The Top 11 Polyphonic Synths that you can buy USED for Under $600 (2023) 

Thank you, Scott! This kind of list along with your brief but meaty descriptions of the pros and cons of each item are extraordinarily helpful!

Novation Ultranova is a sleeper on the used market. Really excellent keybed. Powerful synth engine for those who design their own sounds. A bargain for the roughly +/-$400 price range it's currently at.

Hi Scott, thanks for the great overview! I don't want to be the wise guy but I think the Korg DW8000 is actually a hybrid synth, not virtual analog. It has digital oscillators combined with analog filters.

Not as well known, but I would have loved to see the Ensoniq ESQ1 or SQ80 on this list. Fantastic interface, great crunchy hybrid sound of 8 bit single-cycles with Curtis filters. Great keybed. Right around $500 on Reverb.

this was a great list. and a lot to think about. thanks.

Thank you Scott! It was really helpful!

I watched this again. Great video Scott! It's really good to refresh the memory of some synths that we might not be currently using and maybe should be for the price and features.

I recently had to sell most of my hardware, including my beloved Microfreak (luckily, Arturia released the VST version of Minifreak which I instantly purchased), but the only hardware synth I decided to keep was Cobalt 8X. Not only it has the best keybed out there, but also it's such a pleasure to work with. I wish I had it in VST as well, so I can easily put it on multiple tracks within my DAW projects. What a wonderful synth.

Great video. I appreciate the brevity. You covered a lot of synths in a short time and exposed me to some keyboards I had never heard of! Thanks!

Great video! Novation Ultranova could have been in that list though… but condensing it to just 11 must have been difficult.

Great list, nice mix of modern and classic devices. I love my Waves8 too!

Nice list. Always more fun of course to hear some sounds being played. But we can hear them in action in other videos.

The Roland Jp 8000 and D50 are currently pretty hard to find under 600, especially with shipping usually being around 125-200$. They can be found for under a grand here and there, but from what I've seen under 600 is a rare steal. Still a solid list!

Like the under $600 new synth list, you've come up with a great selection, Scott! 100% on the Modal synths and app! They've done a fantastic job of making their current lineup approachable and fun! One thing to mention about the Cobalt is that it is a true virtual-analog synth, and within the "groupings" of waveforms, you can fully morph through them for some pretty unique sounds. Now, a word of warning -- I''ve been in a love/hate relationship with Korgs for decades -- I've owned a dozen different Korgs over the years. That means I'm full of opinions and observations. The Wavestate editor (free) or the Native app makes the programming a lot easier. It's still pretty deep, but it can be as simple as you want it to be. And, it can even be up to four part multi-timbral. And 100% on the opsix! It's so much fun and it sound fantastic. One clarification on the DW-8000, though. It isn't truly a virtual-analog synth like the Cobalt. It's actually like the Roland SH-01 GAIA in that it uses single-cycle digital waveforms to "fake" analog waveforms. Of course, we can argue whether or not using single cycle waves really is or isn't virtual-analog. Other good Korg options are the Kross (either version, really) and the X50. They're very lightweight and the keys aren't fabulous, but they sound good and they do hold up well on the road if you take reasonable care with them. On the DX7, you can also find some of the DX7II synths for under $600, and that gets you better buttons, a second slider, a better display, and in some cases, a floppy disk for patch storage (that can be converted to a USB drive with an aftermarket upgrade). But, all things being equal, I'd go for the opsix over any of the DX7 variants, even with the cr@ppy keybed on the opsix. For those who want Yamaha FM on a budget and don't mind a 4-operator synth as opposed to a 6-operator model, the DX11 is a good choice. Going back to Korgs, the X3 is a great option -- mostly an improved M1 with a bit better sound. Still has an awful user interface for programming and sequencing, but it was a joy to play. Some other bargains are the Alesis QS6.1, and the Ensoniq SQ-1. The sound great, and are built like tanks. The only caveat on the Alesis is that sometimes, the pitchbend wheel will get sticky and not center correctly. It's a relatively easy fix, though. Programming is marginally better than the Korgs and the DX series.

