Hi all,

Thinking of buying this board. (2) owners have responded favorably, but really would like to hear from anyone who dares to relay their experience with the board. Any replies appreciated.

Thank you....

Hi there.
I had a Genesys when it first came out quite a while ago. I'm not certain if the current model is newer at all or has been updated.
The sound and styles were quite good but nothing really stood out and grabbed you by the b***s to use that expression. I part exchanged it for a Ketron SD1 after 7 months or so. Also there doesn't seem to be as much support online as there are with Korg, Ketron, Roland and Yamaha. I could rarely find free styles for it and the ones I had to purchase were of a poor quality.
Shop around and go with whatever your taste in music is. I can remember it having some good latin sounds and rhythms though, but not a patch on the new Tyros 2

The pianos on the Genesys are among the best as far as sample pianos on a keyboard go.

I hardly use the on board styles on any keyboard (I usually make my own) so I would not be the best person to give a review of the Genesys styles. As far as sounds and styles go, it really depends on your personal taste so I hope you will get a chance to hear the sounds and styles for yourself. One good thing is that you can import samples on to the Genesys so if you want a particular sound, you can get it off the Internet or a CD and load it on the Genesys and use it like you would use any other sound.

The Genesys is a well built keyboard. The buttons are laid out logically. It’s also easy to operate.

The key feel is good I just wish they had a portable 76 or 88 key version.

The audio recording is only one take (one stereo track). You can not do another take untop of the one you first did. There is no USB and no direct connectivity to the computer.

I like the fact that it has a fully functioning and editable 32 track sequencer.

It has a sampler that can come in handy. But they gave a measly 16mb sample memory but I think that is up to 32mb with the new Genesys s? The sad thing is that it is not expandable.

It has a floppy drive although with today’s technology, I don’t see why. It also has a hard drive but I don’t think you can replace it with another hard drive that has more gigs.

It has 1034 (or some number like that) memories (Those are the equivalent to the Yamaha registrations) where you can set up the keyboard the way you need it for every song you are going to play. It also has an advance song DB list (similar to the music finder on Yamaha) where you can organize mp3s, midis, Gem formatted songs, waves, CD songs all in a folder and in a specific order for different occasions.
However when switching between a song and a style, there is a break you can not change between a song and a style without a break.

One feature that I hear the new Genesys S has that the old one didn’t is the use of a multi pedal. You can assign some of the mostly used arranger functions to a 6 switch pedal. So, depending on what you program the pedals to do, you would not have to take your hands off of the keys to press a button for a fill or a intro or ending or vocal harmony on/off.

The bottom line is that you have to be comfortable with the keyboard so I really hope you will have a chance to demo it.
It may or may not be for you the only way you will know is by trying it. Not every keyboard is for every one.

Those are just my opinions.

Zuki

I recently sold my Genesys and got the Genesys XP module instead. The sounds and styles on the Genesys are very decent and the Big Band stuff is over the top. Ease of use and navigation are terrific to say the least. The XP is a big improvement in sounds and I was very happy with the sounds before.

My understanding is General Music will be offering an upgrade kit to make the Genesys compatible with the Genesys S and Genesys XP. The upgrade if my understanding is correct will include a 20 gig hard drive, updated, operating system, styles, mp3 files, midi files, and sounds. The number of sounds numbers over 1500 and no I've not checked them all out yet.

The new Brass, woodwinds, & String sounds especially do not take a back seat to anyone’s board IMHO. Reliability has been terrific, not a hiccup out of this rig.

Portability may be a concern the Genesys is no lightweight. You certainly could consider it as a complete Studio in itself.

Jerry

Craig - thanks for the detailed info. Sounds as if you might have had it "too early" with some potential advancements forthcoming. I appreciate your comments.

to the Genesys - Thanks for info regarding future upgrades. Even with one take burning, I can envision setting up the entire songs on CD, minus one and voice and using that format for my midi songs. I'll ask Dave about the upgrades.

Jerry - You have been inspirational in your praise of the Genesys and keeping my spirits high for a potential purchase.

Hopefully I can check out the board somewhere locally next week and will keep all posted on my decision.

My best,
zuki

Zuki,
If you are looking at a Genesys, you really do need to compare it to the Tyros2.
Tyros 2 costs less, has 128 note polyphony compared to 64 on Genesys.
Tyros 2 can have up to 1 GB sample memory compared to 32MB
You really have to hear the quality of the brass, sax and guitars sounds on the tyros2 to compare to the genesys
Both have hard disk recording when you put an inexpensive hard drive in the tyros2
User interface on the Tyros 2 compared to Genesys (only when you have used both will you understand the difference)
Genesis has a built in CD drive Yamaha has 2 USB to device ports to plug into many different drives and the Genesys does not has any USB ports.
Yamaha can plug directly into an RGB monitor, not the Genesys
The new Yamaha Tyros2 is now the closest keyboard in size, features, etc. to the GenesysPro keyboard. I would check out both before you make a decision.
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California

Many sound on the Tyros are sampled in stereo which means that when only one key is played, there are actually TWO voices used which brings things back to 64 note polyphony. I think zuki is savvy enough to understand this so I will stop there unless additional questions arise.



