Here's a picture of the two keyboards some have been asking to see. The two little speakers to either side of the SD-1 are the YamahaYST-MS50's I've been raving about for less than $150. You can see the sub woofer on the floor. 80 watts of power and they sound great.
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene




[This message has been edited by George Kaye (edited 02-08-2001).]

George,

Thanks for posting, but all I see is a 1/4" square with an X inside. I clic it and nothing happens, no message even.

Is it me?

mbl

No pictures in The Netherlands either !

Roel

If you right click on the XOOM picture and choose properties, then copy the url to your browser and press enter on your keyboard you can get there. For some strange reason it is not carrying over to George's posting.

[This message has been edited by Vic01 (edited 02-08-2001).]

Wants even more strange, if you go to that jpg and then hit your back button, it places the picture correctly in the posting. If you then hit refresh on your browser, the XOOM picture is back.

[This message has been edited by Vic01 (edited 02-08-2001).]

Promotion time again......?

Okay everyone! This is Emerson (George's Techie Employee). I found out the problem with the nbci.com (XOOM) website. For some reason, they don't allow you to link anything from thier site, SO... I moved the images to geocities and there will (hopefully) be no further problems with future uploads. Tell me if the images load properly! Thanks,

Emerson
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, CA

Hi George,

Thanks for the GREAT SHOT of the SD-1 and 9000pro "side by side".

It is clear from your pic that the Solton SD-1 is substantially smaller in size (and weight) than the Yamaha 9000pro. I prefer Solton's decision to locate the mod/pitch bend wheels above the SD-1 keyboard instead of on the left which un-neededly adds to the 9000pro's length (and weight).

I find the button layout, shape & size on the Yamaha "superior" which makes it easier to locate correct buttons during live performance. The buttons on the SD-1 are too small and all basically the same size, shape and color making it too easy to hit the wrong button by mistake. Also, why did Solton choose to mount the floppy disk drive "on top" of the keyboard like that? Doing this, as well as adding the fake wood side panels makes it look real dated (1970's?).

I prefer the SD-1 for it's smaller size and weight and the 9000pro for it's ergonomic button layout. After auditioning both, I found the sound/styles on both units superior. The only important thing (for me and others who prefer to play in a pro keyboard style) lacking in the SD-1 is that it lacks the "rootless chord recognition" feature I keep bringing up. Incorporating this feature really WILL make a difference in that it will allow you to play in a style which produces the most professional sounding results.

George, did you ever hear back from Sandro (Solton) regarding my request to incoporate "rootless chord" recognition in the Solton SD-1. I hope you reminded him that the top of the line Yamaha (PSR9000/9000pro) & Technics KN6500/6000/5000 arranger keyboards do support this very feature. Adding these specific chord voicing recognitions would be VERY EASY for Solton to do. I am certain this only requires a minor software upgrade to change Solton's more esoteric chord voicing interpretation of the "specific" 4 or 5 chords to the more commonly used chords/voicings "actually" played by pro musicians. If Solton decides to ignore my request then I will realize that Solton really isn't interested in broadening their market to appeal to the pro keyboard musician market and I will have to look elsewhere: Yamaha 9000pro or Technics KN6500. I know many other pro keyboard musicians are considering switching from live band work to one man band gigging with an arranger keyboard and they feel the same way so I hope Solton will pay attention.
http://www.synthworld.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/001167.html

Scott

[This message has been edited by Scottyee (edited 02-08-2001).]

Doing this, as well as adding the fake wood side panels makes it look real dated (1970's?).

Scott! RETRO is IN look at the success of the VW Bug and the Chrysler PT Cruiser!!

Doing this, as well as adding the fake wood side panels makes it look real dated (1970's?).

Scott! RETRO is IN look at the success of the VW Bug and the Chrysler PT Cruiser!!

JCKeeys-
I must be OUT then, cuz I don't own a VW bug or Crysler PT Cruiser either
I guess I'll have to get used to that 70's woodgrain look once again, but as an adult this time
- Scott

I personally like the grouping of buttons into the center of the keyboard (avoids having to scan the whole board for buttons).

I even think that the displays could well be moved to either left or right top corners and leave more room for buttons at the center.

The speakers are similar to the ones I use and like, also 80 watts. The subwoofer is the important piece.

Even though Yamaha added more play-keys, it still seems like the Solton has more play-keys. Is that true, or is this a picture illusion?

mbl

Scott, one of my local musician friends bought a Cruiser. He took the back seat out and hauls all his gear in it.
George,
I didn't know you were a Peavey dealer. Of course they don't let you sell over the internet so you probably haven't mentioned it. I got two new Peavey TLS5's today. They are "low-end" speakers (read low-cost)but have wonderful high-end with the ti drivers, and very good low end coverage, down to 60 hz I think. Light weight, low cost, good sound, what else could you want?
They are a good 'ol American company and produce good stuff anyway.
DonM

mbl,
I think it's just a picture illusion as both the keyboards have the exact same number of play-keys: 76. I am wondering if the actual dimensions of the keys (length & width) may be slightly different. Perhaps George could you possibly take measurements and report back?
When I auditioned both the SD1 and Yamaha 9000pro at NAMM I immediately felt at home accessing the buttons on the 9000pro (ergonomically placed in distinct color coded groupings) while I found it a little harder to discern (both find and press the correct buttons) on the SD-1 because they were all so evenly spaced (same shape/color) and situated close together throughout. Hey, the 70's look is beginning to grow on me now. Even beginning to find that 70's retro petruding floppy disk drive design pretty funky looking & reminscent of those first PC computers
Scott

MBL,

Well, while I agree with most of what you said, now we know why you don't design keyboards for a living . . . move the screen to the right or left side? I've got a hard enough time trying to see the screen without having to lean left or right. Stevie Wonder might like it but I'd hate that.