I think it's worth noting that with the Opsix you can actually get into virtual analog territory via how the operators do a lot more than just sine wave-based FM. In addition to sines, you've also got a couple of sawtooths, square/pulse, triangle, etc., all with pulse width modulation, and then you've also got Korg's own modeling of their Poly 6 and MS-20 filters. So you can actually choose an algorithm with only carriers all in a row (non-modulating) and pretty much program as six oscillators with whatever combination of waveforms you want...say six sawtooths all detuned a little, or a bunch of squares getting some PWM. When you go about it like that, you're pretty much working as subtractive virtual analog, so that's a LOT of versatility and flexibility compared to what people are used to from an "FM" synth. I wouldn't get it to primarily be VA if that's what's most important to you-Cobalt will still emulate that vibe better, but if you want to dabble in some FM and subtractive as well, I think it really gives you a LOT to play with. People can also download the Opsix native app demo and explore the sounds and architecture first-hand (20 minutes at a time). There's no fixing that keyboard though, as you noted, which is a real shame because FM dynamics deserve a great keyboard. (...well, then again, don't get me started on the price of the SE).

you could also add the Waldorf Blofeld, multi timbral wavetable synth with 25 voices of polyphony total, and it usually goes for 400€

Roland has dozens of little reissue synths for $400+, but most of them are plug out options on a System 1,which runs in the $300 range, and has its own synth design. If you are on a budget, I'd definitely recommend one

I'm surprised the Nord Lead 2 didn't get a mention. I'm sure you could pick one up for under $600.

Awesome video!....I would like to add the alesis ion,the yamaha cs6x or es6 motif.

10:45 The physics sim sounds awesome. I use a spring physics simulation for LFO-like behavior on a stereo delay to get a really nice chorus that is way less obviously periodic than some simple oscillator-based one.

Last year, I bought three synths from your list: the Yamaha DX7 (well, the DX7s actually, I guess it has better switches, but should otherwise be very similar, the keybed is fantastic!) for about $400, a Korg M1 for about $600 (in absolutle new shape!) and a Roland D-50 for about $650. The last one gave me a lot of work on cleaning and I had to replace one 8-leg SMD 4570 opamp chip, I actually put a 4580 in there as I had those lying around and ordering a 4570 would take at least half a year, seems to work fine. All three in perfect shape, yes, they're built very well and durable! And of course the Juno-106 a couple of weeks ago, but that one was a bit more expensive 😛. Apart from putting back a couple of voice chips that were socketed after removing the epoxy and fell out during transport (not a good idea to socket them!) and do a full calibration, it's also in new shape 😀.

I have the Korg m1, dx7iifd, and Roland d50 and I love all of these. They got me really into synths and makes me want to get even more synths now!

I got my D-50 also in 2019 for about $400, it's in mint condition! I love the Enya (Orinoco Flow) sound, lol! Not listed here, but I managed to get a JD-990 (rack module) also in 2019, they're often hard to find, but awesome synths.

Another excellent alternative to the M1 is the Korg Triton, though prices can wildly fluctuate between $400 and $800 depending on condition and model, but the Classic 61 key seems to be consistently in that range in decent to good condition.

Ever had a need for information and it turns out there's a video.

The ESQ-1 with 8 voices of actual analog CEM filters would have been a nice choice. I still Gig with it from time to time. You can find them under $500 a lot of the time.

Good content, as usual. Possibly a bit Korg heavy on this list..

