Korg Forums

NoIdea · Joined: 09 May 2012 Posts: 4

Hi all. I was hoping to get some advice regarding buying my first keyboard. I have played guitar for around 18 years and have now decided I’d like to learn to play keys (along with learning to sight read). I am not planning on playing gigs. I just want to have fun, playing on my own 99% of the time, and then have the occasional jam with friends when I feel I’ve developed a few skills.
I feel that an arranger would be suitable for what I want to do. I think having the “backing band” would keep me interested and motivated to practice.
When first learning the guitar I was always told to buy the best instrument I could afford for tone, playability etc. I’m wondering to what degree does this apply to me buying my first keyboard as I will be an absolute beginner and will obviously not be able to use the full features of any keyboard that I buy. By the time I can start to really play the instrument, it will probably be superseded with new technology.
I have been considering the PA500, mainly due to the fact that the teacher I intend taking lessons with has one of these for teaching his students. I have also considered a PA800 if I can find one second hand at a reasonable price. I’m just wondering if this is overkill for a total newbie on the keys.
Having a decent sound is important to me so that I am always wanting to play. Once I have got the basics down I want to play mainly blues, rock and funk.
Should I go for a more basic keyboard to start with until I can play enough to be able to go in and demo better keyboards? Or do I go out and get something better straight away?
Any comments are appreciated.

Cheers,

No Idea.

Fransman · Posted: Wed May 16, 2012 7:20 am Post subject:

Hi there. You'll be amazed how good even "cheap" keyboards sound like these days.
So I don't advice you to start with a high end keyboard.

Of course, more expensive keyboards (Yamaha Tyros, Korg PA3X) have stunning sound quality, styles, etcetera.
But they come with a big price tag AND are rather complicated to master.
In the beginning, you'll probably want to practice playing instead of all the programming stuff.

My advice is: plan your max budget, visit a keyboardshop, and let your ears do the work. Take your time!

I think in the lower price range, Yamaha (PSR-range) provides great (maybe the best) instruments (PSR E423 for instance).
In the mid and higher range Korg, Roland and Yamaha are the main brands. It all depends on taste.

Reading about your musical background (blues, rock, funk) maybe this question is important to answer:
do you plan to play piano in the longer run? If so, you'll be better off by buying a digital piano or a hybrid (keyboard with 88 weighted keys).
In that case, maybe Yamaha DGX-640 is a good option (both piano and arranger facilities). Korg PA588 could also be considered, but is a lot more expensive and complicated.

Again, take your time to pick the right instrument for YOU.
Good luck!

BTW: Korg PA500 is great mid range instrument with stunning sound (I've had it for about 4 years).
_________________
Musical grtz, Frans

NoIdea · Joined: 09 May 2012 Posts: 4

Hi Fransman. Thanks for the reply.

With regards to my budget, I guess I am fortunate enough to be able to buy whatever I like. Having said that i wouldn't buy something too high end as I know that all of the technology probably wouldn't help that much while practicing "When the saints go marching in". Wink

Do you think the pa500 is still overkill for my situation? I see that Korg hasn't updated this line since 2008 so maybe there are new models in the pipeline which could be available to me once I've developed my playing. Time will tell.

I haven't been in to the local shop to compare models as I feel that my limited repertoire of chopsticks is probably not enough to get a feel for a keyboard. I'll take your advice though and at least listen to some styles through headphones and maybe have someone else play for me. I'll be sure to take a look at some of the PSR range.

At this stage I don't plan on learning piano. Of course that may change in the future. More food for thought.

Thanks again

Fransman · Posted: Wed May 16, 2012 2:07 pm Post subject:

It's difficult to tell if an instrument is overkill.
I don't know how steep your learning curve is / can be.

PA500 is the mid range Korg keyboard (only PA50 is low-end).
Technology in these instruments is quite similar to the high end PA800, PA2X Pro and even PA3X.
Soundwise there are differences of course. And the high end instruments also have a vocal harmonizer and sampler, for instance.

You seem to be pretty serious, and with having a musical background and a high budget, I think you can probably start of with a midrange keyboard.
So I would advice to compare Korg PA500, Roland BK5 and Yamaha PSR S650 or S710 to start with.
They are about the same price (S710 is the most expensive) and you can have fun with all of them for many, many years.
It's just your personal taste to hear / feel / look which instrument suits you best.
I think, with your musical taste, you might end up with Korg or Roland, because they have a more 'Live' feeling.
Yamaha overall sounds more 'produced' / CD-like.

But of course, I may be wrong.

Don't be ashamed to step into the music store and tell them your plans. Let your ears do the work, even with no experience in keyboards,
you can be a good judge in what you do / do not like in an instrument. Take your time. It's (part of the) great fun!

An instrument that suits you fine will give you the inspiration to keep on rocking... for many years! Very Happy

_________________
Musical grtz, Frans

Fransman · Posted: Wed May 16, 2012 2:44 pm Post subject:

Addition:
If money is no issue at all, you can also compare Tyros 4 and PA3X.
You can't go wrong with both machines!

You only live once, you know...
_________________
Musical grtz, Frans

NoIdea · Joined: 09 May 2012 Posts: 4

I think I'll go for something in the mid-range once I've had a listen to a few models. I can always upgrade in the future (should I feel the need).

The teacher I plan on seeing said similar things regarding his pa500 having more of a "live" sound to it, compared to his previous psr's. This was a factor in me leaning towards the Korg, as well as the fact that I could learn the operating system faster if I was also taking lessons on the same keyboard with a teacher.

Thanks for your time

Cheers

Fransman · Posted: Thu May 17, 2012 8:44 am Post subject:

Your reasoning sounds very sensible.
You will have great fun with the PA500; a very good bang for the buck.

Enjoy, cheerz
_________________
Musical grtz, Frans

rikkisbears · Posted: Sun May 20, 2012 5:41 am Post subject:

Hi,
Pa3X could be overkill at the moment, but if money's not a problem, I'd consider the PA800. Should be some pretty good deals around as it's been discontinued.
If you pick up a good deal, you shouldn't lose too much should you decide it's not for you.

You can check out the differences on the Korg site.
http://www.korgpa.com/en/products/arrangers.html

My playing ability doesn't require a top of the line arranger, but I can afford it, so why not. haahaa
_________________
best wishes
Rikki

PA3X,PA800, PSR1500,
Band in a Box,
VArranger/Ketron SD2
One Man Band

johnsmies · Posted: Sun May 20, 2012 8:18 am Post subject:

I entirely agree with Rikki here. And of course like Fransman says, the PA500 is tremendous value. But due to the arrival of the PA3X, indeed an overkill at this stage, you can get a new PA800 at discount prices.
Go for it !!!

John Smies
http://pasounds.intropagina.nl/

NoIdea · Joined: 09 May 2012 Posts: 4

Thanks for your input guys.

Cheers