I suppose if loading custom samples was that much of a necessity for the user, they would probably look for an instrument that is designed solely for sampling or more than likely use computer based sampling software. The fact is if the raw sound data is of decent quality and diversity, then the need to load additional samples is not as important.



The Genesys is a player’s instrument. What I mean is while there are certain presets that emphasize the particular articulation of specific instruments, (something that GEM products accomplished years before anyone else) the player is not barraged with sounds that are over articulated so to speak. Those types of sound presets do wonders for the salesman doing a demo since he can sound great without having to rely on talent that he may not have. But many times the player discovers that the additional articulation that is built into the sound is not a desired aspect in real use.



There is a BIG advantage to having a system that has all the hardware preinstalled. There is no chance of screwing something up during the installation of additional hardware. There is not the problem of the keyboard manufacturer placing blame on the hard drive manufacturer if something goes wrong. Etc.



The Genesys is as easy or hard to use as any other instrument out there. Period. It all depends on how much time you put into learning the functionality of the instrument you have and the availability of fast, reliable answers to questions when they arise.



The idea of using a memory stick is kind of nice for data transfer. Then again, a CD-RW is far less expensive. As far as connecting other external drives, the word external is kind of the important word here. It is MUCH nicer to have a CD burner that is built into the instrument and is an integral part of the whole system and not an add-on device.



True. The Genesys unfortunately uses a MUCH more STANDARD video output in the way of an S Video and Composite Video output so ANY television can be used. “?”

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Wm. David McMahan
Nat'l Product and Support Manager
Generalmusic USA
GEM Community Forums

Wow,

reading Dave's reply you would think that the Genesys is quite superior over the T2 and that George dosn't really know what he is talking about...... Mmmmmhhh.

But then again here you have a product manager for Generalmusic on one hand which I'm sure is unbiased towards GEM vs T2, and on the other hand you have George Kay who has both instruments side by side, doesn't care about a particular company, but cares about his customers satisfaction and what "THEY" need.

Now with all the arrangers out there look at the posts each one receives and how many of each are played.

Besides from the new T2 hype ( ), you hear a lot about G70, PAX-1, SD-1, etc, but very few posts, requests etc regarding the Genesys. I wonder why.
Yes; and don't tell me it has to do with marketing, beacause all forums and the internet take care of that.

As an informed consumer which has no interest whatsover in "sales" I can truly say that I was less then impressed when I did audition the Genesys.

PAX-1, SD-1, G70 and of course T2 (which I'll be getting soon ) are all impressed me to a certain degree.

That beeing said, I'll leave you with this advice: "Trust the force; listen to YOUR ears.. "

Eric

Hi Eric,

Here’s the thing, when a thread is created regarding questions about a specific brand, it is not cool for someone to post in that thread suggesting another brand when that person is in the business, whether at the retail level or from the manufacturer side. That would be like me jumping into a thread touting a GEM product when the topic is on Yamaha, Korg, etc. If the thread starter is asking for information/comparisons of other brands then that leaves the door open. Of course, it is different if a forum member wants to express their opinion on other brands as long as they are not involved with a manufacturer or in this case a retail store. I hope that makes sense.

Regarding your comment “the Genesys is quite superior over the T2”, well I didn’t really say that. The Tyros is a good instrument, as is the PA1X and G70. All of the models have their strong points.

Since you don’t know me and we have had no business relationship, you are unaware of my business practices. When a player asks my opinion on a product, I give them an honest answer. If we don’t have an instrument that will fill their needs, I am always happy to lend a hand in finding a product that will suit them. Just the other day on another forum, someone asked for suggestions on an arranger module. My response suggested checking out the Genesys XP as well as the MIDJAY and OMB software.

Sorry if you feel my post was out of order. But I felt like some kind of response was necessary.

Best Regards,

Dave


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Wm. David McMahan
Nat'l Product and Support Manager
Generalmusic USA
GEM Community Forums

Hi Dave,

this is the "GENERAL" arranger keyboard forum?
Isn't it?

That means ALL brands are being discussed here.
Generally people that come here want to hear different oppinions.

I don't know if you read most threats or just the GEM threats, but it is comon practice that when you open up a public discussion on a plubic message board that you will get all kinds of responses.

Manny people came here asking about one board and ended up buying another because they were educated regarding all the options.
The same with equipment.

But I do see your point when you say:"when a thread is created regarding questions about a specific brand, it is not cool for someone to post in that thread suggesting another brand when that person is in the business, whether at the retail level or from the manufacturer side"

So far nobody that has asked a question has complaint about the responses.

As much as you felt the earlier post was out of place I felt that the way you handeled your post was a little out of place too, especially coming from a marketing manager for GEM.

Anyway we should go back to help our fellow forum member getting the best deal for his money that will make him happy for years to come.

