Recommended Synthesizer Gadgets That Are Fun Even If You Have Never Touched a Musical Instrument

The KORG NTS-2 oscilloscope kit + PATCH & TWEAK was released in January 2023 has been well received, which is great because synthesizer gadgets and DIY kits are very popular these days!

*Sales have been discontinued due to limited quantities.

The appeal of this product is that it is a low threshold, in a good sense of the word. Even if you have no experience with musical instruments, you can enjoy playing music, create songs, and even perform live. It also looks great as a decoration for your home! In this issue, I would like to introduce a popular series of synthesizer gadgets and electronic musical instrument gadgets.

KORG / NTS-1 DIGITAL Synthesizer Kit

This is the first of the DIY synthesizer kits that were discussed earlier. All materials are included in the kit, no soldering required, and it features a digital oscillator inspired by the MULTI engine found in KORG's full-fledged synthesizers prologue and minilogue xd. It also features a multimode filter, EG, three LFOs, and three stereo effects processors, making it sound even better than it looks. Various music software has been bundled together free of charge, so you can not only build and play, but also create your own music!

KORG/VOLCA Series

Next is the very popular KORG/volca series, with its authentic VHS-sized sound. The lineup includes a variety of models specialized in individual sounds such as synthesizers, drums, and bass, etc. Not only can you enjoy playing with a single unit, but you can also combine multiple units for live performances with the included SYNC cable! The compact body offers unlimited possibilities! Among all models, I personally recommend the volca keys that have a simple configuration but offer polyphony at a reasonable price and the volca beats, a full-fledged analog rhythm machine despite its small size.

Manufacturer's website

KORG/monotron series

The monotron series is the most affordable synthesizer available today. It may look like a toy, but it is a full-fledged analog synthesizer with oscillators and filters! The monotron DELAY even reproduces the pitch changes that occur when the delay time is changed, just like an analog tape echo. It is very interesting to use as a jumping-off point for effects!

ROLAND/AIRA Compact Series

The AIRA Compact Series is a new type of gadget instrument released by Roland in 2022 that allows users to easily enjoy creating songs with authentic sounds. The lineup includes the T-8 beat machine, the J-6 chord synthesizer, and the E-4 voice tweaker, which lets you loop and chop your voice. Effects, and other iconic Roland sounds can now be enjoyed on this palm-sized gadget! Combined with its ease of use and sound, this gadget series is now in the spotlight, and is recommended for those who have no experience with musical instruments or music composition!

Product page on the manufacturer's website

TEENAGE ENGINEERING/pocket operator series

The pocket operator series is a popular calculator-shaped, pocket-sized synth gadget series. The design that looks like bare parts is eye-catching and the palm-sized design allows you to easily create sequences all while playing around with the onboard effects. You can even play multiple units in sync! Some models, such as the PO-20 and PO-28, can produce sounds similar to those used in nostalgic video game music.

Some products are made in collaboration with Japanese game makers!

PO-128 Mega Man

PO-133 Street Fighter

A side note, I also like cars, and to commemorate the release of the above product, the manufacturer customized a HONDA/S660! It is a small but authentic car that matches with the product.

TEENAGE ENGINEERING/ PO modular series

Also from TEENAGE ENGINEERING is the PO modular series of DIY modular synthesizers. While modular synthesizers can be customized by reassembling the modules to your liking, they also require a case, power supply, and modules, which can get to be expensive. The parts feel like Lego blocks and the time required to assemble them makes this a very attractive mod synth. I think it would be a good idea to start with this series!

MOOG / MG MAVIS

The MOOG MAVIS is a semi-modular monophonic synthesizer that combines MOOG's legendary oscillator and filter circuitry with a new sound. In addition to MOOG's legendary oscillator and filter circuitry, it features MOOG's first analog wave folder, the Diode Wave Folder, to showcase new sounds. It’s Eurorack standard compliant and once mounted onto a rack case, it doubles as a 44HP Eurorack module. It's a well thought-out synth kit that can be assembled, enjoyed, and then utilized when you get into modular synths. I really recommend this model for enjoying the classic analog MOOG sound in a fun and affordable way!

■ Summary

How did we do? If you have never played a musical instrument before, or if you are not familiar with electronic instruments, we hope you will try one of these instrument gadgets and have a new musical experience.