Some that I would've chosen instead of the recent Korg models... Casio CZ-101, or CZ-1000 if you've got to have a full-sized keyboard. Phase distortion synthesis is pretty potent stuff. I managed to cause some actual physical damage to venue windows back in the 90s using my 101 and a rather irresponsible subbass patch I cooked up. Still got mine. Kawai K3. I've had two...and got the second one after realizing I'd made a critical mistake by letting the first one go. Fixed single-cycle wavetables (yes, you have the ability to program them if necessary) into an analog path, with super-smooth SSM filters ala the pre-rev.3 Prophet 5. Resembles the Alpha Junos in a lot of ways, but there's a lot more going on. Build quality is also bonkers...steel all around. Kawaii K4. I have the K4r...nasty, vicious industrial sounds. Aggressively digital! Very EDM-capable polysynth, plus it can be "reined in" if necessary. Yamaha DX 4-op synths. I really disagree with choosing the DX7 here, mainly due to the fact that you can get 90+% of the sound of that 6-op synth out of its 4-op siblings. And also, 4-op is somewhat easier to program via an interface that one reviewer back in the 80s characterized as like "...wallpapering a room through a keyhole". Yamaha SY35. AWM and FM meet vector synthesis. These use the same principles as the Prophet VS, minus the stroke-inducing pricetag. Yamaha got the ability to use these via their purchase of Sequential in the mid-80s. There's a prior model, the SY22, but some think it's thin-sounding (which, to me, just means it processes better). And the TG33 desktopper, which I have one of in my live rig. Kurzweil K1000. Same architecture as their VAST synths, minus full programmability via the front panel. Even so, most K2000 buyers wanted the presets... ESPECIALLY the Bösendorfer Imperial Grand...and this was the cheaper ticket. Korg MS2000B. The B added some features, most notably a vocoder. Same sort of VA architecture as the original, but with improvements. Alesis' QS line. Several models, all similar and all useful. The closest comparison I can make here is to ROMplers such as the EMu Proteus line, but far more convenient and user-friendly. Prices here are all over the place; try and find the "x.2" versions if possible. Ensoniq SQ-80. For all intents and purposes, the wavetable Ensoniqs give you the PPG-type sound of wavetable scanning, minus the hassle and bulk of needing the Waveterm "heads". The VFX also fits, but can be more expensive. There's probably a few more, but that adds to things in the category. As for the recent Korgs in the original list, I have some very real concerns about quality control and a lack of innovation. Plus, losing their lead designer seems to have caused some stagnation in the company. It'll be interesting to see how those hold up under constant use for a decade-plus.

I would also recommend the Korg Z1. It's a synth which didn't have a huge success but which is so interesting in terms of sound design and modulations. 😉

Great list, I'm lucky enough to have the JP-8080 and I will grab a D-50 eventually. But let's be honest, us synth heads pretty much want to get all of them :)) BTW I just came across your channel today, and I love it. Already subscribed!

My DX7 is in fantastic shape and I got it for less than $500 with the shipping cost. I gor one hell of a deal. I love the key bed on it. So I use it as a master keyboard as well as a fantastic synth in its own right.

Agree with others here - hard to find a cheap JP-8000 these days. Glad I have one.

subbed :)

I can't wait till you get one of the JP-8K's! I'd LOVE to see your review on that one! Me I'm desperately hoping they might make a plug-out version for the system 8, I think it's doable...

I have been eyeing the M1. But I haven't seen any cheap enough. Hopefully I can find one cheap enough at some point. I am also eyeing the rack version to save space.

Thanks a lot. very helpful. I am between synths atm... my Roland Juno-G display screen finally quit on me, and I am looking to get a low-cost solution. I am probably gonna try and find a Roland JP800 or a D50.

Thank you for the great presentation. I think you could improve upon this format making the narrative more succinct and providing a 5 to 10 second demo of each synth. Thank you.

