Please help me decide a hardware synthesizer

[Uncle E]

Fantom EX would probably be perfect in terms of capabilities, while Juno-X might be an acceptable compromise if you put high value in an inspiring interface.

[rACatkvr]

If you are looking at a workstation synth then perhaps you might consider adding the Kurzweil to your list.

[LoveEnigma18]

Fantom EX would probably be perfect in terms of capabilities, while Juno-X might be an acceptable compromise if you put high value in an inspiring interface.

Yeah, good way to put it. While I love JUNO-X's interface for its immediacy and inspiring interface, I am wondering if it would become a bit limiting in the long run, and the tiny display won't help or complement it. So, between these Roland options, I'd rather buy Fantom EX even though it is on the expensive side for me.

I will give one last thought on Kronos 3, but Fantom EX looks perfect to me in all aspects of what I am looking for. Just hoping it would be available with one of the dealers.

[LoveEnigma18]

If you are looking at a workstation synth then perhaps you might consider adding the Kurzweil to your list.

Unfortunately, Kurzweil workstation synths are not available from any of the dealers in my country. Looks like they don't sell well in this part of the world.

[HAL76]

If you make your selection based on options or parameters, you will quickly fall victim to the manufacturers' marketing promises.

Even if a synth has everything you want, it is by no means guaranteed that it will appeal to you sonically or in terms of usability—or that it will align with your goals. Just think about the presets, for instance.

And when I take into account your stylistic intentions (and your username here), I actually already know that you are likely to be disappointed by newer models.

I think you may be right. I am trying to find something that appeals sonically and usability, but there's always going to be a trade-off. Budget is an important consideration (< $2000), as I don't want to go too overboard and then not like/use what I buy in the long run.

Any news about your descision?

[LoveEnigma18]

If you make your selection based on options or parameters, you will quickly fall victim to the manufacturers' marketing promises.

Even if a synth has everything you want, it is by no means guaranteed that it will appeal to you sonically or in terms of usability—or that it will align with your goals. Just think about the presets, for instance.

And when I take into account your stylistic intentions (and your username here), I actually already know that you are likely to be disappointed by newer models.

I think you may be right. I am trying to find something that appeals sonically and usability, but there's always going to be a trade-off. Budget is an important consideration (< $2000), as I don't want to go too overboard and then not like/use what I buy in the long run.

Any news about your descision?

Thanks for following up. I haven't bought anything yet. I have been deciding between Fantom EX and Montage M of late with a bit more affinity for the former. [Yes, I increased my budget.]

A few main reasons I am thinking about Montage M are ready availability locally, better aftertouch keybed, and if I were to get a 88 key keyboard, Montage M8x has polyphonic aftertouch and its price is less than Fantom 7 EX currently where I am.

On the flip side, Montage M keyboards have a fan inside. I am not sure if that's a concern, but I guess it is important to consider.

I am not a pianist and not a great keyboard player, but I have played weighted keys a few times in the past, which I loved. Aside from the weight and size, I am not sure if there will be any challenges with an 88 key keyboard, because I will be majorly playing non-piano sounds.

[EnGee]

I am not a pianist and not a great keyboard player, but I have played weighted keys a few times in the past, which I loved. Aside from the weight and size, I am not sure if there will be any challenges with an 88 key keyboard, because I will be majorly playing non-piano sounds.

I would go for the 61 keys. However, if you have in mind, you will be interested in learning piano one day, then of course go for the 88 keys.

I think you will be happy with either one (personally, I would choose the Montage because I can focus on just two great synths without bothering about plugins or expansions). Both has a nice audio interface, so it makes sense for the workstation to be the central unit of your studio (main midi Keyboard, controller and audio interface).

P.S.
Here in NZ, they are the same prices (from dealers).

[LoveEnigma18]

I am not a pianist and not a great keyboard player, but I have played weighted keys a few times in the past, which I loved. Aside from the weight and size, I am not sure if there will be any challenges with an 88 key keyboard, because I will be majorly playing non-piano sounds.

I would go for the 61 keys. However, if you have in mind, you will be interested in learning piano one day, then of course go for the 88 keys.

I think you will be happy with either one (personally, I would choose the Montage because I can focus on just two great synths without bothering about plugins or expansions). Both has a nice audio interface, so it makes sense for the workstation to be the central unit of your studio (main midi Keyboard, controller and audio interface).

P.S.
Here in NZ, they are the same prices (from dealers).

Thanks for the suggestion. I have been thinking of getting 76 key if not 88 key, as having an extra octave vs 61 key would be useful in the long run (and I am used to semi-weighted keys). Just that Montage M8x price being about $100 cheaper than Fantom 7 EX is making me even think about 88 key, with polyphonic aftertouch too! But I am a bit afraid of 88 key due to its size, weight and fully weighted keybed that I am not sure would be comfortable, so I guess I should avoid it at this time.

Yeah, having Montage M would provide variety in terms of sounds, as I have a lot of Roland Cloud stuff, but except for acoustic/orchestral sounds where Montage M sounds better, Fantom EX sounds better for almost everything else to me.

I will of course post here when I buy one of them.

[LoveEnigma18]

So, I finally bought my first hardware synthesizer last week, and it is the Yamaha Montage M8x. Funny coincidence that I have owned Yamaha PSR E423 for all these years and also got Yamaha PSS-F30 for my kid. Monitors are Yamaha too, HS7!

It might seem a bit contradictory given my recent posts, but it seemed to be a great choice after reviewing various aspects of what I was looking for and of course knowing I will need to make some compromises. Thanks a lot to each of you who helped me with their suggestions, as they really helped me in the decision making process.

A few important reasons for getting Montage M8x:

1. 88 keys - I always wished to get an 88 keys keyboard and after looking at various reasons and importantly trying it in the store where I bought it, I thought it has an excellent keybed and it is not as heavy as a real weighted piano, which was perfect for me.

2. Polyphonic aftertouch, which is only a bonus and tied to #1.

3. I already have Roland and Korg sounds via their software, so as discussed earlier, this was also a consideration.

4. Montage M8x was readily available in the store for me to try before buying and the same store did not have Fantom EX.

5. With Montage M8x I am covered well with "realistic" pianos/brass/orchestral/etc. sounds.

6. Motage M8x was cheaper than Fantom 7 EX, let alone Fantom 8 EX.

I could play with Montage M8x only briefly, but I am liking it so far.

Since I may have some budget to buy one more hardware synthesizer (good bonus at work!), I am thinking about adding Fantom 6 or 7 EX to the setup even though I do have Roland Cloud stuff as I love the Roland sound too and interested in the additional stuff Fantom EX offers, as I realized in this short time that hardware experience overall is better and recording audio output of hardware synthesizer has its charm and more fun too. At this point, I am not yet sure of buying a pure analog hardware synthesizer, but I could do that in the future. Although with Montage M + Fantom EX combo, I think it may not be needed at all.

Any further thoughts are appreciated.

[Uncle E]

Now that you have a great keyboard, check out the Roland Integra-7 module to go with it.

[EnGee]

congratulations Excellent choice

I wouldn't buy anything else for at least one year! You have a lot to learn!
If you want to take advantage of the quality keys you have, I suggest buying some piano books (Alfred's adult piano books are good) or some course (like e-Media piano method software, which I bought from JRR Shop )