JX-3P

One of the first synthesizers to ship with MIDI built-in, this 1983 hybrid gem arrived right as digital control started revolutionizing analog sounds, delivering Juno-level tones in a more preset-friendly package.

At its core, each of its six polyphonic voices packs dual DCOs with saw, square, and pulse waveforms, paired with resonant low-pass and high-pass filters, plus an LFO offering sine, square, or random modulation for pitch and filter sweeps—complete with delay up to six seconds. The panel keeps things simple with push-button preset access (32 factory, 32 user), a few key sliders for brilliance, sense, and sequence rate, and a chunky spring-loaded pitch bender with 2/4/7 semitone range switches. A 128-step polyphonic sequencer holds up to six notes per step with multi-track entry, tie/rest functions, and external trigger input, while chorus adds stereo width and tape ports back up patches and sequences. It's a compact 61-key synth-action keyboard in black finish, measuring about 36 inches wide with mono/stereo outs, headphones jack, and a DIN programmer port for the optional PG-200 to unlock deeper edits.

Over the years, players have praised its stable, punchy '80s Roland voice—think shimmering strings and fat basses used by folks like Vince Clarke—though some note the basic onboard controls push you toward that programmer for real tweaking fun.