Korg Forums

John_J · Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:56 am Post subject: Please help me pick an M50!

Hi, guys!

It's pretty much confirmed, I'm getting an M50 next month.
I just haven't picked which key configuration to go with!
The 61-key model is really compact and mobile,
but the 73 adds an octave of the good stuff!
However, both synth-action key models don't have that great an action on them (assuming the 73 feels just like the 61).
I feel it's kinda light and "cheapy", compared to the powerful springs on my Motif Classic 6, never mind not having aftertouch.
(Both issues may be expecting too much out of an M50, I realize.)
So, I'm wondering if I should spring for the 88 (with RH3), but that costs a small fortune more than the other two.
I'm really a beginner keyboardist who wants to develop and excel,
and I can't make up my mind at the moment.
As mentioned in another post, the 61 is made in China while the 88 is made in Japan. Should that inspire more confidence?
Anyone know where the 73 is made? Smile

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Just got my M50!!! Very Happy

John_J · Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 9:22 am Post subject:

Also, does anyone know whether the extra octave on the 73 will
(by default) allow an octave lower than the 61, or higher than the 61?
For example, on the patch M50 Grand Piano.
I know there's the Octave Up and Octave Down feature which I can use any time, but I'm just wondering what the default is, out of curiousity. Smile

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Just got my M50!!! Very Happy

StudioMan · Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 1:38 pm Post subject:

I could be wrong, but I don't think Korg is making a 73 key M50. Only the 61 & 88..

That is/was my understanding..

Hoping to have my 61key tomorrow!

lcmorley · Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 2:27 pm Post subject:

Just checked the korg website, and they are making a 73 key.
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My Gear History (from 11 years old until now):
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John_J · Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 3:15 pm Post subject:

They sure are. Smile

I'm kinda leaning towards that model.
Because of it's pricing and extended range (better for piano playing).
Guess I'll have to evaluate its keybed when it comes out.
Korg advertises it as "Natural Touch", whatever that's supposed to mean.
Neutral

_________________
Just got my M50!!! Very Happy

YamahaForums · Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 3:03 pm Post subject:

From what you have said I would have thought the 88 was the one for you ? I understand there's a massive price difference between the 61 and the 88 but maybe you could do what I'm doing. I bought the 61 and am adding an 88 note weighted hammer action controller next week. Total cost...here in the UK is £950 which is quite a saving over the price of the 88 M50.

Also I get the best of both worlds with a nice semi-weighted synth action on the 61 for those fast runs and the more responsive hammer action on the 88 to bring out all the nuances of that fine piano sample Smile

Only thing I am not sure of is if the M50 will respond to aftertouch on the controller keyboard? I know the M50 doesn't have aftertouch from it's own keyboard but it is supposed to respond to it over midi.
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John_J · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 8:27 am Post subject:

Hey, you're from Motifator! Smile

What'cha doing with Korgs? LOL.
Thanks for the idea, mate! I hear that it DOES respond to external aftertouch. Smile

I can't afford the 88, quite simply, hehe.
I think the 73 might do nicely for me, unfortunately it's only reaching Kuala Lumpur next February. :-I

However, I find the keys on the Rolands like the Juno G much springier and responsive than those on the M50.
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Just got my M50!!! Very Happy

YamahaForums · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 9:56 am Post subject:

Yeah funny thing, I run a Yamaha themed site but I'm actually a big fan of Korg. I just prefer the way Korg do things. Yamaha have a real bad habit of taking something simple and making it incredibly complicated. Anyway I just like the Korg sound Smile

I still like Yamaha but Korg is my keyboard of choice.

I think I could just about have stretched to the 88 but I really just can't justify that price difference. I know it's a great board but that is a heck of a jump in price!

I have also had a number of Rolands. X6,XA and XP50 all of which I liked but I actually preferred the keyboard action on my Triton. I find the M50 keyboard to be pretty damned good considering the price and all the other features packed in there.

What you doing stuck out there in Kuala Lumpur? We have a few people from the area on my site and they always have problems sourcing new gear, but then we are talking Yamaha so maybe the Korg situation out there is different ?
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John_J · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 11:42 am Post subject:

I LIVE here! LoL. Smile

True blue Malaysian from birth, haha!
Sourcing gear here is not bad, really. We've got lots of Yamaha stuff, and they're always willing to ship in what we don't have at request, though it may take a few months (stuff like PLG cards, etc.). I worked for Yamaha during my high school holidays, lol!
Getting Korg stuff is not hard either, we have official distributers, but somehow the Korg M50 73 release is delayed EVERYWHERE, so February is better than nothing, lol.

Sadly, no word yet on when the Juno Stage (76 key) is arriving.
Would love to give that a go! I'm sure the keys are springier than the ones on the M50. If I could stick with software DAW instead of built-in sequencer, then the Juno Stage seems worth it.
What's the price difference between these where you're at? Smile

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Just got my M50!!! Very Happy

John_J · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 11:50 am Post subject:

Also, I'm wondering how Roland's arpeggiator on the Juno G/Stage
compares to Korg's "Dual Polyphonic Arpeggiators"?
Coz I tried out a Juno G last week, the arp seemed capable of doing LOTS at once, and it's separate from it's Rhythm beats, so that's a plus!
(Synchs real good with the Rhythm beats, in fact.)
_________________
Just got my M50!!! Very Happy

YamahaForums · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 12:05 pm Post subject:

The price difference here in the UK between the M50-61 and the M50-88 is approx £500! That's one heck of a difference and not justified in my opinion.

I guess though it's a matter of perspectives. If your a pro musician then it's probably worth the investment but I tend to just mess about with keyboards as the guitar is my main instrument so for me, there just isn't £500 worth of added value in the deal.

Have not tried the Juno G, so I'm not sure how it compares to the M50.
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John_J · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 12:31 pm Post subject:

WOW!

I'm mainly a guitarist noodling around with keys too! LOL!
Oh, I meant the estimated price difference between Juno Stage and
M50-73! Sorry for the ambiguity.
_________________
Just got my M50!!! Very Happy

YamahaForums · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 3:18 pm Post subject:

Ahh...I see, ok the price difference here between the Korg M50-73 and the Roland Juno Stage is around £140.

The M50-73 is approx £1000

Juno Stage is around £860

I'd still go with the M50 myself Smile

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Boynton · Senior Member Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Posts: 421

I don't think the 73 is available yet.

YamahaForums · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 7:56 am Post subject: