Originally posted by tonkan:
What are then the octave width for the korgs?
The standard key size of a conventional keybed has a 6.5 inch octave span which translates into 165.1 millimeters. This is a size that was standardized over 150 years ago and has varied ever so slightly since then. Korg and Roland have made some of their arranger and synth action keyboards using this conventional standard. That is, with a 165.1 millimeter octave span.
Yamaha, on the other hand, has used what is called a universal keyboard size on their arrangers and on their synth action workstations i.e. the Motif ES7, etc. That standard generally produces a 160mm octave span after factoring in the gap between the keys over the distance of an octave. Yamaha does use the conventional standard i.e. (165mm octave span) on their Digital Pianos and on their 88 note Workstations i.e. the Motif ES8, etc. For whatever reason Yamaha chooses to relegate all their arrangers and synth action workstations to the slightly smaller universal standard.
If someone has large hands and fingers then of course the conventional standarized key width would be better suited for them. In theory a larger key width gives the pianist more freedom and room for expression with a lesser possibility of mistakes especially when performing difficult pieces. That is why I prefer the larger 165.1mm octave span keybed and have encouraged Yamaha over the years to start making their arrangers and synth action workstations with the larger conventional size keys like Korg and Roland have done and continue to do. And I for one don't have fat fingers but I still would prefer a true full size key width.
Could Mozart have gotten by on a 160mm octave span keybed? No doubt he could have and quite possibly did. I do all the time on my Tyros and PSR 2000, mistakes and all.
But the question might be asked should Mozart have had to? Especially since the standard accepted by the Piano Manufacturers Association over 150 years ago was established and set at 165.1mm (6.5 inches) an octave span.
Sometimes (a lot of times in fact) the old ways are still the best ways in my opinion.
So what I might once again urge Yamaha to do is go back to using the conventional standard on ALL of their keyboards including their arrangers, and not just on a selected few models.
I want to emphasize that this is my personal viewpoint and opinion. Yamaha, nevertheless, is apparently content it seems on continuing on with their course of action regardless of what we the consumer might think. That is their prerogative of course but at least they know (hopefully) that some people out there don't necessarily agree with every business decision they make, however few and far between those dissenters might in actuality be.
I really think the majority, if not all, of their decisions are based on the companies financial bottom line instead of the people to whom they are trying to market their wares to. That is once again their choice, but in the end will it ultimately have been the best and wisest choice? Only time will tell. But if a companies top priority is something other than the people to whom they are trying to sell their product(s) to, then, eventually, it could lead from a pinnacle of success to a slippery, downhill slide.
Sorry for deviating slightly from the main topic but it does intertwine; although it
was a bit wordy I must confess.
Best,
Mike