Woody's top 5 synths of all time!

[@NURREDIN]

i sold my Juno 106 and regret it every day.

[@newpianotutorials]

The Korg M1 when it came out though sounded like nothing else - and it was a full workstation - loved that keyboard

[@mmtech3874]

It still sounds like nothing else, the materials are far superior to what is used now a days I had a little Jam with a friend owning a Kronos, I had my M1 with was connected to an Arturia Beat Step Pro! Kronos destroyed me on the realistic sounds, and that was it. When we started with futuristic sounds, pads and weird effects I felt like Zeus's lightning was brightening in my bare palms. Moreover the way the M1 cut into the mix is UNIQUE. Best ever made workstation for me. I have many synths and keys but that Korg is forever plugged to my mixer, because nothing cut the mix like the M1!

[@gobigparts]

@@mmtech3874 Still have my M1 and still play it the most. I got the Juno 106 with the presets which I feel makes a easier to use all around better synth than the Juno 6 choosen here. I also have a DX7 II FD. Love some of those classic sounds like E pianos, and organs.

[@subwaygaragemusic]

I also loved my M1. I replaced my broken one with an M1Rex and it's a beast now purely because of the addl. 4MB T3 ROM!

[@subwaygaragemusic]

@@gobigparts I remember using the organ patch on the MkII on bank 1 and be able to nail Tony Banks' (Genesis) organ sound.

[@gobigparts]

@@subwaygaragemusic That's awesome. Because I have the IID with modified added factory disk drive it is now a IIFD. I usually have a blues bank loaded in and keep the factory bank on my cartridge. The blues bank came from the music store I bought it from. The sales guy was a great keyboardist for a blues band. He let me copy all of his disks. I must have 6 of them with 8-12 banks each. I use one called Drawbars. Sounds Like a hammond B3 and can use the slider to add more toned down version or more of a screamer version depending where I move the slider data entry control. Also the modulation wheel adds the leslie. Pretty cool. Best B3 sound there was until B3 emulators started coming out.

[@djdigital3806]

My top five synthesizers are: 1. Krog M1 2. Yamaha DX7 3. Roland D-50 4. Mini Moog 5. Krog Wavestation EX Just got my paws on a M1😊

[@willfomes406]

Number 2 on that list is a Synthesizer that is one of the deepest desires of my heart.

[@rm2kmidi]

@@willfomes406 I have one. It is definitely worth getting, even if it's just the module version.

[@mutzbunny]

i just bought a M1 for 100 bucks, damn i love this thing but my list looks like that: 1. Korg Triton 2. Yamaha DX7 3. Korg M1 4. Roland SH 201 5. Roland D 10/50

[@bernardogui3933]

great video as usual. I am an old guy and when the Yamaha DX7 came out it was amazing. So cheap, many alternatives to create sounds and so easy to recreate acoustic instruments and analog synths. It was an easy and affordable instrument to the working musicians. After that, for another reasons, the Korg M1 was amazing too but it was expensive.

[@matszh]

I actually agree on the D10. I used it multi-timbrally with a MMT-8 sequencer, which opened a new world of composing possibilities. The best synths are those that make you do the best music.

[@1mchartmann]

These are my favorites and I have had and still have some of these, 1 Roland D50, 2 Yamaha DX7, 3 Korg Wavestation, 4 Korg M1, 5 Roland JD 800. I still have the D50 also a D10, Korg Wavestation, Yamaha CS2x and a Korg O3W/r

[@manuwilder]

Very interesting listing man ! I'm proud to own 3 ROLAND : JUNO D, JDXI, SH201 and the so famous Yamaha DX7 (the same version chocolate made in 1983). This one is very difficult to master but with patience I know it's an unlimited source of sounds. Thanks for your video, you make me sure to get good synths at home.

[@kevinw5093]

Just purchased a Juno 106. To my ears this thing never needs to apologise it just sounds amazing. When I listen to boutique or plugins I find myself trying to qualify why it really sounds not too bad !

[@masterchain3335]

I have not owned a lot of synths but can judge some by their software versions or just having heard them. I do own a TG77 which is my number one favorite. Love the Korg Wavestation, the Casio CZ line, Ensoniq ESQ-1, and of course the Prophet 5. I love all synths though! So many great ones to choose from.

[@SniffyPoo]

I love how you present the list with so much enthusiasm

[@godzilla12332]

My top one is the Roland Jupiter 80 I've owned it for a year and it does synth pads so well

[@ingenious4t]

godzilla12332 I agree on that one the sounds were big, fat and bellowing. Only bit I struggled with was the architecture, very steep learning curve. Extremely underrated machine.

[@godzilla12332]

and of course the accustic sounds (organs pianos ECT) sound awesome. Its been my all on one for awhile

[@garywright3628]

It's a fantastic synth in it's own right, but it should never have been labeled as a Jupiter...... Roland were cashing in on an iconic name to sell more units. Apart from the colour scheme it has nothing in common with the original. I just wish they had called it a Saturn instead perhaps... Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those "analogue purists", far from it, I'm a huge fan of digital synths and actually prefer them, But the original Jupiter was a big fat (now legendary) analogue polysynth whereas the 80 is not.

[@godzilla12332]

Gary Wright I think it still has a lot of the ideas from the Jupiter. But your right it's not that similar at all (it's analog simulation is pretty good but that's besides that point of the what the Jupiter 8 was mainly used for )

[@SPAZZOID100]

godzilla12332 mehhh. Jupiter-8!!!

