BEST VINTAGE SYNTHS (Going up in value!!💸) and How They Sound!

[@doordedeur]

I never knew a Korg DSS-1 was a cheap way to get a DW-8000 and more. You can even hear the basis of the M-1 choir.

[@novachord1]

Excellent! Our store sold a lot of Kawai K3 synths; never knew about the Prophet 5 filter till seeing this video. No wonder it sold so well. Great demos on all of these. I used to own a Matrix 6R back then; what a beautiful synth. Agree with your comments on all of these; great instruments.

[@VultureCulture]

That's so awesome! Any other favorites from that back you used to sell?

[@tomdial2941]

One comment, I think that the ESQ-1 should get a mention on this video. It has pretty much all the features of the SQ-80 without the poly-aftertouch and with fewer waveforms. However, it has an identical archiceture and is capable of almost all the same sounds and is even cheaper than the SQ-80.

[@VultureCulture]

Yes! The ESQ-1 is an amazing synth often overshadowed by it's sibling the SQ-80! But when you compare it to the other synths of 1986 it is a bombshell.

[@tomdial2941]

@@VultureCulture And the sound / engine etc is totally identical. It just lacks some of the SQ-80's waveforms, as you know. I picked up a busted one with hopes to fix it, but it will be a source of spare CEM3379s and display drivers now, since they are all also used in the SQ-80.

[@wishusknight3009]

The SQ80 makes an excellent MIDI controller because of its poly AT. It has a decent feeling keybed too when it is working properly. Reliability can be a bit of a question for the SQ80. But honestly I never did find the SQ80's sound to be anything to write home about. The SY77 and especially the Waldorf Q seemed to have a much richer and lush sound to my ears. Though prices may be a bit of a fudge and neither have poly AT. The SY77 can also be a bit more of a chore to program than the SQ80 as well.

[@VultureCulture]

@wishusknight3009 I don't love the SQ-80 key bed, but I see your point about Poly AT. But the Curtis filters are some of my favorite!

[@RayyMusik]

The DSS-1 sounds amazing.

[@VultureCulture]

I wanted to hate it but it just sounds so good!

[@RayyMusik]

@@VultureCulture😆

[@killswitchmediastudios]

I would have added the Prophet 600 for its agressive sound that separate it from its older sibling. It has an underground, almost cult-like, following.

[@VultureCulture]

I agree with that wholeheartedly. Plus it's usually the cheapest way to get into the two VCO-per voice game

[@lundsweden]

The DSS-1 sounds amazing, but Korg must've been smoking crack when they designed the UI!

[@VultureCulture]

It's not as terrible as it seems at first because of the two sliders being intuitively implemented, but yeah it's not great. Any other synths you think sound great but have terrible interfaces?

[@MKA63]

@@VultureCulture Ensoniq ASR10

[@JobimSynthMusic]

nice video showing some of the most inspiring synths ever. we have similar tastes in synths. my favourite time is mid 80s to early 90s, and my favourite category is hybrids. too bad a kawai k3 is so rare in my country, but I got the K4 and having a good time with it. happy owner of some that you mentioned, matrix 1000, Esq-1, and also, an emax rack which has a similar architecture to the Korg dss1 but isn't big like a transatlantic ship.

[@VultureCulture]

I want a K4 so badly! Seems like another sleeper vintage digital! You've got a sick steup!

[@FortyThievesSF]

There’s many inexpensive synths that have some upgrade kit for them. Those can take some mediocre synths and turn them into beasts. For instance the SuperMax+ on the DX7. The unique arpeggiator and delay detune drift alone are worth it. You can do the upgrade yourself. No soldering. But then you have the purists vs modifiers in gear. I mod everything!

[@VultureCulture]

I need to get into mods! There's some pretty incredible ones. I've never heard of the SuperMax+ before

[@FortyThievesSF]

@@VultureCulture If you do, go with the ones from the USA. The one I got from overseas didn’t work. Thankfully they accepted a return. It also has more memory, velocity fix, many arp options, voice stacking, patch morphing, and the delayed detune feature is killer. FAT sounds!

[@VultureCulture]

🤯🤯🤯

[@synthesizernews]

The user interface of the ESQ-1 and SQ-80 is a masterpiece in itself. Push one Section Button and then one of the soft-buttons around the display, edit with the slider and you´re done in most cases. This is very hands on for a complex synth of the 80s and so i never felt the need for an external controller. I recently checked out the Arturia V SQ-80 demo and must say that it sounds that close to the genuine hardware that i might switch to it if my old faithful hybrid buddy might die one day.

