I just read through all these messages again. I'm at a disadvantage because I'm not familiar with the Korg machines. But I went here:
http://www.korgpa.com/pa_root/en/products/pa500loc_info.html?en

What I get this time is that these 500's are all physically exactly the same....with the same sound engine?

The Musikant has different dance styles than the American version?

This USB Musikant stick...
http://www.musik-produktiv.de/korg-musikant-usb-stick.aspx

...has all these different sounds/styles contained in it and plugs into the USB port on the PA2xPRO (but not on the 500)?

I mentioned I called Korg but they know nothing about it.....and, I might add, couldn't give two hoots anyway.

Lucky

Spend some time with it and you'll find it is everything, contemporary and beyond

You can also go for the PA800 and the Musikant Stick. Still cheaper then the PA2X Pro plus you have aftertouch and DNC and the sample function which the PA500's don't have.
Now to answer your questions. The Local PA500's have different styles and sounds then the International PA500. The sounds and styles are based on the country. There are 4 Local versions the Pa500 Oriental, the Pa500 Musikant, the Pa500 Turkiye and the Pa500 China.

Yes the Musikant stick contains everything the keyboard version have. So infact you will have a totally different keyboard extra if you use it with a PA2X OR pa800.

FransN,

So, am I to understand the Musikant Stick will not work with the PA-500 International model, and only with the region specific instruments (in regards to PA-500)?

Also, when using a region specific PA-500, the user does not get the full experience with the Musikant Stick, the way a PA-800 or PA2XPro user would...because of the extra sounds etc....am I correct?

Ian the Curious

Correct Ian. The PA500 has no sample function so it is impossible to load the samples from the Musikant. I quess you can use the styles if someone copy them but you have to tweak them to make them work in the PA500. So if you like the Musikant more then the International PA500 you better buy a Musikant or what I do is buying a PA800 with the Musikant Stick and have both worlds.

Yep, you're making the best decision...the PA-800 (or PA2XPro) with the stick is a sweet deal, for sure.

Ian

what is the different between the musikant usb and the xms 64 usb ?

But the German PA500, if that's your choice, may not be availabe outside of Europe.

Regards

Taike

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Bo pen nyang.

Frans....thanks for your further explanation....and your additional answers to everyone here. This is a very interesting thread. I hope it can keep going for a while.

I played in Germany and loved the music. Something like what you're describing here is opening up a new Korg horizon for me.

Lucky

Thanks Lucky This way a Korg never get bored.