I peek into this group every few months, and have owned several arranger keyboards in the past.

I was (Based on Scott Yee’s opinions) going to Buy a PSR2000, this is fine for me.
I don’t play live (well not for cash anyway), sometimes with friends and mainly at home for myself.

I recently changed jobs and received a Cash bonus, which basically means my budget has increased (Even the Wife has agreed). I can buy the Keyboard of my dreams.
I thought that was a 9000 or 9000pro or Maybe an SD-1

But as this is the single largest cash decision I ever made (Apart from Houses and Cars), I wanted to get informed sonically.

So I Downloaded, or converted and asked for MP3 demo’s of the

TYROS
PA-80
SD-1
GENESYS

Then I mixed them all up and renamed them and got my PC to play them in random order.
I connect up to a good sound system (expensive Hi-fi).
And listened to each demo several times, without knowing which Board was which.

The problem is I like them all (Except the Genesys, but maybe the MP3’s I found were naff)

The Tyros sounds great, a bit tight, but great.
The styles on the PA-80 sound great, and it has that “Korg” sound I like so much.
The SD-1 sounds incredible, although the styles sound a bit overdone/complicated.
Size and Weight is not an issue, nor is on-the fly song/pattern changes.
I like to record with a friend, who’s a drummer and guitarist, so studio quality is a must.
I want to improve my Jazz improv techniques

I’ve been through all the past posts, and am even more confused.
Why is this so difficult? (I wish I only has enough for the PSR2000, it would be easy then).

I only have one demo of the SD-1, does anyone know of any other places I could download some demos (Piano, drums etc).

Shink,
That was a great way to test out the boards to see which sound you liked the best. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to work for you because you liked then all, but good plan though.
Terry

Yes it's difficult sometimes the further you move up the tree! As my opinion would without doubt be biased, I will not tell you which one I think you should choose. Instead I recommend that you look around the internet to find out what "support" and user sharing forums/groups you can find on your chosen keyboard. Also, you really ought to try all these models "in the flesh" before you choose, find which suits your playing techniques better and whether you find a particular model easier to navigate. Most of all, decide what sound you want from the keyboard, DONT go by the demos, you need to sit at the keyboard and try the sounds, see if they are what you need for your music. Do you need styles? If so, can you find other styles should you need them. How about durability? Do you need something capable of taking a knocking or two, something light? What about vocals? Would a harmoniser be handy?
Remember that you could always choose a lower cost keyboard e.g. the 2000 and midi it up to a very nice sound module such as the new roland s90 canvas (edirol).

Simon


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Simon G.K. Williams
simon@svpworld.com
Creative Music & Multimedia
http://www.svpworld.com
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The real problem is there is almost no such thing as a bad demo. Manufacturers know this is what sells their instruments so they throw everything into creating these things. Demos alone are no way to choose an instrument. You owe it to yourself to go wherever you have to and try out several keyboard choices. I plan my vacations so I can visit major music stores.

Right now, the Tyros seems to be the hottest keyboard on the market (at least it's getting the most attention). And if you want the latest-greatest-flashiest arranger then go for it. But the Tyros feeding-frenzy has a side-benefit: many people will be selling their existing keyboards to get a Tyros, so there will be a good used market for top arrangers in the coming months. I have already seen posts in the Tyros discussion group where even 9000Pro owners are planning to switch... yet the 9000 Pro has features that surpass the Tyros in some areas like expandability/polyphony, 76-note keyboard, low impedence mic input, four outputs, gooseneck lights, etc. Nothing wrong with buying something that you can use and enjoy today and wait for the excitement (and price) to die down a little... you can always resell a good used arranger if you keep it in top condition and buy a Tyros or whatever competes with it later.

A final thought: you can buy two new PSR2000's today for what a Tyros will cost, assuming you'll be able to buy one anytime soon. Some people will never need more than a PSR2000 because it's a very capable instrument in it's own right. We are all acting like deers-in-the-headlights over new technology right now, but there are many good keyboards to consider in all price ranges.

