SergeModular

Jules, I dont think you can go wrong with an animal or a red/blue
voice + CV panel to start with. They were designed as a good core of
functionality and Rex may actually have some ready to ship! Although
a few months wait for a custom panel is time to save for the next so
Ive heard : ) This being your first modular synth, maybe a single
Animal panel is a wise choice since this will be new to you and
learning general patching and synthesis with a well rounded "vanilla"
system is easier than on a more exotic machine. You'll get a feel
for what you like or want and then on the next panel you can go
wild. But since you own a few synths already and Im assuming have a
basic understanding of synthesis, maybe a red/blue +CV would be your
route. That will keep you busy for many many many sessions... Cant
go wrong with either. $$ may decide.

To start I think shop panels are the way to go, unless you want
something in particular or have some other system and want to add
onto it. Starting from scratch, I'd go with the flow.. a shop panel
may be easier to unload down the line also.

have fun,
keep us informed..
~Steve