Regardless, it’s still quite easy to edit quickly and smoothly. Its one disadvantage when compared to the Juno-106 is the programming interface, which requires you to press a button to select which parameter you want to edit and then adjust it with a data slider. The JX-3P sells for half as much, is electronically more reliable and sonically almost the same, but adds a second DCO per voice and a fun, easy-to-use step sequencer. Though it’s not obscure by any means, I would say the Roland JX-3P is tragically underrated when you compare its modest reputation with the acclaim and legendary status of its fraternal twin, the Juno-106. Make sure you either get one that has had its battery replaced and leakage cleaned up or get that checked on as soon as possible. Tech Notes: A lot of these come up for sale in non-working or 'as-is' condition because they often have problems as a result of their NiCad patch memory battery having leaked on the CPU board.

Most of the other synths on this list pack a lot of features, but this one gets to be here just by sounding huge and being fun to play. In the lower octaves, the pulse wave oscillators take on a distinctive, buzzy fuzziness.

The first time I brought one 'back to life' after dealing with the NiCad battery leak damage (an all-too-common problem with these), I was immediately blown away by how big it sounded, especially having owned its immediate successor, the thin and plasticky Poly 800. Of all of the ‘80s polysynths I’ve gotten to play and work on, I think this one just might come the closest to being able to make huge, fat, Moog-ish leads and basses. The Korg Poly-61 is the oldest and the simplest of the synths on this list, and the reason I like it so much is simple, too. Below, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite underrated polysynths from the 1980s that offer a lot of bang for your buck. In recent years, the increased interest in electronic music hardware-and vintage synths, especially-has pushed prices of vintage polysynths up higher and higher, but it is still very possible to get a very cool synth for under a grand. Though I’ve certainly had fun jamming out on synths that are worth more than my car, a lot of the ones that impress me the most remain those that are fairly affordable-synths that were designed for regular people to use. One of my favorite parts of running a vintage synth repair business is that I get to try out all kinds of instruments that I could never afford to own myself.

Korg poly 800 vs juno 106 patvches