Any reason to keep old synth?

[robroper]

After my first Road Rally I came home motivated to finally start recording using MIDI. Up until now, I've only recorded audio with real instruments. I figured it out (I use Logic) and started exploring all the built-in keyboard sounds. I haven't bought any premium sounds yet. But even the built-in sounds are pretty impressive, and I haven't even started messing with the parameters, or adding effects.

My question for y'all is, I have a 2002 Yamaha S02 synth. I also have Yamaha PF-140 electronic piano that I use for piano practice, and recently bought a Moog Sub Phatty analog synth. All 3 have have MIDI outs, so I can use any of them as MIDI controllers. I'm wondering if I should just sell the old SO3 synth, if I'm going to use software synth sounds for recording from now on. The Moog is smaller and I can use that for a MIDI controller, or the electronic piano if I need a full keyboard. Can you imagine I would ever have a need for the old synth? I don't play keyboards live; I mainly a guitar player and so I play guitar live.

Thanks for the advice,
Rob

[ecurb]

Hi Rob,

I'm not familiar with that particular synth, but for my 2c worth I reckon it depends on how useful and special the sounds are. A good example of a synth that to me is worth keeping is the old Roland D-50. It had a very characteristic sound that nothing else really seems to match, and far as I know has never really been properly re-released in virtual instrument format.

So, probably stating the obvious, but I'd say - if you are particularly fond of the overall tone or of specific sounds from that synth, go looking around and check you can find good virtual replacements first.

Cheers
Bruce.

[Len911]

I would sell it if you can get a good price.

[robroper]

Thanks for the advice. This synth has some good sounds, but I doubt they are anything modern software can't beat. Problem is, I doubt I could even get $200 for it. It was $500 new back in 2002.

[Len911]

Rob, you could keep it for sentimental reasons, because you have said you don't need it for a controller, or live shows. It's also hard to take a big loss. I would probably categorize this synth as a general midi rompler. I'm not sure there is really an equivalent in the software synth world. So a comparison is really like apples to oranges. But how about this as an example:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... 8tEALw_wcB

Arturia Analog Lab 2 Virtual Instrument Features:

An amazing collection of iconic synthesizer sounds in a single virtual instrument
Original V Collection algorithms deliver uncompromised sound
Tweak up to 19 parameters per preset to dial in the perfect tone
Includes over 5000 expertly crafted sounds from 17 V Collection 5 soft synths
Tag-based browser makes finding presets fast and easy
Add effects and create your own layers and splits

It's worthless if you don't want vintage synth sounds,lol, but it's an example of what you can do moving forward, and how much more your money can buy. I think it's better to have less of something that is useful, than a lot of something you'll seldom use.

[Paulie]

I'd sell it. eBay shows them going for about $300... if you can get $250 for it I'd do that deal. Or you can take it to Sam Ash or Guitar Center and see what they would offer in store credit.

My thinking is that this is not a standout synth known for particular sounds. That synth is about old enough to get its driver's license. You can take the money you make and buy a really nice VST or some good sample libraries. What you pay for a synth new versus get when you sell is always a drag, just like cars. But your purchase is a sunk cost, so any money you can get for it is a bonus right now.

Just my $0.02.

Paulie

[cosmicdolphin]

Got rid of all my real synths about 8yrs ago after I realised it not use them for several years prior. I haven't missed them at all.

For the record I had a Yamaha SY85, Casio CZ1000, Yamaha TG300, Roland MC 303 , Zoom SampleTrack

Now I use Sylenth, Massive, Kontakt, Addictive Drums and a few other older ones like FM8

Mark

[billhewett]

A good example of a synth that to me is worth keeping is the old Roland D-50.

I really do miss my D-50. I gave it to a buddy to whom I owed money back in the day, and I have regretted it ever since :(

But, to stick to the point of the thread... if it's not something with a particular sound you can't live without then you should sell it or trade it in. In addition to EBay and the other suggestions, you should check out reverb.com. I've been using it for the past year or so for buying and selling gear.

-Bill

[robroper]

Well, I sold it today. Advertised it on Craigslist yesterday and got a call an hour later. Got $260 for it. Hopefully someone will get some use out of it. It was just going to stay in the gig bag taking up space in my storage room. Thanks to everyone for the advice. I'll use my electronic piano or my Moog Sub Phatty as MIDI controllers. Suggestions for B3 patches, strings, analog synth string and other sounds welcome. Especially any good ones that come with Logic.

The Moog I used to learn how analog synthesis works. What a fun toy. And I'll looking forward to a chance to use the analog sounds I create on that on a song.

--Rob

[mojobone]

Well, it's one more thing outside your computer that can make an actual noise, innit? But yeah, Sub Phatty is one awesome beast, so unless you anticipate having regular multi-keyboardist jams at your place, feel free to let go.

For my money, this is the best virtual B3 available. http://www.gg-audio.com/

For what it's worth, I wish I'd never sold my Crumar String Machine.