[@Mikeg73070]

Any love for the SY-77?? My first real synth was the Yamaha SY-77 ... great keyboard back in the day.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

definitely! would love to try one :)

[@gerrylop3476]

The motor of the SY77 is AWM2, (isnt like DX7) but the sound od SY 77 and SY99, are great to) check in vintagesynth

[@Roboprogs]

I never actually saw one back in the day (I needed to get out more, perhaps), but the demos on youtube sound pretty good. Poor man's substitute: Casio rompler layered with iPad FM synths :-) (that said, there is a lot of cool stuff out there for the iPad, but that's a completely different discussion)

[@projectptube]

they did... Montage is amazing.

[@MatthewChristianMurray]

I have an SY77. It can do so much. I love it!

[@michaelmewis4761]

Fabulous list Woody! Loved the Juno 6 back in the day :) My top 5 synths: 1. Korg 01w/fd (never to be beaten in my world) 2. Roland Juno 6 4. Korg Triton Classic 4. Roland D-50 5. Korg DW 6000

[@TransistorBased]

Hey, the CZ series got mentioned in a video about top 5 synths. Possibly the first time in history since most people don't even know they exist.

[@miguelrejas5034]

Not only the CZ Series was memorable.. but the VZ1 synth.. they both, were the best synths delivererd by Casio OF ALL TIMES.

[@Breakbeat90s]

idk how it was 2 years ago, but holy shit are CZ keyboards expensive now

[@robertbmxpa]

interesting, just getting back into synths, have a CZ-5000 with cartridges in storage. Might have to revisit it.

[@TransistorBased]

@@robertbmxpa they sound great. You won't regret it

[@2kBofFun]

@@Breakbeat90s A nice looking 101 is, but the big beasts are afordable. CZ5000 is not that expensive.

[@charbax]

Yup I got the D-10 as my second synth when I was 12 years old I think. I still have it, but having a hard time still powering it on, sometimes fidgeting with the power adapter it would still power on, I think the power thing inside broke. I never got to figure out the advanced features of it though just using the basic sounds and recording my compositions through my sequencer app was all I was doing with it.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

that's what it did best, i don't remember doing much deep editing, just splits and layers. but it was brilliant at the time for sequencing. hope yours lives to play another day.

[@rcz2439]

The D10 was my first synth too and I love it!

[@tedkord1968]

I've got a D-20 that has been in it's box in a closet for the past 25 years (bought it used and at the time it smelled so badly of cigarettes I couldn't stand it.) Pulled it out the other day and plugged it in, still works. The smell has finally faded.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

ugggh, need to take that board apart and sterilize it

[@beloyaraistov8007]

1) Matrixbrute 2) Novation mininova 3) Clavia Nord Lead 4) Roland Sh-5 5) & all modular synthesizers :)

[@danwentz]

Great list, I gave my mark1 to my brother Chris, sold my Juno 6 for more than I paid for it. My first poly as well. “Subdivisions!!”

[@tronlady1]

My god This guy always looks so well it’s unbelievable!!!

[@ColdGrayMorning]

My Top5: 1. Roland Juno-106 2. Yamaha DX7 3. Casio CZ-101 4. Ensoniq SQ-80 4. Roland D-50

[@breezybird403]

Thanks for mentioning Ensoniq. I have the Ensoniq KS-32. I isn't portable, but has served me well for almost 25 years.

[@bradleyhove4177]

Agree with your list except I'd put the Juno 60 way over the 106

[@AndyVonal]

Big shout out for the Ensoniq!

[@LuciferXFallen290]

Paradigma MinimalWave yeah the Roland Juno-106 has a good sound

[@TallSomeone]

Gutsy CZ nomination!

[@theothertonydutch]

My top five of all time: 1. Korg Volca Keys 2. Korg Volca Keys 3. Korg Volca Keys 4. Korg Volca Keys 5. Korg Volca Keys Yeah, it's a bit of a joke, but after the monotribe, these are really the synthesizers that helped me get into synths and I carry a pair of them with a volca beats and a keystep in my everywhere set-up. All runs on powerbanks too.

[@TransistorBased]

I'll absolutely agree on the Lead 2X. It's a monster, and I haven't even tapped into the multi-timbral abilities yet. My huge gripe is that it has no BPM sync, it's just 'rate'. So I'd need an external clock to use it with my band.

[@toddbruseau4106]

Play whatever it takes by pillar with lyrics

[@philwilkes222]

Interesting list - my first poly synth was the Roland D-10.

[@1000sofusernames]

My old man used to gig with a Carlsbro and a DW8000. I did some awesome tuneless widdling on that!

[@lfomelody756]

Great List Woody! My list: 1-Casio Cz1 / 2-Minimoog / 3-Roland JV80 / 4-Korg MS10 / 5-Roland JD800 (Wish List: 1-Memorymoog / 2-OBXa / 3-ARP2600 / 4-NED Synclavier / 5-EMS VCS3)

[@noclu9683]

Woody, I agree....saw this when it first came out, don't know why I didn't comment then. I learned on the MS-20, my first two purchases (new, I'm that old) were the Pro One and the Juno 60; still have them... of all my gear (won't even try to list, it's a disease), the Juno is the most intuitive machine I've ever run across, and the sound! I'll probably be buried with them. Love your videos.

