So I really want a Korg Pax4, but can't affor5d it right now. I narrowed down my second place to 3 choices. First off, what's up with the A3000? Is it some kind of middle eastern keyboard? I appreciate any and all input. I know everybody has their faves but I still need some feedback...Thank you.

You would have to give us more info on your playing needs and direction so we can give you the correct feed back..
please tell us more.

The A3000 is primarily an Eastern keyboard with Western styles included. I have the S970 and wanted the Korg flagship, so I bought the Korg Pa4x. I have never played the Pa900, but here is a link to a comparison between it and the Yamaha 970:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH34BmueQtg

I have too many keyboards, and would sell my PSR s970 for a good price if interested.

Bernie

I'm still a beginner keyboarder but have played guitar and bass guitar for 40 Yrs. SO far I own a Roland Gaia and discovered that what I really want to do is create music on an amateur level in my home. After doing a tremendous amount of reading and watching vids, I thought that these 3 keyboards were the best fit for me but now I am more confused than ever - lol.

yes, I saw this vid a week ago and love both keyboards. Imho, I can't tell much difference in their sounds...Without overthimking my choices, I'm also adding the Korg Kronus into the mix (no pun intended)

May I say I think you are adding confusion to the mix in adding a Kronus, only because you should first decide on an arranger or work station like the Kronus. The Kronus is a fine keyboard with the finest of different instruments, but it doesn't have styles per se.

I hope this helps a little.
Bernie

Admittedly, I am firmly in the Yamaha Arranger Keyboard Camp. As you probably know, many of the members on this forum are entertainers (one-man-keyboard artists) and they all play really well. Because of that factor, many have different needs than a "rank amateur" like me. I use my PSR-S910 Arranger for creating new songs and I use the intro, style, multi-pads and other features of the keyboard to create a demo of what I've written.

I play only chords and after significant set-up time, the "board" pretty well does the rest for me. I carefully select the individual instruments, adjust the volume for each one and do my best to press all the right buttons at the correct time and sequence. (Easy-peasy!) When I finally get the song recorded the way I want it to sound, I transfer the WAV file from my Digital Recorder into my computer for further editing.

The beauty of all this method is that I can save the setup and re-use it to keep recording if my first "take" ends up having some kind of glitch. (I don't think of myself as a singer but my only other option would be to pay somebody to do it for me... and that would take time and money.) I am fairly prolific and now have a catalog of recorded songs and compositions nearing 1100. I register many of my songs with ASCAP if I believe they have any commercial potential for other artists to "cover" as part of an album or a "single."

Nothing wrong with Korg or the other "boards." It is a bit like buying an automobile. Personal taste. I found it easier to "migrate from a Yamaha PSR-2000 to the 910... and really want a 970 when they become more affordable after the next model change.

Best of luck to you. ----Dave Rice

http://www.ShowCaseYourMusic.com/DaveRice/

Bernie is absolutely right. First decision is arranger vs. workstation. An arranger is primarily used for live "one man band" situations although you could also record with it of course. A workstation is for playing with a band and/or recording and synth/sound editing ect. Most workstations have onboard loop based recording. You might want to look at the Roland FA series. It has a dead easy to use sequencer and great sounds for a good price. But as Bernie says, first figure out what you need. Everyone is different. I had a Korg Kross and hated it. I was never so happy to get my arranger back.

Dave Rice,

That's fantastic. You must have a lot of talent to have written that many songs. Best of luck to you.

Oops! I did not know that. Some people advertise it as an arranger, which is why I am misinformed. Thanks - I will keep with the arrangers Bernie9!