Hi guys,
As I mentioned in another post, earlier this year I had a bit of a hissy fit with myself. Nothing was right and and I had a bit of a crisis of confidence. I wandered off quietly (what? you did not notice? ) and as a result of all that went on I sold all my music gear. Of course as time went on I was missing playing more and more and then Don Mason emailed me out of the blue (at just the right time) and made me realise I was being stupid and more than a little self indulgent. (My words not his....Don is far too much of a Gentleman to say such a thing!.

Anyway I am now looking to get some gear. My initial thought was to get maybe a clavinova ... one of the CLP range and go back to basics for a while. I ADORE arrangers but they do tend to make me a little lazy in my playing. Still I find arrangers incredibly inspiring when writing songs so I am torn.

I also quite fancy the new Korg Triton Extreme (Have you heard that grand piano sample? STUNNING!) .... or maybe another synth (as the extreme is quite expensive for a first synth! Never having owned a synth before I may hate it!)

I have the option of a VA7 at a very reasonable price and though I think I would prefer the VA76 I am quite tempted.

Saw a Roland Ex 7s at a very reasonable price the other day but did not get a chance to play with it. I have heard mixed reviews about the board which worry me a little but quite fancy the 76 keys! Anyone know much about this board?

There is also a Korg Karma on ebay at the mo that seems reasonable enough.

If I buy a cheaper arranger (rather than go for one of the top lines) then maybe I can also get a piano or synth as well.

My partner is insisting I get something and get it soon because my mooching around the house is doing nothing to help the smooth running of the home and upsets the dog apparantly

So come on guys help me choose and return chez Tony to domestic bliss
Best wishes
Tony

SD-1 & dont look back!!!

"Hello Tony, well hello Tony, it's so good to see you back in your old place . . ."

Just get something! You make anything sound good.
DonM

You may want to have a look at the Roland G70. It has good sounds, workable styles and a lot of other useful features. But most important if you are a keyboard player, it has great 76 keys that would make you want to play.
The good thing about the G70 is that Roland is always listening to the users and constantly up dating the OS.


Another board that is equally good is the Korg Pa1x pro. It has 76 keys and greate arranger synth and sampling features. There is also hard drive, mp3 and CDs possibilities with the Pa1x pro. Korg also listens to their users and is regularly up dating the OS.

Both the Korg and the Roland can function resonably well as a "workstation". I think with one of them you would be very happy.

Tony,

It doesn't really matter what you get !! Of course, it should be something you'll be happy with - you need to get going again (my selfish reason is I love your music). Just don't get something that will limit your tremendous talent (and imagination). Good luck. Looking forward to hearing more music from you.

vc

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Vern

Hi Tony,

If you want info about the EXR7s, I can share the pros and cons with you.

zuki

Tony,

Korg just started shipping the Triton TR workstation keyboard, an updated version of the Triton LE (priced under 1k). It has an expanded 64 MB soundset that includes a new stereo-sampled piano (taken from the same sampling session as used on the OASYS), as well as even more realistic and expressive electric pianos, choirs, guitars, strings, woodwinds and drums. A definite improvement over the LE is that the TR series now uses Secure Digital card storage (up to 1 GB) for saving and loading sounds, sequences and sample data. The new keyboard also uses USB
as a MIDI interface, along with the usual MIDI connections. For the money it looks like a great deal and I like the new black color!

Michael

Tony, my good friend.......

I think you need your dannies slapping.
What on earth is your problem? Do you still not know how lucky we all are, just to be alive! Just look out of the window NOW and think of all the good things going on for all of us....A beautiful new day...A perfectly shaped new Sun which is OURS and brings us hope every day that today will be good for us and shine on the good things in life...then sit down and thank your fate that you are here...and you can bring pleasure to lots of people with your talents whether musical talents or talents of real fellowship to us. Remember also how many millions around the world would give their all to be as lucky as you................

Come on Tony, we need you . We need your influence on our lives . You bring us your music and your vocals and your wonderful talent... don't give up on us when we really need you.
There! consider yourself fully chastised
On behalf of us SZ'ers get smart!

cheers
Eddie



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Eddie from Rotherham
Skype:eddiefromrotherham
www.yamahakeyboards.info

Tony, yeah . . . it really doesn't matter what keyboard you get, just get one (they're really all good now afterall) and 'get back' to making & sharing your music with us again. Of course, I have to admit, you already know what my keyboard choice is. A great BIG welome back to you. - Scott

Thanks guys for your warm words and for the advice!

Donny, I take it you have got an SD1 now. Did the 3k not suit you? I would LOVE to audition an SD1 but have never ever seen one for sale here (at least not locally!) I don't think Ketron are as big here in the UK as they are in the US.
Looking forward to hearing your new cuts on it!

