Help before purchasing

[Paul T]

Looking to replace broken 20 year old traditional Lowrey organ. My search has brought me to potentially replacing with a keyboard, as I don't want another 300 lb. instrument. I was amazed with the PA1000 at my local music store in terms of sounds, versatility, etc. I would welcome any opinions in terms of what I may be giving up by switching to this portable unit other than the obvious (one keyboard, no pedals, etc.) I'm assuming that sounds can be changed in mid song with touch of a button? Thank you...

[NativeAngels]

Hi yes the Pa1000 is a great keyboard although I own it's little brother the Pa700. Korg Arrangers use a system of Keyboard Sets (Registrations) which are linked to a style, user library or Songbook Entry.

Have a look at Korgworld.co.uk and if you have Facebook join my group 'Korg Professional Arranger User Group'

[Musicwithharry]

I think that the PA series from Korg, no matter which current offering you are considering, is a great fit. I also own the PA700 and considered the PA1000.

Part of the reason I hose the PA700 was price and another reason was availability. I am the type of person who does not wait very well when something is being released that I want. The PA700 was available when I wanted to buy. I also did not need the extra USB port (the PA700 has one and the PA1000 has two), nor did I need the vocal harmony feature on the PA1000 - so I chose the PA700.

The registrations on the PA700 are quite simple to navigate and in the different styles, you can change programs depending the variation in the style you are using. The same can happen on the PA1000.

The PA1000 has a more robust internal sound system than the PA700 but for my needs, the PA700 is more than enough. I have considered the PA1000 as an additional purchase but will probably get the PA700 again as a direct backup to the one I already have.

Grace,
Harry

[jgorin]

Paul, yes, you can change instruments with the press of a button or with a touch of the screen. Instruments are grouped in fours, all of which can be completely different. These are called Keyboard Sets and you can have up to four groups of four, or 16 different instruments to choose from per song. You can devise your own custom combinations, or the Pa1000/700 has suggested keyboard sets that are automatically associated with each of the Styles.

I recently bought the Pa700 and couldn't be happier. It's a great value for the price, IMHO. And this forum is very helpful, too!

[Biggles]

Welcome.

Do take a look at the Korg series, this is the first in that series on the PA1000

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GE87BZTf-pE

Watching the series will give you a good idea of the features that the 1000 has.

I would suggest that you also watch the same Video Manual series for the PA700 as well so you can see what the differences between the two keyboards are.

After watching you may find that the 700 is sufficient for your needs.

If on the other hand the 1000 is limiting for you then there is the PA4X which also has its own Video Manual series.

The PDF manuals for all the above are freely available to download.

Best of all, most good quality music stores are likely to have one of the PA models on display and ready to play so if you can then a visit to a store for some hands on playing will be beneficial.

I only went into my own local store to see what they had in but came out with a PA 700.

[siebenhirter]

.. I'm assuming that sounds can be changed in mid song with touch of a button? ...

No, you can not change sounds of a SMF (mid song) with touch of a button, because there are no buttons for background sounds of mid songs, but quite complicated by pre-selection of the track and the display of the sound selection by touching screen.

But sounds for realtime-tracks (upper1/2/3,lower) can be changed also in middle of a song very comfortable.

[Reuben]

I think he meant middle (mid-song) of the song - so yes they can be changed.
Mid, middle, midi - the english language!

[Biggles]

Paul.

Yes mid song you can change instrument via buttons as well as using the touchscreen.

There are caveats though that watching the Video Manuals should clarify.

I do not know where you live but here in the UK we have great Korg staff and our own PA Magazine, so head over to korgworld dot co dot uk to see the mag but there you will also see details of video webinars that Korg UK staff do.

These are live interactive video sessions where Korg staffers Adam and Luke go though features if the PA series. They are broadcast from 17:00 to c18:00 BST (GMT+1) every two to three weeks and they are well worth watching

Past webinars are available to watch.

[Paul T]

Thank you to all that took the time and effort to respond to my question(s.). Glad to hear that the function that I was looking for is readily available. Also appreciate the recommendations regarding the PA700 which appears to be a worthy choice is well. Again, thank you.

[chris k]

I had the same decision to make, and ended up with the PA1000.

The first out-of-the-box difference for me came down to the fact the PA1000 has Aftertouch on the keys; while the PA700 does not. I was used to using aftertouch on my previous Korg Trition, hence opted for the more expensive model which had it. (Didn't want to regret it later down the road, so to speak, although Im sure I would have been perfectly happy with the PA700...)

The second decision was that the PA1000 had the "tilt-able pop-out" touch screen like the PA4X. I had a PA600 before which I always found hard to read when sitting down, and always had to move my head up a bit to get a clear view of the touchscreen. The PA1000 has the adjustable tilt, which has been great to use vs the near-flat screens in the 600/700.

- CK.