[@GrootsieTheDog]

1. Korg Minilogue XD - Workflow, performance, build, aesthetics, & sound A+. Sequencer limited. 2. Korg EMX - Aesthetics second to none! Build, sound, workflow, performance A+ True classic. 3. Vintage Gold MicroKorg - Great aesthetic design - Only 700 made for US distribution. Polyphonic digital analogue for lovely sound design. 4. Roland Groovebox 909 - Crappy build but spectacular in every way + sampling capabilities. 5. Dedicated to all the gear I’ve loved before: Roland XP (HIGHLY underrated), Yamaha SY 85 (my first), SP-202 (my first sampler), Roland SH-32 (diamond in the rough), Medusa (what a short, strange trip it was).

[@desmoriderssthlm552]

My top 5 synths I owned (between -85 and -95) are: 1. Roland D50 2. Yamaha SY-77 3. Korg M1 4 Ensoniq ESQ-1 (becuase of the great internal sequencer) 5. Casio CZ-5000 (my first ever synth)

[@EyezerProductionz]

1. Access Virus TI 2. Access Virus C 3. Novation Ultranova 4. Roland Juno-60 5. Roland JP-8000/8080

[@jadeone]

the detune on the jp-8000 🥺

[@jeffblack5024]

The synths that made me go "Wow" when I first heard them in a shop (though not necessarily the best ever and I'm including soft synths): 1. Roland D50 2. Korg Prophecy 3. Omnisphere 4. SCI Pro-One (and also U-He Pro-1) 5 Roland JP8080 (both 2 & 5 were stolen from me in a burglary - a dark day)

[@surfghost9121]

Great choices, I've had and loved a few of them. I'd like to give an honorable mention to the Akai AX60. Absolute beast of a synth I wish I still had. Could split the keyboard, arpeggiator, doubler, chorus and other effects, like a Juno 60 on steroids.

[@SaxyCalzone]

I'd love to see you talk about the Roland JD-800. Probably my favorite old synth.

[@MegaXMARKX]

The melody played on the Roland D20 remind me a string sequence from a movie Karate Tiger 1 - No retreat no surrender when Jason felt in a sleep and a ghost of Bruce Lee apeared at abandoned house.

[@irishmusico]

I loved my M1 and DX7S. The 01w fd had some fantastic sounds. The Korg Trinity I had for 13 years was a great workhorse. I recently got a Kronos which I am still getting my head around is amazing. I put all the DX7S sounds into it so its like I got that keyboard back again. The amount and type of sounds it produces is amazing. Definitely my favourite one now. Ask me again in 13 years.

[@daze1945]

I still have my MT32 and CZ1000. 😉

[@av3nger3]

I figured it would be a Roland Juno 106...but the 6 is pretty much the same thing...I am glad that the 6 is your favorite!

[@Grinder-one]

Great video. Hearing you play the intro to electric dreams on the Juno6 takes me way back....the amount of times I tried to recreate that intro myself back in the 80's on my PSS35(or whatever it was) using vibes and strings....well, great memories :)

[@robertsteinberger5667]

I wonder why the prophet 5 (or 6) or the oberheimer is not mentioned so often in the comments below. I certainly dont know all synths but these impressed me most so far.....

[@William_sJazzLoft]

These are some great mentions, Woody. It should be observed that Roland has a great track record going back to its founding In the immediate post-War years. Not only that but they bought the rights to the Rhodes piano. It would come as no surprise to me if some or all of their synths had a general midi for an EP. Korg pulled off a coup of its own when it bought the rights to ARP and revived the 2600 and the Odyssey. During the 80s the Yamaha dx7 did combat with the Fairlight CMI in terms of appearances on platinum selling pop/dance tunes. I know that Whitney Houston and Kenny Loggins were typical of the names that benefitted from it. The Nords are pricey but excellent boards made in Scandinavia. Beyond that, I don't know much about them. Great video!

[@DigitalX2008]

In the mid 80s i fell in Love with Korg DS-8 and DSS-1 This old Sampler has had so much Charme

[@K1psy2]

1. Sequential Circuits Prophet 5 2. Roland Jupiter 8 3. Yamaha DX7 4. Korg M1 5. Nord Lead 2X

[@SeverityOne]

My personal favourite is my silver Yamaha EX5. I don't think there's anything on the market, even 20 years after it came out, that has the breadth of sounds that this synth has: S&S, virtual analogue, virtual acoustic and the unique FDSP. Flawed in many ways (45 minutes to load 64 MB from hard disc isn't really acceptable), but what a synth.

[@miguelrejas5034]

It is a fantastic instrument! In fact, is my list.. of course we talk about iconic synth and ws. This one with the EX7 are synth of cult. 😉

[@keyboardbw]

Yep, agree! And seeing how much the old EX5r are sold for now, many others agree. Have an old Ex7 but really want the EX5r

[@SeverityOne]

@@keyboardbw I used to have an EX5R before I got the EX5. It's marginally easier to carry, but it's a very big box (also depth-wise), almost entirely empty, and it kinda misses the directness of an instrument with keys.

[@colecosby5632]

So nice to hear some OMD

[@sotirisgalanos2757]

My first synth was a korg triton le, still have it now with allot of custom sounds

[@stuartduncan2772]

Just watched this and realised that I still own a Juno 60 and an M1. Problem is that I loaned them to friends and forgot about them and now I've no idea where they are. I also had a D10 and several D5's. Really didn't like them though but they were cheap but they served their purpose at the time.

