Super keyboard amp..If you are looking for something with punch and quality..Check it out..No bargain hunters..as in "cheap"..You will get what you pay for though...Yorkville is the parent company..
http://www.traynoramps.com/products.asp?type=3&cat=57&id=340

Good Luck with it......great specs.

how would it compare w/ Roland as-300, which has the
advantage of being in 2 pieces for lighter lift, even though
total weight is very slightly higher, and much taller, so sound projects from higher up. Roland is listed most
places for $1195, tho i got one loball at $995..how much is the Traynor?

------------------
Miami Mo

Fran, also wanted to ask how is it w/ vocals?
no problem the vocals coming from low down? and what
made u decide to buy that particular amp? refreshing to see someone choose a single unit these days, everyone seems obsessed w/multi-speakers, subwoofers, etc. The concept of the sound coming from the performer (only nicely amplified )seems to have disappeared over the years in favor of so many trying to sound as if they are coming from everywhere with no particular focus, making themselves into the equivalent of piped-in muzak.

------------------
Miami Mo

Does it have a good full range sound at higher volume levels? How does the tube input sound versus the solid state?

I'm just curious whether it would be suitable for using with a live rock band.

Sorry I didn't post sooner..
Nigel the tube pre amp works great,, not over done but warms up the sounds..The overdrive can be overdone..if you wish..

Mo, vocals are crisp and clear...it actually reminds me of the Bose tower..and no ..the K4 sounds great on the floor..no need to pole it...besides bass is always better on the floor..

Nigel at high volumes this amp is full..

I compared the K4 with my other amps in my studio..I was surprised...Plus, and Minus..Let me explain...

I am used to using 15's in stereo for more than 20 years...and you still can't beat the bottom ....

The K4 is touted to even kick with most 15's...it doesn't kick with my old Roland Cubes..It is unfair to compare the bottom of a 12 to a 15..when both are high quality..

Compared to say a Peavey 15 I think the K4 12 can kick the same..

The full-nest of the speaker. tweeter array..gives a full clear sound that I do not get with the others...Vocals are super..MP3's sound terrific too..

I compared the most underrated Roland amp..ever..The Cube 60 [keyboard]..this comparison has made me sell a lot of new amps..after comparing to the 60..

The Cube 60 at moderate levels has just as great sound, volume, clarity as the K4..

The K4 offers many adjustments to take the sound to another level..but for an overall performance , the Cube 60 is still hard to beat[38 pounds]..

The Cube 60 is Donny's on Saturday...

Will I miss it...you bet your bippy..

The K4 offers so much for my solo jobs..and a single 50 pound amp , compared to my twin 70 pound Rolands..could be a good thing..

If I carry a sub woofer the K4 could really handle any room situation for me...without a sub woofer, it still has the power and quality sound to do rooms..other than the Big Dance rooms, where I am use to 700 watt sub woofer..

My Rolands cover the same Dance rooms well ..without a sub woofer..

Overall ..so far I give this K4 a thumbs up.. and I am sure I will grow even fonder as I use some features..

It has a voicing knob, that is interesting..it changes tone and EQ to match certain instrument environments..besides a bypass, it has a studio setting, live setting, piano setting and organ setting..each is distinctively different..

I would suggest if you are in the market for a single stereo amp with guts, check out the Traynor K4..You should be able to shop around and get one for $700..

Thanks Fran. It sounds like something I should consider to replace the Wharfdale 15" powered speaker I am currently dragging around. The main problem with the Wharfdale is that between the frequency range of the 15" and the horn is a dip that affects my Motif piano sound particularly in certain octaves. I think I'd enjoy returning to a 10" or 12" because I don't even have to worry too much about generating bass frequencies in a live band with a drummer and bass player.

I did a dealer search on them and there are 2 dealers here in Ventura that showed up.

Nigel, the K4 will fix that problem for you..

thanks, fran..
interesting about the roland cube 60..that's the ornge one, right?i used to use the smaller gray one in the 80's in bklyn...for my vocals and sax, way before i played arrangers..was a great amp..but that little double speaker GK vocal amp i got in '85 blew it away..and I still use it
up in CT in summer in small rooms even intimate outdoor gigs, , and it's great for kb too.
now i really wonder about the roland as-300, which i guess priced itself out of being a popular model..I wonder if the old cube 60 comparing so favorably to the Traynor would make the as-300 far superior?...oh well, with nobody seeming to have one i'll never know unless i spring for one with a dealer with a liberal return policy..

------------------
Miami Mo

Where in Brooklyn? Thats my hometown
Coney Island!

Cousin's on Court St. and Pacific..I lived in Bkyln Heights
from '73-'93.

