Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm?

Old News... ??????

I haven't even gotten it all down yet.
It still keeps me busy and excited, so that I'm not in the need for anything new...

Eric

SD2

That would be nice.......but Im thinking & hoping something very groundbreaking in an all in one package from soup to nuts.

Hmmmm! Sounds like someone may be a bit restless. As for me I just wish manufacturers would listen to their clientele and perfect their existing products. If I were young enough and had the funds to pursue the arranger keyboard market as a business and manufacturing venture, you can bet your butt that I would be looking carefully at the wants and needs of everyone on this and several other forums. Then, that knowledge and priceless information would be compiled, analyzed and used to put out a product that would be very appealing to the vast majority of the pros. I can guarantee you that if the pros liked the features, the general public would as well. But alas, this will likely never happen--or at least that's the way it seems from my perspective.

Good Luck,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Donny,
I was told that a container of Genesys XP's just arrived in the states, and that in a couple of weeks, some of the east coast distibutors will have an actual piece to audition. The outlet in the Chester, Pa. area is going to call me when they get the XP in his store. So, finally, we may get to see/hear one and I'd love to hear your take, especially as it compares to the Midjay.
Ciao,
Jerry

Jerry great news........Im always game for a road trip to se, hear & play new gear....keep us posted I'll scoop up Fran & U dave and come see it somehwhere ok?

ciao

What do you think Yamaha & others is gonna reveal next regarding arrangers?
I'd like to see something modular, interchangable, & flexable, 76 keys, sliders, big display, & all modes, cd/smf/mp3/sty/rec/ able to operate independently or simultaneously too.


[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 02-17-2006).]

Gary, I think Ketron pretty much does what you are saying, although it takes them a long time to get around to it. And I don't know of any other company that would provide a TOTAL upgrade for an existing model as they did with the SD1 Plus. Not only did they start making the Plus, they provided the software free of charge for SD1 owners so they could bring their older keyboards up to date.
DonM

Gar: I assure you that several of Yamaha Corporation's 'key' arranger keyboard 'product team developers' are 'actively reading' our forum on a REGULAR basis. In fact, while at NAMM, I was surprised to learn that several of these guys immediately recognized me, knowing who I was (both from my posts & visitng my website) and were very interested in talking to me (as a pro player) to discuss my opinions of Tyros2, my likes disklikes about it, and how I'd like to see the future of arranger kb development take.

On a related note: I was recently paid by a local consulting firm, of who was hired by Yamaha Corporation, to participate in a 'one on one' focus group session, to provide my feedback re Tyros2 & Yamaha arrangers in general, sharing my arranger keyboard product development wishes, as well as provide my candid impressions of new proposed arranger keyboard features currently in development, or on the drawing board. I can't share any more about this though, because I've signed a confidentially agreement, but asssure you that Yamaha is definitely listening to the user community. I'm grateful for having had the opportunity to take part in this study, and to have been paid well for my input as well. Because the doors of communication are open now, I see a promising future with Tyros2 and Yamaha arranger keyboards in general.

Though I appreciate the different features each of the current top brand-model arranger keyboards have to offer, I still think Tyros2 heads the pack, particularly for sound & style quality, and ease of use. In addition, via IDC, you can download brand new styles of comparable quality equal to (or better) than the preset styles in the Tyros2 itself. The only drawback is that they cost 6.95/each. I've downloaded several myself and very impressed. In fact, the Bossa Nova style I utilized on "Nice 'N Easy" is just one of these new downladable impressive styles, so this being the case . . . I feel Tyros2 continues to offer exciting: "New" News, as I've been assured Yamaha style programmers will be continuing to release new impressive sounding Premium Styles via IDC on a regular (monthly) basis as well. - Scott

Scott...Sorry I cant agree with you about "Leading the pack" but its a good contender depending how how you look at it, use it, and utilize it. As a former prof Yamaha player for years I have moved on & returned to Ketron which at this time serves me very well for my performing needs. All these studies and consultings mean squat unless they satisfy the consumer which in the last years for me & many they have not regarding 76 keys, MFD features, vocalizer, independent & simultaneous mode play & a few others......but I do applaude them for some of their updates to
Tyros 2....who knows what the future will bring not only with Yamaha but with many of the manufacturers offerings.....wait & see seems to be the ticket here eh?

How about the idea of creating a new company with synthzone members as some of the main contributors of the features ? Who knows we might just create a very profitable company, or at least a decently profitable company.

How hard would it be to come up with a prototype ?

Maybe start with the keybed of a popular synth/arranger. How about start with the keybed of the Yamaha DGX 500 ? and then we can modify the rest to suit 90% of the synthzone members.

In todays day & age theres no reason for manufacturers to make KB's that can be modular interchangable....this would let the user be the judge of mixing & matching components within the KB to suit his/her needs as a performer....this would include many various types of plug in modules to create your perfect "Custom Arranger" KB....instead of every few years teasing people along with "just enough features" so that when the next one comes out you have to sell and get another to keep up to date if you want to. Choices, choices, choices, is the wave of the future IMO.