[@cakebabyman5090]

My synth right of passage has been: Roland Juno 6, Yamaha DX7, Crumar Bit 99, Roland Jupiter 6, Roland S50, General Music Gem??, Nord Modular G2, Kurzweil PC3X, Dave Smith Pro 2, Studiologic Sledge, Korg Electribe 2 Sampler, Moog Mother 32, Arturia DrumBrute, Arturia MatrixBrute

[@alexcrow2545]

I've noticed that D-20 is sold at my local shop and cost at 6000yen (approax. $60) ... very cheap. Well I've just now decided to purchase that after seeing your video reports. "Soundtrack" tone is the most unique and impressive one. Thanks for nice demo.

[@CHESEABUN]

My top synths of all time in no particular order:- 1. Roland SH101 bought in 1984 my first synth. sold in 1991 for £30! Why did I do that? 2. Yamaha SY85 still have to this day. It’s the sequencer and additional sample sounds you can upload. 3. Korg Radias still have to this day. Great sounds and vocoder plus great editing of sounds. 4. Roland D50. Still have to this day. Great lush padding sounds. 5. Korg poly 800. My first polyphonic synth. Sold in the late 80’s

[@GrootsieTheDog]

BALLAN PARKWAY SY85 was my first synth and I loved it. I still have the card for it...thinking someday I will get ahold of one.

[@mikeexits]

Heard someone describe the Korg Wavestation as all the high points of the D50 x10.

[@epicsynthwave]

The D10 was also my first synth and I have fond memories creating lots of sounds on it, using an editor on the Atari STe. It was quite precursory at the time. Some of my patches actually got published in Keyboard magazine. These were the days...

[@summerswinterer9247]

Great list. The other synth channels covet the Juno 6 with few equals one of those being the Oberheim OB-X .

[@smorsh]

Nice choice :) '87 brought a CZ-101 with pocket money. Swapped my BMX for an Atari ST1024. Working on a building site during summer of '88 & '89 got my D10 and DX7. Happy Dayz (music can change the world) xx

[@WoodyPianoShack]

great story, swap building site for greengrocers and it sounds so similar to my journey.

[@bobforsyth1437]

I started with the Roland Juno 6 back in 1982 - brilliant first synth. Followed by DX-9 for a few years, Then the incredible D-20 which was a game changer as great workstation. Recently upgraded to Roland FA-06 - great sounds but still trying to work out how to use properly.

[@MrRangodingo]

Great presentation! My first synth was a Roland D-20 (1999). My friend had a Roland D-10 and I always thought his sounded better. Is it possible? Also, I loved your vid on the D-50. It sounds massive!

[@liamwescott9264]

Ah, a nice trip down Memory Lane. I have a Yamaha CS1x which I purchased in 1999. It is such a nice keyboard and one I don't want to part with any time soon.

[@CKSampleIII]

Have you tried the Yamaha Reface DX? I just picked one up for under $300 and love it. It's not a DX7, but it's sort of like a portable DX7. Yes it has minikeys, but again portable, and their the best minikeys I've ever played and work nicely as a portable MIDI controller too.

[@Roboprogs]

From what I've seen, the Reface is a bit like a DX11 in a DX100 body with a built in effects unit - of course I'm glossing over quite a bit, but that seems to be the gist of it.

[@gcmproductions3499]

Great list my top 5 are Roland d50 Yamaha dx7 Korg m1 Roland juno 106 Roland jv series

[@plazasta]

2:00 I was NOT expecting that! My jaw literally dropped when that happened!

[@weschilton]

I wanted a D50 for a long time and was about to buy one when the D70 came out and I went with that... I wish I still had it, it was awesome. I also loved my Korg O1W which I sold pretty quickly because I got a Mac with Logic 1.0 and it was so much easier to use than a workstation keyboard.

[@Arachnosoft]

