“Sir Anıl Uzun, I will buy a synthesizer, but I don’t know where to start. Can you recommend one for me?.” is one of the most asked questions by my students. Then the parents ask, they want me to suggest them some models or show them where to start.
The world of synthesizers is actually simple yet complex. First of all, you need to learn about the difference of a synthesizer from a musical instrument, and then you shall learn the very basic characteristics of a synth.
Why should you buy a synthesizer instead of an acoustic instrument?
A synthesizer is much smaller than any musical instrument. It is very easy and convenient to carry around. With the help of a synth, a musician can get the sound of more than one instrument by a software if the synth is digital. If you are a beginner, buying a synthesizer will be wiser than buying an expensive acoustic instrument. But why? Because, you will have a compact instrument to try and see if you have the ability to make music. By purchasing the right software, you will explore your musical skills to the top.
Musicians playing the piano will be much more comfortable with synthesizers because the mechanics of a synthesizer’s keystrokes are the same as that of a piano or keyboard. So if you are a parent and your kid is playing a piano, you can get your son/daughter an analog or a digital synth.
For those who want to compose mostly, a synthesizer will be very practical. You can edit or record the melody played and apply special sound effects functions. A synthesizer can record a track that can normally be recorded with a professional orchestra or instrumental ensemble. It is practical and many professional musicians have synthesizers in their home studio.
The best synthesizers for beginners
Native Instruments Monark – This device is a “software synth”, it is very easy to use. It has a monophonic structure. The oscillator, mixer and amp functions are very useful. The interface is also very easy to understand if you are a beginner. Some of the ready-made tones are really awesome to compose and explore the genre you want to play.
Roland Gaia SH-01 – Ideal if you want to make music on analog synthesizers. With the preset sounds, the musicians can create and record tones. As it is a popular instrument, there are many tutorial videos available on Youtube also.
KORG Volca series (Pocket operator) – It is a modular synth, you can get quite different sounds by connecting it to other synthesizers. Ideal for carrying around.
Logic x retro synth – Analog synth. Simple, cheap and useful.
Korg microKorg – Small, affordable and convenient. Preset tones are great, the musicians can create and save tones. Ideal for electronic music lovers. The preset sounds have titles such as trance, electronica, house and retro.
Arturia Mini-V – This is a reproduction of Minimoog. It has an analog feel, but actually this synth is completely digital. Filters and amplification are very professional but it is very easy to use. Mini brand is especially important for the music industry because it played a role in shaping electronic music and Mini products have been used by the musicians including Giorgio Moroder, Pink Floyd, Kraftwerk, Herbie Hancock, Dr Dre and J Dilla.
Eurocack – Make Noise O-Coast – This one is a bit expensive, but you can buy it for the interface and sound quality. Unlike other synths, it offers great options to use in different concepts and get interesting tones, such as a grand piano sound.
Whether you are a beginner yourself or you are asking to buy for your child, using the guide above will help you to find the right synth.
Yours.
Anıl Uzun