Here I am waiting patiently for the SD5 to come out and then I'm notified here that Kaye's Music Scene in California has "bought the distributorship" from Lou and Aldo. I spoke to the gentleman there and he's not sure what's going on with Ketron but DID mention the new Korg PA-800 is probably a better unit right now than the Ketron ever was. I understand Kaye's is familiar with the Ketron keyboard as they have handled it for a while now.

MY PROBLEM: I'm a professional player and I want to buy a new auto-arranger keyboard. I'm too good of a musician to buy an inexpensive keyboard. I don't like the new Roland's or Yamaha's or previous Korg's. I had my mind set on buying this authentic sounding Ketron unit.

Do I wait for Ketron to take another step in the US until I'm an old man? Any of you folks like something else as much as the Ketron? I'm open to comments about ANYTHING and ANY IDEAS at this point about my dilemma, about purchasing a new keyboard, as I'm completely out of ideas (aside from taking up the guitar).

Thank you.

The new Ketron IS an excellent sounding keyboard... I saw it demoed earlier this year. Just hold tight for now. The Ketron situation should unfold very shortly.

Glenn

Glenn,

The fellow at Kaye's Music Scene didn't sound optimistic in the least. Do you know any more about what's happening with Ketron in the US. AND......I hear the factory in Italy is also in some kind of a "move!"

The guy you are referring to is George Kaye. He is obviously disappointed with the lack of communication with Ketron and talks about it here http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/014598.html

Nigel....thanks for that info. I read the link and thought I'd post back here again.

I'm confused! I thought Kaye's bought the distributorship. Wrong? Kaye's is a retailer?

Does anyone know who bought out Bell's (Lou and Aldo)?
Is Ketron going to do business as normal in the US?
Has anyone (a consumer) called the factory in Italy?

I listened to the demo's of the PA-800 at the Korg site and wasn't particularly knocked out. Maybe because every one of the Ketron demo's absolutely floored me!

More comments?

I was told by my Ketron dealer that there is a new Distributor and in few days they will be shipping out the SD5 to stores so keep on the lookout.

Team,

Ketron distribution in the US is now owned and managed by CMC in Brooklyn NY. If you call the previous 800 number, you should be informed of the new number.

For the past month or so, relocation, growth and adjustment have had to be made to improve on distribution and services in the US. Now with the new products on route to the various dealers, I believe the US is up and running again with regards to Ketron products.

As you try out the new Korg PA800 and Roland E80, give the SD5 a try too.

Thanks,

AJ

Mark,
this is George Kaye here. I am the one that spoke with you last week. I believe you are the one who told me you live in New York and you used to go to the showroom of Bell Duovox to try out new keyboards and accordians.
Well, after our conversation and seing the post about The SD5's starting to ship, I contacted the new distributors and they have shipped 3 to my store which will arrive early this week.
I don't know where you got the impression I am the new distributor. I have been one of Bell Duovox's best retailers for about 20 years now and I am very sad to see Lou and Aldo out of the business, but their age and health required them to step back and past the torch to a new group.
I hope the new SD5 will be all AJ has talked it up to be. I will let everyone know my feelings soon.
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California www.kayesmusicscene.com