Very nice list, Woody! And I was very pleased to watch the last bit of your video, as I was ABSOLUTELY sure... you'd have chosen the D-50 AND the Korg M1 :p My current owned synths list, along with the year I got them (from the first I bought to my most recent addition): - Roland MT-32 (bought in 2005 to enjoy "high-end" music from these old MS-DOS games I always heard with AdLib/Sound Blaster back in the time, like most of us did. Back then, the Munt emulation project was absolutely insignificant. - Korg X5DR - 2006 (as someone already said here, some very nice 90's-like presets and a decent, not-so-heard General MIDI mode) - Roland SC-8850 - 2007 (as a GM enthusiast, I HAD to own a Sound Canvas as well. I was blessed enough to find one on eBay with European specs back in the time.) - Yamaha MU1000 - 2007 (same reasons as above. Felt even more lucky to find one, as the top-end MU models (1000 and 2000) were mainly sold in Japan.) - Roland D-550 - 2009 (yes, I HAD to own a D-50. Such a legend... Still the best sounding I own, to be honest. Such a beast. But yes, I understand why it didn't reach your #5 spot. Its lack of General MIDI capabilities is sometimes frustrating. Even its "small cousin", the MT-32, is actually better on that particular point.) - Korg M1R-ex - 2010 (same as above.) And, yeah, I still own all of them. But I stopped buying hardware synths as well ;) Two facts you should probably enjoy reading: - my MT-32 is actually the second unit I owned. The first one I bought suffered from a huge background hiss noise I couldn't solve myself, with my poor electronic capabilities. I discussed this issue on the board ran by the QuestStudios website back then, by huge enthusiasts of Sierra's game music (most prolific game company using the MT-32). Seeing that I was sad with my MT-32 experience, a member named Laust ultimately offered me to send my faulty unit to him in Denmark (I live in France!) so he could fix it, and sent back one of his own modified units in return, at no charge! It was an absolute bargain to me... so, even if I never opened it, I know I own a unique MT-32 ;) Unfortunately, the forum seems to be gone nowadays, although the website is still alive and maintained by the same founder (Tom Lewandowski). So, unless I can find some tracks on WebArchive, I can't go back to the forum thread I opened, which had nice pictures of my now-own unit! - all my synths being standard-size or half-size racks, they actually all fit... in two Ikea Rast nightstands! Much, much cheaper than real rackable stuff to hold them, no? :) Did you know this nightstand's' width perfectly matches the standard width of a rackmount unit? If you haven't already tried this, you should! Moreover when you live in Sweden, no excuse to avoid buying Ikea stuff :p (The overfamous Lack tables also fit, actually.) www.reddit.com/r/synthesizers/comments/5lo0dg/built_my_own_custom_ikea_rast_studio_rack/ My own setup, with pictures (in French): fr.audiofanzine.com/ikea/forums/t.587890,exemple-de-home-studio-ikea-gamme-2015-plateau-linnmon-et-tables-ikea-rast.html I recently moved to another location, so I still have to rebuild this Ikea hack setup... Will try to enhance it ;)

[@WoodyPianoShack]

loved the pictures, nice clean setup, i like that too. great to hear from another MT-32 fan. I wanna get one but they are hard to find, the retro DOS gamers are buying them up. They were rather hissy even when new, especially in the reverb. i'm gonna investigate the munt vst plugin version.

[@LetThereBeDrums]

I started with a Technics KN2000 and then a Korg X3. Then sold the KN2000 to buy a Nord Stage 76 which is my personal favorite. Then I found an old Korg M1 of which I mostly enjoyed replacing the battery and restoring the factory presets. Then I sold the M1 and Nord Stage to buy a Roland digital drum kit... Haven't played any keys for 10 years now. Became a gigging drummer instead but I still have the X3... Keep it up Woody!

[@PastTime777]

Korg 01W/FD Hammond XK-2 (with Neo Ventilator) That's my main rig. I have a Rhodes 88 which stays home. Also have a Korg PS60 as a backup but that's it. I never got GAS all these years. But I get to play a Korg Kronos 88 and Hammond XK-5 with a Leslie 3300 at our rehearsal studio and on our Three Dog Night (3DN) gigs. The Kronos is amazing.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i love the retro vibe to your rig! the 01/w is just as good today as when it was released. xk2 is a fab clonewheel. nice.

[@celebritiesnow7589]

Hey woody what is your favorite Synthsizer?

[@illphil82yo]

The Yamaha dx7 sounded like a Sega Genesis! My first synth was a Korg N364. I then got a Micro Korg, MS2000B and a red Karma! I have since sold them all and regret it! Just downloaded the Korg iWavestation app on my iphone and lost track of time for a couple hours!

[@KC-km6of]

These are personal favorites for various reasons. Also listing songs made with some of them. 5. Fairlight CMI - never owned one, played one once. It's capabilities for it's time speak for itself. Yes - Owner of a Lonely Heart 4. Moog - not any specific model in particular, just the influence Moog had on music. ELP - Luck Man 3. Korg Wavestation - have the A/D and SR versions. Nothing like them since. Genesis - Hold on My Heart (and many others) 2. Korg 01W - my gigging synth for many years. Never failed me and always had enough variety of sounds to cover most styles. 1. Magnus Chord Organ - ok, I realize its not a synth, but it is my #1 because it was the first instrument I ever played (I must have been around 5 yrs old). It got me into music and 45 years later, I have a room full of instruments and still have the Magnus. BTW, it still works! A few honorable mentions: Korg Microstation - unbelievable sounds in a small package with on-board sequencer. It's become my go to for practice sessions and for it's sheer portability while still having a big sound. Yamaha DX series - defines the 80's music sound.

[@subwaygaragemusic]

I also picked up the Wavestation purely because of Tony Banks.

[@riseofthemachine2623]

The Wave Station SR is one of the top four (can't decide the fifth) in my studio. The other three are a Minimoog Model D, Korg Arp Odyssey and Roland Juno-60...#5 could be my Oberheim Matrix 1000 or Korg TR Rack :)

[@anoniconoclast2030]

Can't wait to see his review of the Prophet 5 rev4!

[@madness8556]

My top 5 synths (all sold): Korg T3EX Korg Z1EX Korg Triton Classic Roland XV3080 (fully expanded) Korg Wavestation AD Other synths that I owned and loved at the time : Roland JV1080 (I had 3 of them fully expanded with SRJV boards) Korg Wavestation SR Alesis S4 Plus Korg Trinity Plus Korg Trinity Rack Korg DW8000 Kurzweil PC361 Emsoniq TS12 Korg 01WFD Roland TB303

[@rm2kmidi]

I have the software version of the Wave station from the legacy collection. It didn't really stand out to me. I love the M1 vst.

