Re: Looking to buy a synthesizer

If you want to do synthesis and sound design and be able to move among
tunings easily, then I would recommend a computer based synthesis program,
such as MSP for Mac, CSOUND for various platforms, VAZ Modular for Windows,
or Reaktor for Mac/Windows. This would meet your goal of under $1000 cost
assuming you have a system in the 200 MHz plus range.

If you must have a standalone unit then the newer Emu modules offer
excellent filtering and processing of the wavetable samples, as well as good
lower level programming of envelopes, LFOs, etc, and 12 full keyboard tuning
tables.

There isn't much on the used market I would recommend for synthesis. Yamaha
FM synthesis is fairly limited in the breadth of what it can do, and their
newest version of it, the FS1R, did not have tuning tables.

I am building an analog modular. It is a very expensive route to take, and
I plan to use it as an addition to more polyphonic capable digital
synthesis.

Visit my web site for more information and links to the above programs and
instruments.

John Loffink
microtonal@worldnet.att.net
The Microtonal Synthesis Web Site
http://home.att.net/~microtonal

> Subject: Looking to buy a synthesizer
>
> Good day to everyone.
>
> I am a microtonal composer looking for a synthesizer, and I can
> think of no better place to ask for reccomendations than here. My
> budget is such that the instrument has to be under $1000 (used is
> fine), in fact the cheaper the better. I'm not really interested in
> sampling-based keyboards; I love doing extensive sound design. It
> would be neccessary for me to be able to program any tunings I want,
> and move among them flexibly... I don't need an arpeggiatior,
> sequencer, dsp, etc. - if the price is right I don't even mind
> something from 1982 or something without midi.
>
> Perhaps I should even consider building an analog modular synth
> myself - any success stories out there?
>
>
> Later,
> Crow
>