[@VultureCulture]

The Ensoniq interface is pretty incredible. Did you watch my video comparing my SQ-80 to the Arturia plugin? kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXOveH1np7yMsNU&ab_channel=VultureCulture

[@synthesizernews]

@@VultureCulture Thx for your link. Watched immediately and enjoyed it. You already have my answer to your question on the end of your video. And i suppose 30+ years of usage made every ESQ-1/SQ-80 sound a bit different due to the aging of electronic parts. Mine sometimes even starts drifting and changing values. It´s alive! 👻

[@serhiymarchenko8361]

I completely agree on the models listed. Thank you, Vulture Culture! Now we can expect prices to go higher. :D I recently got DSS1 (thanks to your videos as well BTW) and restoring it now. It was much cheaper than getting DW8000. That juicy filter and DDLs are great! I wish DSS1 had VCF CV input. 7-bit resolution might not be good enough with high resonance (you can creatively “exploit” that, of course). Also, I found that DSS1 joystick Y-axis has resolution of 5-bits (32 values) up and 5-bit down, while when received over MIDI, resolution is 7-bit (128 values). Pitch bend (X-axis) is limited at 7-bits both ways (while MIDI defines 14-bit possible resolution there, DSS1 ignores LSB byte).

[@VultureCulture]

My boy Dub Station Zero taught me to disable the pitch bend and add vcf control with the joystick and it's great. I don't know the bit resolution but it feels pretty smooth

[@serhiymarchenko8361]

@@VultureCulture It works good for most cases, except when you crank up the resonance to the max. In that regard it is pretty similar to Yamaha AN1x.

[@marzzz1]

Best polyphonic aftertouch synth, at least in terms of keybed (Fatar with proprietary PAT linkage) is the Generalmusic/GEM S2/S3.

[@VultureCulture]

I haven't even heard about it before!

[@TheZarutox]

Oberheim sounds so over the top!

[@JoeSmith-v7o]

Those analog sounds though! Very nice. I'm just starting my synth addiction and realize I really do need a nice 80s analog synth in my life.

[@VultureCulture]

They are something special worth trying once

[@OPdbx]

I just picked up an ensoniq ESQ-1 in good condition for $400. Only needed some minor soldering touch ups on the output jacks and will need a new battery soon, but well worth it. The filters sound incredible and the range of sounds that it can produce are fantastic!

[@VultureCulture]

That's so awesome! Let me know what you think over time as you settle into it!

[@mastercylinder1939]

The SQ/80 is well known, the true Ensoniq that flies under the radar is the ESQ-1. The cheapest synth that has a niche following is the Kawai K-1.

[@VultureCulture]

I agree - the ESQ-1 is a powerhouse!

[@RoyChartier]

The ESQ-1/m was Ensoniq's best selling synth...so it hardly is under the radar.

[@Ambientnauts]

Yeah good call the K-1 has it’s own sonic signature that’s pleasing. The free Nils emulation of it is worth testing out.

[@mastercylinder1939]

@@RoyChartier compared too the SQ-80 it is.

[@lundsweden]

​@@RoyChartierYeah but it's kind of forgotten now, just like Ensoniq. But it's a great synth, I used to have a ES-Q1

[@jennoscura2381]

I am glad these are outside my budget. You already made me buy a K1 and alpha Junjo. 1. My Jaspers rack is full. It has a DX7, Alpha Juno 1, K1, and Roland D-5. My two tier stand is a cheapo stand that's fine for cheaper romplers and synths. But I don't really want to use it for a nice synth. I need to see if I can fit more synths in my studio. I have been thinking about putting up slat wall on my back wall for extra synths. Ideally everything would be hooked up via audio and MIDI. So it's playable wherever it is. But that means running more cable, getting a sub mixer or another patch bay, and a bigger MIDI thru box. But in the end if everything is hooked up and ready to go I am more likely to use it. I need to focus more on rack synths since they take up a whole lot less space.

[@VultureCulture]

That's an awesome setup! It really covers all of your bases, why would you need anything more?

[@jmenwmn]

I'm glad you threw the Kawai K3 in your review. What a massive sound. 🤘🏽

[@VultureCulture]

It had to be in there - it truly is the GOAT of underrated synths.

[@RoyChartier]

Yeah you can just hear the electricity going through those SSM2044 filters...load up two saw waveforms, detune them, set the filter about mid along with the resonance, let the LFO mod the filter ever so slightly, run it through a PCM80 hall...and boom...you're transported to another dimension.

[@synthesizerhome2041]

The DSS-1 has some kind of hollow sound, which I don't like very much, you can hear that here: 3:38 it's the opposite of full, fat sound. Apart from that, it's huge and heavy. There are so many great 80s samplers out there: Emulator II, Prophet-2000, Ensoniq EPS, Roland W-30.... and they are all much more easy to use and to program. There are reasons, why almost nobody wants one.

[@VultureCulture]

To each their own - I had an Ensoniq Mirage but I sold it because I, and my viewers it seems, thought the DSS-1 sounded so much better. Any other recommendations for me?

[@synthesizerhome2041]

@@VultureCulture The Prophet-2000 with 12 bit, analog Curtis filters, unison mode, arpeggiator, the vintage SCI sound... but it's more a sampler than a synth. But what it does, it does very well.

[@VultureCulture]

@synthesizerhome2041 I'll have to check it out at some point!

[@Ashfaq1999]

Great video. I used to have a moog source, korg m1, korg poly 61 but sold them years ago. I just have a polymoog & eminent solina. Miss them dearly but it would be too expensive nowadays to buy the original’s again & keep them working. I rarely use my polymoog & solina nowadays due to better vst & plug in software versions which sound good enough.