[@JgHobley]

Top 5 synth I've owned... 5 Roland Juno 6, 4 Novation Supernova, 3 Access Virus, 2 ARP Omni 2 (sort of a synth), 1 Nord Lead 3. Pity they all sounded rubbish when I played them 😂

[@WoodyPianoShack]

too bad! just like when I try a high-end guitar. :)

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

I couldn’t broach my top five favorite synthesizer models among the ones that I’ve owned. I’ve enjoyed each of them for something different and how they all complement each other. If I have to choose five, I’ll choose all of them.

[@riseofthemachine2623]

Hi Woody - Here is my list...I am assuming they are synths that we own/owned? 1. Roland Juno-60 2. Moog Minimoog Model D 3. Korg Arp Odyssey 4. Korg Wavestation SR 5. Tie game - Oberheim Matrix 1000/Korg TR Rack/Roland JV-1080

[@WoodyPianoShack]

that was my policy yes, hard to judge a synth, or have a fondness for it if you've never owned, great list! lucky to own a mini :)

[@pizzagogo6151]

Hi Woody, thanks again, very interesting to hear your opinions . Completely different to mine of course:) .( Nords are so rare here ive never even seen one in a store) I wouldn't say its a top favorite ( I do own one) can suggest you try a Kawai K5000s someday? To me it has the best keybed & build quality of any synth I know. You may not like the unusual synth method used ( but if you like DX & wavestation maybe you will). Another advantage is they can be picked up very cheaply! my personal top 5:, prophet 5, jv1080, Roland JP8000, JD-xa, toss up between yamaha sy77 or ex5. cheers!

[@AnalogAudio1]

My top 5 synth of all time: 1. Micromoog 2. Roland Juno-60 3. Oberheim Matrix-6 4. Yamaha TG77 5. Korg MS-20

[@theeltea]

Why the TG77 and not SY99? (I have a TG77 and would love to have a 99)

[@Kosmo999]

Are those the 5 you own?

[@AnalogAudio1]

@@theeltea The TG77 has 8 individual outputs, also I don't need the sequencer, the floppy drive, the heavy keyboard...

[@AnalogAudio1]

@@Kosmo999 I own much more ;-) but those 5 are my top synths

[@ingenious4t]

Nice list Woody, thank you for sharing. I almost forgot about the Juno 06, interesting choice for the top slot.

[@leogoulart7229]

You are amazing, Woody! Congratulations for your videos quality!

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Tell me Woody, did somebody else help you get the CZ 1000 and the MT 32? For my own part, the first synthesizer that I paid for with my own money was not the QS6 that I was given in February 1997 but the Axxe Mark II which I bought in August 2000. “Enola Gay - you should’ve stayed at home yesterday!” Has the 2X got aftertouch as with the 3?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

no at on nl2x, i started working at 16 and started buying my own gear shortly after, CZ1000, CZ101, Casio SK5, tr909, D10 :)

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

I dig it. And, thanks for your response, @@WoodyPianoShack.

[@jacobhn2]

I have an Akai miniak that is a little hard to control but the sound is nice, I like the filters there and that you can put a guitar in it and get a fun sound. I'm considering a north lead 2x.

[@n8goulet]

My top 5 synthesizers (as of 2021) 1. My laptop full of soft synths 2. Yamaha MODX 3. Korg M1 4. Oberheim OB-X 5. ARP Pro Soloist As far back as 1985, as I mentioned in comments before, I dreamed of the concept of having software reproductions of all my favorite synths used by my favorite bands. Soft synths on the Amiga back then scratched the surface and gave a taste of future. It was a very long wait since my Amiga soft synths, but the VST format some 15 years later really delivered what I envisioned back in 1985 and with in the past decade has really delivered. How can any hardware synth beat what computers can do for synths? New sounds or old sounds, pretty hard to beat it for versatility, portability or cost. The MODX has become my favorite hardware synth in the past 2 years. I prefer it over the Montage for the same reasons I love the soft synths. It's packed with power (for a hardware synth), probably has the most sound libraries any hardware keyboard can tap into consider it can use Montage sounds, the entire best selling MOTIF series of the past 20 years, DX7 sounds, TX816 & TX802 sounds. I think that's more sound collections one can tap into than any other hardware synth other than it's big brother, the Montage. As a gigging musician, weight is a big factor for me, and with greater than 50% cost savings over Montage, MODX is the winner for me easily. The Korg M1 as you know, was the best selling synth of all time. For for great reasons. In 1988 ground breaking software in terms of sounds. But over time, what made it the best selling synth is really the software. Sure the newer Korg's included these features and more. But Korg expected the user to abandon the largest collection of synth sounds available next to the DX7, and a lot of great sounds existed in M1 format. People like me felt I'd be giving up more than I'd gain in an upgrade without retaining M1 compatibility. Even next to Kronos, I still feel the M1 has a lot of great sounds that out due a lot of what I hear out of the Kronos, with nothing similar other than maybe the factory presets. The MODX knocked my M1 out of first place because it is so versatile over all, and more portable. Still, the M1 can make a lot of great sounds the Montage/MODX can't. My M1's now live mainly as software, but I have two real ones in storage. Hadn't played a show without them since they came up until....MODX. The Oberheim synths from the original "4 Voice" through the OB-8 remain my favorite "traditional" sounding analog synths. I love the famous sounds from this synth, used in a lot of my favorite music. These instruments can also do a great job of replicating a lot of the sounds from the Mini Moog & the Prophet V, so I'd probably go with an OB-X or one in the family. After waiting almost a decade to even try one, I almost bought an OB-8 in the mid 90s. A store shipped one from another store in the chain for me to try, no obligation. I spent hours playing it, and it sounded fabulous. It wasn't cheap, but I was willing to spend the money. The problem......It didn't fit in the trunk of my sedan. The case was extra wide. The world of PC software synths had just started. I had a MIDI interface for mine, a decent $2000 laptop and I said to myself "some day I will have these sounds of of my laptop". I could see it coming. I had some of them before long, but it was a long wait before a full OB-X series VST synth came out. But once it happened, really nailed it. Another synth beside the OB-X series a lot of my favorite bands used was the ARP Pro Soloist. Genesis used it as their main lead synth in the 70s. It featured a very unique "aftertouch" effects section, which makes it perhaps the most expressive lead synth I've ever heard. Your English (I think), and a synth enthusiast. Surely someone must have told you to listen to "Selling England by the pound" or one of their many great albums? I didn't hear this era of the band myself until they hit it huge in the 80s and I discovered their earlier catalog. Times got harder, and I sold my original 1973 era Pro Soloist. Part of the reason was a software version had finally come out. In my A/B tests out of a keyboard amplifier I estimate it sounded roughly 95% the same. So it never really left my setup, but just in the "fun" physical form factor. I was a huge fan of the Casio CZ series, the first hardware synth I owned was a CZ-101. For many decades now, I've owned two CZ-1000's and two CZ-1's. Though I still love these synths, I now have software models of exactly the kinds of synth sounds I was trying to copy with the CZ's, but extra expression with knobs and sliders. While anyone insisting on the hardware route would find the CZ's to be wonderful, I now prefer the software models of the classic analog synths I emulate. Still, there are some patches I have not found anything similar. But like "most" classic synths, in only recent years, the CZ's were too emulated via VST synths, and sysex patchs can load in just like many recreations.

