Synthesizers and keyboards are usually very different but can look very similar, which causes some confusion.
In this article, I’m exploring the fundamental differences between synths and keyboards and comparing the two.
Synthesizers come in all shapes and sizes, and they are capable of doing many weird and wonderful things. In this article, I’m looking at the best synthesizers in 2026, or at least my favorites, anyway.
As far as synths go, Moog has a history that most can’t rival. Bob Moog and his instruments have inspired generations of music-makers and continue to do so. The Moog synth bass sound alone has defined more than one genre of music over decades. Moog has been recently adding to the budget end of its range, most notably with the Moog Grandmother. It isn’t a preset synth; it’s a monophonic, semi-modular 100% analog synth influenced by Moog’s of the 60s and 70s. The Moog...
ASM shocked people with the Hydrasynth; now they are back with the Hydrasynth Deluxe. It’s a 73-key polyphonic morphing synth, and I can’t wait to take a look at it.
The Korg Modwave is the next step in the evolution of Korg’s legendary DW-8000 (1985). It’s a modern 37-key wavetable workhorse that goes deep into sound design.