Korg PA 600 vs 900


I had the opportunity to play only the Korg PA 600. I absolutely love the chord sequencer function and I know I could get great use out of it. In fact that function alone could be a “game changer” for me in a lot of ways… I thought the Latin dance styles (which are very important to me) are much better than anything I have on my Tyros 2. Not as good as Ketron Audya but still very good… The rest of the sounds/ styles were just “OK” I didn’t find much in the way “oldies rock”, “Classic Country, and Big Band on the Korg PA 600 but I assume those styles must be available…

Anyways, I’m trying to decide between these two boards mainly due to the chord sequencer and good Latin styles. I thought I’d go with the 900 due to the on board VH but Uncle Dave’s thumbs down report on it made me reconsider the 600. I do already own a TC Helicon Harmony M and Voice Live 2 but I would much prefer having a VH included on the keyboard (less to set up and fuss with)

So besides the VH on the 900, what other features, sounds, styles, etc would I be giving up? Maybe some of you have gotten play both side by side? Any thoughts?

I think the key feel on the 900 is wonderful - is it the same on the 600? Anyone know?
Aside from that, the 900 gives you 2 media players and MP3 recording. Not sure about the 600, but I enjoy both of those features.

If you are starting to like the chord sequencer, give the BK-9 a whirl... killer piece of gear.

Diki,

....for crying out loud.....!!!

regards,
John

Diki, you must feel alone around here...
Just kidding, BK9 seems to be a very good keyboard.

Just pointing out the options. I was almost the lone voice around here for years lamenting the loss of the Chord Sequencer, but now Korg and Roland both have resuscitated the idea, seems quite a few are starting the get the point of it!

Thing about it is, unless you have about $2000 extra to spend, the BK-9 is the only 76 with the feature in the price range of the PA900. It also has a boatload of new drum kits and percussion kits, and a ton of new Latin styles that use them. Not to mention the 'Dynamic Arranger' feature added in the new update, which tracks your playing strength and adjusts the dynamics of the accompaniment to your playing (it's quite uncanny how this makes you feel like the band is actually LISTENING to you!).

I'm not trying to force anyone over to Roland, but simply to remind players of the options. I've played the BK3 and BK-5, actually have a BK-7m, and I can assure you, if these are what you have heard of the BK series so far, the BK-9 is a whole different kettle of fish!

Diki,

You are spot on as regards the re-instatement of the Dynamic Arranger in the BK9 update. Like Fran says, I would almost consider getting one if it weren't for the terrible OS, or rather the non touch screens. Totally dated, as with most yamahas by the way,but many Yamaha players have moved from one model to the next and therefor hardly know any better
But yes this Dynamic Arranger ( even the possibility to give it negative values ) is utterly rewarding and creative.

regards,
John

I think the mp3 and media players are on the Korg PA 600 too. I haven't played on the 900 so I don't about the keys...

I've only gotten to play on a BK5. I thought the styles were quite good, but other than piano, organ and elec piano, I didn't find any sounds I liked. I guess the BK 9 is a different animal though.

The keys on the PA600 are not semi weighted and do not have aftertouch like the 900 does.

The PA600 can play MP3's but cannot record MP3s which the 900 does.

There are 2 players on the PA900 and 1 on the PA600.

There is a programmable knob on the PA900 and not on the PA600 and three programmable switches on the PA900 and 2 on the PA600.