I was getting discouraged trying to get a feel for the PA3x at the regular dealers, so I took a trip to FrankV's place in Milford CT. I got prompted in my other “Korg dance styles” post (mostly by Stephen’s visit to AudioWorks), to take the trip there to look at keyboards where I knew there would be no pressure to buy, excellent keyboard playing advice and helpful comments from Frank, and plenty of breathing space in the keyboard area to stretch out and take my time with each one. Stephen had already made the trip to buy a PA3x and I’m glad I did too (make the trip)!

My day went like this: Up at 5 am to get a train into New York City for a connecting train at 9 am to AudioWorks in Connecticut. I got into NYC at 8 am. Got into Milford about 11 am, telephoned Frank and he graciously and immediately came to pick me up to bring me to his showroom. That was most appreciated.

We started immediately with the keyboards. Frank took ½ hour to explain each one to me before we even listened and he definitely knows his stuff. He can play most styles and genre’s of music on any of those boards with ease. Truth be told, I learned a lot watching what he was doing.

So Frank turns me loose to play (mostly the Korg PA3x)...and I stumbled all over the place! That’s where I’m glad he was around. He patiently/periodically put me back on course where I couldn’t figure out what I was doing. And...I didn’t have to use headphones because he has the keyboards set up where you don’t disturb anyone with your playing.

Now the drama starts. The more I played, the more I got discouraged ‘cause I’m fumbling all over the place trying to prove to myself what a good musician I am but...I’m having a hard time with it. I took a breather and humbly told Frank how disappointed I was in myself. Now Frank the “motivator” takes over and advises me from a psychology viewpoint: I’m good at particular genres but now I’m playing a whole new beast and I’m not used to it or the new musical styles. When I mentioned how other players make it look so easy (Peter Baartmann, etc), he explained that is “all they do”...play these machines all day. We talked about what audiences want to hear these days, how these new arrangers fit into the musical landscape, how to play riffs in different genres, a lot of music talk, etc. Frank’s an interesting guy...he knows his way around the keyboards and using them on the job, and he’s really savvy on a mental approach to playing.

Never once did he ask me if I’m “ready to buy” or “do I have my credit card ready.” I was treated as “family’ and my day at AudioWorks became a social event more than a business trip. Frank treated me the way I understand he does everyone...more as a friend than a potential customer.

Now for the climax of the day. A bell rang, and sirens started sounding and Frank advised me I was his 1,000 000th customer and that I won a keyboard of my choice, plus a trip to Las Vegas, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and two tickets to the next Bruce Springsteen contest. Plus……a chicken hat and a Korg t-shirt. I asked could I have ALL the keyboards, not just the one “of my choice,“ and Frank, being the accommodating person that he is, agreed to give them all to me PLUS the Korg t-shirt. I mean just to get that t-shirt was worth the trip!

I couldn’t resist throwing that in!

Anyhow, I have to say this. You’d think that with all the time he spends helping and advising his customers, his prices would be reflective. They’re not...they’re the cheapest around. It’s a great package he offers...great keyboards, great backup after-sale service, a genuine concern for his customers and he has a great sense of humor (included in the sale).

I didn’t mean to make this sound like a reality commercial for AudioWorks. It’s just that it was so comfortable playing there in a non-pressure and social environment that he renewed my faith in music dealers. Actually, when I got into NYC in the morning, I was tired already and considered NOT taking the second train all the way to Connecticut...that maybe I should stay in the city to see the keyboards at a NY dealer. Then I remembered why I was going to AudioWorks...’cause Frank knows what he’s doing and I wouldn't be wasting my time...he plays these things daily. I’m glad I decided to finish the trip...it was worth the extra two hours!

Now I’m going to sit and figure what I’m going to do about purchasing a PA3x (or maybe the 61 note Audya). In the meantime, I’m glad I can type fast!

Mark

With all those great comments and stories about Audioworks, i know for sure that if i lived on the other side of the big blue swimmingpool in my backyard, i would definately buy my stuff at Audioworks.

Overhere in Europe the combination of great service and good prices is near impossible to find.

Normally as a rule of thumb i will allways buy where the service is good when the pricedifference is less then 10%, but i will buy the cheepest if the place where the service is available are more then 20% cheaper. But service, espescially in the music buiseness is so very important.

Many years ago when my Father bought a new home orgain, he could allways trade them in for another model (mostly more expensive) the first few months after release. And the same shop when i played in a band and something broke, brought you a replacement immediately, even at saturday night..for a band that service was so very important that everyone allways bought their stuff there, regardless of prices.

Mark,

I was Frank's 100,000th customer I only got dancing girls, but they were HOT!!

All kidding put aside, he is the number one dealer in my book.

We're lucky in the Northeast to have Frank. Too bad you weren't there for his arranger fiesta. We even got a full course Italian style buffet meal!

Good luck in coming to a decision on what to purchase!

It sure seems if you are close to the East Coast Frank is the one to see for arranger keyboards. If you are close to the West Coast George Kaye is the one to see. Both are dealers that are totally dedicated to their customers and will provide the best support and prices. Hey if you are equally close to both then checkout both their stores.

You have it wrong Steve: Fran is the one with the chicks