Need Help Keyboard? Synths? WTF?

bdk · #1 04-04-2008, 12:58 AM

I play instrumental rock. It's kind of bland with just guitars, bass and electric, and drums. I want to add some synth sounds, some cool oohs and aahhhs. I've been to guitar center and there are some great sounding keyboards. Kind of expensive. Just wanted to know which ones you recommend. I am primarily focused on trippy sounds like bells, ambience sounds. Quality of sound is #1 importance.

Do I even need a keyboard? can I get sound modules elsewhere? It's so confusing. Dude, I just play guitar? Anyone feel me on this?

kotornut · #2 04-04-2008, 01:32 AM

Well have you tried pedals and stuff, or adding a guitar synth?

Lefty Robb · #3 04-04-2008, 03:19 AM

just get a nice used Korg Trition...

bdk · #4 04-04-2008, 04:41 AM

Yeah, I really liked the Korg Triton, there was another one too a X or something like that. But DUDE!!! those are some expensive toys!!! I mean that's like.... a friggin guitar!!!

And yes I have tried pedals and stuff to make my guitar sound different, is that what you mean? I have effects and stuff, butno guitar synth. I really don't know what that is, can you point me in the right direction?

Wild_Child · #5 04-04-2008, 07:45 AM

No, you don't need a keyboard.

All you need is a midi synth program like Reason, and you can program the midis within it. Plus, you can get Korg Triton patches for it.

Usually, I'll write synth parts in guitar pro, then export the midis to Reason and add dynamics and nuances there.

Of course, it would be quicker to have a midi keyboard and programme that way, but that would involve learning to play the thing.

jb4674 · #6 04-04-2008, 10:34 AM

You can find a used triton for a decent price. Those things are awesome.

Jimmy

HDS · #7 04-04-2008, 12:17 PM

Your thinking the Korg X50, We use one in my 80s band along with a Roland SH-201. We used Midi, vst synths before that and it just isnt the same as the big sound of a real analog synth ripping out a super saw patch.

Wild_Child · #8 04-04-2008, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDS

Your thinking the Korg X50, We use one in my 80s band along with a Roland SH-201. We used Midi, vst synths before that and it just isnt the same as the big sound of a real analog synth ripping out a super saw patch.

Maybe not, but the OP just wants a synth to create some 'oohs and aahs' and atmospheric stuff that MIDI synths would be perfect for. Quality of sound is no less than an actual keyboard and it's cost is a fraction of an X-50.

Plus, if he ever did want to add a human touch to his recording, all he needs is a MIDI keyboard controller to get things started.

Of course, if blazing keyboard leads are what you want I wouldn't be happy unless it was played on a keytar.

**jim777** · #9 04-04-2008, 02:34 PM

It's far cheaper to get supersaws on a digital like a Roland JP-8000 than to get an 8 oscillator analog and run it out yourself. You can, but money is money

Anyway, you can get cool sounds with an Alesis Micron, or the nearly identical (but now discontinued) Alesis ION if you like tons of knobs. Microns pull 300 or so. You could also find an older Roland Analog like a JX-8P. I just bought one a week or so ago for 200 bucks. Nice and fat, great for pads. I have an ION as well, and I LOVE it, great synth

Type on over to vintagesynth.com and read through what's out there, you'll become much more acquainted with the world of synths in just a few hours.

jim

TicTac in my eye · #10 04-11-2008, 11:11 AM

I use Reaktor for my synth sounds but its a learning curve cause you can virtually construct any type of synth you desire you want but you have to understand some oscillation basics but they got tutorials. Also the software has plenty already made synths and sample manglers. Ideal if you want to get into electronic music but great for rock also cause of all the synths you can design. Old school vintage synths, to modern Nord sounding synths, sound randomizers, groove/beat machines. If you know your stuff you can create emulators like the old school roland 303, 909, Juno synth. It's out of control. I even have a guitar amp simulator that I love using over anything so no need for me to buy guitar rig or amplitude. You will need lots and lots of patience. Once you get past all that you got you're self a beast from hell. Its my favorite piece of software.
Also joining the forum you can upload other people's creations. Its worth investigating. Native Instruments is the company that makes REAKTOR which they also have some other great synth software. WIth reaktor you got virtually every synth you can think of and the sound quality is awesome. Again you'll need lots of patience.

**jim777** · #11 04-11-2008, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdk

I play instrumental rock. It's kind of bland with just guitars, bass and electric, and drums. I want to add some synth sounds, some cool oohs and aahhhs. I've been to guitar center and there are some great sounding keyboards. Kind of expensive. Just wanted to know which ones you recommend. I am primarily focused on trippy sounds like bells, ambience sounds. Quality of sound is #1 importance.

Do I even need a keyboard? can I get sound modules elsewhere? It's so confusing. Dude, I just play guitar? Anyone feel me on this?

Make sure you let us know what you decide to do, when you decide to do something!

**jemaholic** · #12 04-11-2008, 05:09 PM

Korg makes great keyboards. I have a Triton 88 and I love it.
Also, Kurzweil keys have probably the best strings sounds I've heard.

I think it's funny that guitar players don't blink when spending for their axes, but if they want a 'real' synth/keyboard they don't want to spend the cash.

You Get What You Pay For.

Any GOOD instrument will cost you - there are no shortcuts.

Andelusion · #13 04-11-2008, 05:13 PM

Check out some soft synths, if you're a cubase user than you want VSTs, Pro Tools RTAS, Logic - I can't remember.

You don't need a keyboard, just a controller keyboard which you can connect via midi/usb.

Do lots of reading

Google is your friend. Popular soft synths include Absynth, Massive, FM-8 (all by Native Instruments) Spectrasonics.

**jim777** · #14 04-11-2008, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jemaholic

Korg makes great keyboards. I have a Triton 88 and I love it.
Also, Kurzweil keys have probably the best strings sounds I've heard.

I think it's funny that guitar players don't blink when spending for their axes, but if they want a 'real' synth/keyboard they don't want to spend the cash.

You Get What You Pay For.

Any GOOD instrument will cost you - there are no shortcuts.

I think a guy posting "Do I even need a keyboard? can I get sound modules elsewhere? It's so confusing. Dude, I just play guitar?" isn't going to be in the market for a 2K+ keyboard.

Maybe if he wanted to become a keyboard player and synthesist you could try to get him into the Trident/M3/Romplerstation fold, but that clearly isn't the case. He's just looking to add some cool sounds. Even a Fusion 6HD would likely be overkill (and I do see them occasionally for $500 bucks).

guitar08man · #15 05-26-2008, 01:48 AM

go to www.soundsonline.com and look at goliath. Its like 25 gigs of any keyboard/orchestral/ethnic sound you'd EVER need or want and its only like 800 bucks. Just make sure you have a DAW with a midi sequencer and enough space and you'll be ready to rock.