19 Budget Friendly Synth & Music Production Gift Ideas

[@BoBeats]

GIFT IDEAS 2023 + my favorite picks from previous years! ✯BASTL mini synths: redir.love/ZGyovD0a * ✯Kalimba redir.love/N7MSmikd * ✯Pedalboard redir.love/2nRWU98b * ✯Synth cleaning brush thmn.to/thoprod/526237?offid=1&affid=623 * ✯Krischer mini synths reverb.com/shop/krischer ✯KVGear synth stands & key dog: kvgear.com ✯RIG SLAPS: thmn.to/thoprod/569902?offid=1&affid=623 * ✯CABLE TIES: redir.love/ioXKlZ1F * ✯Wood synth stands: www.synthsandwood.co.uk ✯Cables (use code BOBEATS for 15% off your order): modularsynthlab.com/ ✯Synth books: www.amazon.com/Music-Producers-Guide-Polymeter-Polyrhythm/dp/1739996518/ ✯Monitor controller redir.love/OFflGnfx * And Superbooth tickets can be found here: www.superbooth.com/en/ ❤ OTHER GREAT GIFT IDEAS ❤ $60 IK Multimedia Cable Kit * EU: thmn.to/thoprod/312216?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/AobVDx (individual cables only) $50 Decksavers (covers for synths/music gear) * EU: www.thomann.de/se/search_dir.html?sw=decksaver&offid=1&affid=623 US: bit.ly/DeckSaverxPC ❤MINI SYNTHS❤ $50 Korg Monotron DUO synth * EU: thmn.to/thoprod/273948?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/0Je77P $50 Korg Monotron Delay * EU: thmn.to/thoprod/273950?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/gbNGvX $150 Korg Volca * EU: www.thomann.de/intl/search_dir.html?sw=Korg%20Volca&offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/2rEbrA $150 Korg NTS-1 synth/fx * EU: thmn.to/thoprod/473592?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/2OR10 $200 Roland Compacts (mini synths and vocal processor) * EU: www.thomann.de/intl/search_dir.html?sw=Roland%20Aira%20Compact&offid=1&affid=623 US: bit.ly/RolandAiraxPC $230 Sonicware Liven Synthesizers * EU: www.thomann.de/intl/search_dir.html?sw=Sonicware%20Liven&offid=1&affid=623 US: bit.ly/LivenXpc ❤MIDI KEYBOARD❤ $100 Arturia Minilab 3 * EU: thmn.to/thoprod/553717?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/NKZ1B1 ❤BOOKS❤ $50 Bjooks beautiful coffee table books * EU: www.thomann.de/intl/search_dir.html?sw=Bjooks&offid=1&affid=623 US: bit.ly/BjooksXPC ❤MIDI❤ $60 MIDI Thru Box (splits midi signals) * EU: thmn.to/thoprod/220156?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/LvenY $10 TRS-DIN MIDI cable * EU: thmn.to/thoprod/498051?offid=1&affid=623 (type A) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/498048?offid=1&affid=623 (type B) US: imp.i114863.net/Ea3X1e $10 Headphones hanger * EU: thmn.to/thoprod/263940?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/VyGe9a $100 Affordable Studio Monitors/Speakers * EU: thmn.to/thoprod/429470?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/MXJGQ3 $150 Audio Technica M50X headphones * EU: thmn.to/thoprod/331905?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/Jrx00r $250 Korg NTS-2 oscilloscope * EU: thmn.to/thoprod/543848?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/WDnW6P All links marked with * are affiliate links. I earn a small % of each purchase regardless what you buy and at no cost to you.

[@bastlinstruments]

We are preparing special bundles for the Holiday season also featuring Arp so you synth lovers will be able to save some cash. Thank you for featuring us Bo!

[@spacekid5609]

Great stuff 🤘 I have Kastle Drum and it's awesome! Please, make 3.5 mm jack versions of all three Kastles🙏Would buy them right away!!!

[@patrikveltrusky]

⁠that's not gonna happen. We are using jumpers because it keeps price low. Imagine putting 30 jacks on it. It will be huge and twice as expensive

[@UliAfroman]

​@@spacekid5609for the drum kastle f.e. there are some third party eurorack modules

[@KV_gear]

Thank you Bo for including KVgear in your guide! We're ending the day on a high note because of this. 😁

[@BryanVehonsky]

Your products are awesome. Also the PDF of what gear fits on what stands is genuinely one of the most useful documents I've seen for trying to figure out what you might want/need for a setup.