------------------
Miami Mo

No Mo..the gray one..designed for keys..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=002&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=120068996194&rd=1&rd=1

that's the one i had! i traded it to a kb player who gave me a duovox bass amp in exchange, I used it as house amp for a jam session i was running in 2002, been sitting in my garage since..possibly will use again soon for another jam serie. wow now now i'm really going to go for that Roland as-300, because if the cube 60 as you say wasonly overtaken by w/ the traynor, then the as-300 should by all rights blow both of them away..

------------------
Miami Mo

Mo, I may have mislead you..the gray cube is a guitar amp..the keyboard amps are bright silver..I think if you had a Keyboard 60 ..you would have remembered it..12" woofer and a horn..

That being said the Roland 300 may still be dynamite..although I take any of the older Cube Keyboard amps over the Roland KC series..

I still have and will never get rid of the Roland Cube 100 keyboard amps..Nothing has topped them yet..and I have tested them all..Peavey, Fender, Berhinger, Yorkville, Carlsbad, Carvin, Mackie, JBL,Samson, Roland, Yamaha, Galien Kruger,Motion Sound,Holmes,Bose,and a many others , now including Traynor..Still the best to me..

I spent the day with Fran & was treated to a Traynor K4 Demo....very impressive amp for sure, crystal clear sound.....which definitly stood its ground when A/B'd with my Mackie 450 sound wise, using various methods, Vocals, SMF, Mp3's, Live playing, etc, etc .....the K4 has a rugged design, nice grill, and some real nice usuable features ...& we had a great lunch also

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 12-30-2006).]

I agree with you about the KC series. I tried a KC-300 that buzzed badly. I returned it for another thinking it may have been just a problem with the one I had but the second was exactly the same. It wasn't an amp distortion problem but was just the bass ported cabinet that was making the noise as the sound from the speaker was fine. I gave up on the KC-300 after that.

I can't find anything on the Roland as-300 can you give me a link?
oops I guess you mean the sa-300 I found that one.
Looks nice

[This message has been edited by mikeathome1 (edited 12-30-2006).]

Fran, you're right I think it was the Cube 40 I had...small..
Mike, you're right it was sa-300, not as

I'm going to seriously look at this K4 Keyboard amp "AGAIN" today at Fran's studio....Its worth a second look.
I've only heard EXCELLENT things about it ..........The Traynor K4 surly brings alot to the table. The K4 "full range" speakers vs a 2 speaker system could mean the difference.
http://www.traynoramps.com/products.asp?type=9&cat=57&id=340

http://www.traynoramps.com/default.asp?p1=3&p2=0&p_id=14&id=20

http://reviews.harmony-central.com/revie...+112+Combo/10/1





[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 01-28-2008).]

I tried one two weeks ago...it was hooked up to a Hammond XK-1.

The rotary effect sounded very good through it and the K4's "tube" effect was nice.

I got the sales guy to hook it up to a PSR-S900.

It sounded pretty good as well...quite loud...but don't expect much stereo separation, especially if you are used to hearing stereo through a pair of powered speakers.

I don't think the speakers are long throw so it won't really project the highs all that far compared to a PA speaker.

Also, it's quite heavy and rather awkward to carry.

Overall?

Very well made, LOUD, fairly compact, heavy, designed more as a keyboard (electric pianos, synths, organs) stage monitor than a substitute for a PA.

Good luck.

Ian

Ian thank you for your review of the K4...

Fran has done gigs with his band only using the K4 with much success....your obviously a "2 Speaker Stereo Man".......

Donny,

If your planning to use it for small gigs...you might prefer your Roland speakers...definitely better separation.

And, yep...I'm hooked on two speaker stereo sound.

Ian

Fran, I was under the impression that you already had one. In fact, I bought one when I first got my C1, based largely on your recommendation. At that time, it certainly sounded like you owned one. Not a bad amp as keyboard amps go, but I was never able to get it to sound like what I wanted for a 'signature' sound. I still have it but don't use it on a gig. I plan to trade it, possibly for that new SA1000 (I think that's a SA300 optimized for organ). This time, I think I'll listen to it first (yes Diki, you warned us).

My goal, still, is to find the perfect sound system that makes my C1 with on-board Leslie sim, indistinguishable from a '56 'B3' w/Leslie 122. Then, and only then, will I be able to die happy.

chas

PS: Scratch that last sentence.