[@FarrellMcGovern]

Another great look at some awesome synths! The only Ensoniq that I have is the EPS "Performance Sampler". It's filters sound like the same as the SQ80, and as they were released about the same time, I would guess it is the same chip. My EPS is in storage waiting until I have a space to set it up with along with my Roland SH-201, SH-3, A pair of Korg Electribes (EA-1, ER-1), and a Korg MicroX..The MicroX is what I mostly use when I want to fiddled around with a keyboard, it's small and has some great sounds and is great for just losing yourself in sound on the headphones for a while.

[@VultureCulture]

I'd love to check out an EPS at some point, they're supposed to be really awesome!

[@JobimSynthMusic]

my matrix-1000 stayed firm in its place while Roland Junos came and went for a profit...

[@VultureCulture]

That says a lot!

[@jacobthebatchbandit3092]

Gotta put the TX81Z and the wavestation SR on there those have gone up like $250 over the past 2 years

[@VultureCulture]

Both of those are sick synths, I love the Wavestation so much

[@Hyper5nic]

The Kawai K-synths sound awesome, unfortunately also had the most timing issues, being slower to respond to notes sent across MIDI. This according to Keyboard Magazine back in 1992.

[@VultureCulture]

I don't know if I've noticed that but I don't do a lot of midi sequencing.

[@M80-]

Yes, the complete Matrix series are one of my favorites, I got all three : 6/6R/1000. I would also do to the list the Korg Poly 61 and the Korg DW 8000. These are great vitage synths now only for 500-1000 bucks.

[@VultureCulture]

Totally agree! Have to try out the Poly 61 one day!

[@AEMachinas]

With that dial on the k3 you can hover in on a function like resonance or LFO and rapidly effect those on the fly, K3 all day!

[@AEMachinas]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5_Ng4mwrbGEnbs here’s what I mean, rapidly switching functions and speed dialing parameters in a musical way.

[@VultureCulture]

This gives me Fred Madison rocking out in a dingy nightclub in Lost Highway vibes lol

[@tomdial2941]

This is a fantastic video and I couldn't agree more with the choices. I'd love to know what you think about digital sleepers, which I predict will increase in value.

[@VultureCulture]

Thank you very much 🙏 Here's a video I did on my top 5 vintage digital synths, some of which are not exactly sleepers but the first three kind of are: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHu9c5qmp72jpsU

[@AEMachinas]

Kick ass demos as always VC!💪

[@VultureCulture]

I appreciate it

[@doordedeur]

Back in time the Roland JX-3P was regarded as a budget synth at Korg Poly-800 territory, but it can sound as good as a Juno. But back in time the Juno-106 was the worst synth you could buy, next to the Poly-800. As a young musician I didn't want to be seen with a 106. That would mean I sucked at synths. So I bought a Casio CZ-3000, which could do much more. Later discovering it sounded a lot thinner didn't matter at the time.

[@dubstationzero4908]

all amazing synths for sure . next person who reds this go snag that DSS-1 !! great value and has to go up from here.

[@VultureCulture]

And the Retroaktiv programmer is coming out!

[@technoroom5]

@@VultureCulture Unfortunately, Retroaktiv had to cancel further development on that back in 2020, due to unexpected complications with reliably being able to talk to the internals of the DSS-1. Customers who had put in preorders (I was one) received a full refund. Unless something has changed VERY recently....

[@VultureCulture]

Rob told me he's hoping to get it done this year!

[@technoroom5]

@@VultureCulture Wow. Well, that would be awesome. Thx

[@ridleykemp5789]

How would you rank the 80s digitals by value? The Casios CZs, VZ, the Korg DS-8, the Yamahas (duh), Ensoniq VFX, etc.? Also, what about best value monosynth? Love this video and I could see a series coming out of it.

[@VultureCulture]

Ahem - that might be my video in 2 weeks 😉 But to answer based off your list: VFX > DX-7 The rest I haven't played / don't have enough experience to comment. Best value *vintage* monosynth would be the Polivoks imo

[@ridleykemp5789]

@@VultureCulture Thanks! Can't wait to see the new one. P.S. The MG-1 is a pretty fantastic budget mono too.

[@VultureCulture]

That's the one everyone keeps saying I need to try!

[@100DollarHeadache]

I still kick myself for letting go of my SQ-80 to make way for an Emax keyboard, even if the Emax sees a lot of play. I've always wanted a DSS-1 or K3 to play with the additive oscillator and analog filters. The Emax has a sloppy filter envelope rendering it useless on plucky sounds (slow sweeps are fine). The JX-3P would be on my short list if I was forced to sell my Jupiter-8 (and the Juno-106 bubble bursting seems to be affecting the more expensive Roland synths too). I've had and sold two MKS-30s and love the JX-3P / MKS-30 character. Honestly, the Matrix-6 / 1000 is fairly priced. The CEM3396 evolved into the PA397 that is in the Prophet '08 / Rev2, which both have nice knobby interfaces versus the menu diving on the lesser Matrix series.

[@VultureCulture]

Yeah, if you compare the Rev2 to the Matrix 6 it's not going to be in the Matrix's favor lol Glad to know about those filters env on the Emax!

