Just wondering what keyboard, regardless if it's a synth or arranger, has the best plug in and go sounds for jazz. This would include stings, sax, horns and percussion. Don't mind some tweaking with effects and eq but really need something that doesn't take an engineer to run. Would be used for recording and live.

[This message has been edited by Gibson1 (edited 08-23-2006).]

From the world of hardware synths, I prefer the Motif line all the way. But I'm sure you'll get lots of differing opinions. I think a used classic Motif rack is about the best bet for sounds and pocket.

Bob
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Hello Gibson1
Remember the old saying “One mans meat is another mans poison”, the same applies to keyboards, so listen to demos and if at all possible (The recommended option) spend some time with the boards for yourself.
You also have to make a decision between Hardware Arrangers/Synths, Software Arrangers/Synths using a computer or an instrument that uses a combination of the two. (And don’t forget to take your budget into account)
Sorry I cannot be of more help, but do a search on the synth zone forum, and you will find all types of opinions, demos and links that relate to what you are looking for.

Bill

Thank's all for the replys. I know it's a really general and open ended question subject to everyone's personal tastes. I'm just not too good at programing and tweaking sounds. I have a old Boss DR-5 rythym maching that I can't get to first base with. I heard some of the demos from the inexpensive Yamaha PSR series that sound pretty good but then I have heard demos for the Alesis Fusion and I say WOW but then realize the time and programing ability to get those sounds.

Gibson

Take a hard look at the Kurzweil PC2 series, they sound very very good and can be tweaked pretty decently. Not a full blown synth but could probably do the trick for your needs.

Jerry

I'm going to have to send you in the direction of the Yamaha Tyros2.

It's got a nice smooth alto sax sound, not to mention a good rotary organ.

Again, thanks for the replys and suggestions. I'll read the manuals for both of these units and try and get a live demo. I hope both of these can provide a complete backing track with minimal button pushing.LOL

http://www.ke-musik.dk/Upload/HtmlArticles/Article1284/index.htm

Scroll down to "..demoer mp3.."

Thanks you for posting the link to the Roland. There's alot of great presets on the demo. Does it require alot of editing to get those sounds. If not, then this board sounds like it 's meant for me!

As far as I know,those sounds are "out of the box".
However,the new Roland E-Series is looming large over the horizon and they're bragging about "incredible sound" so I'd pound on the E-50(the bargain of the group)and see where it goes from there.