[@Synth_RISE]

@@BryanVehonsky Thanks! I'm glad you checked out the PDF. I'm constantly updating it. It's grown to over 400 pieces of gear. Yikes!

[@henrikfisch]

Bo, feel yourself hugged as long as you like ... because of the idea of giving someone time to appreciate his work. That is probably the best advice I've heard in years. 🙂👍❤

[@natewillardmusic]

Thank Bo! Love these each year! Helps me figure out what to buy myself for Christmas haha.

[@jedmarsillo]

This was fun. thanks, Bo. You are like a Synth Santa.

[@Drinkyoghurt]

I made my own pedalboard from a wooden ikea crate €12(?), some screws, rubber feet, L brackets and velcro. It cost me around €14 per board and each holds 10+ pedals and a power supply. If you're even a little bit handy you could make someone a gift like that.

[@BoBeats]

Thats a cool idea!

[@dictabeat]

I mocked the hell out of that Synth brush until I got that Befaco brush.It's a world of difference in comparison to other brushes and I don't think people will understand the difference until they've tried it.

[@BoBeats]

Your synth will never sound as good as after a good synth dusting

[@dictabeat]

@@BoBeats i can already hear the clarity in my synths now that they're static and dust free! 😄

[@Abell85Studios]

But I want that analog warmth from my dust 🤣

[@TheOriginalCoda]

I have a badger hair shaving brush, its super soft and like a proper synthesist I don't shave any more. Badger synth brush for the win!

[@jazzbwooy8889]

Same here

[@schnoodlevideo]

this was a dangerous watch, so much good stuff! thanks for doing what you do Bo :)

[@BoBeats]

♥️♥️

[@sound.workshop]

Honestly Superbooth is a great suggestion. I went for the first time last year and it was so much fun. Part gear fest part music festival part hanging out in the forest eating food and drinking beer. Bo I hope to catch you at SB next year and show you my synth Wiggler!

[@BoBeats]

lets make it happen. connect with me on Instagram

[@sound.workshop]

done!@@BoBeats

[@g3cd]

Same here, I actually extended my stay by a day because it was one big nerd party and so much fun! Do remember to bring sun blocker though 🤬

[@FernandoDCDuarte]

Ahhhhh the yearly gifts ideas video. Love 'em!

[@denbrah1481]

Hi Bo. I like your content. I am not a studio synth enthusiast. I am a coffee table synth enthusiast. You should do a series for coffee table enthusiasts. I appreciate the dawless small hardware mixed gear I can fit on my coffee table and play around with and put them away when done.

[@suga4all]

Great selection. I love the key dog. Fun but may be also useful sometimes 😅. I have another one (#20) which I found super useful recently: Buetooth Midi Adapters, like the CME Widi Master.

[@travelswithginajamila206]

I love my new key dogs!! Grateful for this annual list. You always include some great finds!! 🙏

[@eNikoltsios]

I think also the korg NTS-1 might also deserve a place in this list. It’s a cool effects processor and with an external keyboard it can do some sick monophonic bass synth sounds

[@BoBeats]

Yepp! Its in the links and in I think 2-3 of my previous gift videos

[@rochefsky]

Yes! and the NTS-2 !

[@schautamatic]

Yeah I have one (as well as a couple other physical pedals), and it's become my go-to effects "pedal" to help out my Microfreak a LOT! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@MarkMcCubbin]

I just bought a kalimba. It's pretty fun through my ambient pedal board! Also, love my KVGear stands. Bought my first ones from them seven years ago. Great value and great customer service.

[@susiek6030]

When Bo talks about dealing with gain with a kalimba, do you know what he means? Is it something you plug the kalimba into to increase gain?

[@groove_sapient]

I picked up a Kalimba for my daughter. What a great idea. It could potentially impact her life by pulling her more into music. Thanks Bo!

[@robriki2]

Are we all kidding ourselves? It’s all « from me to me » gifts!

[@jdlcmusic]

Excellent video Bo! A lot of items on here that I didn’t even know about or at least didn’t consider. Cheers!