[@crnogor]

Enjoy watching your clip about DSS 1 It will be nice if they make a reincarnation !? J8 has a huge value , some years ago , Man asked around 8500 euro at Croatia , Jx3p goes around 400 - 800 euro . Instrument are much more expensive in Eu cos we have huge VAT ! Let me just mention that i was shucked when i red that Man asked , in USA , 50000 $ for Memory Moog ! Hawing vintage synths is cool in one way , in other , no , espec. if they have rare custom chips .

[@MrDrumsplease]

Great list! I myself would pick the JX and the Matrix 6 over a Juno any day of the week 😊 Never had my hands on an SQ-80 but it's obviously a complete beast!

[@VultureCulture]

I really hope to get a JX10 in the studio one day!

[@henningriez7655]

good choice, but you missed these: roland alpha juno, korg dw8000, casio cz series, casio ht6000 and casio fz sampler

[@VultureCulture]

All great recommendations! I just highlighted the alpha juno and DW-8000 in my video last week: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2fUiXuEabZlp7M Would love to try a CZ at some point! I had an HT-6000 but didn't love it, sounded great but the lack of ease of programming \ patch storage bothered me.

[@mitchelstephen7536]

The SQ-80 is the poor man's Prophet VS. They sound really similar most of the time, except for the solo unison detune on the VS. That gets you into hardcore NIN territory. I should do a comparison someday :) Your DSS1 Sampler can approximate a lot of that. I still think you should buy an 8 bit Microwave with analog filters, I mean the new M isn't that expensive. If you were ever into Depeche Mode you'll love it.

[@VultureCulture]

I would love to get my hands on an original microwave one day

[@mitchelstephen7536]

Well, I've owned a Microwave XT for 24 years now, and totally still love it. It's not as crunchy as the original, bit it's really close. @@VultureCulture

[@asynchronicity]

Surprised you didn't mention SQ80's poly aftertouch

[@VultureCulture]

I am so stupid sometimes 🤦‍♀️

[@doordedeur]

Did I hear a Roland D-50 Fantasia on the SQ-80?

[@TokyoScarab]

I have a huge addiction to various types of ROMplers and while none were on this list, I've always considered them to be a terrific value for some people starting out. I know this video has the caveat of "going up in value", but just had to add my 2 cents :P Though the ones going up aren't exactly a bang for your buck, but I am glad I snagged some of them when I did for a better price like the JD-990! :D Great vid as always! :D

[@jennoscura2381]

Nothing wrong with a good rompler. I have an E-mu Proteus 1. It sounds great. I plan on getting the Proteus 2 since it has the whistle used on the X Files intro. It could be fun to do a cover of that intro using the same whistle used in the original. Espen Kraft has a video where he looks at an old keyboard magazine with an article on the X Files that talks about the Proteus 2 being used for the whistle.

[@VultureCulture]

I'm sure the JD-990 has gone up! Those go for big dollas! I'm doing a best "vintage digital" video soon where I'll be hitting my all time favorite rompler, for sub $400 right now.

[@VultureCulture]

Love the Proteus 1 / 2!

[@TokyoScarab]

@@VultureCulture I luckily ended up snagging one on eBay within the last year for $500 that had the Vintage Synth expansion in it. The expansion wasn't in the listing, it was just a hidden bonus. Wild! I used to joke when the prices started going up is that the 990 referred to how much you were gonna have to spend on it. It still seems to more or less be true atm lol

[@Ambientnauts]

@@TokyoScarab Man what a tremendous score.

[@RoyChartier]

The Matrix 6 sounds amazing, so lush, without a chorus...who needs VCOs when you have DCOs that sound like that!

[@VultureCulture]

Agreed!

[@tomdial2941]

A key to this is that the Matrix 6 (like the Juno and the JX-3P and JX-8P) use the Intel 8253 or 8254 digital timer chip to control an otherwise analog oscillator circuit. In essence, the timer chip is used to trigger the oscillator, but the rest of the circuit is analog, as opposed to direct digital synthesis in things like the Kawai K3. The Matrix 6 and 6R also use multiple master clocks (The Oberheim Matrix 1000 and Junos do not) to avoid unintentional syncing of the oscillators.

[@VultureCulture]

Ahhh that's cool to know about the multiple clocks

[@tomdial2941]

@@VultureCulture Looking at the Matrix 6 schematic again to confirm, I am starting to question my statement. If interested, I will return with a definitive answer. As for the video, I was laughing after watching it since I own 4/5 of the things you reviewed, albeit with variations. Kawai K3M, MKS-30 (same architecture as JX-3P), SQ-80, and Matrix 6R. No Korg DSS, but a EX8000 has been on my wishlist... Not sure I have room for the keyboard in my NYC apartment...

[@VultureCulture]

An NYC apartment is a tight fit for a studio! And yeah I'd love to know if the multiple clocks thing is true if you have the time.

[@travesti71]

Bought a JX3P from a seller for $160....little did I know what I had, broken keys and all...sounds amazing...

[@VultureCulture]

That is fucking incredible!

