Korg Forums

Arctica · Joined: 12 Jan 2008 Posts: 33 Location: Ontario, Canada

Well, I'm in the market for a new keyboard. I'd like to spend under $2500, preferably even under $2000, but I'd really like 76 keys (definitely not 88, but possibly 61 if I have no other option). I'm thinking a workstation along the Triton Extreme/M3/Motif/Roland X-series, etc. but I have no idea what I should be getting. I need a lot of patches for my work, which is quite varied, and possibly room to expand in the future.

Features that I need:
-as many patches as possible
-aftertouch
-preferably some other method of modulation besides just the joystick/wheels (i.e. ribbon, beam, etc.)
-reasonable synth action
-good performance/live control

Features that I'd like but aren't essential:
-drum pads
-touchscreen

That's the idea, more or less. Thanks for any attempts to pair me up with something suitable!! Laughing

David

Voltan · Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2008 5:54 pm Post subject:

Triton Extreme has lots of good patches. M3 is much weaker in this aspect for now but there are more coming.
M3 has the best key action though.
They both feature a ribbon, aftertouch and a touch screen. Additionaly - M3's touchscreen can be used as a XY pad for more modulation.
In general - M3 is more powerful than the Triton, but the Extreme has a lot more patches out of the box.

I can't say much 'bout Roland or Yamaha, sorry. I believe neither of them has a touchscreen Wink

Arctica · Joined: 12 Jan 2008 Posts: 33 Location: Ontario, Canada

Hmm, yes...that's the one reason I don't really like the M3 as much, it just doesn't have enough patches to be attractive. Still, it's got some nice features, as you said.

Actually, what's new on my list of candidates is the Roland G-Series, coming out in April, I guess? That looks like it might be a winner. TONS of patches, pads, mouse (so no real worries about the touchscreen), all the good stuff. Bit pricey, though. Shocked

Voltan · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 12:01 am Post subject:

many more patches for the m3 are supposed to be available next month Smile

kimu · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 11:18 am Post subject:

with your budget you can think about an Extreme (at least here in europe extreme is sold for quite low price after release of M3) add adding to it a good rack expander as M3 module or motif rack or V-synth XT

xmlguy · Platinum Member Joined: 26 Nov 2007 Posts: 3605

If you truly need a large number of patches, then perhaps you shouldn't buy any hardware besides midi controllers and use most of your budget to build up a large software synth/rompler library on your computer. That way you don't limit yourself to the patches available for only one manufacturer. If you happen to find that all the patches you need are available for one workstation, then you can consider buying it at that time with no big loss because the midi controllers and software will remain useful.

Arctica · Joined: 12 Jan 2008 Posts: 33 Location: Ontario, Canada

Going the soft-synth route is an option, I suppose...but I wouldn't want to mess around with that stuff live, so I think I might be limited to hardware at this point. A workstation will probably be the most flexible...

Still, it's a thought.

Diego · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:16 am Post subject:

Hi!

I consider the M3 a very very good keyboard.
But after seeing Fantom G I think I'll wait for it before buying anything else.
BTW, the Triton Extreme is a great board...but nowdays if you can spend $2500 I think the best you can buy to fit your needs is the M3.

Regards
_________________
Diego http://www.myspace.com/diegoinmusic

Korg M3 with EXB Radias & EXB-256 onboard
MOTU Traveler - iBook G4

Milter · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 7:40 am Post subject:

Diego · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 8:37 am Post subject:

Hi Milter!

I'm from Italy, and I can tell you that used Extreme are not so common...it's not that easy to find a good deal with a used 61 or 76 version.
On the new market side, you can find a TE61 for about 1700 euros. And if you consider that adding a 300 euros you can buy the M3, well, I would wait a few to save more money then buy the M3.

regards
_________________
Diego http://www.myspace.com/diegoinmusic

Korg M3 with EXB Radias & EXB-256 onboard
MOTU Traveler - iBook G4

Milter · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 1:16 pm Post subject:

I think I might get a Trinity cheap, and wait for an extreme to be for sale in my area. Shipping from different countries are simply too expensive Sad

Arctica I think a good sollution for you could be several rack units from various suppliers. Like a Triton, Roland JV-xx, Kurzweil K2500 expanded and some Yamaha motif. I think you could get these units for a fair price. I see them on sale reguarly. This way you get a huge libary in all sorts of different sound philosofies. Korg always seems to be soft and smooth, while Roland is a bit more hard and punchy etc. All units can be expanded almost limitless.

Then buy a really good mother board like a Fatar (thats only my pref.).

Diego · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 1:23 pm Post subject:

Racks and sound modules is for sure a good way to go!
BTW, I think that if you travel with your instruments, buy the lightest thing you can, you will thank yourself for that choice every time you move the keyb!

...Milter, where are you from?
Triton Extreme are not yet sold in your contry?

regards
_________________
Diego http://www.myspace.com/diegoinmusic

Korg M3 with EXB Radias & EXB-256 onboard
MOTU Traveler - iBook G4

Milter · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 1:27 pm Post subject:

Diego · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 1:33 pm Post subject:

Uh, for the stage I love the Triton Extreme 76 w/MOSS, you have all you need under your fingers and you carry with you a quite light keyboard using not much space. Very good way to go...!

regards
_________________
Diego http://www.myspace.com/diegoinmusic

Korg M3 with EXB Radias & EXB-256 onboard
MOTU Traveler - iBook G4

Arctica · Joined: 12 Jan 2008 Posts: 33 Location: Ontario, Canada