Recently I picked up a used Ketron SD40 from an individual while waiting for the new SD90 arranger module.

I really like Ketron sounds (vArranger sounds excellent on my Ketron S4 module) and the OS but the variation "A" button wasn't working. I thought it was a bug but when I tried a SysEx message, it worked. So it is a hardware issue in my case as AJ mentioned, and AJ is going to send me a new switch.

I've read a lot of past posts in regards to Ketron here and on the Ketron forum. Musicians who own both Ketron products and other TOTL such as the Genos and other keyboards seem to prefer their Ketron arranger. Lack of support from Ketron Italy has been a concern for me, but I guess that's where AJ comes in. I read lots of posts recommending his excellent support. AJ whose background is in Information Technology must be indeed very knowledgeable for him to come up with his own upgrade kits for Ketron products. So all these factors gave me confidence to go in full force with Ketron when it comes to my hardware needs. I will probably get the Ajamsonic upgrade kit and his Super Gold Styles.

Good luck you made a wise choice ....AJ will do you right also.

Living a little over 2 hours from AJ would make me comfortable with a Ketron board; I own and have owned several of their products. But...he's Only one man to dedicate his attention to a lot of customers.Should he someday choose a different line of work, or a different country to live in , or become ill or otherwise unable to continue with Ketron, what do we do here in the US? Would it impact your decision to go with a new Ketron product, knowing you may be in need of support we have come to rely on?

Yes, pros and cons. For me, software run by one man would be more concern than hardware. I had been using some neat apps by O Deus Audio. The owner died recently. People could not register the apps in their new computers. Fortunately, his nephew was helping people register online. Oddly, hardware lasts much longer than software if you think about it. I use vArranger(one man, again), too! With the USB lock, I guess I don't have to worry about registering in new PCs as long as I have the USB lock.

I have a V3 Sound Desktop arranger with just about all their sound boards such as Celtic board, Organ sounds(tons of B3, Lowery type of sounds, theater organ, and Wersi), Oberkrainer board(I like the brass which can be used for different types of music not just Oberkrainer). V3 Sound is a one man operation and just because it's one man operation, there are benefits you get that big companies can't give you.

I am just glad that Ketron makes desktop arranger modules with the latest sounds and technology and for me Ketron seems to have the most natural, vibrant sounds. Recently, I read a post; someone using a Korg Microkey 61 to drive the SD40. That would be the ultimate portable setup. Indeed, I tried it with my SD40 as I have a USB version and the Bluetooth version of the Microkey 61. I love the fact that I can use my 88 keys or any other midi controller such as my MIDI accordions with the SD40. In the end, all the benefits and pros outweigh the cons for me.

I am in the UK, and I bought a Ketron product because I believed it was the best instrument to work with for live performances.

I have raised several questions with Ketron concerning problems I had using their product, but as others have said, there is no response from Ketron, and I am left to struggle on to find my own solutions.

I still have faith that Ketron is a great company, and able to manufacture the sort of products that live performers will be able to benefit from. However, Ketron must wake up to the fact that issues are arising, and if the company does not address them then somewhere down the line they will lose sales.

For KETRON related needs in the UK, you can reach out to Darren on this forum (Tonewheeldude) and he will be able to offer you product support. If you cannot get a hold of him, we will be glad to help you too (AjamInc@Gmail.com) or call us at 267-323-5005

Thanks,

Great product....terrible company.

UGH!

R.

Hello Torch,

Please, read this first...

Link


Best Regards,
Carlo

I will say exactly the same thing about Apple and Bose not that Ketron, Italy is any better, but I do like Ketron sounds best and a highly qualified distributor like AJ fills in the gap and does a lot more in many respects than big companies ever can. So I feel comfortable in going with Ketron products.

I have the Ajamsonic upgrade kit on my SD40 and I am here to tell you that the addition of the many many sounds that are added, make the machine at least 50% better. I go to AJ's versions more than factory. I having been playing for over 50 years, have excellent hearing, and I know what the hell I am talking about.

Bernie
p.s.
I haven't gotten the Super Gold set yet, however.

AJ, I think you are a fantastic guy, the way that you try to help Ketron users. But you are just one very helpful person and Ketron should be offering support through video tutorials, and on their website.

It is a problem, at least for me, that Ketron doesn't have a load of tutorials showing us how to use their products. I bought your Audya videos AJ, and they are very good, but users need some more in-depth tutorials about specific issues that we encounter. Ketron does not appear to offer tutorial videos about their products - we have to learn how to use them from the manual or from the few users who have made their own videos.

Darren is great, and very helpful, but he does not have all the answers, and when I have sent him messages they have never been answered. Perhaps nobody knows the answers, but if we are to get the best use out of Ketron products then somebody should help us.

For example, I had a question about how to produce a 6/8 Afro-Cuban rhythm to accompany the song Afro Blue, and also how to create a style or method to accompany the jazz classic "A Night in Tunisia", Both issues which I also raised in this thread:

http://www.synthzone.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/444910/Audya_tutoral#Post444910

Darren suggested that I could have different registrations for the parts of A Night in Tunisia, but there are no examples from Ketron about how to deal with such practical matters that we come across in particular pieces of music.

Another thing I would like to know is how to use a breath controller with the Audya products. Again this has remained unanswered by Ketron:

http://www.synthzone.com/forum/ubbthread...ya_4#Post447406

If I was already an expert in using Ketron products then it wouldn't be a problem, but I do want to become an expert and I wonder how I can achieve that when a lot of the information is not available to me.

I am in my third year of Ketron ownership. I own 2 SD7 keyboards. I have never regretted buying them. EVERY time I sent a question to AJ or called him I got an answer that helped me move forward with the keyboard. I do agree that If something happened to AJ it would be very hard to get answers from Italy. Seems like they are very slow to respond to emails from owners.

One other thing. After 3 years of live gigging with my SD7s I have not once had any issues with reliability of either of the two keyboards. I often wonder if some problems are reported by people who simply have not learned how to use the OS or taken time to even read the manuals.

Deane

'll say that your past posts in regards to your SD40 and other Ketron gear you own are some of the reasons I decided get an SD40. At one time, I decided to go all software with vArranger, HQ sf2s, and even some VST instruments. Then Ketron came out with a new OS update and when I found a used SD40, I jumped on it. I am glad that I did. I really like the SD40; small form factor(easy for air travel). I haven't tried every sound, but that slow violin sounds just as good as a quality VST if not better. It is very expressive. Vocal harmonizer, 3 USB device ports (I used a USB Bluetooth midi receiver and it worked on the SD40), video port, and etc.

I am happy it is working out for you. I never knowingly make questionable statements, but it pertains to my experience only, knowing others have had difficulties. If one can get past Ketron's family businesslike ways, I think their products are superior in many ways.but not all,however.

LatinoMike,

Thank you for finally outlining this on this public forum. I am sure Darren will read this - however, we will try and help resolve some of the issues you've documented here which focuses on tutorial material for detailed 'stuff'. Please give us a month ... or 2.

Thanks ... and sorry for the 'disappointment' but we will try and make it up to you and others who share your view(s).

Thank you AJ!

It would be fantastic if you can show us how to tackle some of the practical issues such as I identified.

Just wondering, Does Ketron issue printed or online user manuals, or both?

Ketron has a manual on line. I use the one AJ put together and it is a lot better.

Deane