[@mitchelstephen7536]

The Juno 106 sold for $400 used for 15 years. Sorry, it will always be a $400 dollar synth to me. If I didn't already have a Jupiter 6, the JX-3P sounds really nice.

[@fredlupin]

i have a JX3P (with some problems) and a matrix 1000 ( and an alpha juno 2) I didn't understand why the Juno 106 was so much expensive compared to these 3...I think it s because non keyboardists loved the arpegiator more than the 3P sequencer, en couldnt make music on the 2 others.... But Though i agree with your list and reasons, i have to confess i bought a Jsuper cheap X8P controlled with IPG800, rather than fixing my 3P problems (1 to 8 sounds and functions are not available in any mode, so i can't use the 1 to 8 sounds, nore can i edit sounds as i can't select the correct parameter to edit) And though te 8P is a little less wild, it's an awesome synth if we create our own sounds: presets were designed to compete the digital belly DX7 and it's not the best things it can do imho.... Being able to use the iPG8 ( which also works with alpha juno) is really great! BTW if anyone knows the same kind of app to controll a matrix..... :) :) :) SO though the 3P is probably warmer or grittier than the 8P, (and of course the super jx) i think those 2 brothers are really underrated...JX familly are like J(upiter) eXtended machines in a way....

[@VultureCulture]

I think the JX-8P is just as awesome as the 3P but in different ways - not least of which are velocity and aftertouch! You've got a really sweet setup! Any tips about the JX-8P I should know?

[@wendelllatimer4146]

Love my Korg MS2000 and I had a Trinity that I liked as well.

[@VultureCulture]

@wendelllatimer4146 I love the MS-2000!

[@Ambientnauts]

I dunno man maybe we should give you an invite to the please don't tell everyone else club! LOL. We have Eyes Wide Shut like secret meetings, monogrammed smoking jackets and a secret handshake... Predicting the greatest POLYAT will be the Kurz Midiboard.

[@AEMachinas]

I say spread the love!

[@VultureCulture]

I need to check out the Midiboard! I haven't heard of it!

[@Ambientnauts]

@@VultureCulture Yeah my bad you had Synths in the title. Despite the loud clacky keys if not replaced, the SQ-80 def has that added bonus of being a uniquely sounding synth. People these days are building studios around old MidiBoards. The keys, POLYAT and feel are just a dream.

[@JobimSynthMusic]

@ambientnauts don't worry, people don't listen! I keep telling everyone about synths like those, but they only care about Junos, OB6, moogs and prophets...

[@Ambientnauts]

@@JobimSynthMusic your right! LOL that does happen.

[@robocelot]

Most of these synths are undervalued and overlooked for very good reasons, mostly due to minimal or hobbled UI making programming a chore (which either needs a separate programmer or a CPU upgrades/mods to be reasonably functional). On top of the UI issues the DSS-1 is *heavy and massive* and the SQ-80's keyboard is loud and clacky (brittle foam pads for the aftertouch). Matrix-6 has it's own set of underpowered CPU issues which have been sort of worked around but it still has problems if you feed it too much MIDI information. The JX-3P AND K3 are true underrated classics though. Everyone who turned their noses up at JX-3P and PG-200 combos when they were $200 for the pair are kicking themselves now, especially when Juno-60's continue to climb in price. My list of undervalued vintage synths would include the Chroma Polaris (inexpensive compared to synths that have very similar innards like the SCI Prophet-600 and the Oberheim Xpander, and has a freerunning LFO per voice), Kawai SX-240 (seriously, it's an 8 voice 2xDCO with the Polysix filter and a fairly decent interface), Casio CZ-1, and the MKS-30 if you can get a programmer for it (the JX-3p's kissing cousin in rackmount). The Poly-61 can also be found for under $600 if you are patient...

[@VultureCulture]

I have both a Polaris and SX-240 and I couldn't agree more!

[@oscargrouch8888]

I love the ensoniq synths I have the sd1 and eps but I was always curious about the sq80 and I would love to get one one day . I love the jx3p too I like to play cure songs with the ensoniq keyboards midied to a Roland xp 50 . Can u please help with videos how to combine different synths in sequencers and integrate them with computer software. The matrix 6 sounds incredible and will be the top of my most wanted list

[@VultureCulture]

I am the worst when it comes to sequencers unfortunately 😂

[@aressto]

Superb demos. Your garage is Alibaba's Cave

[@VultureCulture]

I am the luckiest dude 🧞‍♂️

[@aressto]

Matrix 6 has a mind-blowing magic sound

[@VultureCulture]

It took me a while to appreciate that it might be the greatest DCO synth of all time

[@AviPFine]

cool didnt know sq80 had poly at!

[@VultureCulture]

It has a lot of tricks up it's sleeve like VCO phase sync and VCA-4 panning

[@MrQmason]

Matrix - 6 was a powerful beast !

[@VultureCulture]

A really underrated synth! Any other beasts you'd recommend?

[@rivermintofficial]

Awesome stuff

[@VultureCulture]

Thank you very much!

[@cartellimarroni]

Great selection...but I surely add to the list the mighty Roland SH-32 ❤👍

[@VultureCulture]

I haven't heard of the SH-32? What kind of synth is this?

