Seems a couple of the common topics regarding a keyboard are the weight and cost. I've been following the thread on the new Ketron SD7.

We went through this process when we had both the S950 and Tyros4 trying to decide which board to keep and use for gigs.

I tend to look at the whole picture I guess.

Gig with S950

S950 = 30lbs with case
Two Bose Compacts = 50lbs
Keyboard stand = 15lbs or so
Misc gear, cables, mikes = 10 lbs or so.

Total around 105 lbs to lug to and from the gig.

If we take the Tyros, we now lug about 115 lbs to and from the gig.

For us, it was well worth the extra 10 lbs to lug the Tyros.

Now, I'm guessing for those that go with the SD7, the extra 10 or 15lbs overall weight of over 100lbs of gear hauled to a gig(just a guess here) isn't going to mean much if they get the keyboard they want.

And if the board costs $3,000 but is a significant improvement over the S950 series, at least it's not a $4,500 Tyros.

Just a thought.

I haul an S-950 around every day - about 30 pounds with a reinforced case
My two-tier X stand tips the scales at 20-pounds
My Quic Lok stool weighs 17-pounds
My custom console weighs 12-pounds
My mic and wire bag weighs less than 5 pounds
The R-10 Rock and Roller cart weighs 30 pounds.
Top tier for rock and roller about 6 pounds
Total weight 120-pounds.

The reason I listed the weight of the cart is because it's something you have to pick up out of the van, set it up, assemble the top tier of the cart, then begin stacking gear to be pushed into the venue. Sometimes, that might mean pushing it up a steep ramp to a loading platform, or handicap ramp. I figure that any way I can lighten the load, the better off I am in the long run.

Now, I like the sound of the Ketron products. They really sounded great when AJ was here with the gang last year, and of course you must keep in mind that AJ is one Hell of a good musician and singer, which, naturally, enhances the overall sound of the product. However, I also like the sound of what I currently use, it has made me hundreds of dollars, and it's about as lightweight as I can get. Today, with my nasty back problems, I picked up the S-950 to put it in the case and it felt like it weighed a lot more than 23 pounds, but that's because I'm not young and virile like Don Mason or Chas. I would have hated to have another 10 pounds to lift from that keyboard stand and place in the case today. Ouch!

The price really means nothing to me anymore. As I stated in another post, that would be an extra $2,000 above and beyond what I could likely sell the S-950 for on Ebay. At this stage of the game, I think I'll just spend that 2-grand on sailing and green coconut Margarettas.

Just thinking back to the days when I had those Peavey Sp1G speakers that tipped the scales at 105-pounds each, powered with a 45-pound powered mixer and it took a half dozen trips to the van with a refrigerator dolly to unload the gear into the American Legion where I performed every Friday night. We sure have come a long way since then.

All the best,

Gary

I don’t know what others think; but, at this senior age, weight is a major consideration. Sure, I enjoy a reliable, great-sounding board as much as the next person. But a 50 to 60 lb. keyboard that sounds ten times better than the Tyros 5 and costs $500 wouldn’t get a purchase response from me----especially for carrying around. The S950 is about as heavy as I want to go for live play. The T5 stays at the house for personal recording and making backing tracks for singers.

My PA 900 is about the weight of s950. If the next one I get is too heavy I'll just pay somebody to load it.
I love the Korg PA 900 but there are a few features I miss from the totl kbs such as pa3x.
My other gear is all very light. KB stand about 5 pounds, two Bose Compacts, stool is on rollers, mixer, laptop, recorder, power supplies all fit in lightweight case. Whole thing weighs about 15 pounds. Top lifts off and becomes sign with my name on it. The gear stays in the case, which sets on the top tier of my KB stand.
I'll bet the total weight of all my gear is about 100 pounds if you don't count my chair. I leave that where I work most of the time. I have another one for other jobs.
I'll try to find a photo.

As a home player, i prefer systems that are being build from sturdy parts like metal instead of cheap plastics... Weight is of no concern to me...

For example the build quallity of a good olg G70 outshines the Tyros 5....

To be the Devils advocate, while recognizing that there are some of us that have physical infirmities, others may be be overly concerned with the weight factor.

I am turning 74, am in good health, and weight train three times a week. I also have a plethora of choices of what to take to a gig. At times I find myself choosing my S910 instead of my Audya because of the weight. In rethinking this choice, I may find that this may not be the best choice when considering other factors, such as set up time, better sound, and music loaded in the particular KB.

I have always tried to be the best I can be regardless of the job I am going to. However, I must admit that sometimes I rationalize and think they won't know the difference. Maybe and maybe not, but my attitude towards excellence may be slipping in favor of laziness or convenience.

Many of you play more than the five times a week I do, so weight may be more of a factor.

Bachus, I agree, I was amazed at the low quality build of the great sounding Tyros 5

Bachus, I agree, I was amazed at the low quality build of the great sounding Tyros 5



DOUBLE POST SORRY Frank

After a long time with a G1000 in a hard case I'm lovin my 16 lb Bk9 in a padded case. Since I stand up my keyboard on end on my R&R cart I may go back to a hard case.
My JBL515s in carry bags are a big help too. about 35 lbs with the bags. More power than I'll ever need.

I don't mind the extra weight of the Tyros4 (which weighs 31 lbs) over a MOTL like S950/S910 because of the extra features that I find important for my style of play.

Having the more responsive FSX keybed (with aftertouch) and the incredibly expressive SA2 solo voices, both of which are so far exclusive to the Tyros line (in regards to portable arrangers) are very necessary to me because 99% of my performances involve playing instrumentals, and I want the best sounds (and optimum control over them) I can acquire.

I consider any instrument (with case) over 40 lbs too heavy for gigging, and the same goes for amplification/speakers.

I'm like Bernie and I try to be the best I can be regardless of the job.

Ian