I do agree that the floppy disk on the SD1 is in the WRONG place. Let's say you want to play a midi, mute a few parts and play/sing along . . . everyone will watch you changing disks, and they'll be thinking that you're just another karaoke DJ - not a musician. VERY BAD placement.

Things I like about the SD1: mod wheels are placed right where you need them, above the keyboard; the silver color is good; it's symmetry (buttons evenly placed on both sides); the weight is good; can't comment on sound (NO SOLTON DEALERS FOR HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF MILES).

Although I like it's symmetrical design, the buttons look too small for my big fingers and I have to agree with Scott that they all look alike and finding the right one quickly would be a hassle. The end caps should have been black instead of wood grain but that's not a big deal. Frankly, I like the retro look (except for the floppy drive - hate that).

Hey, my 9000PRO mini-lamps just arrived at Gattuso's, so I've got another little toy to enjoy for the weekend . . . hmmm, OFF, ON, OFF, ON . . . dimmer, brighter, dimmer, brighter . . .

Scott,
I'm sure that the keys on the 9000PRO and SD1 are the same size, it's pretty standard but who knows, maybe George has already pulled out his trusty tape measure and is posting exact dimensions as I write this (are you George?). Hmmm, to the .001 inch should do it George.

Happily playin' my 9000PRO in Ohio,
Steve

PS. A few of you may remember that I was the first person in the U.S. to own a PSR-9000 (just had to rub it in a little).

You have my sympathy

I pulled out the tape measure and here is the measurement. Both are the same
black keys 3 1/2"
white keys 5 7/16"
the solton white key is 1/16" wider than the yamaha white key
George Kaye

How BIG are YOUR keys? I remember this discussion here last year. We all actually measured our keys & keyboards. And, indeed, there are different sizes among different makers. And sometimes, the keys are the same size, but the space between is slightly different - so a 61 note keyboard from Roland will be longer than a 61 note keyboard from Yamaha. Just thought I'd throw in this little tidbit.
PS. I'd like to have that setup that George has (Yam Pro & SD-1). Only I don't have $6000 or so handy now!!
Tom

Great picture George,
just how I found my Pro. For those of you who are interested, those little speakers in the picture are really great. They kick butt.
The SD-1 and the Pro are both very exciting keyboards. Whichever you have, have fun playing.
Eric

great pictures George,I just wish we would know what's keeping Roland from releasing the new 76key keyboard one?

------------------
vic

Hello Arranger People,
I accually had a chance to demonstrate a Solton MS100 to Stevie Wonder . Having raised buttons where definately a plus when feeling around the keyboard. I have had to tech blind musicians before . How do you think a blind person would handle a PSR 9000 pro or an SD1 ?The MS series keyboards from Solton do not depend on the screen to change styles and sounds . The Kerton X1 is the same . It was easy to tell Stevie how to access the sound and styles. Now the SD1 navigation is simular to Yamaha,Roland and Technics .
Ellis Hall is another musician who is blind.
Ellis told me at the NAMM show that he taught Stevie W. how to navigate a Roland VS 1680 hard disk recorder . The Roland hard disk recorders are dependant on cursors and page turning. So maybe the SD1 will not be hard at all .
I brought this up because someone had mentioned something about Stevie Wonder . I had an interesting experience with him . One that I will never forget . I just hope to have the oportunity to do it again .
I have always thought that the PSR 9000/9000pro would be better if it had a keypad and the cool groove feature that the PSR740 has . Well maybe one day .
DanO oneils4@home.com
PS. In regards to the Ketron SD1 looks . Sandro Fontella told me that Automobile companys have been using silver as the "richest and most elegant" color . Perhaps they are getting the end caps from Ferrari's !

I admire blind musicians cause all they see is music when they're playing.

mbl

I just wanna ask you... Why always the keyboard keys going in range 49 keys - 61 - or 76. Why not 78? I mean, the 49 or 61 is practical, because it's going by "octaves". 49 keys keyboards has 4 full octaves, and 61 keys has 5. Also they're going in a sprcial way, starting at the C chord, (the black keys are going in the order: 2 and then 3, 2 and 3, and so on) But 76 keys looks very funny for me... un what order should this be? I would like a keyboard with 6 octaves, in the same order as the 61 keys keyboards...
Could somebody answer this question?

Scottyee: I would prefer the Pich bend wheels like Yamaha's PSR-8000 (I currently own) It's the best way. Soltons ney way is crap. You should know: Everything you're using frequently, should be placed at your finger tips. I even hate the PSR-9000 and 9000pro system. it's still too far away.

The disk drive - you right, it's much nicer under the keyboard, like Yamaha is finally doing with the 9000pro.

I asked here a few months ago about a few other problems with the PSR-9000, that the sync-stop button is not placed on the correct place in the keyboard. UGLY! Some others also asked about no tempo buttons (only funny TAP-TEMPO button, mixed between the rythem controls), and one of you (I think George) answered that Yamaha is looking for opinions, and will fix all nasty things on the 9000pro... And what's now? NO CHANGE! Why? So funny people? Did they loose thier eyes and ears? or didn't they understand plain English? Are they doing what one of the designers is dreaming, or what the customers are asking?

OK, sorry, it just bothered me...