Top 5 Best Synthesizers For a Good Price
Get a review of the best synthesizers for an affordable price.

Synthesizers have undoubtedly changed music completely since their invention. At first, they were used to reproduce radio programs or entertainment. They were even used in telecommunication stations because they transmitted shortwave radio signals. All this happened in the 1950s, but as the years went by, they became more famous until they reached the field of music.

But why did they start to be used in music? Well, because they were able to generate different waveforms which were subjected to alterations in frequency, timbre, intensity, and duration. Basically, with a synthesizer, you can create or simulate sounds that you could not do with a conventional instrument. But at the same time using a synthesizer is difficult, you must dedicate time and have patience in that process.

It works like any other instrument, the only difference is that it is electronic. And with an electronic instrument, human beings can mold it to work in different ways.

When the decade of the 60s arrived, synthesizers began to be manufactured professionally for musicians. They were striking because at first glance they looked like keyboards because the keys were similar, but their functions were more advanced!

Then in the 80s and 90s, these electronic instruments became popular after great bands such as Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, Duran Duran, A-ha, Orchestral Manoeuvres, and Erasure started to use synthesizers constantly.

Millions of synthesizers have been made, some more advanced than others, but generally they all serve the same function... which is to offer a wide variety of tonal control.

If you want to buy a synthesizer but still can't decide which one to buy or you don't have experience using one, here is a list of the 5 best synthesizers you can buy at the best price:

Korg Microkorg

In case you don't know, Korg is one of the most important brands in the category of electronic musical instruments.

One of its most famous synthesizers is the Microkorg, and believe it or not, it has been on the market for more than fifteen years. It was released in 2002 and since then it has become one of the favorites of the music lovers community. You don't need great synthesis knowledge to use this synthesizer, because despite being extremely powerful, it is easy to use.

The price range varies from $300 to $600. If you are interested in checking prices in more depth, I recommend you to use these pages: Reverb, Guitar Center, Sweetwater, and Chicago Music Exchange.

Source: Korg

Here is a short list of the most recognized songs that were recorded with a Microkorg:

• Girls by The Prodigy
• Expectation by Tame Impala
• Electric Feel by MGMT
• Chameleon by Herbie Hancock
• Da Funk by Daft Punk

Korg Minilogue

Another Korg synthesizer model that has changed the music industry is the Minilogue. If you are looking to create atmospheric and ambient sounds in polyphonic mode, this is the one for you!

This synthesizer is one of the most attractive synthesizers on the market due to its simplicity, as it is not excessively small or large. The size is perfect for traveling and you can take it without the need to carry so much weight.

Source: Korg

The price range of this synthesizer can change constantly, depending on the offers you find. For example, if you are lucky you can find it for $350. But you can also come across very high prices ranging from $600 or $700.

Arturia MiniBrute 2

Arturia is known for being a well-known brand thanks to the wide variety of keyboards, audio interfaces, and plugins it has. However, synthesizers are the most popular products because they are inexpensive and of good quality.

Source: Arturia

For example, here we have the great MiniBrute 2. This synthesizer is the second version of the MiniBrute and has two octaves (aftertouch) and controls to modify the arpeggiator. The arpeggiator is quite basic, but you can save up to eight-note patterns and insert them anywhere you want. Despite being a small synthesizer like the ones you have seen before, you can improvise or make a lot of sequences if you are just starting to learn about synthesis.

The price range for this synthesizer is between $450 and $700. I recommend that as with the previous models, try to get a used one.

Arturia MicroFreak

To continue with the range of synthesizers offered by Arturia, you should take a look at MicroFreak. You've probably seen this marvel at some point. It is probably the most popular synthesizer of the brand because of its design and the various functionalities it has. It's inexpensive, easy to use, and small! So if you are looking for a synthesizer that is not overly expensive and fulfills its basic functions... This one is perfect for you!

You can find it from $250 to $400, and that is the cheapest on this list.

Source: Arturia

Novation MiniNova

The last synthesizer on the list is the wonderful Novation MiniNova, with over 200 sounds, arpeggiator, up to 18 notes of polyphony, and VocalTune.

In case you don't know, with VocalTune you can completely edit and configure any kind of voice. You can get these synthesizers at different prices, but mainly you can find them between $300 and $500.

Source: Novation

In conclusion, even though synthesizers are one of the best inventions that were born a few decades ago, they are still difficult electronic instruments to understand and use. Learning about synthesis is hard, but it is a wonderful process. So if you have the opportunity to learn and buy a synthesizer, don't hesitate and do it now!

Note: I recommend that before buying an electronic instrument, make sure to confirm that it works properly.

If you liked this article, share it with your friends! They may be interested in learning about the history of synthesizers and what models are the most accessible today. Finally, I have two questions for you: Do you know any other inexpensive model similar to the ones on this list? If so, what brand is it?