The m1 I saved up for as a kid and bought new, at the time it was unbelievable because few people had such a thing as a home computer yet especially one that could record multi tracks, all that they did was wordperfect and dos. And no keyboard could record full songs with 8 tracks. Every synth was mono timbral so the m1 was beyond amazing. And built in effects were not part of synthesizers either. Nor were built in drum machines. Nor were wavetable samples either come to think of it it was all new. The best thing I did at the time was expand my m1 to the EX expansion which doubled its onboard sounds adding all the wavetable and programs and combinations from the T series of synthesizers: T1 T3. I will never sell the m1 but it's not because the sounds are fantastic but because it's THOSE sounds representing that huge era of music history. Also because I'm sentimentality so attached to it, got it at 19 years old working as a lifeguard through school and it cost me over 2K. If you don't particularly value that era of music and you want to get a basic M1 with no EX expansion onboard, you will probably get tired of the timbres and the limitations faster than many other synths presented in this group. Especially the drums wavetable for example. The keybed is beautiful and the joystick mod pitch control is excellent for expression. As a controller it would be great however you can't jump octaves like you can on a real controller with dedidicated up down buttons for octave. The first model to do that I believe was the o1/w which I also have. If nostalgia and history of owning specifically the m1 is not of value, then instead of a basic m1 with no EX expansion I would look at a T3 instead which is probably cheaper or better yet an O1/w which has far better drum samples in my opinion and some very decent usable warm rich sounds on its wavetable. Just my opinion. In addition, if I had just the M1 itself with no other synth, for my needs it would not be enough on its own, even the expanded version I have now. Also, there is a vst version of the m1 I heard and this plugin to me sounds exactly the same and even has all the rom cartridges and the ex expansion too. It sounds so real I would substitute that for a real one and get one of the other synths on this group.

Thé Roland Gaia is also very affordable, fun keyboard to play with all buttons and sliders, d-beam… made of plastic but not heavy and transportable, at a price range around 300/400 max

Hello Scott, thank you for your work it is really great and I love watching you using your synth Do you think a workstation is good ? I want to change my studio, I’ve got a SE02, a SH01A, a jx03, a tr6s but I am beginning to be a little bit limited by them I love them but from months no idea and I need to do music to live I try a Korg oasys and what a synth ! Like early Depeche Mode I was crazy What would you advise ? Thank you and love from France

A few minor errors: The Yamaha DX-7 was released in 1983, not 1986. The Korg DW-8000 is NOT a virtual analog synth; it is an analog/digital hybrid.

A little "trick" i've done to my cobalt: I went trough all the original v1 and v2 patches, renamed them, so for instance, all the patches from 0-100 were named "KEYS - *actual name*, 101-150 were PADS - *actual name* (with some blanks left in every category, for user patches), and assigned the "favorite patch" shortcuts to first patch in every category. So i kinda-sorta have it set up with banks, with shortcut to each bank (keys, pads, leads, bass, strings, bells, plucks, rythm). Not ideal, and took me like two days to go trough all the patches, sort, and rename them, but sooo worth it for me! :)

Korg Poly61 - a wonderful analog 6-Voice vintage synth. limited but therefore easy to program! create a new sound in under 10 minutes! Yamaha SY77 - not easy to program but super sounding digital synth! Korg - Kingkorg - if you are searching for a cheap stage synth with Knob control - this is it! Ensoniq SD1: you looking for a cheap poly-aftertouch Keybed? Here you go. Behringer Deepmind 12 - the 12 Voice analog Synth with a great Juno106 Sound! Access Virus Kb - Virtual Analog Synth with the most analog sound engine (imo), great built and knob control. I do have all Synths above (not the SY77 but the SY99) and can fully recommend all of them. I think you can get them all each under 600$.

Please play some riffs on these classic synths, i love them all ❤

I'd recommed buying a JP-8080 module insted of the keyboard version. You get better polyphony and it's less troublesome from a technical standpoint.

The JP-8000 is very cool, I got mine in 2019 for under $400, and it's very easy to use, and it's also lightweight.

On wednesday Fred’s Lab will release the Kickstarter campaign for the Manatee synth. Amazing 16 voice and 4 part spectral synth.

