...and thanks to the members here for YOUR input on the PA2X.

I was all excited about this unit until I realized I’d have to drive another 70-80 miles to see and play one on demo. In the beginning, I read everything I could on it, downloaded the User manual, and talked to players familiar with Korg. But my enthusiasm began to wane a little more each day when it began to sink in that buying a new keyboard is like spending 2 years in the army. Everything gets put on “hold”...while you track down the “keyboard of the week.” When you finally locate one, it takes you hours to get to the dealer and only then if you go by helicopter. It’s very frustrating.

Whatever keyboard I’m playing, I like to diddle around with the features and milk it for all it’s worth (no sense in owning a top of the line product if you don’t) and the PA2X seem to have it all (including “dual sequencers“).

I like a lot of what this board can do, though I’m not sold on the sound. But, in all fairness, I haven’t heard it demonstrated properly under ideal conditions. It’s peaked my interest enough though that I’d still like to play one to see if it equals the Ketron sound. I think it’s already there in the drums department.

One thing I’m not happy about with all of these keyboards is the lack of authenticity in the brass and string sounds. The horns sound too thin and artificial with no meat on the bones. And the strings don’t have that full-bodied plush sound that you want to dive into and float on top of. In all fairness, it could be because my ear is now tuned to the natural sound of the acoustic piano which I do all my practicing on.

The Ketron I feel is a great instrument, but I’m wondering if it’s not due for an overhaul in the features dept. But….maybe it’s so advanced it doesn’t need updating yet. Also, I’ve come this far that I’ll probably wait to see if the Audya DOES come out as promised.

Steve...I didn’t know you owned a PAX2...and you’re happy with it to boot. Thanks to you and Lee for reminding me that Frank has one at his place. Though I’ve still got to find a free day to drive up and back. And I think he still has the SD5 that I could compare both.

I noticed that lack of Big Band sounds, but thought they were just hidden somewhere internally. That’s another problems with today’s arrangers is that they’re programmed for today’s music. Some dislike the Ketron for it’s lack of contemporary sounds, but I think that’s its strong point...traditional rhythm styles. I mean like, I play Strauss waltz’s with a “Viennese waltz patch” on my 10 year old Roland. You can’t play a Strauss waltz on an ordinary ¾ time patch. The beats have to be emphasized. I’ve seen very few Viennese waltz or polka or tango or march styles on any of the boards like they used to be. I DO like the new Django /Manouche styles they’ve come out with.

“The 2X is a dream machine - just perfect weight and dimensions. The keybed is great.”

Yes, Zuki, from the outside looking in, it does appear to be a dream machine. And the keybed IS great. Weight is comfortable. Enough keys to express yourself. Not crazy about the design or the display but I could learn to live with it.

Lee...I spoke to one of the technicians at Korg on the 800 #. I think he said they are in Long Island. I think I might also have used one of these #’s: 631-390-6500 or 631-390-8737.

I’m going to leave everything on the shelf until after Xmas...or until Donny has another Black Friday sale!

Lucky