Shink,

I remember the trouble I had choosing a new arranger when it was time to upgrade my setup from the PSR740 - MZ2000. I ultimately chose the PA80, but looking back, I could have easily chosen the PSR9000 as well.

There is a good deal of user support and styles available for the PA80. The same is true ( and maybe to an even greater extent ) with the Yamaha arrangers. As for the Ketron stuff, I am not sure how much there is in the way of extra stuff. I do know that Ketron AJ provides excellent support for the baords and he posts here regularly. He provides one on one support in a much more personalized and personable manner than I have seen from either Korg or Yamaha reps.

These are not easy choices. All seem to be very good ( I say seem because I have no "hands on" with the Ketron stuff ). I can only tell you why I chose the PA80, and my criteria is different from a lot of other players. Ichose the PA80 because I felt it was more like a workstation / arranger hybrid than any of the other models at the time. It offers full voice patch editing on par with any good workstation, along with full access to the raw samples. I also liked the way the styles sounded. Since this was on top of my list, I was able to overlook what I felt was it's biggest weakness.. only two fills per style. That most of the style variations contain "mini " fills at the 4th or 8th measure of the loop also helped me ooverlook the "fill" flaw.

The primary reason I did not consider ketron was because I couldn;t find one anywhere near me to demo at the time. From the demo's and MP3 files I've heard from other users, the SD1 and the XD9 sound fantastic. I would need to delve into a board a little though before spending the big bucks, and at the time it wasn't possible for me to do so. Korg, Yamaha , Ketron, Roland, .. all good but.... Try before I buy is always the number one priority for me.

AJ

I have played a few of the boards you mention, and all would bring you enjoyment. But, for support, info and fellow users on line, I would go with one of the Yamahas.

Since weight is not an issue, the 76 key PSR 9000 Pro would mostly likely be my choice. But, keep in mind, it does not have internal speakers. The PSR 9000 has internal speakers but only 61 keys. Both offer great sounds, great styles, are versatile and built to last.

The PSR 2000 is my choice for gigging, mostly because of its great sound, unique operating system and light weight. The construction is not as solid. But, overall, it is a GREAT keyboard.

The Tyros is getting excellent reviews... and if I were starting from scratch it would be in the mix. But, I would have to get my hands on one before I made the commitment.

Good luck. This is the place to get the straight scoop from avid users of all kinds of keyboards.
Eddie

Another thing to remember is just because you can afford to go higher doesn't mean you have to do so. If your needs are met (or more than met) through the PSR 2000 then go for that. Chances are you can think of other uses for the remaining money. Consider a nice mike stand, new portable seat for it. Lots of music and options. Multiple pedals to use while playing. Buy all of the fake books. A nice cover for it so you don't have to rely on just a towel like most of us

I have the PSR 2000 and find it suits my needs which are similar to yours. I play mostly at home with a few jam sessions with friends throughout the year.

Congrats on your bonus and good luck in your decision making process.

- Brian

[This message has been edited by MagicUser (edited 09-30-2002).]

What to do?

Well, free yourself an afternoon, go to a big music store, put your hands on those boards and take away the one you like the most. Sounds seem not a problem (but, please, listen to them live), so go there and evaluate other aspects, like user interface, strenght, weight, keyboard action, volume ... ...
If you sill have doubts, then choose the cheapest: your wife will be grateful!!!

Thanks for all the great info,

My Local Music Shop (40km away ) has just got a Demo Tyros in,

I am going this afternoon, to have a fiddle.

They also have a PA-80 in Stock, but no SD-1,

The Closest SD-1 dealer to me is about 300km.

I work alternate months in Tokyo and the UK, do you think I could get these boards cheaper in Tokyo ?

I am going on Saturday, so I will check it out.

Until then, I will report on the Tyros Tonight.

Shink,
Look forward to your Tyros review.
Terry