Is there a keyboard out there that allows you to record songs... even with drum beats in the background, regular piano, flute, cello, violin, etc. and still sound authentic? I only have about $1000 to spend, but I am willing to go over to get something with all my requirements-- I was looking at some $1800 keyboards the other day. I'm an aspiring songwriter and hoping just to create "background" tracks for songs I wish to sing. Otherwise is there a better program I can buy for the computer? Please tell me your opinions and advice.

Everyone is telling me to get the psr3000. About $1500.00 US and sounds great. Also a 16 track sequencer built in for recording. I have looked at cheaper keyboards with maybe a 6 track recorder but it is better to have more track capability even if you dont use it all right now. good luck on your search.

Phil

Jasmine.....Musicman is right and I'm sure that 75% of the members of this forum will agree, the Yamaha PSR 3000...it certainly was my choice along with the PSR 2100...two
great K/B.....

Jasmine,

You'll find it would be difficult to top the PSR-3000, that is unless you spend twice as much and purchase a Tyros. Both have more features than anyone can imagine, and the 3000 will provide you will all the versitility you need. Additionally, you find all the support from the wonder folks on this and other forums.

Good Luck,

Gary

Thank you all for your suggestion of the Yamaha keyboard. Other recommendations I have receive include the Yamaha Motif (although it's too expensive for me) and the Korg Triton LE. How do these two synthesizers compare?

.
If you are a singer and not a keyboard player, I would recommend Band in a Box. This is a program which creates backing tracks according to your instructions. Far more flexible than any keyboard. I use this program to create my accompanimnents, burn them to CD and then take the CD to gigs.

Check out their website and especially their user forums.
http://www.pgmusic.com/

Douglas Wolfe

Well, it sounded as if you were new to this stuff, Just like me. I also threw around the idea of getting trito, motif, the korg pa50/80, and even the tyros. For the money and features, I couldnt beat the psr3000. I dont know personaly but seems like the 3000 would be most simple to use unlike the others that would take hands on knowledge of using lots of perameters to get the sound you want. To start out fresh, The styles that are built into the 3000 and OTS ( One-Touch-Settings) would jumpstart me and you into a whole new world. Again, this is just my own oppinion.

Phil

jasmineflower,
The Motif is a great synth, but I have to ask--at what level is your playing ability? I ask this because you mentioned wanting to sequence. Are you able to construct drum tracks from scratch? I say this because the arranger will give you 100's of preset styles with pre-recorded drum patterns that you can use. The Motif is a great board, but you have to keep in mind that you'll do everything from scratch. The Motif has preset patterns, but they do not function like those on an arranger. Look at both the 3000 and the Motif and compare their specs side by side. I'm currently in your shoes as well. I'm getting a new board shortly an it's a toss between the Motif and the PSR-3000.

Squeak

How about a Korg Pa80, Triton sounds? Dual sequencers...

How is the Korg Triton LE... btw?

Triton Le is ok.. I think I prefer the Motif ( even the older model ) and the PSR 3000 to it soundwise, but that's so very subjective. I still have my Korg PA80 and it still sounds good. The fills still don't always match the styles so well though..lol

Band in A Box is ok too. You'll still need a good sound module for it ( either a kb-synth or software module(s)). If you just want to "plug and play", or you're not that technically inclined and / or don't want to spend some time tweaking sounds, I'd say the PSR3000 could be a good choice. If you are able to play and / or sequence a piece at a time, the Motif ES is a nice sounding board. It's predecessor isn't bad at all either, and a 5 octave model can probably be had for just over a thousand dollars or so.

For computer style based recording though, if you did decide to go that way, I'd recommend giving One Man Band a fair look as well.

AJ

[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 12-27-2004).]

What made you prefer the Yamaha Motif and PSR 3000 to the Korg Triton LE?

The overall sound palette. I like the sounds better. I don't have a 3000 btw. I have played one though, and it sounded very good and looks like top value for the price. I did have a 2000 before, which is an earlier model and is very similar in many ways.

I do have the Motif ES. I think the sounds are a lot better than in the Triton Le. Again, sounds are subjective. I do like the key feel much better as well. Also, the ES has many more "bells and whistles" opposed to the Le. The Le and the Motif ES are not really comparable. The ES is light years ahead. A fair comparison would be the ES vs the Triton Xtreme or Fantom X. I've played them all and could be pretty happy with any of these.

AJ


[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 12-27-2004).]

It seems that most are suggesting the PSR3000 as a first choice and I would agree. However, if you want to spend under $1000.00 do consider the Yamaha PSR1500. It has most of the features you require from the PSR3000 and is just lacking in the mega guitar and bass sounds. It still has all the same button pushing and sequencing power and 96 voice polyphony.


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George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California