[@landonewts]

I now really want to get a couple of key dogs and sculpt little dogs to sit on top of them. That would be fun!

[@KV_gear]

Some people say it's a dog eat dog world. For you it would be a dog sits on dog world.

[@tubeMonger]

I don't know other synthies so I might buy something for myself (and something else for the wife). I think a stand for a specific setup would be a good idea. Thanks for the ideas Bo.

[@Cimoe]

Thanks Bo for the gift ideas 👍 Great video!

[@bflash77]

Got myself a present this year, Bo. That beautiful hydra deluxe is on the way. They are on sale. Saved $300! ⚡

[@BoBeats]

Its cheating if you buy it yourself 😘

[@BHPOfficial]

+1 to the big knob, it’s so cheap but essential if you have multiple pairs of speakers. I run three sets of speakers but my interface can only handle two, boom big knob to the rescue

[@ToastandJam52]

The Big Knob! I had no idea such a device existed but I have a need. Probably something that can support three pairs of monitors as I am going to be adding some more in the near future!

[@patrickpoggensee6333]

Something that´s a really nice addition to any studio is a Elgato Stream Deck. You can actually put any task on a button and organize them really intuitive. I mostly use them for simple things like switching lights for my Hue Lights, Spotify, opening different Websites and so one. But you can also use them for Tasks of your DAW (e.g. opening new Midi tracks. switching to mixer, showing CPU Usage...) There are a lot of youtube videos showing the whole potential. It´s pretty powerful.

[@TheJonHolstein]

Yes, the stream decks are great, and you can almost not have too many, as you can use them to switch profiles on other units, so you can always set them up, to quickly switch the controls to the ones you need, or to get back to the start page, and so on.

[@dani_raudvik]

Wishlisting the book on polyrhythm and polymeter for sure. That's an area where I still struggle and it'll definitely be interesting to learn more about it.

[@BryanVehonsky]

The cleaning brush is legit so useful (also great for computer keyboards!)

[@unclejerrysworld]

Thank you for this Bo!! I actually found some things that I can really use (gift or not)! Appreciate you taking the time to make this and share!! Merry Christmas!!

[@cheapnoiseinthehouse5578]

Really nice video! A gift I really enjoy getting is an old Casio or Yamaha keyboard. They for the most part sound very unique and will add some lofi or nostalgic texture to your music.

[@BoBeats]

Thats a very good gift! As a kid I got a Roland D50 as a midi keybord to use in my studio and that was epic! Even better when i realized it was a real synth

[@cheapnoiseinthehouse5578]

@@BoBeats Oh man I love the D50! I was so impressed when I first heard the Digital native dance preset. It's a shame that it was so difficult to edit. I really enjoy your videos, keep up the good work.

[@PanicGirlVids]

Great ideas! Thanks for the lovely video Bo 🎄

[@BoBeats]

Thank you!! ♥️

[@ZeroUntitledFilms]

I always look forward to these videos, for my own selfish reasons, haha. Love those KeyDogs. I am tired of finding random weights in my house.

[@DesertNinjaX]

I look forward to this every year 🎼🎶🔥

[@mirllewist3086]

Thanks Bo!

[@BluessNRock]

The HEMIDEMISEMIQUAVER part got me laughing 2 mins straight 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ben-bendeguzhorvath9029]

I was waiting for this, thank you :)

[@Gael_AG]

i’d add crdbag pouches to carry and organise stuff when you go for a gig

[@MrDaigoRiki]

Your video is always making me curious, you are genius Bo. I’m curious to know that your all times favorite synth? What is it?

[@va941]

Another benefit of going full ITB, no need for a synth brush! Like putting money in the bank!😂

[@russ254]

but then you have to get RC-20 to add it back. . .

[@joshuaciccoricco2947]

So funny was just thinking how much I still love the Minilogue!

[@rjadamz9117]

Merry Christmas brother!

[@TheJonHolstein]

A suggestion, would be to make these gift shows for a non interested party, that are the gift givers. A video that the synth-geek/music producer can share with family and friends that are looking for something to buy. That would require some basic information, about for example different types of cables, where to find music gifts (stores). Missing is perhaps midi controllers, for the computer user.