I would also suggest (beyond these 11): - Yamaha AN1x - Nord Lead 2(x) - Yamaha Motif ES - Behringer Deepmind 6/12

WS Native is lovely, in terms of ALL laid out for you to SEE

I loved my Kawai K3 which was a 6 voice analog synth. Should have held on to it

If you seek "that really old school sound" AND spending time watching how-to videos on programming sounds ( with horrible means of programming it ), as well as something that could kill you if it fell on you ( heavy ), you'll love the DX7.

I'd love some sound samples played...

If you want a cheaper LA synth keyboard check out the D29, D10, and D5. I have a D5. It doesn't have the bells and whistles of of the D50. But it has the LA synth engine. So it works for me.

You have to get into a composer state of mind to really make the Wavestate shine.😁🎶🎹🎶Play On

Korg Trinity could have been on the list too. Although I don't know about the prices now, I got mine (Pro, 76 keys, hard case included) for about $650 (the regular version should be cheaper), but it was 5 years ago. The Trinity has the first ever touch screen on a synthesizer, and it's nice and very big for its time (1995).

I’ve been lucky to have used and played the dw8000 and d50 heavily. Watch out for them having non functional aftertouch, they will go out on older synths and need a replacement. (But it’s not integral for playing) The buttons on the d50 I have don’t actuate all the time, soooo it can be very frustrating live. When buying an old synth, extensively test the patch buttons, and look out for fuzzy audio out ports (and almost everyone of the aftertouch strips will not work) Food for though

What's the advantage of owning romplers like the M1 that can be had pretty easily in software form? I just purchased the Korg Collection 4 for $300, which has the M1, Triton/Extreme, and a whole lot more. If I end up purchasing any hardware synths in the future, I'm going for ones with lots of knobs/sliders.

I decided on Modwave because I have Wavestation EX. Scored the OpSix for $329 when it was being blown out. Modwave is hard to dive into as well. My Hydra is generally my go to when programming. Considering upgrading my Blofeld module to a keyboard version. Any thoughts on the Behringer Pro800? I have the DM12 but nothing that sounds oike a Prophet. Have you tried to program P5 patches on the Hydra. Just thinking out loud. Great channel. :)

Hey Scott how much it's going to cost the new yamaha montage 7 please let me know you are the best 😮 nyc

For gigging musicians on a tight budget, the Korg Krome can often be found between $300 - $500.It's a rompler mainly but it has several gigs of sounds and is available in 61 or 88 keys (maybe 76?). I passed on an 88 key Krome for $300 and I've seen other people buy them that cheap. Not something I need, but a great buy often on the used market. The Yamaha MX61/MX49 are also under $600 on the used market. I'd agree the Wavestate offers a lot for not a lot of money, but 37 keys is much too limiting for most to use it at gigs unless your going to trigger it through another keyboard or use it in conjunction with another. The Korg M1 is an awesome classic and I have two. But if your gigging, they are getting old and I'd question reliability, although they were made very durable. Only 4 megs of onboard samples won't make realistic grand pianos, but there were a ton of great sounds made for it and I use the software version more now than my 2 originals. I'd really love to see a full M1 engine (sysex compatible) in a newer Korg keyboard. Seems like the obvious thing to do. I'll always be using those sounds in my rig. The Yamaha MODX is still my favorite over all keyboard currently on the market, but you won't get one as little as $600 on the used market. Maybe as little as $800 if your lucky.

I do believe the MicroKORG has usurped the M1 as the best selling synth of all time.

I got my Korg M1 almost 2 years ago, it's in great condition, and I only paid about $250 for it! :D It was a lucky break I guess.

