im looking for a good analogue synth for creating synth/string sounds (late 70's and 80's type stuff). i've looked into maybe one of the solina string machines, but those things are usually hard to find and cost more than most children.

i've seen numerous old Roland Synths and was intrigued. im always more interested in the obscure, less quality boards from yesteryear.

suggestions?

Arp OMNI would be my number one choice. But if you want a ton of different opinions and rather heated discussions on the issue of string synth comparison here's an interesting thread from the past:
http://www.bigbriar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2281&start=45&sid=5c364408152a0c03f061ddd33bef35f0

------------------
A gentleman is one who never hurts anyone's feelings unintentionally.
- - - Oscar Wilde

I used to have an Elka Synthex which was great for it's time. Lovely lush strings, synths and pad sounds. I'd never even heard of this synth until I saw Magnum play (rock group in UK) and was amazed by their synth player.

I just went to my instrument graveyard in my office and found a Paia string machine/piano. When I got it (I think, mid 70's), it was only available as a kit. I had a degreed electrical engineer assemble it, but he never could get it working. My keyboard repairman fixed it for an additional $250.00. By then, you could get a name brand machine for about 1/2 what I had in it.

Just fired it up, and it still works. This company now makes automobile fog lights, car stereos, speakers, etc.

What a neat old relic. Now, as for the sound....WELL....


Russ

[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 07-26-2006).]

Ed's right the omni is a good string, synth. However it is 30 years old, and can have it's shares of glitches. If you do get one, you might want to try the Omni Mark II.

My "old" but dependable Korg T3

------------------
...shboom

The Logan string machine quite a few years ago was superb for string sounds, my mate still uses one of these.
http://www.sonicstate.com/synth/logan_string.cfm