I've been eyeing the SV-1 for a long while, and comparing with the Nord Electro and Stage. I played them all extensively very recently and even though the organ has much better control in the Nord electro (drawbar controls), I absolutely love the sound and feel of the SV-1 much better. The distortion in the SV-1 is exactly what I look for. The distortion in the nord sounds fake to me...the Korg is rich and mean-sounding, very liquid. Love those electro-harmonix tubes.
As much as I like the SV-1, I'm worried though and I would be grateful for your thoughts. Two of the SV-1 units that I've played with, had issues with the encoders. (lights alternating between min/max values). The distortion on/off on one board would turn on and off randomly (without touching the button). Other posts I've seen on this post complain of keys going out of commission, and other issues. I am wondering if there is there a quality issue that means I should wait until the next version of this board...if forthcoming. Another worry (that often happens to me) is that I save and save, and buy a board (or laptop etc), after which the newer board is almost immediately released! Few things make me feel stupider, although there's little I can do to predict an SV2 other than following rumor sites etc.
The other thing I noticed, is that sounds do not seem to sustain when a setting is adjusted. Does the sound really cut-out whenever a sound is changed, or an amp model, etc? Can pedals assist with this?
Last, I see that the price of the SV-1 88 has not really gone down over the past year, or ever, actually. It still seems stable at $2199 at most stores. There are lots of "refurbished" and "store demo" models on ebay for 1599-1799+ but judging from my experience with in-store demos, they are often beaten up and mistreated.
I would especially like to go with a multiple payment plan on this, like AMS or Sweetwater, but they always charge $2199 if this option is chosen. I sure would like the ability to negotiate, although maybe this board new, is rare enough to never go on sale. If you have any thoughts, thanks for those!
Well this is what I'm thinking right now, I really love this board and really want one, but I'm not a pro (ie, don't make money on my music) and it's a big investment. Thanks in advance for your replies and thoughts.
Good time to buy an SV-1?
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