Chas,

This looks interesting.

http://www.motion-sound.com/product?name=ms-360_1

Yeah Ian, it does. But it doesn't seem to be designed to be used on stage, where I'd think you'd want at least a 270 degree spread projecting from the stage. Besides, I'm not sure I really understand how you get stereo from an omni-directional speaker (it's enough to make your head spin ). Probably sounds fabulous in your rec room, though. I also bet it ain't cheap. Maybe we can get Fran to check one out and give us a review.

chas

Chas....If your interested in selling the K4 email me please.

onemanband52@yahoo.com

Donny

Chas , of course I own one..Purchased Dec 2006

Fran, the title of you post suggested that this was a recent purchase. Sorry if I misunderstood.

Donny, to be completely honest, just the thought of packing that (really heavy) amp up for shipment, gives me the shivers. I could just let UPS pack it but I think that would be prohibitively expensive. I would let you or any SZ'er have it at a really good price but at the moment I think I'll just sit on it until that SA-1000 becomes available. I do use it when we rehearse at my house (rare) but, for all practical purposes, it's as new. I would suggest (if it's practical) that you try to use Fran's on a gig similar to the kind of gig you intend to use it on. BTW, I may also be willing to part with my 808-S if the SA-1000 works out (especially if I have to get two). I'll keep you posted.

chas

George, if you're listening, when is the SA-1000 likely to become available and what will the street price be?

Good advice, Chas. I didn't it the sound of it when the arranger was put through it...it seems more suited for piano, organ or synth.

I know two other pro arranger players who took it on gigs and returned it afterwards...but, hey, it may be the slice for Donny.

Ian

Best Keyboard amp I ever played thru ....crystal clear CLEAN sound...
Turned up the Gain to 10 and it was completly SILENT ....try that on your amps boyz! Its a Killer unit for sure.

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 01-28-2008).]

No prob Chas I just bought one.

The thing about the K4..you can use it in so many ways,,setting up to meet your sound needs..The EQ changes things in a major way..Same with the tubes preamp..and even how you place the K4 on the floor..
In the standard straight up position[like a fender twin]..is a good all around sound...

Placed on it's end...gives the most bass and punch at higher volume levels...

And tilt back wedge..fills just about any room with plenty of sound..

I can easily see why maybe a novice user would return it, not knowing what it is capable of producing..

Is that why you sold it?

Ian , where did you get the idea I sold the K4?

If I buy something that is a bomb..I dump it in the first few weeks...Like the PSR2100..two of them at that..What a major poor purchase that was..even at dealer cost ..

.Ian...higher price gear isn't for everyone

You know the saying, "One man's junk is another man's treasure."

You made two Yamaha enthusiasts very happy.

You're a wonderful guy Fran.

And so it goes... "Can you feel the love tonight?"

I'd like to see a bit more 'disclosure' about who is a dealer, who profits from these clearly mislabeled posts (Fran, how could ANYONE think you'd had one for a while from the topic title?), or what their purpose is. It just seems, every few weeks, you are gushing about something different.

What (exactly) do you use, and under WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES (I think that is the telling fact)..? Presumably, you have multiple choices for each gig, OMB or band, as to which keyboard you use, which amp, which PA. Under those circumstances, it might clarify things if you tell us a bit more precisely which you are using and when.

Not TOO many here have the luxury of a) dealer pricing and b) multiple rigs to select from. No offense intended, but it would help us all if you could be, firstly, a bit more upfront on how often you use all this much gear, and secondly, an honest opinion about whether you would actually go out and pay full street price (you know, just like the rest of us saps!) for it.

Enquiring minds want to know...

My "of course I own one" comment was about the K4, not the C1...

And yes , just like everyone, I would pay street price for something I wanted...if I had no other choices..[as a former MI dealer, I still have purchasing benefits]..

As for what gear I use on gigs, I have mentioned that several times already..

What some of you are missing is that this was an old post, from a couple years ago, that was resurrected. Thus the misunderstanding.
DonM

Thanks Don.......for making us all feel like the dummies we are .

chas

Ian, I am happy to oblige...

Doh...!

I should look more carefully at the dates...

So, you still have the K4 and use it regularly for gigs, then.

But I'm still curious... Which amps do you use the most?

Diki, with the band I use an all Yorkville set up..2 - nx520p's[550 watts each]..and a 700 watt Sub woofer..With a CFX12 Mackie mixer, and a peavey 12" monitor..Also on certain rooms I keep a Roland 100 for a back up monitor..

The E-60 is now the board I am using with the band..


For my solo gigs ..the past year have been the G70 and the Traynor K4...

In my Studio, I use a pair of Roland Keyboard cube 100's[the good old ones], and a Roland keyboard cube 60..

[This message has been edited by Fran Carango (edited 01-29-2008).]

You don't monitor through your near-fields when in the studio? Wow!