Agreed... in fact, I think that keyboard has been announced: the CME VX series. Here's a link to press release, pix & videos . This is supposed to be a "modular" keyboard with coming expansion cards for sound modules with sampling, analog synths, digital mixing and more. Plus, this keyboard is supposed to somehow use "styles" for accompaniment - quote: "VX also builds in many MIDI songs and accompaniment in different styles, including loop variation and chord change...". With built-in audio/MIDI over USB the CME's look like they're ready-made for use with laptops loaded with softsynths & sequencing programs (esp. as the first keyboard ever to offer motorized faders). Best of all, it comes in every keyboard size you could ask for and is supposed to be affordably priced. This could be where our hardware and software arranger threads finally merge.

The CME VX-series controllers are generating a lot of talk in the other keyboard forums and with it's built-in arranger functionality I think we'll be talking about them here too. Needless to say, Yamaha is involved on the distribution side.

You're right, Donny, so why not make the choices a 'menu' so that a player COULD dreate his/her own custom board??? The manufacturers could still entice us with newer styles, sounds, etc., and still every couple of years come out with a board that is 'physically' different ...

To Scott: I know you LOVE your Ty2, but I still think the best board I've heard was the Ketron DanO played for me at his studio ... Dan was that an SD1 ???
t.

Jim.......very interesting ...I gotta take a good look at those units for sure asap.....

Tony I agree!!

Scott keep your mind open theres life after TYROS 2

Well since I own both the SD1 and the T2 I can easily say that the SD1 now sounds dated to my ears compared to the T2 (my SD1 is in its semi flight case waiting for a buyer) so roll on SD2 or whatever it will be called. If one is in production it has to be good
This is only my opinion by the way, so those that do not agree fair enough, lets not get into another damn debate on here again lol

Tyros3 !

Scott.......Do you know something we dont?



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 02-19-2006).]

http://www.onebluemonkey.com/news1.asp?id=419&photoID=375672769_753


sounds interesting...what do you think?

It looks OK but if it's going to do as much as it says it can do on the specification why as it only got a 2 x 16 characters LCD display?

.

[This message has been edited by miden (edited 07-14-2008).]

Miden......I only added the link out of Jim Esh's original link above for this unit...

Sorry for reviving an old post. What's next after Tyros 2. Yamaha PSR3100. http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/012575.html
Starkeeper

[This message has been edited by Starkeeper (edited 02-24-2006).]

Esh, I went to that CME link and then their website for additional info on that new line.

Very interesting. Like the choice of keyboard size.

The display onboard does seem minimal. Also I note the mic in and outputs and headphone inputs are only 1/4 plugs. Why not XMLR with all these state-of-art features?

These units bear watching tho.

Maybe theres a Video out so you can choose what size external flat panel sceen you like also?

Scotty,something to take to Yamaha the next time you meet with them,regarding the Tyros 3...
I have read many,MANY times about peoples displeasure with the fact that both Tyros had only 61 keys.
http://www.musicinstruments.it/keyboards/foto/images/Yamaha_tyros1_piccola_jpg.jpg

But,this didn't automatically mean that folks would prefer an 88 key version,as that would turn it into a musical surfboard,so to speak.

Some people have been clamoring for 76 keys:
http://www.yamaha.ca/content/electronick...TIF%20ES7-2.jpg

But,to me(and not *just* me,I assure you)76 keys have never had any sort of a sense of style,visually speaking-It always looks like a keybed that was just "plopped-down" with out any regard.

This is what I would propose for the Tyros 3:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://world.casio.com/latin/emi/high_grade/images/wk1300/ph_wk1300.jpg&imgrefurl=http://world.casio.com/latin/emi/high_grade/wk1300.html&h=1 21&w=430&sz=23&tbnid=Rj40esWTV8TjEM:&tbnh=34&tbnw=123&hl=en&start=6&prev=/images%3Fq%3DWK-1350%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN

A 6 octave C to C,73 note keybed.Very neat in appearance(like the 61 key) but now you have 12 more keys(and not 27 more for an 88)
Portability factor remains good and you would be surprised at how much a 73 almost "feels" like an 88,in terms of "space".

What do you think?

Why not just enjoy your current instrument to the fullest and worry about the next model when it's on the market?
When the T3 is out why worry about the T4 and so on and on... Somehow it's like buying a keyboard without even liking it. Then why buy it in the first place?
I've heard quite a few recordings by T2 owners and have yet to hear falling brass or other special effects. Hearing breath doesn't require a special playing technique so I am not referring to that. They sure love to tell me about all the bells & whistles but I never get to hear those bells & whistles. Owning and using are two different concepts.

Happy Playing

Taike

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Khoi huk ngam sud tee huk kon diow.

Taike ... I think people do this because they hope that someone sees or hears their desires for certain features in a future board ... once the new board is released it is too late to 'cry' over the features that are not there ... this does not necessarily mean that they aren't enjoying the current model, just looking to enjoy the next one more ...
t.

[This message has been edited by tony mads usa (edited 03-20-2006).]

Yes!
It's called Gear Acquisition Syndrome...

and can't be cured...

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Khoi huk ngam sud tee huk kon diow.

