Yeah, when I decided to actually go through and buy a synth my first was the microkorg. I didn't do too much research into it so I just got it because a lot of other people in bands I like had one. After fooling around with it and then a friends r3 I ended up returning the microkorg and finding an r3 online cheaper. Definitely worth it.
That Prophet is a couple of g's, no? I've basically had to pinch pennies to be able to get what I've got. For me, it usually comes down to choosing between taking a trip somewhere or spending the money on instruments and having to stay in LA since I usually don't have the money to do both. Like right now I'm planning to either spend a few weeks in Eastern Europe come April or spend money on some more gear.
But you know, speaking of selling cars, I've thought about doing what you did. I'd get at least 6g's for my car now but it's an 06 civic I got new and have taken really good care of sooooo....yeah, I dunno. If I did that and stayed in LA I'd definitely have to get a shitty van as it's a necessity here but I've also thought about doing that, moving back to NYC and in with friends, spending a good bit on gear, and then getting real acquainted with it by maybe taking a month off. I put in a request to transfer back out there with my job but not sure how that's looking...thought about just saying fuck it and going with it but this economy is...egh.
Anyway, what's your recommendation on some real analog's to get starting off? Haha under $500 if there's anything you can recommend in that range. Right now I've just been thinking about trying to get a decent microphone/recording setup.