Hi,
Today I have been watching numerous YouTube Videos of the new Yamaha PSR-SX920 that has just been launched and it suddenly got me thinking about the production costs involved in creating a modern day keyboard.
This mini Genos 2 (as it's being called) is a fantastic sounding instrument that encompasses many of the Genos 2 sounds and features at a lower price.
The reason I ask about production costs is that this keyboard will sell in the U.K. for £2,000 sterling yet despite it being the second best arranger Yamaha make it has the same keybed as the previous PSR-SX900 and no aftertouch.
It appears to be predominantly plastic in it's construction which is not necessarily a bad thing (particularly regarding its weight). Is the exclusion of aftertouch at this price acceptable ? Does it class as a 'home keyboard' ?
There were questions asked with the Nautilus not having after touch and it was later introduced as an option, but that is on a 'Flagship' workstation and not an arranger keyboard.
I know we are very fortunate as Korg tend to build their keyboards like Tanks. My Nautilus 88 is even more sturdy than my PA5X 61 note (both keyboards superbly crafted). What would the build costs be on these two keyboards ?
I guess my Nautilus 88 cost more to build than the PA5X 61 note but the Nautilus was cheaper to purchase. I have often wondered if there is a premium charged on arrangers over synths and workstations based on the prospective customers.
You could argue that arrangers are targeted at older people who have a bit more 'spare cash'.
I hope this does not turn into a Yamaha bashing Thread as I think they make really good arranger keyboards (if a little overpriced).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R8QF4Sqo9o&t=700s
Piano Shack Woody was fortunate enough to go to Hamburg for the European launch.
Chris
p.s. For the record, in my 60 plus years of enjoying organs, keyboards and digital pianos Martin Harris (the Guy on the right hand keyboard) is probably the best keyboard player I have ever heard. Yes, he's that good !!
The Cost Of Building Modern Day Keyboards.
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chelsea4023
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The new Korg Pa700 was available to buy in September 2917 with the Pa1000 delayed generally until March 2018, since then minor updates to the OS.
Yamaha released the SX900 and SX700 in September 2019 and already they are being superseded.
The SX models were a vast increase in build quality but not IMO in the quality of all but the acoustic pianos.
Side by side a 5X and a Genos 2, it is no contest, the 5X is built better and sounds fantastic.
Yet Korg continue to faff around producing an accordion rather than update tired old models or even replace their flagship.
Yamaha released the SX900 and SX700 in September 2019 and already they are being superseded.
The SX models were a vast increase in build quality but not IMO in the quality of all but the acoustic pianos.
Side by side a 5X and a Genos 2, it is no contest, the 5X is built better and sounds fantastic.
Yet Korg continue to faff around producing an accordion rather than update tired old models or even replace their flagship.
Biggles
Lancashire, UK
Lancashire, UK
Very true. The build and electronics on the PA5X is state of the art and all it needs is great software and it will make the PA5X the best arranger workstation.Biggles wrote:The new Korg Pa700 ...
Side by side a 5X and a Genos 2, it is no contest, the 5X is built better and sounds fantastic.
Yet Korg continue to faff around producing an accordion rather than update tired old models or even replace their flagship.
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Smoothiemusic
- Posts: 33
- Joined: Thu Jun 20, 2024 5:51 pm
- Location: North East England
Yamaha DO make very good keyboards, and I am not Yamaha bashing at all here.... But.
When comparing the quality of more expensive keyboards, Korg wins it hands down.
In my view Yamaha should take production back to Japan, because the quality of keyboards coming from Indonesia and other cheap to produce countries is simply not good enough. They look cheap, and they break.
I had 2X SX700's.... Too many build issues and problems. I just lost confidence in the brand and sold them both.
Nice to play but when I compared Genos 2 and Korg Pa5X together, the Korg nailed it on almost every single comparison.
The much more solid and professional quality build of the Korg is a game changer for me. I believe it's the best Arranger keyboard in the world at the present time.
Keith
When comparing the quality of more expensive keyboards, Korg wins it hands down.
In my view Yamaha should take production back to Japan, because the quality of keyboards coming from Indonesia and other cheap to produce countries is simply not good enough. They look cheap, and they break.
I had 2X SX700's.... Too many build issues and problems. I just lost confidence in the brand and sold them both.
Nice to play but when I compared Genos 2 and Korg Pa5X together, the Korg nailed it on almost every single comparison.
The much more solid and professional quality build of the Korg is a game changer for me. I believe it's the best Arranger keyboard in the world at the present time.
Keith
The keyboards now a days are pretty much computers with mix and match parts. The key items are the CPU and the Firmware. When you look inside the Pa5X, it looks like they have a Laptop power supply for the motherboard, then USB for the connection bus, they use either Linux or some other O/S. I think most of the cost goes towards programming, the keyboard, display, styles/sampling, and labor.
Pa5x, ForeScore - Korg Forum Member for 21 years and counting