[@thomashopper8616]

I need to share this video with my wife especially the cable management section. The most common, um ‘debate’… ok argument we have regarding my gear is cable management ❤

[@michelnassarofficial]

Santa Bo :O

[@chrisegonmusic]

It’s that time of year again.

[@fablesofsilence]

I had great fun watching this at 1.5x speed ;-) Nice ideas, the big knob & Superbooth are actually on my wish list!

[@BoBeats]

Pffft, rookie numbers i watch everything at 2X 😘😘😘

[@fablesofsilence]

😂 right on!

[@andrewverran3498]

Would be great if your mate did a combo stand for 3Volcas and 3 Roland Compacts, alternatively, since the Roland Compacts are smaller , make an adaptor so a Roland Compact can fit into a rack designed for a VOLCA, also from what i have measured, 2 Roland TB303 type clones side by side is the same width as 3 Korg Volcas. PeaceFromOz

[@patrikveltrusky]

Thank you Bo for featuring Bastl!

[@n_o_]

ugh 4:50 why am i weeping lol

[@zzz...222]

Excellent suggestions!

[@dzaxys4643]

Idea what I got myself last Christmas Akg k240 headphones going for 65 on Amazon right now (but support independent retailers if possible)their light weight cans and personally I prefer them to my beyer dynamic Idea no2 Dirtywave M8 headless cost £30 for a teensy 4.1 and the open source dirtywave M8 software free but if you can get some presets direct from the M8 sight is a good way to support the genius creator if you can't afford the actual m8

[@bp7206]

Bo helping out poor suckers like me. Thumbs up

[@scheetmcborsten7977]

A lot of good recommendations! I'd also add the Bebeinger mini synths but I know how you feel about them as a company 😅

[@BoBeats]

haha! their new tiny synths seem interesting, i just wish the company wasn’t acting out on social media all the time

[@Das_E579]

Get your synthbro a stylophone. He or she will be very happy haha

[@The_artist_called_The_Engineer]

Nice now I just need to let the video casually play to my other half. That and really persuade her that I need an MPC one amd and a Fender Jazzmaster 😀

[@mouritsch6565]

4:45 cute

[@pekkagronfors7304]

14:47 I use a credit card that I squeeze under the keys 😎

[@russ254]

watch out for the expiration date!

[@jimbotron70]

Don't forget the next generation musicians: toy keyboards 🎹

[@nikwax]

I wish we could get the Rigslap in the US 😢

[@fldrummerman]

Bo, i went to Amazon to buy the first book, but most of the reviews were awful. It scared me away. Is this book really worth it?

[@panacea.palace]

Anyone know what that white $900 effect pedal from the intro? Looks pretty sick

[@BoBeats]

Its a chase bliss cxm 1973 and it is absolutely sick. Motorized faders is crazy

[@al.cavalu]

No Behringer products?

[@sofiejensen3804]

10:57 Bo, that is not how they work!! ha ha ha ha

[@BoBeats]

oh noes!

[@pedropedropedro795]

Synth brush? No. Paint brush yes, and way cheaper!

[@Александр-й7б9и]

0:13 that white controller. What is its name?

[@BoBeats]

its the cmx1978 reverb from chase bliss

[@Александр-й7б9и]

@@BoBeats thank you lots, Bo. Just cured my curiosity)

[@5PawZ]

TIL that quaver and semiquaver etc aren't universal terms for classical trained musician?🤔

[@JamesRamboPearce]

Hey don't diss the hemidemisemiquaver 😂

[@GizzyDillespee]

Confundo!🦹‍♂️

[@russ254]

LEVIOSA!

[@BoBeats]

Avecadabraaa!!

[@schautamatic]

Nobody has the slightest concern for what I'd like as even a stocking stuffer (that Krischer MicroQuad would make a good one for me 😀). There's way more to life than football and Disney, football and Disney, football and Disney, football and Disney...🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@AKDanMusicMan]

Too bad you can’t get RigSlap shipped to the US.

[@jaspermolenaar1218]

It’s beginning to look a lot like synthgifts..

[@vesselsfirst8200]

Yeah we don’t use the british note terms in Britain, they’re too bothersome

[@UnDer_Kore]

me waiting for you to learn what the name is for the 128th note

[@BoBeats]

😳

[@CozyRodent]

im so sad that arturia decised to make keystep more expensive

[@BenjaminEarlMusic]

Last year my parents got me a volca keys... It never showed up. We ended up getting it refunded, they got me a mic with the money instead.

