So I really want a Korg Pax4, but can't affor5d it right now. I narrowed down my second place to 3 choices. First off, what's up with the A3000? Is it some kind of middle eastern keyboard? I appreciate any and all input. I know everybody has their faves but I still need some feedback...Thank you.

You would have to give us more info on your playing needs and direction so we can give you the correct feed back..
please tell us more.

The A3000 is primarily an Eastern keyboard with Western styles included. I have the S970 and wanted the Korg flagship, so I bought the Korg Pa4x. I have never played the Pa900, but here is a link to a comparison between it and the Yamaha 970:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH34BmueQtg

I have too many keyboards, and would sell my PSR s970 for a good price if interested.

Bernie

I'm still a beginner keyboarder but have played guitar and bass guitar for 40 Yrs. SO far I own a Roland Gaia and discovered that what I really want to do is create music on an amateur level in my home. After doing a tremendous amount of reading and watching vids, I thought that these 3 keyboards were the best fit for me but now I am more confused than ever - lol.

yes, I saw this vid a week ago and love both keyboards. Imho, I can't tell much difference in their sounds...Without overthimking my choices, I'm also adding the Korg Kronus into the mix (no pun intended)

May I say I think you are adding confusion to the mix in adding a Kronus, only because you should first decide on an arranger or work station like the Kronus. The Kronus is a fine keyboard with the finest of different instruments, but it doesn't have styles per se.

I hope this helps a little.
Bernie

Admittedly, I am firmly in the Yamaha Arranger Keyboard Camp. As you probably know, many of the members on this forum are entertainers (one-man-keyboard artists) and they all play really well. Because of that factor, many have different needs than a "rank amateur" like me. I use my PSR-S910 Arranger for creating new songs and I use the intro, style, multi-pads and other features of the keyboard to create a demo of what I've written.

I play only chords and after significant set-up time, the "board" pretty well does the rest for me. I carefully select the individual instruments, adjust the volume for each one and do my best to press all the right buttons at the correct time and sequence. (Easy-peasy!) When I finally get the song recorded the way I want it to sound, I transfer the WAV file from my Digital Recorder into my computer for further editing.

The beauty of all this method is that I can save the setup and re-use it to keep recording if my first "take" ends up having some kind of glitch. (I don't think of myself as a singer but my only other option would be to pay somebody to do it for me... and that would take time and money.) I am fairly prolific and now have a catalog of recorded songs and compositions nearing 1100. I register many of my songs with ASCAP if I believe they have any commercial potential for other artists to "cover" as part of an album or a "single."

Nothing wrong with Korg or the other "boards." It is a bit like buying an automobile. Personal taste. I found it easier to "migrate from a Yamaha PSR-2000 to the 910... and really want a 970 when they become more affordable after the next model change.

Best of luck to you. ----Dave Rice

http://www.ShowCaseYourMusic.com/DaveRice/

Bernie is absolutely right. First decision is arranger vs. workstation. An arranger is primarily used for live "one man band" situations although you could also record with it of course. A workstation is for playing with a band and/or recording and synth/sound editing ect. Most workstations have onboard loop based recording. You might want to look at the Roland FA series. It has a dead easy to use sequencer and great sounds for a good price. But as Bernie says, first figure out what you need. Everyone is different. I had a Korg Kross and hated it. I was never so happy to get my arranger back.

Dave Rice,

That's fantastic. You must have a lot of talent to have written that many songs. Best of luck to you.

Oops! I did not know that. Some people advertise it as an arranger, which is why I am misinformed. Thanks - I will keep with the arrangers Bernie9!

Thanks, Tracy:

My wife would disagree with you about my "talent"... LOL! She would prefer I finish that novel. Unfortunately, songwriting is an addiction of sorts. Thankfully, I have been able to steer clear from the things people who tour eventually fall prey to.

I do work very hard at my "hobby!" I would love to say it is a vocation but the music industry is in a state of chaos now with streaming seemingly the primary method of delivery. Sadly, this robs the songwriter even more of his/her rightful earnings... unless the songwriter is a singer/artist in great demand.

Maybe I will be "discovered" after I am long departed. Time will tell. Thanks again for your kind remarks. ----Dave Rice

Thanks to everyone that has replied so far. I know that choosing an arranger keyboard is subjective based on several things such as: sound quality, o/s, navigation of menus, etc. and I still am lost as to which one to get....

I have had them all. There are no wrong choices.
If you sing, the Korg PA900 has an excellent vocal processor and harmonizer. The harmonizer in the S970 can be used, but pales in comparison to the Korg.
While there is a vast assortment of Yamaha styles floating around the internet, many of them are duplicates; some good, some bad. Korg periodically gives us free factory styles.
I liked the S970, I liked the PA900 more; I love the PA4X, but that's another level.

I really think you would be happiest with my little used PSR s970. The only reason I would sell it is because I have three other top of the line keyboards and only two hands.

Now that's a great deal and Bernie is ACES!!

One final thought-if you are considering Yamaha they are supposed to be releasing a new arranger next month according to the prognosticators at PSR Tutorial. If true, that should push used prices down on the 970/770 and Tyros.

Disagree...

Since the new model will be the tyros replacement, it will barely have influence on used 970 and 770 prices..

Hi Bachus:

I've never been able to figure out Yamaha's Marketing strategy when it comes to releasing new products. Sometimes they seem to release new products on a broad front... and at other times, only a model or two. I agree with you that if only a new Tyros or whatever they choose to call the new replacement, the cost of the 970 will be not be significantly changed... even for used models.

While I'm at it, I really enjoyed hearing Don Mason's "take" on the vocal harmony attributes of the keyboards he mentioned. Yamaha has always been a bit weak when it comes to vocal harmony.

Thanks, guys... for sharing your significant expertise with us.
To me, the General Arranger Forum of SynthZone is one of the closest knit on-line communities I visit. (Says a great deal for Nigel's leadership capabilities.)

Have a great weekend, folks. ----Dave Rice

Not if owners of the 970/770 and Tyros models decide to upgrade.

I like Yamaha's new strategy,..........keep them all waiting a long time till they wanna bust and rumors fly worldwide in curiosity & anticipation, then release the product which in turn is not a disappointment to the peoples expectations with a massive marketing blitz. You can be sure Baartmans, Voncken, & Martin already have been beta testing whatever KB it is so they will be ready to go on demo tours worldwide which makes sense. Time will tell.

Hi Bernie, being that I a still researchings needs vs wants vs budget, I may need a bit more time to decide but what is your bottom line price on the S970? My private email is mrmongo673@gmail.com for further contact...