Unison:
quoted 1 line I was all about to buy a nice yamaha djx keyboard,
> I was all about to buy a nice yamaha djx keyboard,
This in itself is not necessarily a bad idea - as Jared pointed out, the DJX
is a synth, and it can be kinda fun to play around with. It might even be a
good starting point to cut your teeth on the synth world. From the sound of
it, if you're considering a DJX you're looking to get going on a budget and
not spend a truckload of $$ right now, and that's fine, so maybe an
all-in-one solution may be what you're looking for...
quoted 2 lines but now that I ponder it, it would be better in the longrun to buy a
> but now that I ponder it, it would be better in the longrun to buy a
> synthesizer,
Remember, if you buy a synth (I'm not talking about grooveboxes here), you
have to think about how you're going to fill in all the other sonic gaps,
such as rhythms, etc. You can fill in some of the gaps with computer
software, so that may be a good solution for you while you build up cash to
buy more gear. I really like some of the software tools I've used in the
past, but there's nothing like working with hardware. It just feels right
IMO.
Grooveboxes basically have most of the sonic bits to create music, but most
of those are limited in their sound generation capability, and are not as
versatile as a dedicated synth like a Nord Lead or whatever, since they're
generally ROMplers with filters, effects, etc., and if that's what works for
you then more power to you. They also have built-in patterns which can be
both a help and a hinderance.
quoted 1 line preferably Roland.
> preferably Roland.
You will also want to ask yourself "Why Roland, specifically?" They do have
some great products and some that are real P.O.S.es (the MT-32 synth module
would qualify here :). And they have a pretty evil marketing division who
gave us the term "Groove Approved" (gee, thanks, guys!).
You would probably do yourself a favor by doing a little research on what
equipment is available, perhaps by checking out the information on & reviews
of equipment up on SynthSite:
http://www.sonicstate.com/synth/index.cfm
You could also sub to synth-related mailing lists like Digital Hell or
Analogue Heaven:
http://techno.king.net/synthetic-fruit/dh/
http://machines.hyperreal.org/Analogue-Heaven/
Jared also mentioned that there are some really good alternatives to Roland
products like the 777 and the Jomox xbase09, but from the sound of it you
really don't want to buy a bunch of gear... However, if you do want to buy
several pieces of equipment, those are great suggestions as alternatives to
"the real thing" some prefer them over the original.
I take exception, however, to the recommendation AX-60 (sorry, Jared). I had
the experience of using one of these side-by-side with my Roland Juno-60,
and the AX-60 always sounded thin and weak to me, and the keyboard and
slider panel were, IMHO, shoddily constructed. But that's just my opinion.
Anyway, check out SynthSite for more info, and, if you can, *try out* a few
synths before you buy. That way you can get the device YOU want that will
work for YOUR playing style and will fit YOUR needs. Not something with just
a brand name, or that someone told you was what you should buy, or that
"looks cool" sitting on your desktop. Because that is probably what it will
end up doing - gathering dust, or ending up on eBay... :)
My personal feelings about/experience with Roland equipment goes something
like this: I love my Juno-60 (which I've had since '86), I like my Boss
DR-660 (still a Roland product) but would like to replace it with something
else at some point, and I despise my MT-32. ;)
h o p e t h i s h e l p s !
:: e v a n k. s t o n e
:: m u l t i m e d i a l i v e
:: p e t a l u m a, c a, u s a
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