Not necessarily - I am still enjoying my 8-year-old Roland G1000. I foresee that in the future I will have to replace it (because every piece of equipment has a certain useful life). Regrettably, there is nothing on the market to day which would be a definite improvement over my G1000. Sure, all the new instruments have some or other nice features, which are better than the G1000, but I am afraid that if I were to replace my keyboard today, I would be taking a step back in several areas.

I am sure there are others in the same boat as I am. Given that we have voiced our concerns for years and yet none of the manufacturers have addressed them all, I know that we the users do not voice their concerns, they will not be addressed altogether.

If you are 100% satisfied with the instrument you have now, more power to you. Please indicate this in your posts, and your opinions will be swiftly ignored - you would not be a customer for another instrument if you are completely satisfied already. It's the people who are not fully satisfied that drive the markets, and spend the money for new instruments, which is why IMHO voicing your dissatisfaction in a constructive manner (e.g. suggesting improvements) is a good thing.

Regards,
Alex

I would prefer a 73 key instrument much rather than a 61 key one. The pity is that Tyros 1 or 2 can easily accommodate the extra keys just by getting rid of the "cupholder" on the right of the keyboard. The weight of the instrument would not change, and most of the same case components could be reused. Other than that, I think T2 is a pretty complete instrument, though I'd like to have MP3 playback from the HD, and more polyphony - with Yamaha's propensity to use 4 notes of polyphony per note played, when using their better voices, the 128 is not so much. Also, a better, sunlight readable display would be great.

I'm with you Alex...I am staying with my 76 key G1000..[8 years already]!!

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Dreamer:
Yes!
It's called Gear Acquisition Syndrome...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Taike:
and can't be cured...
------------------

Try a little Beano for that G.A.S.

Fran and Alex, I'm with you. We use what we have if its working for us.

I do get excited about new stuff ALL! the time, looking for something 'new' in a product that I just gotta have
and can't do without...
Then I realize that what I am currently doing (musically) is being satisfied by what I already have.

Although, I was satisfied at one time with my Casios, UNTIL I tried the PSR3000.

Oh well, get the bottle of Beano out ... I've got it too. G.A.S.



[This message has been edited by MrEd (edited 03-20-2006).]

Yep,MrEd,

G.A.S is contagious




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Khoi huk ngam sud tee huk kon diow.

Thought I'd share:

A few weeks back I bought the Radio Shack DP-4073 piano for $299, which has been the rave on several keyboard forums. It's a 25lb hammer-action digital piano - I am using this as a MIDI controller to my Yamaha 9000 Pro (also using the PF and DX expansion cards). I took this a step further by modifying a QuikLok M-92 two-tier keyboard stand so the top keyboard sat closer to the bottom one. The result is a really nice dual-keyboard arranger rig with an 88-note hammer-action keyboard on bottom and an unweighted 76 note keyboard on top: the perfect combination for me, and they are custom-fit close together for ease of use. An added bonus is that the LittLites from the 9000 Pro also illuminate the piano. The entire ensemble looks, sounds and plays great.

Basically this cost me $300 for the piano and the time I put into cutting down the keyboard stand. It certainly got me a lot farther than wishing for Yamaha or anyone else to make a hammer-action 88-note arranger.

Weird but now the text has gone beserk once again. It was okay just a while ago.


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Khoi huk ngam sud tee huk kon diow.

Jim ... any pics ???
t.

Fran and Mr. Ed,

I am not saying that the G1000 is perfect - in fact, you will find my posts listing numerous complaints and suggestions for improvements for it. It's just that despite reading all of our suggestions and requests, no manufacturer has come up with an instrument which would compel me to justify upgrading.

Jim (Esh) - I am glad that you are doing something about putting together a rig that suits your needs. When the keyboard makers see that they are losing customers to "homemade" (I don't mean that in a negative sense) rigs and software based systems, I am sure they will start paying more attention to our requests. My difficulty with taking this approach is that I need both the long keyboard and portability - hence my insistence on 76 keys. I found that using two keyboards in a rig significantly increases setup/breakdown times, and since I don't have time to arrive much before the gig, constraining myself to a single keyboard has many advantages. On the other hand, if I have to replace my rig, perhaps going with a laptop and the new CME keyboard (which will hopefully allow real-time control without using a mouse and the computer keyboard) will be a good option.

Taike,

The text does not wrap because one of the earlier posts has an object - in this case a URL name (in Casiobot's post), in other cases a wide picture, that spans the width of the winodw and keeps it at this width.

REgards,
Alex

Hopefully later this week...

Esh

Alex , the G1000 is perfect for me...The lyric read use to drive me crazy before the new version of GNMIDI,,,
Now I can edit and add lyrics to my files ...and they work perfectly..

I haven't found a keyboard that works better than the G1000...
Reading from the zip[styles and sequences] is faster and better than anything newer..

The key feel and range is better ..period..

Naturally, I need to carry a vocalizer if I want harmonies,,,but that is not that important ...

Presently I am also using a DisCover5 for vocal harmonizer and vocal effects[absolutely the best vocalizer I have used]...

With the G1000 and the DisCover5 combination...I almost have a G70[less the VK organ]...

For now , I am still content...