[Austinn]

So recently I started a new worship team in my youth group at my church and it's very small time currently. There's me, (vocal and ac. guitar), another vocalist, and a pianist (which is using an actual bar-style piano).
There is someone who is interested in learning an instrument to help us (and has a small amount of music theory and instrument experience but has never played a stringed instrument or a rhythm instrument). I would love for the next instrument to be either drums (probably just a cajon to start out) or a bass, but the easiest thing for someone like him to just pick up would probably be a synth instrument (mini keyboard).
Personally, I've gotten some great bass sounds from a synth keyboard so I figured I could get 2 birds with one stone.
So are there any recommendations for a cheap (again we are just starting out and can't break the bank) synth that has good presets (I would prefer to not have to use a computer as well) with a pads sound, e-piano/Rhodes sound, as well as good bass sound?

[Leboman]

It's been so long since I bought a synth that I don't even know what to tell you.

[mathminnick31]

I have a Yamaha PSRE433 (the newest model is the 443 I think) which for under $300 was as close as I could find for the price to a synth. It has arpeggiators and some good synth and bass sounds. Also, the board can be split, and has dual voice and accompaniment. Lots of features for the price. It has nice built in pad sounds too.

I had been eyeing an MM6, which is twice the price.

[Austinn]

Originally Posted by mathminnick31

I have a Yamaha PSRE433 (the newest model is the 443 I think) which for under $300 was as close as I could find for the price to a synth. It has arpeggiators and some good synth and bass sounds. Also, the board can be split, and has dual voice and accompaniment. Lots of features for the price. It has nice built in pad sounds too.

I had been eyeing an MM6, which is twice the price.

Thanks! I'll check it out!