[@sturdyblock]

BIG KNOB, confirmed.

[@XwastcadetX]

Pocket operators

[@gersonpagan]

@bobeats, for years I've been subscribed and watch your videos holding you in high regard for your creative approach to music. It saddens me today to say that I will no longer be subscribed nor follow you. I can't take you seriously when you talk about budget conscious gear for musicians when you overlook 2 great synths that are $50 and $100. For what reason other than the simple fact that it is Behringer. The ProVS mini and the JT-4000 are way more powerful and inspiring synths than most of the ones you show, and cheap!!! This self righteous stance you and other youtubers are taking is simply ridiculous. Affordable synths should not be a secret for beginners. I'll check periodically to see if you have come to your senses about this issue. For now, it's a goodbye and hopefully one day I can come back. The best of luck to you! 👋😢

[@BoBeats]

There is nothing self righteous about not wanting to support a particular brand. The reason for not wanting to support them go far beyond cloning of classics. And the fact that you wrote this comment is part of the problem. You feel like you can’t support an independent creator who works his ass off making these videos because he doesnt want to support one of the largest companies in the music tech space. That is part of the problem with Behringer. They have successfully created a almost sect like following who act as if everyone needs to support Behringer. I have not once had anyone go ”Bo, I can’t support you bc you don’t feature brand X synthesizers” except for when Behringer is concerned. It is just absurd. If you truly think about this you will realise that too.

[@goonfish]

​@@BoBeats "Independant" Corporate Donation Box & Horse-Stilts enthusiast maybe...

[@EverettVinzant]

Not the annual gift guide... Didn't you do this last year? I mean isn't this just doing the same video over and over with completely different information in it? What do you think I am, some kind of American? I mean what, you're telling me to look at Sonicware Synthesizers that... well, okay, the LoFi-12 is nice, I have one sitting here and love playing with it... BUT THAT'S NOT THE POINT! Huh, alright I agree on the Monotron Delay, coming out of the LoFi-12 it makes the Liven synth sound like something much more expensive... But ALL YOUR DOING IS REGURGITATING THE SAME THING! BUT with new content, HOW DARE YOU! The Bastl mini-synth is cool... Maybe I could tell my wife... Nah I can't tell my wife anything she hates me and I don't know why IT MUST BE YOUR FAULT! The Kalimba sounds nice too, I may have to get one to sample in to the LoFi-12... I could make beautiful Christmas music NO THANKS TO ... well, I guess I have to thank you. I don't go out and do black Friday so I thought I'd use my Christmas rage here. Hope everyone is offended and has a terrible holiday... And as always, thanks for your time in this video. I learned something despite myself ;)

[@BoBeats]

You take care now and have a blessed christmas! And tell tje wife to watch my videos, give them a thumbs up and buy you a kalimba. Its good for them nerves. 😘

[@Kamala__Harriis]

The first one is a toy imo

[@JemmyJoeAGoGo]

GET THEE BEHIND ME, SATAN!

[@GizzyDillespee]

You could bind him with glow in the dark patch cables!

[@couchcamperTM]

to be honest this was the weakest "gifts" video in your whole carreer and to be fair, it wasn't all because the companies did not come up with anything special. why don't you take a break from youtube for 2 years and do more interesting things.

[@BoBeats]

If I look at the response to the video I would say you are wrong, just going by the numbers, comments etc I feel like I made a pretty good video. I am actually quite happy with it. That being said, it is getting more difficult finding great affordable gifts that isn't a repeat of last years vid. And it is very weird telling someone to take a 2 year break like that. I assume you are having an off day or something.

[@dzaxys4643]

​@@BoBeatsI liked it

[@talweg384]

Selling more crap... At least it's cheaper than a OP-1.

[@BoBeats]

what were you expecting when you click on ”19 gift ideas”… that I was saying ”dont buy anything” 19 times?!

[@talweg384]

@@BoBeats Don't expet to celebrate consumerism whithout any criticism. It's 2023.

[@kenniferlopez1]

Bah! Humbug!

[@808BOT_Beats]

Sending this to my girl now