Alrighty I've gotten quite a few emails recently from people here on the forum regarding new keyboards for a beginner who have very little to no experience on them... I've had a few people finish with some not so nice things to say about synth's they've already bought (and are upset with them), and so forth...

Here it is guys: If you are a newbie to keyboards whether it be a full blown synth or an arranger keep this in mind... If you are buying your first synth and have absolutely no idea how to operate them do not buy:

Yamaha Motif
Korg Triton Studio
Kurzweil K series
Roland Fantom
and any other top line arranger... If you hvae no experience with a synth or how they operate these models will most likely get you frustrated ... It's not to say they're bad, but generally to use one of these keyboards you should at least have an understanding as to how they operate.. I've gotten several emails from people who bought Tritons, and Motifs complaing that this is their first synth and that it's crap because they can't figure it out.. Not to be mean, but it's not the synth it's the user... If you have never laid hands on a synth in your life and know absolutely nothing about them you will most likely be confused with the terminology within the manual and the synth itself. My suggestion is to get your hands on something basic.. If you want a Triton, get the Triton LE.. It doesn't carry the huge price tag of the big one, but it's a good starter synth (even for pros on a budget). You can even get decent used Korgs like the N364 or N264... These two models are excellent first time synths, and they still sound pretty good too..... Just like arrangers these top line synths are pricey.. A Yamaha Motif will set you back upwards of $1700, and a Triton Studio will run you over $2,000... This is huge investment to make, so if you're going to make it be sure to have the patience to learn how to use them... Arrangers are the same way.. If you don't know much about keyboards and want an arranger, I suggest not buying something top line like a PSR-9000, 9000 Pro, Roland VA-7, Technics KN-7000, Korg PA-80 or any other top of the notch arranger.. If you want to make a good investment into a really good and powerful arranger keyboard that will work for both beginners and pros then I's suggest the PSR-2000.... The PSR-2000 is along the same price line of the Korg Triton LE too.. The PSR-2000 is a great keyboard, and would work quite well for a beginner.. There are a lot of really good pros here on the forum who own PSR-2000's and some beginners as well... Don't just go out and buy the biggest and baddest keyboard in the store... Don't let the sales person make you think you need something like a Triton Studio to sound good... There are a lot of crummy sales reps out there who will talk beginners into buying something like that.... We're not all blessed enough to have people like George Kaye, and Dan O'Neil in our areas who know what they're doing and will give you a fair deal.. You need to research what you're looking for.. Use the web and do a search for keyboards.. Many makers have the manual posted on the Web... Take a look at them and see if the terminology confuses you... When you shop be sure to shop smart..

Squeak

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 05-04-2003).]

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 05-04-2003).]