[@MatthewZmusician209]

I possess a D-20 right now and I absolutely love it.

[@pecne]

I wish I could buy all the synths in the world.

[@keyboardkingpin]

I'm working on it.

[@zappedguy]

My first synth (which I still use) is an Ensoniq VFX-SD. Has a built in sequencer with the capability of adding tracks while playing the original track, velocity and aftertouch keyboard, floppy drive for loading different sound banks and for saving sequences. You could play 3 different sound combinations simultaneously. I could go on forever with its virtues. Other synths of the era might have had better sounds but not the simplicity and versatility of getting great results. I added a flute solo to a sequenced song that fooled a professional flute player! It sounded natural due to the velocity adding chiff sounds and aftertouch adding vibrato. I also have a Yamaha S80, whose claim to fame is it's great piano touch and sounds. I loved the Roland D50 sounds but could never afford one. It would be fun to have a sound bank with it's sounds to add to what I have.

[@dennisristow2102]

Counting down from 5 to 1: #5, The Roland SH-101. My first proper synth. I had a few CasioTone keyboards with the built in rhythms, but you always remember your first. #4, Moog Prodigy. Got it used, and the Decay in the Filter envelope never worked, but it had a great Moog sound. It's Oscillator Sync was different from my Prophet 5 because it locked the pitch bend wheel. Since there is no way to mod the oscillator with an envelope, you didn't bend the pitch in sync mode, you growled the sync with the pitch bend wheel. Very expressive. With today's digital routings that's easy enough to do, but it was fresh for me in the 80s and 90s. #3 Kurzweil K2000. Ground breaking VAST synth engine that Kurzweil still has in use today. Between the VAST engine and sample loading and playback, it can sound like anything. #2 SCI Prophet 5. I haven't MIDI'd it up yet, but she was my first polyphonic, programmable synth. She still runs to this day which is more than I can say for my Prodigy, sadly. I know Dave Smith is back making them. I haven't had the chance to play any of his new gear but the videos sound great. Their Poly-Mod section gives them almost a modular quality. #1 Korg Wavestation. I guess since I have 2 physical EX keyboards, the SR rack, and the Legacy software and iPad Apps it's the obvious choice. I'm surprised it made such an impression on you in the short time you've posted videos on it to include it in your top 5 list. On the hardware end, it's a shame it didn't have resonant filters. It's ONLY sound design flaw in my opinion and I'm happy the software and apps fixed that. It's sound is so complex that in almost 30 years, I don't think another single synth can match it for it's expansive sound. Sure you can stack synths, and samplers, but only the massive workstations with their multi sets can match the sounds this can produce. The SH-101 is the only one I don't still have and now that the boutiques are out, I may have to get one (or a Behringer if they really put one out to compete like their Model D, LOL.) Many synths I miss of course that could maybe have made the list like my OB-Xa , fatter sounding than even my Prophet 5 but the Poly-Mod makes it more flexible. The Casio CZ 101 or Yamaha DX-100 were great little synths back in my early synth playing days but there are iPad apps that can imitate both. My newest toy is a Matrix 6 I just picked up. There is an iPad app editor for it that I'm just getting into. Give me some time with it and it may take the place of something in my top 5 in a year or so :-) Cheers.

[@UnitedPebbles]

Roland Gaia is very close to my affordable, toss around, battery Casio SA. I just hope it is as good as a Juno?

