Fran, I know that I am your hero, but on this occasion can I take the 5th.

Regards

Tony

I commented as well (see above).

It sounds very much like a PA-50SD, which, can be stunning, or just average according to personal taste.

Average for me...the newer DNC instruments sound much better...KMA is 10 year old technology.

Ian

Hi Fran,

I thought the bare beginning was pretty awful, also highlighting one of the poorer sounds of the PA50/Micro , that is the acoustic piano. However once the arranger started playing I had to think of someone saying that this might be a toy. You show to perfection that it is not a toy. It sounded very good even on my simple computer speakers (creative T10) . Drums (even with 10 year old technology ) simply superb !

Apart from the piano sound itself I doubt anyone in a small audience would associate the sound coming from that " cheapo ". You were quite right imho to hang on to it.

I am still savouring my new combination of my main keyboard (Korg PA800) with a Yammie. ( a PSR-S900 since yesterday). Wow, absolutely fantastic combination !!

Yesterday I finally put the finishing touches to my Resources for the Micro + appropriate manuals.They should now work to perfection. Let me know if you want them. I guess Bernie will post his findings within a couple of days or so.....

regards,
John Smies

Sometimes older keyboard technology sounds rather timeless, as in the case of the Acoustic Piano, Hammond B-3, Fender Rhodes, Clavinet, Jupiter 8, Prophet 5, Oberheim OB series, etc.

However, in my opinion, it just doesn't work the same way for more modern sample based instruments, especially arrangers...10 years is a long time.

I do feel that Korg did a great job of repackaging said technology (unfortunately with tiny keys), lowering the price to where almost anyone can afford, and introducing a whole slew of players to the Korg sound and OS.

Brilliant!

Ian

I dont mean to be naive here....I'm sure the answer is yes

Could I just use the KMA from another keyboard through midi for it's arranging capabilities ????

I'm sure I couldn't hang with the small keys....BUT, for $499 I could add arranger capabilities to my KORG Triton Extreme that's coming next week....

Is there a cheaper way to do this.....I looked at the Roland BK-7 which I guess is discontinued....but it seems it was $999

Is this my best option at this price point? Shoot the drum machine i was leaning toward, the BOSS DR 880 is $489.....

Hi Steve,

Of course you can. As a matter of fact I think one should. Read my thread about "the three deadly sins in playing the Micro. ".
On my webpages (page 8) I have even written a kind of manual to link up the Micro with any Yamaha arranger, thus mainly or totally avoiding the use of its keys. But of course you can do the same, or similar, with any other keyboard.
http://pasounds.intropagina.nl/page-8-hooking-up-your-micro-to-major-arranger-keyboard.html

regards,
John Smies

P.S. great site you have got and some great compositions of your own!

Thanks for the link......I still don't "get" the tiny toy keys.....I mean how much $ could another inch or so really cost ????

I would rather have something the size of the BK-7.....Cause I will NEVER use those keys....

Oh and thanks for the compliment on my tunes and site.......

The KMA keys don't bother me at all playing ...
in fact I was just playing one for a couple of hours this evening.....but that's another story

Steve,
If the KMA's keys were created full sized, it would simply be a Korg Pa50SD, so what would be the point?

The tiny keys aren't about saving cost, but to support the selling point of the keyboard: a light and small as possible "all in one" arranger workstation to offer the greatest portability possible, yet still delivering pro level sound quality. For those able to adapt to the smaller key size comes the reward of far greater ease in taking the keyboard on the road, including airplanes and other places where accomodation space is limited.

My interest in the microARRANGER has always been for its small size and ability to grab and go with it just about anywhere under one arm, and the rest of my gear in the other, much like a guitarist, horn player, and other members in a band are so easily able to do when they show up for a gig. My dream of finally being able, as a keyboard entertainer, to do the same has finally arrived.

That said, though I found the micro sized keys, even initially, playable, I'm the first to admit, that it takes at least some degree of practice to fully adapt and play it to sound at a professionally proficient level. Keyboard instrument key size and feel (weight and action) have varied greatly over the years: from clavichord, harpsichord, clavinet, accordions of different sizes, to pipe organs and Bosendorfer pianos. Keyboardists thru the years have learned to adapt to playing each. The key is to approach each of them as individually different instruments in their own right, as each requires a uniquely different playing technique. Of course no one can MASTER any of these overnight, but if you're open to learning, you will reap big rewards. In the case of the KMA, its being able to so much easier take it anywhere and not be restricted by its size or weight.

One thing I've found at least for me in becoming increasingly more proficient playing the smaller micro keys is spending a few minutes practice time before actually performing, to consciously focus on and watch my fingers playing the keyboard to grow accustom to how far I close/spread my fingers to play on octave, ffith,ninth, tenth, and other intervals and chords. You then can more quickly develop an inner sense of how far your hand and fingers close or open when playing on the microARRANGER vs accordion, standard synth keys, vs a full sized hammer weighted action GRAND piano. It's of course equally important to spend time playing your other keyboards too, to keep your chops up with them as well.

Enjoy whatever keyboard(s) you play.

Scott

Very well summed up Scott. People don't seem to realize that the small keys aren't a drawback ... they are a feature. I understand exactly why it appealed to you.