ago and a lot of hype around the new models.
i got a cheap used studiologic sledge, its underrated i think . worth a try.
the yellow ones, right! yes, might be the synth with the nicest chunkiest control panel, congrats on yours!
@@WoodyPianoShack yes this one. its nice and simple .
Surprised you didn’t mention the New PaX series just released
simply because it was announced after I shot the video :D
@@WoodyPianoShack ah of course you may have released this video today but naively I thought you’d made it today… as in just sat in front of a camera and talked… there may be more to it than that. Ha ha
Get Korg to send you the Prologue then - its 8 notes afaik
Interested list of gear! All of which I'd be interested to see on the channel at some point.
But I just know that if you did a review of a toy keyboard, it would still be extremely entertaining to watch...
PSS-A50 . A toy that uses the reface keybed.
thanks for the compliment!
Would love to see something like the Moog One models, but the prices on those things is totally hillareous. Need to have real good income from ones channel, patreon etc. to be able to even touch that area of the market, or like you said, have some good collector friends to lend you gear.
Personly what I am most interested in atm is the upcomming Akai MPC61. I Honestly think that might be our best Bet of a “Kronos” successor, or at least an interesting standalone workstation. I highly doubt Korg plans to continue the high end workstation line further.
For all those Analog and Retro “Freaks” out there, the best Channel out there is definetly Esben Craft. He Seem to have that kind of friends making him able to show a lot of old 80’s gear both well known and the forgotten gems that was around back then.
oh yeah, we all love espen around here! i wouldn't want a collection like that myself, but I'm so grateful and happy we have guys like espen that share there synths for us all to enjoy! regarding MPC61, i don't understand what all the hype is about, I don't see that as a "workstation killer" at all, just an improved MPC if that's your thing.
What about the new Akai MPC Key? I'm intrigued about this new one :)
mmm, totally interesting, was announced after my shoot.
How about a hydrasynth? :)
I was thinking the same, and the Explorer is quite inexpensive for the features.
I have an original Hydrasynth and it is truly an amazing machine - very powerful and flexible sound engine, and yet the editing is very approachable. Not to mention the incredible poly aftertouch which just takes everything to another level. I’m interested in ine day upgrading to the Deluxe version. Others of interest would be the Polybrute and the Fantom 0-series, and the System-8. And maybe one day the Behringer version of the CS-80!
Would you consider featuring a vintage synth clone of a synth you have always wanted to have a go with but never had a chance in the past. If one is ever put into reproduction or production?
a pro pos: amazing value of money: why the Roland Boutiques did you not mention them in this video? These are my best picks not only because of sound but its rich implementations of many settings other synths simply lack. And finally i love the size of boutiques to build dawless setups. F.e. the JX-08 with its 2 sequenzer tracks.
i liked the d50 boutique, but the others are too small and I was offended when they released my beloved juno with only 4 note poly.
The Korg PA5x and the new AKAI look interesting. The Korg has a HDMI video output, and the new AKAI has built-in plugins which I saw on Sonic state. It’s like a DAW in a keyboard. Video output + embedded daw and touchscreen = modern take on Fairlight CMI 🤔. It’s quite interesting what today’s embedded computer technology can enable for keyboards and synths. I wonder what sort of OS they run.
they didnt finish working on the ACB technology, in some frequencies it sounds terrible, watch out for that
Hi Woody! Great thoughts & suggestions there. I've been thinking also about a DAWless all encompassing solution, something I could get home from work and just jump straight in to. So I think you should definitely get hold of the new Akai MPC Key 61 synthesizer as that really does appear to capture all music creation tools in an intuitive synth 'workstation'. A lotvof fun it would seem. Tap up Andy Mac there for a demo unit 😁👍🎹🎵🍻
perhaps I should, you're the umpteenth person to suggest the MPC KEYS!
@@WoodyPianoShack 😉🤙
Great video Woody!! I see that Korg have just released the new PA5x, would you make a review about it? I would love to get my hands on it, even though it’s really expensive - but hey we’ll see 😁
yeah, i'm not on the market for a flagship arranger at the mo, but would love to play one for sure!
Hey Woody, for a great mono synth, try a Moog Subsequent 37. I have one, and I wouldn't part with it ever.
cool, thanks Jon! aha, yes that's the model that I sometimes see cory play, looks and sounds awesome.
@@WoodyPianoShack Even if you don't like the sound, I'm sure you'll appreciate the build quality, materials, and engineering aspect haha