The Best Synth for You Based on Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type
What's the best synth for you? Is it a Minimoog, Prophet-5 or Hydrasynth? Read on to find out.
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Unsure what the best synth is for you and your needs? Use psychology to help you pick the absolute perfect one.
The Best Synth For You
There is an incredible amount of synthesizers available out there. How do you know which one is the most suited to you? You could always try one out at a store but good luck finding one near you. YouTube synthfluencers do their best demoing new models but that can only tell you so much. No, it’s better to use psychology to find the best synth for you.
If you’ve been on the internet, you’ve probably heard of the MBTI. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator separates everyone into 16 different personality categories based on things like introversion vs extroversion. It’s become quite popular lately.
Today we’re going to be using the MBTI to get recommendations for the best synths. If you don’t already know your type, go take this free test and then come back. And if you’re wondering how I’m qualified to make these recommendations, I once studied psychology before dropping out to be a full-time raver. Now lie down on the couch and tell me all about your Mother-32.
As you can probably tell, this is meant to just be a little fun. And now, your perfect synth, psychologically.
ENFP: Expressive E Osmose
Enthusiastic, creative and energetic, the ENFP is after authentic experiences and interactions. What better way to interact with a synth than with polyphonic aftertouch?
The part of you that values emotions and expression will go gaga for the Expressive E Osmose, one of the most unique and expressive synths on the market. Bring out all sorts of nuances in a sound by touch alone. It’s the best synth for you – by a mile.
ISTJ: Korg Opsix MKII
For the ISTJ, it has to be FM synthesis. You are the Logistician after all. Serious and matter-of-fact with a love for order and details, the clear and gorgeous math of FM will be just what you need.
If this were 1983 I’d suggest a Yamaha DX7 but as it’s 2024, let’s go with Korg’s Opsix MKII, which takes FM synthesis into the future. Delve deep into programming sounds and create perfectly realistic bells, electric pianos and percussion sounds in advance for your future songs as you like. It will have you singing. Logically, of course.
ISFJ: Korg MicroKorg
It is said that the ISFJ is friendly and loyal, responsible and reserved. Nothing flashy for you, nor a synth that is too esoteric. For the ISFJ in the market for a new synth, might I suggest the Korg MicroKorg?
Tried and true, the MicroKorg been a best-seller for more than two decades now. This virtual analogue synth also plays exceptionally well with others, being especially popular with bands.
ESTJ: Native Instruments Kontrol S88 MK3
You aren’t called the Director for nothing. Responsible, practical and organized, the ESTJ is known to be assertive – and you get results. For you, it has to be not just an instrument but a full-on MIDI keyboard controller.
Let your bossy side come to the fore with Native Instruments Kontrol S88 MK3 and command all of the soft synths in your DAW. You’re in charge now. Show them how it’s done.
ESFJ: Moog Minimoog Model D
Think of the ESFJ, and the word that immediately comes to mind is ‘warm’. Now think of a Moog Minimoog Model D. Same word, right? Conscientious with an emphasis on community, that’s the ESFJ.
With a remake of the classic Minimoog in front of you, you’ll be able to actualize your best self as part of a band. Tune your Minimoog to your bandmates’ instruments and play together in warm harmony.
ISTP: Modular
Oh hello there, maverick ISTP. No typical keyboard synthesizer for reckless, risk-taking you. No, for you it has to be modular.
Given your independent nature, I’d go so far as to not just recommend Eurorack but something more out there like Buchla or even Serge. Not fearless enough? Try live patching in front of an audience for a real adventure.
ISFP: Clavia Nord Grand 2
For the ISFP, many of the choices here may seem too brash. For you, who are sensitive, quiet and considerate, I recommend the Clavia Nord Grand 2.
While it does have a sample synth section, you’ll really take to the piano part of the Grand 2. The Premium Kawai Hammer Action keybed will let you play as sensitively as you like. It’s perfect for entertaining small groups of friends in intimate environments.
ESTP: Roland FANTOM EX
Action-oriented. Pragmatic. Sophisticated and charming. For the ESTP, a high-quality, results-oriented instrument would be perfect. I’m thinking workstation, something that you can take from basic idea through to finished song.
With its ZEN-Core and ACB sound systems plus the ability to load expansions, the recently released Roland FANTOM EX is just the ticket. Available in three configurations.
ESFP: Korg Pa5X
As an ESFP, you like to be the centre of attention. Easygoing and fun, you require an instrument that matches your outgoing personality. Something geared towards spontaneous live performance that you can easily switch up on the fly.