If he gets a Genesys and is happy with it I'm happy too and we all did our job well.


I think we all agree on that.

Thanks for offering your help.

Eric


[This message has been edited by Eric, B (edited 10-30-2005).]

[This message has been edited by Eric, B (edited 10-30-2005).]

Eric said: “Now with all the arrangers out there look at the posts each one receives and how many of each are played.

Besides from the new T2 hype (
), you hear a lot about G70, PAX-1, SD-1, etc, but very few posts, requests etc regarding the Genesys. I wonder why.
Yes; and don't tell me it has to do with marketing, beacause all forums and the internet take care of that.”

Actually it is because of marketing and most persons not having played the Genesys. If a number of persons have not played the Genesys, then how can they comment on it on the Internet and on the Forums?


Dave said: "when a thread is created regarding questions about a specific brand, it is not cool for someone to post in that thread
suggesting another brand when that person is in the business, whether at the retail level or from the manufacturer side"

That struck me as strange that a retail dealer would publicly openly promote one brand over the other especially if he sells both of them. I could see it being done privately one on one to a customer that way it would not affect his sales drastically of either keyboard. If it were a post comparing the strengths and weaknesses of both keyboards that would have been convincing. But a post that implies that this one is “all bad” and the other one is “good” gives the impression that there is much much more to gain on the retailer’s end by getting a sale from the “good keyboard”.

Regarding polyphony, I think most people get it wrong. It is not the numbers you look at … 64, 128 or what ever, it is whether or not you notice drop-outs of notes. Different manufacturers allocate notes differently and it also depend on how the sounds are sampled.
If you press 1 note on a particular keyboard bran that may use 2 notes of polyphony. However, if you press that same note on another keyboard brand that may use 4 notes of polyphony. So the test is not how much notes of polyphony the keyboard uses, 62… 64 ….128, but how the notes are allocated and sampled and whether or not you notice drop-outs.

With getting a keyboard, it is really best to try the keyboard out for your self. As this post has demonstrated different persons have different opinions and possible agendas.
Getting advice on forums is good, but can not be depended on. If some one says that they were not impressed with a particular keyboard that depends on what they find important on a keyboard and what are their likes and dislikes. For example one person may look at how best the keyboard works for them and the amount of features a keyboard has and the ease of use of a keyboard. Another person may just listen to the first bank of sounds and from that say they don’t like the keyboard.

I hope you find what you are looking for in a keyboard. The fact that you are looking at the Genesys and asked just about the Genesys shows that there is something you see in the Genesys that no other keyboard manufacturer offers. If you wanted a comparison I am sure you would have asked for it.

All the best with what ever choice you make.

When people ask for advice on this forum regardless of any board i think that Nigel should insist that anyone who puts forward an opinion who is in the trade should have it stated in the column with their name ie, George Kaye instrument supplier,WDMcM genesys Manager,etc,because i think it is unfair if a manufacturer gives an opinion without stating his connection, for some newer members asking an opinion and someone in the business to say its the best board on the market,is liable to believe the pitch,and a lot of new members DO tend to buy on recommendations.One of the biggest problems with GEM is that they are not found in many shops,Gem should either place them in lots more stores or,if they are as good as they say ,then why don,t they offer 30 day money back guarrantee if not satisfied?George for all the years i have known him (from this site)has been honest and fair,who knows what he talks about ,has all of the major boards in his store to compare,if he says that a NEW TYROS 2 compares better and cheaper than a 4 year old model GENESYS ,i would tend to believe him.mike
ps, i noticed that WDMcM have their credentials at the bottom of their thread,but think it should be at the top.

[This message has been edited by nardoni2002 (edited 10-31-2005).]

I'd like to thank all for their comments. I hope to play the Genesys today. I have a very limited budget. The Genesys I have in mind to purchase is a fantastic deal, so the Tyros2 or other expensive new boards are out of the question. This is why I asked about the Genesys specifically in my original post (I should have been more clear - sorry). I acknowledge both Dave and George as honest contributors to this forum and value their opinions. We are all in this together and I believe we have good intentions by looking out for one another. Have a great day.

zuki

Hi Eric,

Marketing manager? Not me. I would sooner eat a bag of worms than be labeled a marketing anything. Basically I do product support. I am proud to say that I couldn’t come up with most of the dribble that is released from marketing offices.



I agree.



I agree twice.

Have a great day!

Dave


------------------
Wm. David McMahan
Nat'l Product and Support Manager
Generalmusic USA
GEM Community Forums

To the Genesys: "If some one says that they were not impressed with a particular keyboard that depends on what they find important on a keyboard and what are their likes and dislikes".

Well said, however, I judge (and I would think most people do) a KB by it's sounds "first" and of course as we have already established that can be very subjective.

Hey Dave:"Marketing manager? Not me."
My mistake It does clearly say:"Nat'l Product and Support Manager" at the bottom.

It looks like inspite of us drifting away from the main topic Zuki still found his way.

Eric