Self start synchronous motors use auxillary windings on the rotor to make it start like an induction motor.As it reaches 75% speed-the field current is applied and then the motor runs as a synchronous one.Small synchronous motors are expensive-those below 10 hp-esp those under 1hp.They are used where the speed is critical.Induction motors won't maintain speed when used for purposes where speed is critical.Induction motors won't reach synchronous speed because of the magnetic "slip" in their design.Yes,older design synchronous motors used "pony motors" for starting.