[@cartellimarroni]

@VultureCulture the Roland SH-32 it's a digital Synth from the early 2000 with an unique timber due to his 67 rompler waveforms, easy and complete analogue interface to deepely manipulate sounds and some usefull and wacky skills like "analog feel", chord mode, hold function, programmabile polyphonic arpeggio etc... Despite it is digital it have an alive soul, and some early firmware problems gave it a bad name. Using it after reading the manual and with the last firmware, some people recognized his capabilities and loved it till nowadays. It will be interesting a review and a brief history of this eccentric synth, also because here in KZbin there is no good or recent video about that and that gives him justice.. 👍 In my opinion Roland SH-32 is an hidden gem and one of the most underrated gear 👍 used by "Fuck Buttons" and....me 😆 Check it out, and let me know 🤟 thanks a lot for your answer 🙏 here is an example of it's sound: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4fEoa2eZ7FkbKM&pp=2AFNkAIB

[@cmaynes]

jeez, the DSS1 is like one of the most ugly samplers to work on (doing sampling and mapping) though that being said- it had some amazing sounds, and its synth functions are extremely awesome...

[@cmaynes]

all your other selections are dead on! the K3, which has certainly found a place in the VC inner sanctum is extremely great, and you are doing some great stuff with it! The Matrix 6 is amazing too!

[@VultureCulture]

I have no interest in actually sampling with it lol, but I might upgrade to a Gotek if I can figure out how to load samples onto it.

[@cmaynes]

@@VultureCulture the factory disks are pretty awesome- if you can find it, there is a weird vocally sort of preset on one of the disks (sorry, I cant remember more specifically what one it is, its been like nearly 35 years since I worked with it) called "Exhaust" which to me, has all the iconic quality of the the Fairlight ARRI samples from the Series 2.... it is worth trying to track down!

[@VultureCulture]

I'll go hunting!

[@digitalhillbilly8863]

Oh my. I hated my Matrix 6. So thin sounding compared to the Moogs and Oberheims I had played up to that point. Bought it new when it came out hoping it would ease my weekly labor of tuning and scaling the analog polyphonics in my rig. Was not worth the sacrifice in sound. My most disappointing synth purchase ever.

[@VultureCulture]

Sorry to hear you didn't like the sound! What underrated vintage synths would you recommend?

[@digitalhillbilly8863]

@@VultureCulture That is a very good question. You did a good job finding decent synths on a budget, but before buying a 30-40 year old budget synth with poor sound I would strongly consider a modern alternative, or the Arturia V Collection. I gigged with a MemoryMoog and Rhodes Chroma in the 80's. Now I am happy with my Jupiter X and Arturia collection.

[@VultureCulture]

Arturia is pretty amazing

[@enguerran152]

Kurzweil K2000 could be the cheapest underated Synth...

[@VultureCulture]

The Kurzweil's are definitely synths I've overlooked

[@huntergalloway3944]

Lol I just sold a DSS-1 for 400$. I prefer my Emax and ESQ-1 combo.

[@VultureCulture]

Both amazing synths so I can understand that. Someone got a great deal on your DSS-1!

[@Gerald_Daniel]

I've had an OB-8 that died but I think its a misunderstanding that little matrix have that high end sound of the big ones. In 2pole mode OBX to 8 are the brightest VCFs ever made. I've spent days & nights recreating my favorite patches side by side with gear like Matrix 6 f. i. The clean/fast sophisticated Page 2 modulations can not really be recreated with little Matrix lame processor, not to mention 'bout the sometines annoying side band noises of Matrix 6' cpu. Especially all possible/next to impossible LFO modulations are OB8's playground & sound flawless at any setting & speed, with Matrix 6 definitely not. Budget Matrix are still a cool bargain but just have 4pole VCFs that sounds different than the rising sun of the big one's 2pole. I really know what I'm writing about because I knew OB8 inside out, same as Matrix 6/r/1000 because I have/had all of them.

[@VultureCulture]

No doubt the Matrix doesn't have the sound of the OB-8 (nothing does!) But I'm surprised to hear you say it can't do all the different modulations of the OB-8, I was under the impression that the Matrix 6 had more modulation possibilities than any previous Oberheim aside from the Xpander / Matrix 12.

[@Gerald_Daniel]

You're right. Well I'm Austrian 😂 & in the German speaking area "not really" means it can do but...

[@Gerald_Daniel]

I was more thinking of the different result & surprised that Z80 is way faster/cleaner than Matrix-6 series cpu with its fully linear envelopes f. e. I never understand why they chose linear shapes while OB8 has a mixture of exponential & linear.

[@cmaynes]

The updated roms do make difference… the mod matrix of the dcoOberheim family is a bit closer to the matrix 12 and expander, which certainly have a much more interesting multimode filter than any of the other oberheim synths, though the DCO machines dont share that, the mod matrix opportunities are very powerful.

[@RoyChartier]

Owned an OB-8, own the Matrix 6r...there is no way the Matrix 6 can even get close to the bright lushness you describe...so the OB-8 really is the ultimate pad machine if you're going after warmth and stereo voicing...but, it doesn't hold a candle to the Matrix 6 for the sheer amount of soundscapes it can produce...it is literally a poly modular.