For the ESFP, nothing but an arranger will do. I recommend Korg Pa5X, the flagship in Korg’s arranger lineup. Go wild with the pre-loaded styles and compose and perform on the fly. Most importantly, entertain your audience. We’re counting on you.
INTJ: Polyend Tracker
The INTJ is highly independent, analytical and yet also creative. You also like to work alone so something self-contained like a groovebox is the perfect solution.
Given this unique combination, the Polyend Tracker is the best for you. The perfectionist in you will love the tight control over sounds while your logical side will dig the tracker workflow.
INTP: Zynthian V5
Often called the Thinker, INTP loves a good theoretical concept. What could be a better synth for you than something open-source and hackable?
Zynthian V5 is a self-contained open synth platform and part of a growing number of instruments built around the Raspberry Pi. Your logical side will also enjoy the DIY aspect of putting the kit together yourself.
- Zynthian shop
ENTJ: Akai Professional MPC Live II
You, my ENTJ friend, are the Commander. You like to take charge and get into the organization and structure of things.
For you, your best synth isn’t a synth at all but a sample-based groovebox: the Akai MPC Live II. Much like you, it’s the driving force of the operation, syncing and sequencing everything together. Oh captain, my captain.
ENTP: Behringer UB-Xa
You love a good debate. Why, I’ll bet you’re actually disagreeing with that statement right now. For the innovative, outspoken and lively ENTP, your perfect synth needs to be more than just a good instrument. It needs to be, well, controversial.
That’s why I’m recommending the Behringer UB-Xa, an analogue clone of the Oberheim OB-Xa. Play it, post about it and debate its merits with people on the internet to your heart’s content.
INFJ: ASM Hydrasynth
The INFJ is both creative and logical. For you (and I should know, as I’m an INFJ), you need something that gets the artistic juices flowing while also being intuitive and logically laid out. That’s why I’m recommending the ASM Hydrasynth.
A combination of digital wavetable oscillators with subtractive synthesis, the Hydrasynth (available in four variations) will tickle both sides of your sometimes split personality. For your rarity, INFJ is often called a unicorn; cuddle up to another mythological beast, the hydra, and you’ll go far.
INFP: Sequential Prophet-5
Sometimes confused with INFJ, the INFP is also creative but often more idealistic and caring. Your high sense of values will be drawn to Sequential’s Prophet-5, a classy analogue poly and the best synth for you.
You’re also loyal and family-oriented, which makes me think of the late Dave Smith and his collaborations with Tom Oberheim and Roger Linn. Make the world a better place, one synth-powered song at a time.
ENFJ: Rhodes MK8
OK, I’m cheating as my recommendation for ENFJ isn’t a synthesizer at all but a Rhodes MK8.
Hear me out, though, ENFJ. You’re warm, right? So’s a Rhodes. You’re attuned to others’ emotions, aren’t you? I’d say a Rhodes is really good at emotive sound. You’re also a good leader who wants to help others achieve. Doesn’t the Rhodes help lead any band’s sound to something good? Think about it a bit. You know it makes sense. And if a real MK8 is too pricey, there’s always the official plugin.
- Rhodes MK8 shop
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8 responses to “The Best Synth for You Based on Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type”
As an INTP I would *hate* the Zynthian. I don’t mind the complexity, but it doesn’t appeal to my spontaneous experimentation.
Hey thank you for the article, I was little dispointed of the appereance of my recomended synth acording to my personality. ENTP bht when i tuck a closer look, it isn’t a cheap one, i looked a little closer to what it does and I like how the “Behringer UB-Xa” appears very synconistically adaptive to different types of sounds and “how it embraces a hidden emotion that needs to be heard”
My reaction exactly. I need that keyboard available at my fingertips. Maybe I’m actually an ENTP – that Oberheim clone very much appealed!!
this intj likes his k2500sx
Prophet! How do you guys know that I’ve been seriously thinking of Prophet 5/6 for some months? Great chart. It perfectly fits for me 😁
the Myers-Briggs has been totally debunked. you would be better if using Tarot cards and have a fortune teller pick a synth for you. what dipshit marketeer came up with this clickbait?
As an ENTP I found the recomendation hilarious. although I don’t really feel a great deal of love for the OB sound.
Of all the recomendations I’d take the Hydra and the Rhodes.
INFP, and the one I had in my head before getting to it
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