Don, You sir are too kind. (And I owe you a BIG drink one day)

Genesys, I would love a PA1 X pro. I auditioned one a while back. The price of a new one here is still a little steep for my liking though. I have not tried the G70 yet but I have to say it is a stunningly good looking board. I hope it delivers as well as it looks. I am popping into my local dealers today. If he has one in I may be tempted. I'll definately be trying it!

VC, another of lifes Gentlemen, you are too kind. Thankyou for your encouragement though. It is very much appreciated.

Zuki, I would love to hear your candid opinions on the EXR 7s. To me it looks like a really good mid price board with some excellent features for the money. 76 keys is unbelievable at the price, but it worries me that they may have cut corners elsewhere to achieve this?

Michael, I am more than tempted by the Triton range. I quite fancy playing with the arps and maybe some sampling. I really like the idea of having that kind of creativity at my disposal. The only thing that worries me is that I may be a bit of an old dog to start learning new tricks. What are the 'choir' sounds like on the Triton range? I have been looking for some demo mp3's but have not found any to date. I really want to utilise big choir sounds in some of my music. I can quite see myself buying a synth as well just for these types of sounds as from what I hear they are fantastic at such stuff.

Eddie, believe me my friend, I know how lucky I am. For a while I forgot that completely and am actually very ashamed of myself and my self indulgence. It is really not like me to get 'down' but I did and I appreciate that you, along with many of my friends here genuinely care. (even if that means getting my dannies slapped when I need it )

Hi Scott, I know indeed which board you recommend! If I did not feel it would be rewarding my own idiocy I would probably go out and buy the TY2 straight away. (It does sound amazing!) As it is I think I at least have to make amends, kind of like earning the right to justify spending big bucks on a board and work my way up again. (silly I know.... then again I am going to my dealers today so the temptation may just be too strong!)Thanks also my friend for the big welcome back.

Best wishes to you all
Tony

Tony

Your choice about kbds, is not important to me.The outstanding news :you came back.

Cheers
Chico

Tony.....I am now using a Ketron MIDJAY & a controller keyboard....
http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum22/HTML/000784.html


its wonderful so far and Im amazed at the high quality sounds & styles...besides all the versatility of being able to play STYLES/ WAV/SMF/MP3.....plus a HD recorder and voc processor w/voc harmony also all in ONE 7LB UNIT!!!
Ketron is making some incredible sounding equipment...I hope you get a chance to check some out before your next purchase I think you'll like what you hear I have moved on from Yamaha & returned to Ketron for many reasons..I can discuss them with you anytime give me a shout...glad to have you back my friend!

Tony,

Good to see your smiling words again--welcome back. As for the keyboard, it doesn't make a bit of difference. You have an incredible talent and any board you choose will sound outstanding.

Cheers,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Go for triton tr. very well priced and newly released

Tony,
Tell me what's important to you and I'll let you know if it's available in the EXR7s.
zuki

Hi Tony.

In case you become more interested in Ketron products SD1, Midjay etc, here is a link that I came accross when I had been shopping around. It's over the pond out your way and they say that they can arrange a demo.

Hopefully, not too far away to make the trip. If so, maybe they go door-to-door

Ed

The Music People


[This message has been edited by MrEd (edited 11-19-2005).]

Tony,

In regards to the new Korg TR, I keep checking Korg's website for the new manual and voice list but nothing yet. Here's an interesting posting I found on the Irish Act's Korg Forums submitted by "jerrythek", Product Manager for Korg USA:

"The 64 MB of ROM in the TR includes 32 MB of new PCM, including a new stereo, velocity switched Steinway piano (taken from the
same sessions as used in the much larger OASYS). There are a number of acoustic instrument samples, some velocity switched, and many with captured performance elements, like built-in vibrato, string noises etc.

The "base" 32 MB is the same as found in all TRITON models (Classic, Le etc.) si it can have compatibility with many sounds/sequences.

We have voiced a large number of new Programs and Combis using this new source - it really sounds very fresh!

The other main new features for our low-end workstation line are the USB MIDI and SD card storage.

Did you know that the TRITON Le has been the top-selling model in all the TRITON line for some time now, and is actually the #1 selling
workstation in the US?

So there are a LOT of musicians who continue to look for a very affordable, great-sounding workstation. And for you, we now offer the
TR."

In regards to choir sounds, Sharp (James Tubbrit) who owns and operates the Irish Acts Recording Studio, has a wonderful product
called "Vocal Assault" that would work with the new TR keyboard (there are numerous demos on his site). According to Sharp, "Vocal
Assault is a collection of 64 programs powered totally by real human voices sampled here at Irish Acts Recording Studio’s. Lets face it, the human voice is by far the most unique and powerful instrument ever, and once captured as detailed multisamples and programmed correctly. You can be taken on a journey straight into the deepest magically movie soundtracks right through to solo voices.

If I where asked to describe Vocal Assault, I would say think of a cross between Enya and Lord Of The Rings. But don’t take my word for
it. Listen to a selection of the solo demo’s and make up your own mind."