You wouldn't believe how good your G70 can sound through a really nice pair (I use Mackie HR824's). Compared to that, all keyboard combo amps are a POS, IMO...

The problem, as I see it, is that most combo amps are designed for onstage monitoring, where they are doing spot reinforcing for the ambient spill-back from the main PA. As such, they are rarely designed to be flat spectrally, but to emphasize the frequencies that need boosting for good clarity in a stage situation. This doesn't necessarily make them the best candidates for situations where they are your ONLY source of sound.

You CAN work around this (sort of), but I prefer to just use full range PA stuff (it doesn't have to be big, just FLAT) for gigs, and my near-fields in the studio. Once you let your ears readjust to the less 'hyped' frequency response, It's a lot easier to get a Part mix that translates well to different systems (just like mixing a CD - you wouldn't do THAT on a K4, would you?!).

Diki, I just like the way my Roland Keyboard 100's sound..Did you ever use one?
At 20 plus years..they are my favorites..some folks think they lack a little in the highs..with out EQ ing them...but to me they are perfect..

I use the Rolands for my enjoyment..they actually cut some of the brittleness that the G70 has on other speakers...besides what I hear in the studio is what I will hear when I use the Rolands on the gig..


For near field mixing..I have Dynaudio BM6A's..

For the real world ..it is the Roland's..

Are you using the Mackies?

I wanted something a little better..

Yes, I auditioned those before I got my Mackies (MkI, I think) but they cost nearly twice what my Mackies did (got a dealer special from a friend... sure nice when you can find them ) and the Mackies were 'good enough'.. more than good enough after my Event Bas20/20's!

At the main studio we've got B&W passives... they are quite nice too! But overall, I have virtually the same experience listening to HR824 mixes on the B&W's, so 'good enough' will have to do.

A friend of mine still has one of those Roland's. Sorry, but my opinion still stays the same..! A good unit for a stage monitor, but compared to the SRX's, just a bit hyped in the middle...

My system has been to set up the G70 using the HR824's, use a little EQ from the mastering tools to round it out, then as long as I have a flat(-ish!) PA, it's going to sound about the same. I've been doing quite a bit of reworking the styles and SMF using OS3's Part EQ, and I have found that if you roll a hair of high end off the drum Part, you can get more of that 'vintage' sound without losing the 'air' around other sounds, too.

I think that is why I don't like too much main EQ, when all I am going for half the time is a more 60's and 70's drum sound, but I still want the sparkle on the piano when I spank it!

Diki have you been EQing the Master effects on the G70?...When I use the K4 I found I like to use the pop EQ for dance tunes..

When I use the Yorkville's with the band , I turn off the master EQ..we use a sub woofer, and it is a bit much..

To be honest, nowadays I don't use the Mastering EQ at all (used to pre-OS3) but now all I tend to use is a custom Compressor preset based on the Low-Boost preset, but turned WAY down. Essentially, it doesn't change the EQ much at all, just evens out the low-end response (like a Finalizer) because I think the basses tend to vary quite a lot in the low end.

On the gig, I pretty much always have subs (either one Mackie 15" for small gigs, or two 18" passives for outdoors), so I'm always looking to even out the bass response.

But since OS3, pretty much all of this is better handled by the per-part EQ than global stuff. On your oldies stuff, try rolling that high end off the drums (not just the HH's and cymbals) and it all sounds a lot more authentic!

I know this is an old thread but I still really needed a new keyboard amp to replace the Wharfdale powered PA cabinet I have been using for many years. After much investigation the Traynor K4 seems to still be the best choice available. So I bit the bullet and ordered one. It arrived today and I just got home from using it with the live rock band I play with. Wow ... it is everything I had hoped it would be. It sounded great on stage with a live band and had plenty of power to spare. Sure it is heavy but really not much heavier than the powered PA cabinet I have been using. Plus having metal handles on both sides makes it easier to pick up and carry.

It has a great frequency response due to the speaker system with stereo mids and highs and the summed mono woofer. I can't say what it is like for using with an arranger keyboard because that really isn't what I needed it for. But it easily provided a full range sound with the live band I play with with plenty of power to spare. I'm really pleased I decided on this amp.

The funny thing is that when I was Googling reviews on the K4 this old thread was right up near the top of the Google results.



[This message has been edited by Nigel (edited 07-24-2010).]

Nigel...great purchase.....K4 is one of the best combo amps I ever owned....

You should get an "amen" from Chas..

Nice, WTG!!! good choice use it well!!

Good Luck with your new amp... I have had one for a number of years now...Never a problem with it... It is dead silent.... I got rid of a Motion Sound because it had to much hiss.....