[@paulbaloukas90]

My personal top 5 synths: 1. Yamaha DX7 2. Roland Jupiter 8 3. Oberheim OB-XA 4. Roland D-50 5. Minimoog

[@TheMadisonHang]

that covers all the bases

[@AnnedakDragon]

DX7 forever

[@sjk254]

Why do you prefer the Lead 2x over the others? I owned a 2x and it was great, but I didn't like having just numbers for patch identifiers, but I absolutely loved the way it functioned and sounded.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i dislike synths with screens! it makes them too complicated with too many options. i yearn for simple synths with basic interfaces! the original nl1 had everything i need.

[@sjk254]

Makes sense. The only thing I didn't like about the 2x was having to write down where my patches were stored.

[@Strangerer69]

That Juno 6 clip just became my new ring tone. Thanks Woody!

[@eddiebeato5546]

Once again, thanks for posting this video! .

[@turquoisecapricorn]

On 5 the D-10! Very well placed! The D-10 is a winner! I have one and it will feature soon in a new "vintage set".Incredible and beautiful sounds! I own also a Nordrack 2, I must still discover it but I'm sure it will be a fantastic experience! Juno-6 on n°1 : I can understand that, cause by watching videos on KZbin of the Juno-series, the Juno-6 is on my wishlist now! greetz

[@johnpowers7655]

i have had numerous synths over the years and sold many another are some I still cry about losing. Mine like you re based on my love of them and nostalgia. 5. Roland Juno 106 4. Nord Lead 2 3. Yamaha DX7 mk1 2. Access Virus TI- I still cry about letting that one go everyday 1. Roland JP8000 even today this is a go to synth for me on many of my tracks. I love it.

[@fadethirteen]

My favorites: 1) Roland Jupiter-8 2) Yamaha DX-1 3) Sequential Circuits Prophet T8 4) Roland Juno-106 5) Casio CZ-1

[@koelekahuna9370]

In no particular order: Korg Wavestation EX, K O1/WFd, Roland JD-800 (I'd take a pair of JD-990's with vintage synth boards in them over the 800, but I think the list is supposed to have keys), Waldorf Wave, Yamaha Vl-1

[@gsmith160]

These I still own....bought back in the day, right up to currently being used on stage... 5 - Korg MS-20 with SQ-10 seguencer 4 - Yamaha CS-60 3 - Korg Poly SIX (2) one plays, other worn out... 2 - Korg Triton Extreme 76 for rehearsal use now (along with RUNNER UP - Roland Fantom X7 with ALL the orchestral cards added) 1 - Korg Kronos X and Kronos 2 with optional downloaded sound sets - and are my current rig used in our 9 piece Neil Diamond tribute band... (O:

[@WoodyPianoShack]

that's amazing to still be in possession of that top 3 in you list. nice to meet another ms-20 owner :)

[@lo-firobotboy7112]

Love that the JUNO-6 is No.1 on your list. It's also my favourite. The Juno-6 was the first analogue synth I purchased with my own money. It's the keyboard on which I learned synthesis and, together with my TR-707, it's still the centerpiece of my studio. Over the years it's been joined by a Juno-60, 106 and alpha JUNO-1 but it's still the first keyboard I rescue if the studio caught fire. My Top Five List: 1. Roland Juno-6 2. Realistic MG-1 3. Roland SH-2000 4. Univox Mini-Korg 5. Novation Bass Station Most Coveted Synths: 1. Korg 770 2. Roland VP-330 3. Roland SH-5 (or SH-7) 4. Roland ProMars 5. MiniMoog Model-D

[@dominiquecamus8488]

Top synths I've owned (long time ago!): 1/ Roland D-50 - 2/ Casio CZ-5000 - 3/ Roland JX-8P (with PG-800). Never owned but I've loved them (I've tried them): Korg Wavestation and Ensoniq ESQ-1.

[@duketranslucent3rd]

Perhaps just get the Nord Stage 3 - that has the Lead 1 integrated, as I understand it. I'm unsure if it's an exact integration of whether there's any differences; perhaps the original could have more concurrent different sounds?

[@old_romans]

Best I've heard Live: Moog Model D (old) Oberheim OBX Original Oberheim Two Voice Prophet 5 Korg Mono/Poly I'd love to try out an SY99, that JDxi you mentioned before and the Jp-8080.

[@gtheskater]

For me I would add Oberheim Matrix 12 (or OB-Xa) and the new Prophet 6. Also some of my favourite synth music were made with Oberheim Four Voices, but they were kinda rare and very expensive...

[@gtheskater]

Some of my favourite music was also made with Synclavier and Novation Supernova

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

Very intresting to listen to your reasons of your personal favourites list. So glad the wavestation and the DX 7 made it in there. Thanks for the reminder on the history of the Clavia Nord lead it was a golden age for VAs at the time with very feirce compoletition . The like of Access , Novation, Yamaha and of course Clavia all released some beasts. I still remember trips to turnkey in London early 2000s and lusting over these .

[@WoodyPianoShack]

hi adamski, yeah the history of clavia and the nord lead is a topic well worth covering on the channel, if only I can find a NL1. the golden age of VAs as you say.

[@PeterWalkerHP16c]

Yaaaay! I knew it! Juno 6 My first synth. Stolen in 1993 else I'd still have it! Broke my heart.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

sorry to hear that, dammit

[@gsmith160]

.....Woody, I really enjoyed your D-50 presentation. I also own one in pristine shape like yours, I don't play it out, but sits in the studio for fun...

[@WoodyPianoShack]

that's great, take good care of it!