Not every piece of gear needs to be shiny, brand new, and, let's face it ... overpriced. In fact, finding an underrated bargain can be just as exciting as unboxing the latest flagship synth. There’s plenty of incredible gear out there that won’t drain your bank account — and in many cases, these deals give you 90% of the features for half the cost (or way less).

Whether you’re just starting your gear journey, you’re a seasoned producer looking to expand, or you’re somewhere in between, here’s a list of the best synth and gear deals available today.

If you'd rather watch the video version of this blog, here it is:

Before You Buy: A Quick Pro Tip

If you don’t have to, avoid buying on Reverb. The platform takes a cut from both the buyer and seller, which makes prices climb fast. That can easily add 10–15% to the total cost.

Instead, check your local market — Facebook Marketplace is the best, or whatever’s popular in your area. You’ll often find better deals and more room for negotiation. If you live somewhere with a limited gear scene, then buying new can sometimes be smarter than secondhand since the price difference is small and you’ll get a warranty.

Elektron Digitakt (OG) — The Overlooked Bargain

The original Digitakt is discontinued, but it remains one of the most capable grooveboxes on the market. While the new Digitakt II adds stereo sampling, more filters, 16 tracks, and extra storage, the reality is this:

- 90% (or maybe 85%) of what you can do on the Digitakt II, you can also do on the OG Digitakt.

Unless you really need stereo sampling or eight-bar patterns, the original still holds up as an absolute workhorse.

Digitakt OG Pros:

- Simple, intuitive workflow (arguably more streamlined than the DT2 just because of its simplicity)

- Half the price of the Digitakt II on the used market (or less)

- Overbridge compatibility for DAW integration

- Still supported in many setups

- Elektron is still good about updating it

Digitakt II Pros:

- 16 audio/MIDI tracks (vs 8 on the OG)

- Stereo sampling + more machines per track

- Dual filters, bit crusher, and sample rate reducer per channel

- More storage and longer pattern lengths

For most producers — especially techno and minimal artists who work with shorter loops — 8 tracks and 128 steps is plenty.

The bottom line is that if budget is a concern, the OG Digitakt is still one of the most bang-for-buck samplers you can buy.

Roland TR-8 (vs TR-8S and TR-6S)

The original Roland TR-8 often gets overlooked, but right now it’s one of the best secondhand drum machine bargains around.

In local markets, you can find them for as little as $250–$300 USD. For that price, you’re getting a unit still used by touring professionals like KiNK, who is known for his live techno wizardry.

What makes the TR-8 a deal:

- 808, 909, and 606 sounds built-in

- Just as hands on as the TR-8S, intuitive sequencing

- Affordable compared to the TR-8S and TR-6S

Limitations compared to TR-8S / TR-6S:

- No sampling

- Simplified sequencing

- Limited sound set

If you want more depth, the TR-8S or TR-6S are worth it. They add:

- Motion recording (automation of parameters)

- Probability and per-step velocity

- More Roland classics (707, CR-78 as well as FM synthesis)

- Sampling capabilities and expanded outputs

But if you just need a solid box for house, techno, or uptempo EDM, the TR-8 is a steal. Think of it as the perfect first drum machine that can still hold its own in a professional live setup.

Polyend Play — A Steal After the Play+

Polyend made waves with the release of the Play+, adding synth voices and multichannel USB audio. But the launch timing upset many Play owners — the units looked nearly identical, and the upgrade could have arguably been a firmware update.

That backlash had one unexpected upside: the price of the original Play dropped significantly.

OG Play Highlights:

- 8 sample-based tracks with creative sequencing options

- Grid workflow that makes jamming intuitive (it has an Ableton UI feel to it)

- Huge community of users and shared projects

- Often half the price of a Play+

Play+ Extras:

- 8 synth tracks in addition to samples

- Multichannel audio over USB

- More long-term firmware support

Unless you really need the synth engines, the original Play is now an insane value. It’s one of those rare times when a company’s misstep actually benefits buyers.

Arturia MicroFreak — Hybrid Synthesis for Pocket Change

The MicroFreak is notorious for being one of the most affordable yet feature-rich synths around. Even brand new, it’s a bargain — but secondhand, you can often snag one for around $200 USD or less.

Why it’s worth it:

- Hybrid engine: digital oscillators with analog filters

- Multiple synth engines (wavetable, FM, granular, and more)

- Four-voice paraphony

- Built-in sequencer and arpeggiator

- Compact and portable

It’s quirky, sure — the touch keyboard isn’t ideal for performance solos — but it’s perfect for sketching ideas, layering textures, and even live gigging. Plenty of professional DJs and live acts integrate the MicroFreak into their rigs because of its versatility.

Bonus tip: If you love the workflow but want more power, the MiniFreak expands on it without losing character.

Akai APC40 MKII — The Best Ableton Live Controller

A controversial one: the APC40 MKII which was discontinued and then continued again, and prices have actually gone up. So why call it a “deal”?

Because despite the markup, it’s still the best Ableton Live controller ever made (in my humble opinion).

Why it stands out:

- Clip-launching grid that mirrors Live’s session view

- Faders, knobs, and transport controls all pre-mapped

- Zero menu diving — everything is laid out visually

- Compact enough for gigging, powerful enough for studio use

Alternatives like the Novation Launchpad or Akai’s smaller controllers are cheaper, but they don’t provide the same all-in-one control. Pair the APC40 MKII with a laptop and even a small mixer like midi controller, and you’ve got a flexible performance rig.

If you prefer to avoid looking at a laptop during live sets, then Ableton Push might be better. But for anyone comfortable with screen-based setups, the APC40 MKII is still unmatched in its simplicity.

If you're looking for some crisp techno samples to enhance grooves on something like the Digitakt - look no further. The Techno Starter Series is here 👇🏼

 

 

Final Thoughts

These aren’t the newest or flashiest pieces of gear, like they once were, but they’re some of the best value buys on the market right now. From Elektron’s timeless Digitakt to Roland’s underrated TR-8, these deals prove that you don’t need to overspend to make professional music.

AFFILIATE LINKS

Below are some affiliate links to gear mentioned in this blog that are still available to purchase new. Using these links would be a huge support to this platform !

USA (Perfect Circuit):

►Digitakt II: https://bit.ly/3Um9GWI

►TR-8S: https://bit.ly/3itO8G3

►TR-6S: https://bit.ly/33f9EG9

►MicroFreak: https://bit.ly/3LMAo7F 

 

EUROPE (Thomann):

►Digitakt II: https://bit.ly/4bgnUzd 

►TR-8S: https://bit.ly/47BfQH1

►MicroFreak: https://bit.ly/3tJHH3P

 

CANADA (Moog Audio):

►Digitakt II: https://bit.ly/3DZYnPz

►TR-8S: https://bit.ly/42EYkmL

►TR-6S: https://bit.ly/4as8Vmz