Who is this for?

Lead player who shapes their sound live

You mainly play one melody line and want easy access to filters and expressive controls during a performance.

Player who switches between leads and chords

You want to play several notes at once as well as a lead. So pay attention to the number of voices and the keyboard.

Player in a shared loft space

You want to rehearse and perform using suitable connections, while being mindful of potential noise disturbance for neighbours. The Dutch government advises people dealing with noise complaints from neighbours to try to agree on arrangements together first.

What should you look for?

Monophonic lead synth

A good fit if: you mainly play one lead note at a time and want to shape the sound as you play.

Keep in mind: a monophonic synth isn’t designed for chords with independently sounding notes; paraphony isn’t the same as standard polyphony.

Compact polyphonic synth

A good fit if: you want to play chords or overlapping notes as well as leads.

Keep in mind: four or six voices are limiting; also check that the key size suits your playing style.

Polyphonic synth with larger keys

A good fit if: full-size keys matter more to you than keeping your setup as small as possible.

Keep in mind: measure the space where you’ll be playing and try out the controls with your own parts.

What to consider What should you look for when buying? Who is this important for?
Expressive solo lead Try the feel of the keys, the pitch controls and how easy it is to reach the filter controls; check whether it has aftertouch if you want to use it. If you mainly shape one melody line live and expressive controls are your priority, you’re among the consumers with that preference; that’s around 40%.
Chords and overlapping notes Play your own chords and sustained notes, and check whether the number of voices is enough for them. If you want to play both leads and chords on the same instrument, polyphony should be your first consideration; around 30% of consumers prioritise this.
Keyboard and connections Compare the key size and dimensions; check that the audio output is compatible with the input on your mixer or amplifier. If you first want to know whether the keyboard suits your part and the output fits your setup, you share the priorities of consumers who value practical compatibility most; around 20% have this as their main priority.
Sound in the loft Check whether the exact model has a headphone output, and think about how you’ll manage amplification and noise agreements during performances. If you rehearse or perform in a shared space and want to take noise disturbance into account, this is your main consideration; around 10% of consumers prioritise keeping loft noise under control.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking paraphony for standard polyphony

    The Novation Bass Station II is fundamentally monophonic, even though it has a paraphonic playing mode.

    Try the chords and sustained notes you intend to play on the exact instrument before choosing paraphony as a solution.

  • Focusing only on sound options and forgetting the keyboard

    The models discussed differ in their number of keys and key size. This can affect how well the keyboard suits the way you play your own parts.

    Try your widest reaches and use your other hand to operate the controls you want to use live.

  • Assuming a headphone output solves noise problems

    Headphones can help when practising on your own, but they won’t prevent disturbance when you play amplified music during a performance.

    Plan separately how you’ll practise and how you’ll manage the sound during a performance.

  • Confusing an extra warranty package with your legal guarantee

    According to ACM ConsuWijzer, your legal guarantee applies alongside any guarantee from the retailer or manufacturer.

    Compare any additional services with the rights the retailer is already legally required to provide.

Relevant brands

Novation

The Bass Station II is a compact option for a live solo lead, with analogue filters and aftertouch keys.

  • Novation lists 25 full-size keys, aftertouch, two filters and sequencing.
  • According to the manual, the instrument is fundamentally monophonic; paraphony is not the same as standard polyphony.

Korg

The minilogue xd is an option if you want to play simple polyphonic parts as well as leads.

  • Korg specifies four voices and a combination of analogue oscillators and a digital multi-engine.
  • Four voices limit the number of notes you can play at once. The Dutch product page lists 37 slim-style keys.

Arturia

The MiniFreak is a polyphonic option if you want to play polyphonic sounds as well as leads, with a range of digital sound modes to choose from.

  • Arturia specifies six voices and 37 velocity-sensitive slim-key keys with aftertouch. The Dutch product page lists a headphone output.
  • The smaller key size is something to try out for yourself.

Roland

The GAIA 2 is worth considering if you want 37 full-size keys and easy-to-reach sound controls.

  • Roland describes the key size and the layout of the control panel.
  • Key size alone doesn’t determine whether a keyboard feels comfortable to play; also compare the space you’ll need and the connections on the exact model.

Synthesizers at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a monophonic or polyphonic synthesizer for a lead?

A monosynth may be enough for one note at a time. If you also want to play notes that sound independently at the same time, look for polyphony and try your own parts; Korg lists four voices for the minilogue xd and Arturia lists six for the MiniFreak.

Can I practise in the loft without turning on speakers?

The Dutch product pages list a headphone output for the Novation Bass Station II, Korg minilogue xd and Arturia MiniFreak. Check the connections on the exact version; headphones won’t prevent disturbance during a later amplified performance.

How do I connect the synth, and what should I check before using it?

Compare the audio output on your chosen model with the input on your mixer or amplifier, and check which cable and power supply you need. Follow the manual for the exact version when cleaning, powering and updating the synth; don’t assume that MIDI over USB also means audio over USB.

What are my rights when I buy a synth online or if it develops a fault?

For online purchases by consumers, there is generally a statutory 14-day cooling-off period after delivery, subject to legal exceptions, according to ACM ConsuWijzer. You also have a legal guarantee: if a fault is one you couldn’t reasonably expect under normal use, the retailer is responsible for providing an appropriate solution. A paid-for extended warranty does not replace this right.

Does a CE mark mean a synth has been independently approved?

No. The European Commission explains that the manufacturer uses the mark to declare that a product complies with the applicable EU product rules. You need to establish which rules apply to the specific version of the product.