Ensoniq SQ-1plus vs ESQ-1 which should I get?

[patrickvf1976]

So.. Friday I decided to stop by at a store that mostly sells used (but also new) gear and there's an Ensoniq ESQ1 with sound cartridge. The store owner offered it for $200 because the internal battery is dead, but it works just fine (no issues). Now today I came across a CL ad where someone sells an Ensoniq SQ-1 plus for $175. Now.. I'm very much into synths that are or sound analog (or analog-hybrid), but I don't object to digital synths as well, so I was wondering how the two compare to each other and what one would recommend? I know how the ESQ-1 sounds and feels and after having to give the one I had away, I really miss it's flexibility with it's 3 OSC's, 4 LFO's, 4 Envelopes and it's dirty filter. I don't know much about the SQ1 other than it's digital and seems to have more features, but less of the things that made the ESQ-1 so cool. Whaddaya think, which one should I go for?

[EdisonRex]

I've had both at one time or another.

The ESQ-1 is a much heavier (substantially built) machine. The wavetable sounds are fairly classic for a late-80s instrument. However one thing the ESQ-1 had issues with is the keybed which has a tendency to break keys.

The SQ-1 (and Plus) is/was an improvement on the original concept, allegedly. I used both playing out in bands - the SQ-1 was easier to travel with, but I didn't like the sound quite as much.

Just because of the keybed issues I'd stick with the SQ-1. But really it's a matter of listening and seeing which one you like better. They are very similarly organised instruments.

[patrickvf1976]

Thanks for your reply. I think I'm gonna go for the ESQ. I liked the fact that I could use the LFOs for some cool sequence/arpeggio effects and I'm pretty much covered with digital stuff (Casio HT6000, Yamaha PSS680, Korg EA1, ZynAddSubFX, etc) I need more analog/hybrid stuff. I never had any issues with broken keys with the ESQs I used to have over the years but then again I mostly used sequencers. There's something about the ESQ that makes me keep drifting back to it. I miss my ESQ.
Great. Now I see a poly 61 for $150 in SC. Now I'm triple conflicted, although shipping would be pretty costly. I should stop looking at Craigslist/Allofcraigs ads.

PS: Is it actually possible to route the sound output into the pedal input to achieve a form of filter FM?

[v-un-v]

I might be worth pointing out that this track was (apparently) entirely made with an ESQ-1. (and maybe a TR909 too?)

[patrickvf1976]

Yeah I know this one. One of my favorite classic dance tracks.