[@SlaserX]

I love these lists, but I would never buy a JX-3P. The System 1 sells for just over $300, and can take a dozen or so plug outs

[@VultureCulture]

The System 1 is monophonic, so I don't think that's a fair comparison. What vintage synths would you recommend?

[@replikantofficial]

@@VultureCultureSystem1 is 4 voice

[@geoffk777]

The DCO vs VCO business on the Matrix 6 is way overblown. The DCOs will drift--in fact there an an autotune command, which you have to run when you turn it on (and once in a while thereafter.) One other thing that I'd mention aout the Matrix 6 is that it only has a mono output and no on-board effects. A stereo chorus and/or Reverb takes the sound to a whole new level, and is highly recommended. I hate people who just buy synths as investments, but you can still get good prices on some early Rolands like the SH-1000 or SH-2000. There were Roland's very first synths from 1973. They sound great and are interesting to play, but they also have historical significance and so are bound to appreciate eventually.

[@VultureCulture]

Agreed about DCO vs VCO - in fact when I got this Matrix from Miami it was so badly out of tune I thought it was broken. After a calibration or two it sounds great - but it certainly can get out of rigid tuning! I definitely need to check out some of those early Roland synths!

[@jennoscura2381]

You should buy a synth to play it not make money off of it. It just drives up prices and makes things less accessible to a lower income person like me. I appreciate VC's videos on cheaper vintage options. I got a K1 because of him. It's a fantastic synth.. I just got an Alpha Juno 1 thanks to VC. Another good addition. I would prefer the AJ2 so I can have 61 keys. But given current AJ2 prices; I am happy with my AJ1. I have the AJ1 and DX7 setup as master keyboards. I can trigger the chord mode on the AJ1 via MIDI and I can send the chords via MIDI by playing the AJ1. So having one less octave worth of keys isn't a huge deal.

[@Ambientnauts]

Agree back when my band had a Matrix 6 I have no idea why we didn't experiment with more efx on it besides a stupid old A.R.T. Multi-efx. The Aphex with big bottom did help it hold the low ground in mixes though.

[@geoffk777]

@@VultureCulture The Roland System 101 is also worth checking out. Complete System 100s are quite expensive now, but the base 101 unit is still pretty common and not too expensive. It's semi-modular, very versatile and sounds great.

[@VultureCulture]

I would definitely like to hear one of those one of these days. Sounds like an SH-2 but with MS-20 flexibility

[@cartellimarroni]

@VultureCulture the Roland SH-32 is a digital Synth from the early 2000 with an unique timber due to his 67 classic and wavetable waveforms (also rom), easy and complete analogic interface to deeply manipulate sounds and some useful and wacky skills like "analog feel", chord mode, hold function, programmabile polyphonic arpeggio etc... Although it is digital it has an alive soul, and some early firmware problems gave it a bad name. Using it after reading the manual and with the latest firmware, some people recognized his capabilities and loved it till nowadays. It will be interesting a review and a brief history of this eccentric synth, also because here in KZbin there is no good or recent video about that and that gives it a justice... 👍 In my opinion Roland SH-32 is a hidden gem and one of the most underrated gear 👍 used by "Fuck Buttons" and....me 😆 Check it out, and let me know 🤟 thanks a lot for your answer 🙏

[@cartellimarroni]

It receives also polyphonic aftertouch...and it is 4 parts multitimbral with stack functions...❤

[@VultureCulture]

That's awesome! Thank you for the info!

[@cartellimarroni]

@@VultureCulture I hope to see it on your Channel 👍😜

[@davidbaker231]

Forget it. Every single one of those is a menu-diving hellscape to use. No knob per function or anything close to it anywhere in sight. Fun factor < 0. I'd have a better time using any number of plugins. If vintage synths had a commodities market I would short the futures on all of these.

[@VultureCulture]

That's really not true - the SQ-80 and K3 have great interfaces. I had a 1-fader-per-function hardware controller made for me for the SQ-80 and ended up selling it because the interface on the synth was actually easier. Plus you can get a Retroaktiv controller for the JX-3P and still spend less than the cost of a Juno 106. What synths would you recommend that are going up in value?

[@davidbaker231]

@@VultureCulture Personally, I wouldn't. I prefer the design, user-experience, reliability and feature sets of modern synths. That Matrix 6 does sound nice, though. If you're a nostalgia buff or collector who likes old synths specifically because they're old, it's different of course.

[@VultureCulture]

Those are all great reasons to play modern synths. I've always been fascinated by these ancient machines.

[@doordedeur]

Imagine you have a Roland Fantom (my case) with thousands of analog-like sounds; too many to choose from. Why would you buy another analog synth with just more than the thousands sounds you already have? Yeah sound quality, but it means an extra synth and an effects-processor, which makes the analog sound digital again. I see no benefit to carry an extra analog synth around on stage. In the studio it would be a total different case. Then every instrument or material that can make sound has its own value.

