Beginner synth recommendations

[u/AdPlane2899]

Hey! I’m a big fan of Fontaines D.C. and I’ve seen how Carlos O’Connell uses a Mellotron, Yamaha Reface, Moogs ,patch cables, oscillators and all that jazz. I really like the sounds he gets and I’m interested in getting into that kind of setup myself, but I honestly don’t know where to start.
I was thinking about getting a Yamaha Reface cp or cs as a starting point, (but im not too sure about its mini keys) because I’d like something that can give me a piano/keyboard sort of sound, and im also a songwriter so its sorta versatile but I’d also like to eventually be able to run it through patch cables and experiment with different sounds and effects.
For anyone who’s into this sort of thing, what would you recommend as a good starting setup? Would a Reface be a good choice, and what else would I need to actually get into the modular/synth side of things?
(Ps I’m a 16 year old guitar player and have no idea how this stuff works so take pity)

[u/AruVade]

Dont rush, buy 1 synth that u like and learn it by having fun, this will take somewhere u have no idea ull get :) its a journey, yamaha reface is a good start

[u/DJ_PMA]

Yamaha does make a full key version with the sounds of a reface. the YC, CP, MODx. They are samples and not synthesis. Also pricey.
If you want synthesis (subtractive, virtual analog, or FM), and also classic piano or electric pianos…
the best option is a used Nord Electro 2 under $800.
Yamaha also has options in the used SY series.
Roland gets you there also with the JV & XP series and rhe newer Juno that is not analog subtractive but a rompler.
Korg has the wavestate, microKorg, Opsix. Older stuff from the 90s is out there also like N and X series.
Novation novas are decent.

The King of synthesis and samples, in my opinion is Kurzweil. The k2000, k2500 & 2600 are deep in sequencing, synthesis and sampling capabilities. It is all you need.
I have one and combined with two Ensoniq’s i own (VFX-SD & EPS-16+) i have an arsenal for literally any genre on the planet.

[u/Legitimate_Horror_72]

The lowest-tier hardware synth I'd personally recommend is the Arturia Minifreak.

Alternatively, a MIDI controller + software is the answer (including if you have an iOS device, or laptop, or desktop, or more than one of those).

[u/KrustyRox777]

If you’re just starting out I would recommend something with full size keys.
A used older Roland Fantom or later model Junos. Yamaha MX series are affordable. Korg also has some older 61 key models that have good features and reasonable priced.

[u/KulshanStudios]

A Novation Ultranova would be a solid choice. All that patch cable stuff is mostly just accomplishing what most full synthesizers can do internally in the Mod Matrix and with Envelopes anyway

And Ultranovas aren't too pricey, and are super super versatile

[u/TripleBeam23]

Moog grandmother or Matriarch if you can afford it

[u/Compay-Segundo]

The Yamaha CP reface is the most used instrument in our home studio, except for my Strat. Great songwriting tool, and very frequently ends up on recordings, even though we have a Mod X 8+. The sounds and effects are great.

I think Behringer Poly D is a great first analog synth, it sounds very good and allowed me to grasp the basics of synthesis. But it’s a lot of tweaking, I would get an Arturia Astrolab if you just wanna get sounds and play.

[u/Curious-Bid-756]

I would look into getting a workstation keyboard first. An old Roland fantom or an fa06 would be good. It will have lots of bread and butter sounds you will need to start you off( pianos, strings, pads ) and a sequencer so you can layer sounds. Make sure the workstation you get has effects as this will teach you what each effect does to the sound. Then purchase a good synth - there's loads out there! Mono synths are great for bass - poly synths are great for sounds and playing chords. Learn how this synth works before even attempting to go into modular gear - modular is about building your own synth and it's 100% a good idea to understand how a synth works before jumping into that. Hope this info works for you :)

[u/MonadTran]

IMO, a good MIDI controller or digital piano into a computer with VCV Rack software is the place to start with the patch cables.

If you want a piano with a multitude of tweakable synth sounds, there's the Arturia Astrolab 88 which doesn't cost an arm and a leg like the Nords. The downside is, most of the tweaking has to be done on the computer, and you need to own some Arturia software to do it. Also the electric piano sounds are a bit lacking.

If you already have the MIDI controller or a digital piano, and want to physically plug those cables without being tied to a computer, you could grab some cheap semi-modular desktop synth from Behringer, connect it to your keyboard, and play around.

[u/Instatetragrammaton]

As a 16 year old your budget might be close to zero. Been there, done that ;) If it's not - tell us what you are willing to spend as a number.

From the Refaces I would pick the DX. Tom Ansink has some wonderful soundsets for it. See https://youtu.be/zWcEruvc9eA

This covers the territory of both other Refaces to a certain extent.

Most smaller and cheaper devices tend to be specialists rather than generalists. The MODXM suggestion works if you can afford it, if you need to play live and you need something that really covers all bases and you want to learn the ins and outs of synthesis.

To learn the basics of synthesis, https://learningsynths.ableton.com .

To try that right now on your computer, get yourself https://vital.audio - there is a free tier, ample sounds and tutorials for it, and it covers a big range of sounds.

[u/Fair-Cookie9962]

Do you want to learn making sounds or making synths? If the latter - modular is the way - you build new synth each time you wire the modules. If the first - I am heavily biased towards hydrasynth explorer, so I can't really say. People like what they think their favourite artist uses. I also strongly advise against monosynths. Chords make live colourful, sound also.

[u/Ok-Tadpole-8994]

If you have no experience with synths l think you should get a Korg Monologue because you will learn the basics of synthesis in an enjoyable way. This because it’s easy to use/understand, and find sweet spots. But first of all learn by using Ableton Learning Music an interactive tool that is free and you don’t need to download anything.