Who is this option for?

Lead player who prefers keys

If you mainly play single-note melodies, physical keys and easy-to-reach sound controls can be handy during rehearsals. Novation and Korg describe these features for the Bass Station II and monologue respectively.

Player who switches between leads and chords

If you also want to play several notes at once on the same instrument, check the number of voices and the keyboard layout. Arturia and Yamaha list these features for the MiniFreak and reface CS.

Player with limited setup space

If space is tight, a compact module could be an option. Check whether the pads suit the way you play or whether you’ll need a suitable external controller; Roland describes the S-1 as a model with playable pads.

What should you look for when buying?

Monosynth with keyboard

A good fit if: your lead usually consists of one note at a time and you want to use the keys and sound controls as you play.

Trade-off: a strictly monophonic instrument can’t play full chords with separate voices; the Bass Station II also has a paraphonic mode, which isn’t the same as regular polyphony.

Polyphonic keyboard synthesiser

A good fit if: you want to play chords or overlapping notes as well as leads. Arturia lists six voices for the MiniFreak and Yamaha lists eight for the reface CS.

Trade-off: check that the keyboard, controls and space requirements suit your setup; built-in speakers don’t necessarily replace the connection you need when playing with others.

Compact module with pads

A good fit if: you have limited space and the pads or a suitable MIDI controller you already own work for you.

Trade-off: pads feel different from a traditional keyboard; also check which audio and MIDI connections your setup requires.

What to consider What to check before buying Who is this important for?
Playing directly on keys Try the key size and check which sound controls you can use while playing. If I want to play my lead directly on keys, I look at the feel of the keys and how easy the controls are to reach. Around 33% of consumers prioritise direct control from the keyboard.
Connecting it and hearing the sound Check the headphone and line outputs, the available input on your speaker or mixing desk, and the cables you’ll need. If I want to listen straight away in the practice room, the outputs need to work with my headphones, speaker or mixing desk. Around 27% of consumers prioritise having a working listening setup.
Chords as well as leads Decide whether you need to play several notes at once and check the voice count of the exact model. If I want to play melodies and chords on the same instrument, I check how many notes can sound at once. Around 20% of consumers choose with this use in mind.
Limited setup space Measure the space available and decide whether pads or a suitable controller will work for the way you play. When my workspace is limited, I want to know whether a smaller playing interface will still be practical for my lead part. Around 20% of consumers prioritise a compact setup.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming an audio output means there’s a built-in speaker

    An audio output won’t produce sound in the room by itself. Novation lists connections for headphones and external audio equipment on the Bass Station II.

    Before you buy, map out the whole signal path: from the synthesiser to the headphones, active speaker or mixing desk you plan to use.

    Depending on your existing setup, you may need a suitable active speaker, headphones, cable or input on a mixing desk.

  • Choosing a monosynth when you want to play chords

    A monophonic instrument can’t play the same combination of independent notes at once as a polyphonic synthesiser. Korg describes the monologue as monophonic, while Arturia lists multiple voices for the MiniFreak.

    Play through your part and decide whether notes need to sound at the same time before choosing a monophonic model.

  • Assuming a compact playing interface is the same as a keyboard

    The Roland S-1 uses pads as its playing interface, while Korg and Novation describe the models being compared as having physical keys. This can make them feel different to play.

    Try the interface with your own lead part and check which connections you’ll need for any extra equipment.

    If pads don’t suit the way you play, you may need a separate compatible controller.

Brands to compare

Novation

Novation describes the Bass Station II as a compact keyboard synthesiser for anyone who wants to play leads directly on keys.

  • Novation specifies 25 full-size keys with aftertouch and direct-access sound controls.
  • The paraphonic mode isn’t the same as regular polyphony with separate voices. For sound, Novation recommends suitable amplification, an active speaker, mixing desk or headphones.

Korg

Korg positions the monologue as a monophonic analogue model with a compact keyboard.

  • Korg specifies 25 slim, velocity-sensitive keys, direct-access controls, a headphone socket and a mono audio output.
  • The monologue is monophonic, so it can’t play chords with separate voices at the same time. Korg notes that the mains adapter is sold separately.

Arturia

Arturia describes the MiniFreak as a hybrid model for players who want to combine leads with polyphonic parts.

  • Arturia lists six voices, two digital sound engines, analogue filters and stereo outputs.
  • Compare the controls and space required with what you need for your lead part; the listed features are the manufacturer’s specifications.

Yamaha

Yamaha describes the reface CS as a compact keyboard model with polyphony and built-in speakers.

  • Yamaha specifies eight voices, 37 mini keys, two built-in speakers and a headphone socket.
  • Check that the mini keys suit your playing technique and how you plan to amplify the instrument when playing with others.

Roland

Roland describes the S-1 as a compact option for players who use pads for leads or already have a suitable playing setup.

  • Roland specifies four-voice polyphony and playable pads.
  • Pads aren’t a traditional keyboard, so decide for yourself whether they suit the lead part you want to play.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a polyphonic synthesiser for a synth lead?

Not if you only want to play one note at a time. If you also want to play chords or other notes simultaneously, compare the voice count of the exact models: Korg describes the monologue as monophonic, while Arturia lists six voices for the MiniFreak.

Can I hear a synthesiser without an extra speaker?

It depends on the model. Yamaha specifies built-in speakers for the reface CS. For the Bass Station II, Novation lists a headphone output and a line output for suitable external equipment; keep the volume low when using headphones.

What should I check if the instrument arrives faulty or I don’t like it?

Check who the seller is and what returns information applies to your purchase. According to the Dutch Government, distance purchases from a business often come with a 14-day cooling-off period; if an item is faulty, you may also have rights against the seller. A purchase from a private individual isn’t automatically covered by the same distance-selling rules.

What should I look out for when buying an electronic instrument from an online shop in the Netherlands?

Check the specific listing for the required CE marking, and find out who the seller is and what information they provide about safe use. The Dutch Government states that electronic devices placed on the EU market must have a CE marking; a product listing alone doesn’t confirm that the item being sold meets this requirement.