I got bitten by the bug years ago when I had to get a bass amp repaired under warranty. The closest place turned out to be a bunch of guys that their main business was fixing Hammond’s, Wurlis, and other vintage gear. They let me try out everything in the shop! I had no clue how to play anything, but twisting so the knobs and pulling drawbars was all so fun. The Hammond and Moog were my favorite and I wanted to learn more. They were both out of budget and too big and heavy, so I started watching tons of synth videos.

Now it’s about 10 years later. Earlier this year, I got a Mark I Rhodes and started learning to play and it’s coming along well. It’s lots of fun and I’m learning so much. But it’s still not filling that void. I want to be able to experiment with sounds and make full songs with multiple layers, but I feel lost from doing so much research before jumping in.

First I wanted an Akai Mini, then the Minilab to experiment with sounds design, then the Keystep for more focus on sequencing, then I saw so many cool videos on the Volca Sample that made it look like it could do everything, but then everyone was saying they outgrew all their Volcas. That lead me to a bunch of things saying to just start with a synth like the Monologue, XD, or the Hydrasynth Explorer. Then I started looking at Circuit Tracks to play the Rhodes over.

At first, I thought starting with a cheap Midi controller and computer would let me play around for not much cash. But now I use my phone or work laptop and don’t even have an actual computer to put a DAW on. I like the portability of an actual synth since it doesn’t need to computer, but since I’m still a relative noob, I feel going the DAW route would help me finish things since I could cut and paste together. I could still do a controller with some Volcas, but that seems like if need a dedicated space to set everything up.

I’m just so overwhelmed now, and without anyone to learn from, I don’t know were to start. I don’t have so much an end goal of doing one specific thing, it’s mainly about the learning and experimenting. If like to be able to do passable lofi, house, acid, and things I haven’t even learned about yet.

I’ve gone on for too long, both on this post, and deciding what I need to do. Currently have Rhodes>MultiFX>Bass Amp, no computer, no audio interface. What will get me the most fun and education and experimentation from here for <$1000?

  •  Underwaterbob   ( @Underwaterbob@lemm.ee ) English
    2•11 months ago

    If you choose the hardware route, you probably want either a sampler or groove box and a mixer. One of the three will let you start writing tracks, the mixer will let you get everything into your amp. I’d recommend an Elektron Digitakt or Polyend Play. You are going to need to load samples on them, which will require some PC access at some time. They both come with a bunch to get you started, though.

    If you want to go the DAW route, get yourself a cheap laptop and an interface. You will have a lot more versatility at the expense of immediacy. It’s quicker to lay out a track in one of the sampler/sequencers I mentioned than it is to crank something out in Reaper or Cakewalk. At the same time, with a PC you won’t be tied to a grid, and there is so much music making software out there, VSTs and otherwise, that are so cheap and versatile, it’s really hard to argue for the DAWless route, unless you really, really want to get away from screens.

    •  anon6789   ( @anon6789@beehaw.org ) OPEnglish
      1•11 months ago

      I think the DAWless route seems more appealing for me. Getting up and running quickly sounds good, and will let me get back on the Rhodes. Learning keys is my main priority still, I have been learning so much.

      The Digitakt seems awesome, but the sound always seems cold to me. May just be YouTube though. The Polyend seems really nice though.

      I found a demo unit of the Verselab mentioned in another response for sale near me in going to check out this weekend, but if that doesn’t work out, I may have to get the Polyend. The Roland work flow looked a bit more natural to me.

      My friend claims to know a bit about Reaper. I may let him tend to the tedious bits and teach me some if I start to come up with any decent music.

      Thanks for the help!