Korg Forums

[ponkine]

Hi!

I was searching around the web, and lately trying different keyboards from several brands, and I've come across that some essential features are simply NOT included on many keyboards!

Can't believe it!. Specially considering that my first keyboard was given by my mom when I was a teen in 1997 a Yamaha PSR 520 ... and yet it does include some features that many higher priced keyboards don´t!

So, here's my top 10 features all keyboards should and could have.

1- Touch sensitivity ... FOR ALL SOUNDS!. This is so obvious. Korg SV1 does not have it. That's the reason (among others) why I sold it few weeks after purchasing it. Also, a simple touch on/off option if you don't want or need for an specific sound. Of course, more professional keyboards could regulate intensity, velocity curves, levels of touch sensitivity, etc

2- Seamless transitions between sounds. It's 2019, yet many brands don't include it!.

3- A friendly and big enough screen. I'm looking at most of stage pianos, and still most of them features tiny and almost useless screens!. Of course, with higher priced keyboards, touch screens.

4- An USER FRIENDLY interface with quick access of 2 of the most demanded/needed features: Split and Layers. With many keyboards, you must dive deep into menus and complicated user interfaces designed for computer guys, not for musicians.

5- A QUICK and EASY way to create and save your own presets/sounds, etc. Related with 4.

6- Enough space for user presets/sounds, etc. Also, to import and store sound samples. Some keyboards only allow MIDI files to import.

7- STEREO ouputs.. Yes!. How come this is even a request!. But it's true. With modest priced keyboards, more often than not, they do not have them.

8- Headphone jack ON THE FRONT. Have it on the back is ridiculous.

9- A proper manual, including complete sound list and ALL "how to do" functions. There're cases with incomplete to useless manuals, and others simply without any sound listing.

10- UNIVERSAL connectivity. There're still many keyboards that include appliaction ONLY for certain devices. Also, the operating system could be available on the brands' website always. In many cases the OS comes in a CD or DVD ... yet more and more laptops these days do not include a CD/DVD tray.


what are yours?