I have a Yamaha DGX505, and was wondering how I could get a decent Hammond B3 sound on it. If anyone could help I would really appreciate it.
I was told to look into Sound Fonts but I don't think this one will take such a thing. Is that right?

Thanks,
Scott

Here's my 2 cents. In October of 2004 I bought a DGX 505. I just started gigging at that time and thought might be an Ok board. The DGX 505 is decent for the money and I played half dozen jobs with it. It's not a bad sounding board, it just doesn't have enough styles and voices. For a pianist the keys as others have said better than what's on the PSR. but the action still too light for my taste. A few months later I traded it for Casio PRivia px400r. The action on it much better, but the styles and voices left a lot to be desired. I then bought the PSR 3000, 61 keys leave something to be desired, but I've adjusted. I'm happy with the 3000, but that never ending search for the perfect board continues.

Maybe I'm missing something, but if Yammie can make the 505 and retail it for $550. Why can't they make a board like the 3000 withm 88 keys and an action like in the 505 and sell that for about $1795???



[This message has been edited by Stephenm52 (edited 05-09-2006).]

Just about a year ago, some of Yamaha's designers came to my store to discuss the next generation Yamaha PSR keyboards. Most of our discussion was to put the PSR3000 in a DGX505 keyboard design with 88 keys, not necessarily a weighted key action but rather the semi weighted action. I said to do it for around $1795.00 and they could sell alot!
It's exactly what the last post here suggested.
Let's see if where right!
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California

I am glad someone else has found the Voices in the Privia 400r poor I thought it was just my ear.
I'm in heaven with my PSR3000.
The Tyros2 has just arrived at our local store in Hobart.
WOW!!!!
Local price is $AUST6000 well out of my price range.

Cousin Ken

Your not going to get decent B3 sounds out of a DGX505.
You can't load sound fonts in a DGX505 either. Whoever told you to use sound fonts, problably meant for you to install them on a computer with a soundcard, amplifier/speakers, etc.
Starkeeper
P.S. talk about reviving an old post.

[This message has been edited by Starkeeper (edited 05-10-2006).]

Yamaha DGX505 Portable Keyboard Closeout Reg. $899.95
Our Price: $549.00


The DGX505 is a piano-focused keyboard with 88 piano-style keys, wooden stand and sustain pedal. Innovative features include notation display, USB for instant computer connectivity and SmartMedia for storing more >
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Was in my email this morning for musician 123
Bebop

I tried out a DGX-505 alongside a Privia PX-555R (same as 400R) and a Roland FP-2. The sounds on the 505 trumped both of 'em, and came within 85% or so of a P250. 90+% with a pair of headphones. (P250 is 70+ lbs. and about $1900.)

The speakers are larger on the 505 than either the Privia or the FP-2, and they have separate tweeters. This isn't just a volume issue; it affects quality. This accounts for nearly all the sound difference between the FP-2 and the 505. Through headphones, they're very close.

The wind sounds on the Privia are very "flat" and uninteresting compared to "sweet/cool" sounds on the 505. So the Privia loses two ways in the sound department.

Speakers on the 505 are just baaaaarely large enough on the 505 you might consider gigging with it in a small room. Of course, the Privia and the FP-2 win in the hammer action department.

The DGX-500 is basically the 505 without the sweet/cool/live sounds, but with a real disk drive instead of the SmartMedia jobbie, and with real MIDI IN/OUT instead of USB. Real MIDI is better because you can get an inexpensive MIDI to USB connector, but to go the other way you need a computer in the loop.

So all in all, the 500 might be a better choice for some people. You can get them new on eBay for just under $500 including S&H. OTOH, those sweet/cool voices really are sweet and cool.

Yamaha is coming out with upgrades to the DGX line next month. The YPG-625 will basically be a DGX-505 with Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, somewhat improved sounds (I guess) and no disk drive. It will weight 39.2 lbs. (I think -- there are conflicting reports) and cost about $750 incl. stand and pedal. There is also the YPG-525 (synth action, $600) and the YPG-225 (76 key version, $350). A google will bring up several stores taking pre-orders.

Rick