“ … Regarding arranger modules, I had great success using the Ketron Midjay with a light-weight controller. There were a few compromises with control, but really not many.” Quote from DonM

“ … I miss my MIDJAY also....Although great as is with a few additional Player NEEDED features Ketron could really cash in on a KILLER module unit...” Quote from DNJ.

“ … There are styles that I've been using for years. The converted styles do not convert well to the MidJay, or I would be on it in a sec. I tried some converted Korg styles on my friend's MidJay, and even after tweaking, they were no where near the quality that I would take out to gigs…”

“ … I think Ketron MidJay is very useful for people who want to use it as a standalone midifile player or eventually connected with a MIDI keyboard to play some instrumental parts…” Quote from ricardo_portugues.

In the short time that I have been involved with this forum, I noticed that Ketron was one of the manufacturers who are most responsive to its products’ users and potential users.
My question is; regarding the MidJay, is there any effort being made to improve the unit to meet the expressed needs of module users and potential users? Specifically, for me at any rate, more styles and more varied usable styles and/or a better capability to use converted styles to go along with the great midi, mp3 etc. playback feature?
The more I read about the MidJay, the more convinced I am that the MidJay is considered to be a great midi playback machine and a pretty decent sound module, but is lacking as an interactive arranger - something that most of the module users - that I have read - are asking for.

Ciao,
Jerry

http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/009395.html
http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/011396.html
http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/011869.html
http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/011868.html
http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/012050.html

Thanks Donny. I had read most of the posts in addition to discussions on other forums related to the MidJay. From what I’ve read, it seems that the enthusiasm for the MidJay has waned and some common issues were brought to light about the shortcomings and the potential of the MidJay. I was hoping that Ketron was considering addressing these issues. Then, once again you could say, ‘Don’t tell Ketron is listening to us.’-or something like that.
Ciao,
Jerry

Jerry, AJ is our neighbor now..Call him with your questions and concerns..I think most of the style issues are manageable..

Quote: Jerry T: My question is; regarding the MidJay, is there any effort being made to improve the unit to meet the expressed needs of module users and potential users? Specifically, for me at any rate, more styles and more varied usable styles and/or a better capability to use converted styles to go along with the great midi, mp3 etc. playback feature?
The more I read about the MidJay, the more convinced I am that the MidJay is considered to be a great midi playback machine and a pretty decent sound module, but is lacking as an interactive arranger - something that most of the module users - that I have read - are asking for.

Sounds like what you really need Jerry, is the Ketron XD3 which is a full blown arranger module. It's pretty good and I thought of getting one but decided to wait for the next model which replaces it although I don't know how long this is going to be. Ketron is one of the best companies regarding making sure their is always a full arranger module in their range
Tony, Sheffield

“It is our inspiration and desire to continuously develope musical instruments as a response to the demands of our customers, for Ketron is one of the unique companies who truely "listens" to their customers.” Quote from Ketron.it

I've been searching for a history of the Ketron/Solton modules with release dates so I can decifer a pattern and possibly arrive at a rough estimate as to when a new module may be released. Can anyone direct me to this info? Ever optomistic, ever searching musical Nirvana.
Ciao,
Jerry

[This message has been edited by Jerry T (edited 02-15-2007).]

Ketron doesn't have much of a pattern of new releases. Instead, they release new gear whenever they develop new technology worthy of release.
They have been really good about supplying updates and upgrades free of charge to existing customers.
It is my feeling that they do not practice planned obsolescence.
DonM

I have a Midjay and in the past have owned an SD1 and also an XD3. To me as an arranger module the Midjay has two limits: the first one is the chord recognition, which is very basic (sometimes you cannot even play a simple chord inversion, because it's not recognized and so are bound to play most of times the chord with its root as the first note). The second limit is the very limited programmability of the styles.
Other than that, it's a little great sounding unit. I hope that Ketron will address these two limits in a future OS update (especially the first one, which is really annoying).

Jerry T,

What specific info did you want to know about the Midijay?

AJ