Kind of hard to actually really get a DW8000 in decent condition for under $600 (especially if this includes shipping, as it’s a heavy beast). One also has to consider one thing: The keybed on this synth (both velocity‑ and pressure‑sensitive) is almost unique (it is shared only by one other synth from what I gathered, another Korg (DSS-1)) and they can be unreliable as the plastics get hard after many years, and they come as a group, and not single replaceable keys like most other key beds. This also means the keys or keybed parts are very hard to find and are hence expensive. So getting one in good condition, ie: with the keybed not abused and stored in good environment) is more tricky than usual. Make sure to triple check each note! This being said, it has a MONSTER sound, with its digital OSC and lush Analog Filter (Korg’s SSM-2044 copy, the NJM-2069), 8 voices and integrated Delay. User Interface not great, but that comes with most synths from that period…. Definitely jump on it if you can find a good one under 600.

I'm also surprised you didn't mention the Korg Poly-800/EX-800 - as divisive of a synth as it is!

Miss my wavestation ex , I’ll own another someday

ESQ1. Veritable workhorse.

There is a gofundme starter kit for turning all of the Korg wavestate, modwave, Minilogue XD, and Opsix into a keyless desktop module. I think you are not the only one that hates the factory keybed.

nice video, but I am not sure where you get your prices from.. 500 for a jp 8000? I see 750-1000. ...

I can not see why You forgot the Kurzweil K2000. Synth/Sampler With variable-architecture synthesis technology. With the ability to load Akia, Ensoniq, and Roland Samples Making it The TOP Synth of the 90s. It is also Verry Expandible Today With Flash Technology.

Hello Scott. I can't figure out how to contact you aside from a comment. Do you have a Patreon account? I'd be happy to contribute for a short thread conversation (redundant?) about the Yamaha Reface CS, x-Roland Gaia, and soon to be x-Modals. I suppose I could comment in one of the individual review videos, but they are kinda old and I don't want to get missed. Thnx, Brent

The micro Korg would be cheaper than the ms2000 and is the same engine. I would like to see a rack version of this list as well.

I can’t imagine paying $600 for a DX-7. I guess if you’ve just gotta have the original article then go for it but that price just seems excessive to me given alternatives.

I had to send my Colbalt back, the Chasey was cranked by the key bed. Horrible materials .

The CASIO VZ 1 SYNTH , they'll pay YOU to take it off their hands ! But you'll pay shipping cause it weighs 100 pounds 🎹

Surprised you saw a JP-8000 for $550.

No Deep Mind?

The "M1" Factor. Unless you're a collector, why buying a hyped M-1 when you can have an improved version in the form of the not-so-cool Trinity/TR/Karma/Triton? Never had a hardware M1 but played along with the IPad version (wish we had such visuals in those days to edit), I can tell you the AI synthesis looks very much like the AI2 of my N364 I bought in late '99. N264/364 are already fitted with iconic M1 sounds, party metal construction and Channel aftertouch, but they Come for 250-300 euros/ameribucks because nobody knows them. Plus you can download all the M1 patches provided you still have a floppy or sysex editor. For a strange reason, the only crowds where it is popular is amont Nightwish fanboys and south-american "cumbia" players....for me, say you want the Korg Vibe of the 90s, find the right balance between Price/patch availlability/release date. All digital Korg workstations from the M1 to the Triton extreme/Oasys/M3/M-50 share common structure, only the newer ones have better D/A converters (or even digital outs), plus added features (Karma, MOSS etc..), and are less likely to be damaged or break early on. FWIW, I THINK, the Triton family (extreme being the last), is the last Line purely built on proprietary software, before they all switched to LINUX:- based OS uppon which they built their synths. Instant start-up while a Kronos takes UP to two minutes...No Go as a Hardware Synth for me....

You look much younger with long hair, despite the fact that you already good looking.

JP8000 for under $600/£600 maybe for spares or repair 😂

Deepmnd?

I’ve bought all of my Poly synths for under $600. Prophet 600, matrix 6, Poly six, Juno 6, Juno 106, jx8p, Dx5 etc

Did you really just talk about 11 synths in 20 minutes without letting us hear a single one?

Hi Scott, have you ever thought of reviewing some really dark horse synths like the m-audio venom, Casio xw-p1, etc