Hello again! My latest tale of woe and "puzzlement"! Not too long after I purchased my KN5000 several years ago, the new KN6000 arrived in the showroom, looking totally different and exciting. There seemed to be such a difference in the upgrade that I was sorely tempted, but put it off, having spent so much for the 5000 already. Fortunately, before I was convinced to invest the extra money to buy the 6000, the 6500 suddenly appeared. (To this day, I wonder what difference(s) there are between these two instruments. It seemed to me that perhaps the 6500 came out to fix any bugs in the 6000 but that is just my own idea.) Anyway, I finally succumbed and traded up to the 6500, never regretting that decision for a minute. But now, just a couple of years later, another new instrument, the 7000 is produced! Before even investing more money in still another upgrade, I can't help but wonder how long it will be before a 7500 suddenly appears?! I realize that this is almost like buying a car where as soon as it is driven out of the showroom it is already getting ready to be replaced by a newer model. But I suppose I will be tempted again by this seemingly snazzy new addition to the Technics line. I don't want an obsolete instrument (and assume it will be some time before the 6500 is such!) but am concerned at the speed with which new models seem to be appearing. Or is that just my opinion? Some of you here on the Forum have KN's older than the 6500/6000/5000 and I wonder whether you are as frustrated as I am when the new models appear with such seeming rapidity? Like new cars every year, I suppose the keyboard industry is constantly expected to upgrade and improve but I wonder how long the average keyboard enthusiast keeps his instrument before buying a newer model? As I said, just a tale of woe and frustration on my part as I read more and more about the new 7000 and drool at the prospect...
I suppose that, if I was more than just a rank amateur musician, each new instrument investement would be more easily justified. Sorry to bother you all but I had to get this off my chest and you guys and gals are always so sympathetic. Thanks for listening!

Ted Rose

Hello

According to Dennis Awe former Technics Artist and currently a Lowrey Organ concert artist with whom I work with from time to time, the KN6000 had bugs. There was a $500 upgrade you could buy for it. The KN6500 was basically the KN6000 minus the bugs (with a few add on's I guess).

Scott Langholff

The only real change between the 6000 and 6500 was the addition of some new voices and styles. You could also buy an expansion card for the 6000 to bring it up to 6500 spec in this regard.

As far as the introduction of new models is concerned, the KN5000 was introduced mid 1997, the KN6000 late 1999, the KN6500 mid to late 2000 (from memory?) and now the KN7000. The frequency is therefore about 2 years (ignoring the 6000/6500 'minor' increment). As you say, its all down to the relentless march of technology, like buying a PC really!

I think that in the end you have to sit down and think about how you 'actually' use whatever model you've got and how much extra enjoyment potential there may be from upgrading. Having the latest model is only worth it if you are going to use the new features you've just paid for.

I have a 6000 and resisted the temptation to get a 6500 as the benefits were, to my mind, marginal. The 7000 appears to still have a lot of technology based on the previous models (same screen and the same 'basic' key layouts etc.), but may have enough on it to tempt me, especially since you no longer need overpriced 3rd party hard drives.

Except that any cash that may have been available went towards paying for my impending honeymoon yesterday. Oh well!

Richard.

I've never heard of a $500 upgrade to cure 6000 bugs? Maybe he was talking about the EW65 card? That only cured bugs in respect that a new operating system was included on a couple of floppies. But that operating system was available free on the internet or from your dealer all the while anyway, there was no need to buy the card just for that.

As far as I could tell, the 6500 operating system was the same as the last operating system released for the 6000. 65 had no bugs because they had all been identified on the 6 and cured during its lifetime, I guess, and that mostly early on.

I think the 65 was put on the market to provide effective competition for the 9000pro. The whole point of releasing an upgrade card indicated that you did not have to, or were even necessarily expected to change keyboards. Many did out of choice.

Honeymoon or 7000? Now, that's a question I would not let my fiance see...

Except that any cash that may have been available went towards paying for my impending honeymoon yesterday. Oh well!

Richard.[/B][/QUOTE]

Richard - Just think of the wonderful music you will make on your honeymoon

Here's a thought....

I buy a 7000 'on the quiet' and ignoring the expense, set it up at the altar and play the Wedding March as she comes down the aisle! She'd be so surprised she couldn't possibly complain at the purchase! Hope the Church Organ samples are up to scratch!

Richard.

There was a bug of some type with the first batch of 6000s (caused lock ups to the best of my recollection) that required replacement of, I think, a resistor on the main board. It was acknowledged by Panasonic here in Australia as they told me to take my 6000 directly to them to replace the suspect part. Since replacing that part in 2000 plus of course updating the software with each release I've had a completely problem free instrument.

I recall several people, I believe you were one of them Alec, perceived an improvement in the sound on the 6500 by reason of some internal re-equalization. Of course if that's the case, the 6000 could never have sounded as good as the 6500 merely by adding the ew65 and updating software.

Well now here's a different thought on this subject...
I own a KN920 and play publicly - the machine does everything I need it to, with a bit of amplification...and the quality of the sounds and rhythms is unsurpassed in my view.
What I am constantly looking for - either free or to buy - is style files for specific songs, as I do like to make my performances as realistic as possible.
Sure there are fancier gimmicks on the newer machines but what I focus on is entertaining the audience to the best of my ability rather than some more toys to play with at home...
Roger M

Great comments! Looking forward to much more feedback as well. I guess I am not alone in my frustration at a new KN model every couple of years and the anguishing decision whether to upgrade or not. But, as some of you have said, unless you MUST have the latest, use what you have to the fullest and just enjoy! (By the way, speaking of enjoying, have a great honeymoon, Richard! Why not add the 7000 to your gift list and maybe all your friends can get together and get you that instead of all those toasters, etc. )

Ted Rose

I moved up to the 6500 from the 6000 with no regrets. First a good trade-in from my dealer and secondly, a perception that the sound had actually been improved---less distortion, etc. sealed the deal. Maybe the differences were subtle, but present nevertheless. Comparisons of home recordings (CD's) seem to favor the 6500 to me. Also, no lock-ups which I experienced with the 6k. That's worth something. The workmanship and overall "feel" of the instrument seemed improved as well. I like the 6500 so much the new 7k will really have to be impressive to entice me to trade. But I'm willing.
Larry