Buying a Korg M3-73 in Canada?

Arctica · Post by **Arctica** » Mon May 04, 2009 8:51 pm

I've recently decided to buy a Korg M3, but I live in Canada and my options seem very expensive compared to what my neighbours in the US can get. For instance, http://www.axemusic.com/product.asp?num ... &PT_ID=120 gives me a Korg M3-73 for almost $2800 CDN + shipping, but I could buy from a store like Sweetwater or Woodwind and Brasswind for $2300 US (a slightly lower initial cost), and get more bang for my buck, but then be forced to suffer through the process of shipping over the border. Locally, there don't seem to be very many options...and I don't want to spend a ridiculous amount, which seems to be the problem with many Canadian busineses. Any thoughts?

EJ2 · Post by **EJ2** » Mon May 04, 2009 9:06 pm

I see you live in Ontario. Instead of buying online, it's worth it to drive and pick up. Check out Pongetti's in Hamilton. They're great at making great deals. http://www.pongettimusic.com/main.html

Also, check out Long and McQuade. More than one location to choose from. http://www.long-mcquade.com/?page=locations

Sometimes, at either dealers, I have managed to find deals better than what can be had in the states even taking the dollar exchange into consideration.

Good luck.
Cheers,
Eric

Arctica · Post by **Arctica** » Wed May 06, 2009 1:00 pm

Thanks for the suggestions, I may make a trip soon to one of those locations!

However, I have a new dilemna: I found out that the Korg M3-61 is $800 less than the M3-73, and I realized, for less than the difference in price, I could get an 88-key MIDI controller and get both synth action (with the M3) and weighted piano action with the full range of keys (with the MIDI controller) and probably be further ahead overall. I am not too familiar with MIDI controllers though, so, I am wondering, is it possible to route one sound, such as a piano sound, into the MIDI controller via whatever cable I need, and simultaneously have a synth lead or something playing on the M3? Can I utilize both at once like this? Many thanks!

kanthos · Post by **kanthos** » Wed May 06, 2009 1:20 pm

Yes, that's entirely possible if you're playing in combi or sequencer mode.

blinkofanI · Post by **blinkofanI** » Thu May 07, 2009 10:17 pm

Hi,
If you're shopping from Canada, check: www.thefinalcost.com . You might find that the US prices aren't such a deal. And you don't have any warranty in Canada. If something happens, you have to ship it back to your dealer in US. I checked on the site and a 2300$US "deal" ends up at 3250$ CAD when counting duties and all. Good luck.

Blink

EJ2 · Post by **EJ2** » Fri May 08, 2009 12:41 am

I was just in Pongetti's in Hamilton talking with Luch and he quoted $1995 CND for the M3-61. Now, if you get a keyboard controller to go with the M3-M, you need to make sure it has a ribbon control, SW1 & SW2, as well as the omni-directional joystick because their functions are set up in programs and combis, especially SW1 & SW2. This is true of the factory presets and definitely with Karma-Lab combi collections.
Cheers,
Eric

gnbutt · Post by **gnbutt** » Fri May 08, 2009 1:43 am

I have just ordered an M3-73 from Long & McQuade in Toronto, $2799 but just to let you know that the price in Canada has reportedly gone up a bit due to a dollar exchange differential. I have dealt with this company for years and with many keyboard purchases. US pricing might be more attractive but we are presently at an 85 cent CDN/US dollar and I doubt that a warranty problem would be honoured if purchased in the USA. Sometimes a more attractive price isn't worth the saving if you have a real problem.
Just my 2 cents worth
GB