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Conference napalm::commusic_v1

Title:* * Computer Music, MIDI, and Related Topics * *
Notice:Conference has been write-locked. Use new version.
Moderator:DYPSS1::SCHAFER
Created:Thu Feb 20 1986
Last Modified:Mon Aug 29 1994
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2852
Total number of notes:33157

264.0. "Synth opinion" by HERMES::LOWE (Chris 'lion' Lowe) Sat Mar 08 1986 19:12

    OK, I'm thinking about building a synth from a kit and I need opinions.
    
    Features:
    	61 key manual		Key Dynamics 128 steps
    	Keyborad split (any pt)	Programmable functions
    	2 prog. control wheels  2 prog. foot switches
    	20 resident instruments 12 internally programmable sounds
    	ROM 20 sounds, 8 preset 8 internally programmable Total presets
    	RAM 12 sounds, 8 preset	Quadro and Double mode
    	VCF group		solo mode for 2nd voice and auto chord
    	Phase shifting group
    
    MIDI:
    	in/out; thru/duplex

    Connections:
    	Audio output left/right or mono
    	2 control switches
    	tape, volume, headphones
    
    
    
    Basic Kit
    	Cabinet, keyboard, basic electronics, (playable 4 note polyphonic)
    				$1190
    Expansion kit
    	LED display and electronics for 4 additional polyphonic notes
 	and programming features
    				$750
    voice expansion kit
    	Two more polyphonic notes (up to 6 of these can be added)
    				$150
    RAM	CARTIDGE		$90
    ROM CARTRIDGE		$125
    legs and flight case	$265
    
    
    
    
    I have built a bass synth (monophonic) and a spinet organ (8-16
    note poly) from these folks and their design is solid.
    Also this synth will talk (MIDI) to my organ that I built as well
    as accept new voices from the manufacturer from a modem.
    
    
    Question::::  Is this synth worth the price?????
    
    
    Thanks				Chris
    
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
264.1Too highSYBIL::SAUTERJohn SauterMon Mar 10 1986 10:376
    In my opinion the price is too high.  Unless you enjoy building
    kits (in which case a kit is worth more to you than an assembled
    unit) you should check out what is available in music stores.
    For that kind of money you can get a high-quality, fully-assembled
    synthesizer.
        John Sauter
264.2I agree...MENTOR::COTEMon Mar 10 1986 10:5714
    I agree with John. My DX-21 cost $795.00 and I got to play it 10
    minutes out of the box. The 2 things that may persuade you to go
    the kit route are...
    
                1. The "fun" of assembling it. Not *MY* idea of a
                   good time, but to each his own.
    
                2. You mentioned a cabinet. You may end up with a
                   nice piece of furniture that contains a synthesizer.
                   Is this worth the extra $$$?
    
    Good Luck
    
    Edd
264.3NOVA::RAVANThu Mar 13 1986 20:036
    A four-note polyphonic syth for $1200 is NOT worth the price
    ESPECIALLY if you have to build it yourself.  I can get a
    four-note polyphonic CZ-101 for $250 from (Manny's or Sam Ash,
    I can't remember which).
    
    -jim