Who is this guide for?

Live lead player

You want to play a melody directly on the keys and shape the sound as you rehearse.

Lead and chord player

You switch between melodies and playing several notes at once, so the voice limit and feel of the keys both matter when choosing.

Pattern player

You build parts with a sequencer and weigh up whether the built-in note input or an external keyboard suits the way you play live.

What should you consider when choosing?

Keyboard synth for single-note leads

A good fit if: you play the lead yourself and want to shape the sound as you play. Novation lists 25 full-size keys with aftertouch for the Bass Station II; Moog lists 32 semi-weighted keys for the Messenger.

Trade-off: the Messenger is monophonic. The Bass Station II has a paraphonic mode, but that isn’t the same as playing independently voiced polyphonic chords.

Polyphonic keyboard synth for leads and chords

A good fit if: you want to play several notes at once as well as the lead. Korg specifies up to four voices for the minilogue xd; Arturia lists six voices for the MiniFreak.

Trade-off: the voice limit still matters when playing sustained notes or chords. Also try the keyboard to see if it suits your playing style, and check the connections on the version you’re considering.

Desktop model for patterns and sound design

A good fit if: sequencing and multiple sound parts are important to you. Roland describes the SH-4d as a desktop synthesiser with multiple oscillator models and a multitimbral sequencer.

Trade-off: try the built-in note input before choosing this model for a lead you’ll play live. Roland notes that the maximum polyphony can vary with the processing load.

Priority What to look for Who it matters to
Play and shape a lead directly Try the keyboard and check that the filter, modulation and pitch controls are within easy reach. Novation lists 25 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch for the Bass Station II. If I play my own lead, I want keys and sound controls that suit my part. Around 33% of consumers prioritise playing a lead directly.
Play chords alongside the lead Count how many notes your parts need to play at once and compare that with the voice limit. Korg lists up to four voices for the minilogue xd; Arturia lists six voices for the MiniFreak. If I play chords as well as the lead, I want to know how many notes can sound at once. Around 27% of consumers want to combine leads and chords.
Connect to the rehearsal-room setup Ask which input and cable are available. Novation describes the Bass Station II’s LINE output as suitable for connecting to a mixer or active speaker, among other equipment; USB-MIDI is a separate connection. If I want to connect my own synth to the available equipment, I check the audio connection in advance. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this connection.
Work with patterns in a compact setup Try how you enter and call up parts, and decide whether you want to use an external keyboard. Roland describes the SH-4d as a desktop model with a multitimbral sequencer. If I have limited setup space and work with patterns, I want to know whether the controls also suit my live lead playing. Around 20% of consumers prioritise compact pattern control.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Confusing paraphonic with fully polyphonic

    Novation describes the Bass Station II as paraphonic. That doesn’t mean you can play independently voiced polyphonic chords on it; Korg and Arturia specify separate maximum voice counts for the models mentioned here.

    Try playing your own lead and chord parts, then compare the synth’s voice architecture with what those parts require.

  • Mistaking USB-MIDI for an audio connection

    For the Bass Station II, Novation describes USB as being for power and MIDI, and the LINE output as the connection to equipment such as a mixer or active speaker. A MIDI connection doesn’t automatically send the audible synth sound to the sound system.

    Check the audio output on the exact model and make sure it matches the inputs available in the rehearsal room.

    Depending on the equipment available, you may need a suitable audio cable.

  • Choosing a desktop model without trying its live note input

    A sequencer can be well suited to creating and controlling patterns, but the built-in controls may not suit the way you want to play a lead live.

    Try playing your part using the model’s controls, then decide whether you need an external MIDI keyboard.

    If the built-in controls don’t suit your part, an external MIDI keyboard may need to be part of your setup.

Brands to consider

Novation

The Bass Station II is a keyboard synth for players who want to play and shape a lead directly.

  • Novation lists 25 full-size keys with aftertouch, two filters and an arpeggiator for the Bass Station II.
  • The paraphonic mode is no substitute for independently voiced polyphonic chords.

Korg

The minilogue xd combines a keyboard, analogue sound generation and a digital multi-engine.

  • Korg specifies 37 slim, velocity-sensitive keys and separate L/MONO and R outputs for this model.
  • This model has a maximum polyphony of four voices; check that it suits your parts.

Arturia

The MiniFreak is a hybrid keyboard synth with digital sound sources and analogue filters.

  • Arturia lists six voices and stereo outputs for the MiniFreak.
  • Manufacturer specifications can’t tell you whether the keys will feel right for your playing style, so try the keyboard for yourself.

Roland

The SH-4d is a desktop option for players who want to combine sequencing with multiple sound parts.

  • Roland describes multiple oscillator models and a multitimbral sequencer.
  • Roland notes that the maximum polyphony can vary with the processing load. Also try the note input to see if it works for your live lead.

Moog

The Messenger is a monophonic analogue keyboard synth for players who want to combine a single-note lead with stored sounds.

  • Moog lists 32 large semi-weighted keys with aftertouch and 256 presets for this model.
  • Its monophonic architecture isn’t suited to parts that require independently voiced chords.

Synthesisers at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an amplifier to be heard in the rehearsal room?

First, check the sound system and the inputs available. According to Novation, you can connect the Bass Station II’s LINE output to a mixer, active speaker or amplifier, for example; a USB-MIDI connection alone isn’t the same as an audio connection.

Can I play through headphones while using the main outputs?

According to the manual, the Bass Station II’s main outputs remain active when headphones are connected. Turn the volume down first and check both listening options; this may vary by model.

Do I automatically get a two-year legal guarantee in the Netherlands?

No, the Netherlands doesn’t have a fixed statutory guarantee period. According to the Dutch government, how long you can reasonably expect a product to last depends on the product. If something goes wrong, contact the seller; a manufacturer’s guarantee or an additional warranty may also apply.

What should I check for the electrical safety of a synthesiser?

Electrical and electronic devices sold in the Netherlands must comply with the applicable European product rules. The government outlines safety and EMC requirements, CE marking and an EU declaration of conformity for devices covered by these rules; the precise requirements depend on the device. Check the documentation for the version on offer rather than assuming that a particular item complies based on its brand name.