Korg also did some extended keyboard versions of the old 61 note i3. There was a 76 note version called the i2. This was presented in a stretched version of the same casing and was otherwise identical to the i3 except for the addition of an enhanced 'piano 1' sound which employed a larger piano sample.

They also did an 88 note version called the i1. This had a full weighted 88 note keyboard. It also had on-board amps and speakers and was built into a modern centre column style cabinet, which was rather similar in appearance to the piano ranges they were making at the same time. The electronics were again essentially the same as the i2 and i3 but with expanded style memories as well as the improved 'piano 1 sound of the i2.

Having owned & gigged several 61 & 76 note arrangers over the years, my own view is that a 76 note version is mostly of benefit on instruments that allow a optional third keyboard zone ( eg, lower, upper zone 1, upper zone 2) as is the case with the Roland VA76 and G70 I used to use. This feature is excellent, allowing you to do things like play a solo line with one sound assigned to the first upper zone, then punctuate this with a riff accent using a different sound in upper zone two. Same idea would get you a 'call & answer' setup between the two zones - a bit like the first part of 'Duelling Banjos' in concept. On arrangers that do not offer this extra zone feature, I find 61 notes are enough and appreciate the better portability that this usually brings.

I would qualify the above viewpoint by saying that I am not looking for any arranger to be first & formost a piano substitute, so am not seeking an extended key range for this reason alone. Although I frequently use piano tones, I see them as having no more importance than (say) good organ, strings, brass, sax or guitar sounds within the overall scheme of things. This being so, my preference is for a good quality, not-too-heavy synth action keybed, as being a good all rounder.

Because of this preference I am probably in a minority in not being a huge fan of the Roland G-70 keybed (it also featured on the VA76). For me, I find it a little too firm for some non-piano related techniques and also find the profile and texture of the black notes are such that my fingers tend slip off the sides of them a little too readily (aided by my crap technique, no doubt!). The feel of the type of keybed that korg used on the 61 note i3, i30 and PA1X was just about perfect for my taste. However, I can appreciate that more 'piano orientated' players may well have a different view.



[This message has been edited by MikeTV (edited 06-01-2008).]