In order to get a full feel about all the synthesizers we talk about, it’s essential that we review the best synthesizers. Contrary to what many might believe, there is just so much diversity when it comes to synthesizers, and it would be a mistake to choose one when they’re as expensive as they are, and not do sufficient research when buying. For example, a product like the OP-1 is clearly way different from something like the Korg Kronos, so it is in your best interest that you find out what these difference are, and which one will suit your play style more. Obviously, you don’t want to get the wrong synthesizer keyboard and it is essential for your career and quite frankly your enjoyment, that you love your instrument.
1. Teenage Engineering OP-1 Review
In this price range, many consider the Roland JUNO DS88 the best there is, and it is difficult to disagree with them. It’s main competition includes the Korg KROME and you might even throw the OP-1 in there. Truth be told, not many companies can compete with Roland when it comes strictly to sound quality. Sure, others might beat this DS88 out in some other categories like features and portability, but in most comparisons, it’s safe to say that the Roland will often win in the sound department. It should be noted that it is quite rare for so many customers to be satisfied with a product; generally speaking there will almost always be a handful of negative reviews for even the best products out there, but such is not the case for this workstation, and that just goes to show how highly perceived these Roland synths are.
3. Korg KROME 88-Key Synthesizer Review
There has been much speculation about whether or not it is fair to compare the Krome to the Kronos. It’s probable that most would agree, that the Kronos is likely quite superior to the Krome. The Korg Krome is not shabby though, and both the 88-key and 61-key variations are special. Similarly to how consumers feel about the Roland, those who have played the Krome agree that the sound quality is its strongest feature. Now which is better? It’s hard to say, but what I can personally say is that the piano sound on this keyboard are some of the best I’ve ever heard anywhere, period.
4. Yamaha Montage 8 Synthesizer Review
Yamaha’s Montage 8 synthesizer is one that is quite pricey, even for high-end synthesizers. The reason for this price point however, is that this keyboard was meant to compete with the real big boys of the synth world. If you have some time, check out a few clips of YouTube of this synthesizer in live action – it’s something special. If you have the budget and you are in search of the very best, you certainly should take a look at the Yamaha Montage 8, as some consider it to be the best ever synthesizer.
5. Korg MS20 Mini Synthesizer Review
There was much hype surrounding this mini synthesizer. After careful investigation, I’ve found the Korg MS20 to be a decent enough synthesizer, though I’m not sure it’s exactly worth buying for someone looking for more out of their synth. It’s good, but do your research to know for sure if this is the right product for you.
6. Korg Kross 61 Synthesizer Review
The Kross 61 is yet another synthesizer keyboard from Korg that we discuss as being one of the best. This synth is especially beginner friendly, and its simple yet complex capabilities are appreciated by synthesizer lovers all over the world. It’s a unique instrument, all the while having the fundamentals set out straight. A good keyboard for those looking to try something new and experience a good Korg product.
7. Moog Sub Phatty Analog Synthesizer Review
8. Yamaha MX61 Synthesizer Review
Yamaha’s MX61 synthesizer is unique. It’s not the best synthesizer you can get in the price range, but it absolutely is a great value synth. You won’t get the same features you can expect to have on some of its Yamaha sibling instruments and there’s nothing wrong with that because for the cost, you can’t get much more than what you’re getting with the MX61 and it was a delight to review this board.
9. Yamaha Montage 6 Synthesizer Review
We’ve already discussed how wonderful of a synthesizer the Montage 8 keyboard is, but now it’s time to look at the montage 6. It does nearly everything the same in a smaller and cheaper package, which for most artists sounds like a dream come true. The Yamaha montage 6 is an excellent keyboard, and probably the best 61-key synthesizer you can buy right now, period. It’s not a cheap synth, but you generally can’t achieve excellence with a cheap product.
10. Yamaha TYROS 5 Synthesizer Review
As far as high-end synths go, there’s no way you can talk about them without mention this keyboard. Though it doesn’t come with 88 keys, Yamaha has pushed the boundaries of what a great synthesizer can look and feel like, and they made one of the greatest synthesizers in the world with their TYROS 5. Find out what makes this keyboard so special, and why it is regarded so highly in the music industry.
11. Roland JUNO-DS61 Synthesizer Review
The Roland JUNO-DS61 is basically the same as the DS88, but it has fewer keys. It comes in at a little cheaper price than the DS88 because of this, yet it really is a ‘steal’ at that price since you get that same pristine sound quality that Roland has become so famous for over the years.
12. Roland JD-Xi Synthesizer Review
Roland is one of the best synth manufacturers in the world. I had quite a bit of experience with many of their products, and I was quite thrilled to have the chance to review this synth. I did not have very high expectations given it is a small keyboard, but boy was it a surprise. Check out the JD-Xi review.
13. Novation MiniNova Synthesizer Review
To date, this is one of the cheapest synthesizers I have had the pleasure in reviewing. Is it a bad synthesizer? Not at all. In fact, I’d even go as far as to say that it’s maybe one of the best beginner synths on the market because of the sheer simplicity. The sound isn’t totally there but it makes up for it with its features and portable build. Find out why I think the MiniNova is worth buying.
14. Roland FA-08 Synthesizer Review
After finally getting my hands on the FA-08, I am very disappointed I didn’t do so sooner. Much sooner. This is easily and without a doubt one of the greatest sounding synths I’ve had the joy in reviewing personally and I’m so glad I did. If you’re in the market for a professional new synth, check the FA-08 out. A similar option would be the Matrixbrute.
15. Roland GAIA Synthesizer Review
You may not have heard of the GAIA by Roland (I certainly hadn’t) but in fact, it is even older than the Roland JD-Xi synthesizer. It is by no means any lesser than the JD-Xi; I would personally put them neck and neck in a tie if it were a competition. The GAIA is a very surprising synthesizer, and I highly recommend it to whose who love a good vintage sounding synth. Similarly, I also hadn’t heard of the the Kawai MP11SE, but it turns out that it was one of the best synthesizers of the year. The same can be said for the JX-8P.