[@Ambientnauts]

So another super fun and carefully considered journey through some sonic masterpieces. Great takes, thanks for doing this! I wonder if one of the reasons these 4-5 synths were slept on by collectors and producers in the past and these days is branding? I keep thinking of the coincidence, DSS-1, K3, JX-3P, SQ-80... the only one to have it's own Brand or "Name" for name recognition's sake is the Matrix 6. The name Matrix didn't sound real sexy back then before the classic sci fi film. Funny, with one of my old bands back in the mid 90's we used a Matrix 6, Roland W-30 workstation, R8 Drum machine, Vox and occasional Electric Guitar and ethnic percussion - that was it! Despite having to tune the Matrix 6 before every jam or rehearsal or whatever, it's bass sounds and tones were so well worth it. In reflection I wish we would have focused more on utilizing it's emotionally moving pads too. The OBI pad sounds are a different flavor in the pads world. I know their becoming more popular in Worship services these days.

[@VultureCulture]

Branding is spot-on for why these synths are still affordable! Your old band's setup sounds amazing! I'd like to have that setup of synths nowadays 😂 The Matrix 6's "Lushness" preset is jaw-dropping.

[@xnavigator1]

Surly the k2000 can replicate all these synths at a fraction of the prices you are quoting here.

[@VultureCulture]

Currently the cheapest K2000 on Reverb is $600: reverb.com/item/69527913-kurzweil-k2000-v3-1980s-1990s Which is not a fraction but the same price as the first two synths I talked about.

[@xnavigator1]

@@VultureCulture yes but my point was the 2000 is all these synths in one and more. I have a v3 fully loaded sample ram, and latest os on the market £400✌️

[@VultureCulture]

@xnavigator1 that's a great deal - and a phenomenal instrument

[@djkanyon]

Good choices but Korg with floppy discs prolly totally unusable nowadays and in most cases it's beaten to death... which is sad. Korg used to be so great at sampling, and i wish they would made remake or something

[@VultureCulture]

There are many still out there with working floppy drives, and when they do go you can always swap in a gotek emulator.

[@jacobthebatchbandit3092]

@@VultureCulturethe floppy drives like rarely break, it’s litterally the rubber band that spins the drive that usually melts after 30 years but u can replace it with like any random rubber band

[@nagchumpalot]

Old analogs will slowly come down in value.. They are a hassle to maintain and the older generation who created the nostalgic prices are going away slowly, There are to many new and really amazing analog synths out now and are coming out.. The new generation will be more interested in collecting the future classics.. Just my prediction.

[@fredrikh9299]

Agreed. I'd add that Beringer has made the "vintage" hype affordable for music lovers. Like it or not, but it's been too much cork sniffing in the vintage hype.

[@NoffisNoff]

=> Nord G2

[@VultureCulture]

Nord g2 isn't quite vintage yet

[@NoffisNoff]

@@VultureCulture 1998 technically yes ;) i know we are old 😁

[@VultureCulture]

That's the Nord modular, no? G2 came out in 2004. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nord_Modular#:~:text=Nord%20Modular%20G2,-Nord%20Modular%20G2&text=Clavia%20introduced%20the%20first%20generation,generation%20Nord%20Modular%20G2%20series.

[@NoffisNoff]

​@@VultureCulture you right! happy birthday G2 it is now officialy 20 years synth but Mine stay always a crazy piece of gear. I can made modular patches directly on a 4K TV giant screen and wireless keyboard/mouse.😁

[@dodgingrain3695]

Most of the synths on this list really don't sound that great. :(

[@VultureCulture]

What are some vintage synths you think sound great?

[@fredrikh9299]

Buy a Behringer analogue clone instead. Parametric programming kills the fun of synthesizers. And impossible to twaek live. Thats why they're cheap.

[@VultureCulture]

The K3 and SQ-80 actually have really fantastic interfaces.

[@westbethkid]

I love my Matrix 6--though be careful because my finger went right through the membrane "yes" button it was worn out so much. I kind of "DIY" fixed it with tape, but the resale value is in the toilet... not that I would ever sell it🙂🙃

[@VultureCulture]

Whoa! I'm glad to hear you were able to "fix" it and that your Matrix 6 got so much use that you wore out the membrane!

[@9KznfiS87f7]

Just found this video, wonderful sounds. Do you do all your own programming? Now I need to go through all your other videos. This one makes me feel especially fortunate since I picked up a few SQ-80s when they were going from $300 to $400 on eBay. Although my first one cost me a few thousand so I suppose that cancels out my good fortune. I'm really getting into the SQ-80's moving waveforms. PS: If those lions attack that skunk, they'll be really surprised.

[@VultureCulture]

Hahahahah 🦨

[@sK3LeTvM1]

You forgot many others like : Waldorf XTK, Waldorf Q, Yamaha TG77, Roland JD990, Kawai K5000, Roland JP8080, and many, many other digital synths that will become vintage in only a few years. Please do not forget that for people who were born i.e. 2000, and currently have the age of 23, old analogs from the 70's and 80's simply will be out of reach. So they will be looking at the digitals of the 90's - 2000's... WHY AM I SAYING THIS ????

[@VultureCulture]

Hahaha. I still think a lot of the synths for the 70's - 80's will be the classics, however, I do love that "vintage digital" category a lot and my next video will be covering my faves