looking for a simple synth

AbrahamSapien wrote: Ok, so I got this Korg Prophecy thing, but figured out very soon that I won't be able to use it, because I've got absolutely NO idea about most of the stuff in the manual. Do you think that buying a cheap simple solo synth would be helpful to understand the concept (i mean something without a display and a 1000 menues, but if possible something with knobs and keys???)? Any suggestions for something simple anyway please? Thank you.

I also bought a Korg Prophecy, for recording purposes and I don't play keyboards.
I think by your requirement of just "knobs and keys" and also a relatively cheap synth, may I suggest a Jen SX 1000?

...if you can only afford one blow up rubber doll then you can only afford one blow up rubber doll, such is life. Knowing my luck she'd run off with Bibendum anyway.

 Not sure which Casio you are referring to, perhaps you could be a lot more specific? Also, software synths, however well modelled, will always be digital, and since Mr Abraham found the real Korg Prophecy over-complicated, any software version will be equally as complex.

How about an ipad with Korg IMS20, Sunrizer, Nave, Thor, or Arturia iMini synth apps, then add an Alesis IO dock and MIDI controller keyboard. 

VERMONA's gear is quality. Try to find a shop that stocks their gear and try it for yourself. Really nice analog sounds.

^ I'd buy that for a Dollar.

Oeps, you're right, I didn't even care to check the date of the OP 

I'm not a synth player but I guess that what you want is what used to be called 'a presets synth', like the ARP Pro-Soloist or the Korg PE-1000 / 2000 were in its time. A synth in which different solo (or not just solo if polyphonic) sounds are already preset for you without having to build them from scratch, and yet with a few knobs to edit and play with some of their parameters.

I think you've made your first mistake by directly bying an expensive hardware synth.
I suggest you get yourself a simple, free and ergonomic VST synth.

http://www.kvraudio.com/get/4126.html
http://www.kvraudio.com/get/1464.html

Once you've learned how synthesis works, you can choose a HW synth (if you want to) according to the sounds they produce and the features you will have mastered.

Fabfilter Timeless has one of the most easy-to-use interfaces but expensive and complex...

Good luck!

@TremoloDental: the Monotoron may be too simple to actually understand synthesis : ) more of a toy to play with.

If you want analog, think about Dave Smith Instruments Mohpo. That's about the cheapest analog monosynth that's worth. Dunno how easy it is to program. You should probably learn how to program the Prophesy. It has a good reputation. Otherwise, I would maybe suggest looking into the Novation Xiosynth or a Korg microKorg. They're digital and all that, but they can be a lot of fun.

Edited by stonebeard - December 09 2011 at 17:25