Yesterday, I spoke with the keyboard product manager here in the United States for Korg. He called me from New York, I am in California. I really appreciated his taking his time to update me on the release date and features of the yet to be introduced PA-80 here in the US. Here is what I know as of right now.
First, the release date is to be in April, with version 1.5 software installed. This software will contain new voicings for the sounds as they are in the latest version available in Europe, along with many style variation changes which the US market managers have decided would be neccessary to attract the US buyers.
The software that will be neccessary to edit programs and edit styles will not be available at the first release dates. Korg is expecting to have this software revision available about two months after the initial release date of April.
I was told that this new version 1.5 was currently on the Korg site which I would guess would mean it is available to all that would like it.
As to how the piano sounds, I only heard it at NAMM last January, and wasn't blown away with it but perhaps this new 1.5 software might be making it sound much better. I hope to have a sample from Korg within the next 2 weeks if not sooner. I will report back then.
George Kaye
Kayes Music Scene
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George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene (Closed after 51 years)
West Hills, California
(Retired 2021)