Keys & synths questions

• Is the Roland Cloud Juno-106 Virtual Instrument worth buying?

  The Roland Cloud Juno-106 Virtual Instrument is worth considering if you specifically want the Juno-106 in software form. At the supplied best new price of £185, it pays to check compatibility and listen to demos before committing.

• Is the Roland Cloud TB-303 Virtual Instrument worth buying?

  The Roland Cloud TB-303 Virtual Instrument is worth considering if it is the specific instrument you want in software form. At the supplied best new price of £143, check compatibility and licence terms before committing.

• What are the benefits of a three-pedal unit for beginner pianists?

  A three-pedal unit lets beginners practise sustain, soft and sostenuto techniques, building pedalling skills that transfer to acoustic piano playing. It is particularly useful as they progress towards classical repertoire.

• What are the best-value used synthesisers this month?

  There isn’t enough current synth listing or price information here to name this month’s best buys. The weekly used studio gear list is the closest starting point; the used MIDI controllers list is relevant if you already use software synths.

• What is the best-value Roland virtual instrument under £200?

  The Roland Cloud TB-303 Virtual Instrument is the best choice on price alone at £143. The JD-800 at £156 and Juno-106 at £185 also fit the budget, but the best musical fit depends on the sounds you need.

• What's the best synthesiser under £300 for getting started?

  The Behringer Neutron is my pick from these options for getting started with semi-modular synthesis, at £282. For a much cheaper first taste of a synth, the Dubreq Stylophone BOWIE costs £35.