I'm hoping that one of the local music stores has a TR in stock this coming week so I can play around with it. I ended up buying a Roland GW-7 arranger this week because of its diverse soundset of world instruments, its portability and low price (under 600.00). I already have a wonderful Fantom X setup but miss having an arranger keyboard for quick and easy songwriting. Now I'll be able to import my GW-7 songs (composed outside my studio) as MIDI data into the Fantom X sequencer and polish them off with better sounds, fx and audio tracks.

Tony, I've been there myself...getting rid of the music gear, taking a bit of a break until I couldn't take it anymore! When you have music in your soul, the muse cannot be suppressed for too long! Taking a break can be extremely worthwhile because we all need to take care of other things in our sometimes "crazy" lives and when we come back to making music, we start afresh with a sharper focus. Sounds like you are in a good place indeed to start anew! Great to have you back!

Michael

Hi Tony,
IF it's a piano you want.
try a clavinova with a Midijay or with a software arranger http://www.1manband.nl/omb.htm
(I've got a clp170)


best wishes
Rikki

Hi All,
Thanks again for the encouragement.

Well I went to my local dealer today and had a play about. The only decent arrangers he had in were the Ty 1 and the PA1x. Already having owned a TY a gave that a miss and had a little play with the korg. As I arrived someone was just walking out with the last EXR 7s so I never got a chance to audition that. (I so wanted to love that board!) He is getting a supply of G70's next week so I am going back to have a look at them.

I went to have a look in the synth section and fell in love with a Triton studio 88. It was a delight to play (wonderful keys) but he would not budge from £1800 .... I thought that a bit much considering I have never owned a synth before and may not be able to get used to it.

However I did play (and eventually bought) a Roland RS-70 .....


At least I have something to play now. It is quite strange getting used to the different way of doing things (as opposed to an arranger) but some of the sounds on it are excellent! I am hoping I pick it up quite quickly because if I do I am going to plump for the Triton 88.

Like you Michael I think I will end up with an arranger too to help with my song writing. Otherwise it is going to take me an age to get anything written.

At least I have something to play whilst I am looking for what I really want. The danger was that I would rush into buying anything just to have something.
Best wishes
Tony



[This message has been edited by Tony W (edited 11-19-2005).]

Hi Tony,
maybe you could look at software options for songwriting.
Programs like Jammer Pro 6, Band in a Box , OMB
They work with styles in their own format. OMB uses psr .sty files.
Jammer Live & OMB can even be played in realtime like an arranger.
All you need is your computer midied to your keyboard.
Give you something to play around with till you get the setup of your dreams ( haahaa)
The programs have demo's to try before you buy. If you're interested I'll get you the links.

best wishes
Rikki


[QUOTE]Originally posted by Tony W:
[B]

However I did play (and eventually bought) a Roland RS-70 .....

Tony,

Great choice! Extremely easy to navigate with nice sounds (same or very similiar to Fantom's). I don't think you can go wrong with this piece of gear, especially at this price point. The way it's set up will help ease you into making music without being too overwhelming. You're on your way now!

Michael

Rikki!!!!
Way to go! I even have a copy of OMB that I have never even looked at! Don't know why I did not think of that before! I will root it out and load it up and let you know. It may be an older version but I bet it does the job for now. THANKYOU for reminding me I had it! (oooh I'm all excited at getting it running now )

Michael,
thanks for the support! I REALLY liked the roland in the shop and like it even more now that I have spent the evening playing with it. A little frustrating learning new ways of doing things when you are so used to certain ways but I am enjoying it non the less. Even made my own pattern.....a little basic but a first for me! Just a drum line, a bass and some vocal scat but I impressed myself

Hi Tony,
I think we're at version 8. It's fairly inexpensive to update ( if you already own the full version) if not, download the latest vers 8 demo. I don't think you can import your own styles into the demo version.

If you're looking for styles try http://psrtutorial.com/Files/files.html http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/yamaha-psr-styles/

You'll need to do a bit of tweaking of the styles, omb's stylemaker page will give you all the tools you need.

Version 8 has
Voices Window ( where you play your styles in realtime)
Stylemaker Window ( Create or Edit existing styles. Even create styles from midifiles)
It has a Song Window for recording songs
An Arranger Window ( where you drop n drag chords & style parts ) similar method to BIAB
A sequencer window ( where you can edit & record midifiles
Even has a Kareoke window.

Turn a synth into an arranger/workstation keyboard voila!
If I can be of any help, let me know.

best wishes
Rikki

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Tony W:
[B]Rikki!!!!
Way to go! I even have a copy of OMB that I have never even looked at! Don't know why I did not think of that before! I will root it out and load it up and let you know. It may be an older version but I bet it does the job for now. THANKYOU for reminding me I had it! (oooh I'm all excited at getting it running now )

... and here I thought you were busy writing a musical ... glad to have you back ...
t.