Ok, I've had both boards for at least a month now and feel a little more comfortable making comments about both boards. First of all, these are my opinions only (even if they are correct ). Some are merely observations and therefore factual while others are opinions and therefore subjective. First fact; 76 keys are better than 61, even IF the 61 keybed is more responsive (opinion). The extra sensitivity of the T2's keys makes it easier to mimic the acoustic counterparts of the SA voicies, especially the SA sax and guitar. Being a Triton owner and fan, I'm a big fan of the touch screen approach. After playing the PA1x for awhile, the first thing you do when swinging around to the T2 is to touch the screen...it seems so natural. Sounds....I'd have to give a slight edge to the T2 if simply soloing each voice. Butttt, in terms of likeability (when used)within the the style, the Pa1xPro hands down. Styles, well make that factory styles, the Pa1x wins hands-down FOR ME and the type of music I play (Jazz, Fusion, Soul, Blues, Latin). The fact is, there are only about 4-5 styles on the T2 that are useable for me and only 1 or 2 that I would choose over it's counterpart on the PA1x. The PA1x is a strange board in that it takes some getting used to. Dan'O will tell you that my first reaction to it was less than positive (BTW, I got excellent deals on both boards from Dan'O and was able to unload some excess garbarrrrge to boot - the entire process was completely painless). From a technology point of view, both boards are way behind the computer curve (USB 1.1, 811b modem speed on the T2, zilch on the PA1x, sloooooow boot time on the PA1x, Floppy drive on the PA---what's with that????, 32MG max sampling ram on the PA1x, etc., etc.). An equivilent desktop computer would cost about $50.00. Each has features that I wish were on the other but overall, since I've made peace with the PA1xPro, I haven't touched the Tyros 2 more than once or twice, and then mostly to solo with that awesome SA sax. Ease of use and ergonomics, Tyros 2, although I don't really care for their implementation of the "fill/break" function. And finally, if I could only have one or the other......PA1xPro without a second thought, mainly based on the 76 keys and the more natural sounding (as in "live") styles. I recognize that there are many who will prefer the more "packaged" sound of the T2 but for me, I feel it (the styles) is too heavily influenced by the European market. As with my previous G1000, I have yet to hear 3rd party styles on either keyboard that were of the same quality as the factory styles. JMO.

Peace,

chas

[This message has been edited by cgiles (edited 01-24-2006).]

chas: thanks for the excellent (candid) comparison review from someone how actually OWNS both keyboards. I too have auditioned the PA1Xpro and agree that it's a wonderful sounding keyboard with many fresh live sounding styles & sounds. The reason I went with the T2 is partly due to the fact that I already owned T1, making moving to T2 simpler, with my entire song repetoire of styles & regs already ready to go, and the PA1xpro's heavier weight & bulkiness. In fact, even the 61 note PA1x is substantially heavier and quite a bit larger than Tyros2.

One question regarding the Korg PA1xPro: How is the 'timing' of the fills & break buttons when activated live? I remember that the timing (synchronization) of them coming in was glitchy (on the PA1xPro that I auditioned), if I didn't hit the fill button at just the right moment. I don't notice this at all with Tyros2.

Thanks again for your report Chas, and happy arr keyboarding to you. In the meantime, hope to have an opportunity to hear a song from you produced on your PA1xpro. - Scott

Scott, on the issue of fills/breaks, I have not noticed a problem, but it may have been a problem that was fixed by an OS release. As a working pro, I can understand your reluctance to undertake a new learning curve, gig prep, playing technique, board familiarization, etc., etc. At some point, though, you have to decide between a smooth transition to a new board and something that MAY produce better long-term results. There are always trade-offs (pretty wife/lousy cook, great cook/double bagger). Ultimately, you have to do what's good for you.

Peace,

chas

Hi Chas,

It's interesting that you say "The PA1x is a strange board in that it takes some getting used to". I must confess to feeling the same way about my PA1X when I got it.

When I initially played it I was blown away by the sound but once I got it I was a little disappointed for a while. Now I've had it for some time it just never ceases to amaze me. I think it must be something to do with the learning curve in that it takes a while to get the best from it.

Anyway, I've never been disappointed with my decision and the PA1X is by far the best machine I've owned - it's fantastic.

Cheers

David.

PS. Scott - I forgot to mention. I've not had any trouble with the fill timings. However the machine I auditioned was glitchy. The first thing I did when I got my own was update the OS and I've never had a problem so I assume it was fixed by an update.


[This message has been edited by dschultze (edited 01-25-2006).]

Holy moly! I just looked up the price. $3500? Wow, that sucker'd better be good. For that, I could buy a Yamaha PSR3000 and a Midjay.

Although, I have some PA80 styles and really like them.

------------------
Bill
Yamaha PSR2000

Hi Chas,

it's amazing how our tastes and needs are differ.
I feel the same way as you when it comes to styles.
Playing mostly Pop/Rock & Disco/Dance, I found that the Yamaha styles are the most useful to me.
Even though I found some of the styles on other boards awesome, I couldn't find a song to play it too.
Most boards gave me only a handful of styles for my needs, where as the T2 gives me all the styles that I need.

It's great that different manufactures put out different styles for different needs.

So, as you said it already: there is really no better board than the one that makes YOU happy.

Personally I find that all the top brands are currently great.
It really depends on your needs and taste.

Enjoy your PA1-X Pro.

Eric

Chas.,
Great review of the two boards! Thanks for taking the time to share your observations. The PA1XPro is an awesome machine (as is the T2, I'm sure). I don't think I'm going to haul it around on gigs at my age. With the hard case, it's more than I want to carry. But, for live performances it's pretty incredible. I would love to see Korg put the PA1X engine in a module. Donny almost has me convinced that the Midjay is the way to go. I've been hoping someone would do a comparison of the PA1X and the Midjay - not exactly apples and oranges.
Ciao,
Jerry