Korg Forums

So I know the M3 is a simply amazing keyboard, and I know it comes in 61, 73, and 88 key versions, 61 and 73 having semi-weighted keys, and the 88 version having fully weighted keys. Well, I ordered the 88 key version, but now i'm wondering if maybe that was a mistake. I intend on using the Keyboard just for me. (No gigging for me!) I plan on getting the Radias expansion, and I worry that because of the weighted keys, synth solos will be much more difficult, as it's harder to play fast with weighted keys. But at the same time, all in all, I need a good concert grand feel (No semi-weights).

idk, 3000 is alot to spend on something that you're having second thoughts about. Will I be okay with the model I ordered? Or should I cancel now? I guess I'm just looking for some reasurrance on my choice. is there anyone out there with the M-88 that has good news for me?

thanks guys

Hi Jake,

I have two fully weighted keyboards (one a concert grand and one a Roland KF-90) plus the M3-73 plus a Pa2x.

The weighted keyboards develop finger muscles and in my opinion allow you to play faster than on a semi-weighted keyboard, once you are in practice. You will have to practice scales, arpeggios, chromatic runs etc to develop your finger coordination and evenness no matter what keyboard you get. Such practice on a well designed weighted keyboard yields good results faster than such practice on an unweighted keyboard.

If you can not yet play your scales, arpeggios and chromatic runs evenly and smoothly, then an unweighted keyboard is only going to make your playing worse. However a weighted keyboard will initially accentuate any problems until you have practiced them out and developed stronger finger muscles.

A final consideration is that with practice, most people achieve a higher dynamic range of note expression/ volume in their playing using a weighted keyboard compared with an unweighted keyboard.

If having received your M3-88 you wish you had ordered an M3-73 instead, then I am sure many members of the forum would do a swap with a cash adjustment.

Best regards,
Rob

thank you for your fast response!

I have no problem with scales/arpeggios. I've played piano for over a decade, I think my worry is just the transition from semi-weighted keys (the Keyboard I have now) to weighted keys. The weighted Keys should feel very similar to my piano right?

Probably better than your acoustic piano. Acoustic actions have to be adjusted regularly to get the "feel" and "dynamics" even across all notes. With the Korg 88 note keybed, the "feel" and "dynamics" will be much more even than with your acoustic, and you may even prefer playing it. It does depend on the acoustic piano though. If you have a modern Steinway Grand then no other keyboard or electronic piano will come close.

I recommend you get the Korg DS1H graduated action damper pedal which will allow "half stop" dampimng with certain sounds.

I also recommend you load the EXB-PCM4 set of samples, sounds and combis, (downloadable from Korg's web site) and that you initially get the feel of your keyboard using one of the EX4 piano sounds.

Best regards,
Rob

thank you again, you've been of much help:)

But why don't you buy the 61 model, and connect a 88 weighted keys controller to it. The are rather cheap the last time, and then you have both. I bet you can buy a good 88 keys controller for the difference in price between 88 M3 and 61 M3.

Then you can aslo make smart combi's with the 88 weighted keys playing a piano sounds and the 61 keys of the M3 the synth/organ/brass sound (or whatever)

I use to play a lot this way in a "Live on stage" situation. (but with another synth, a Roland XP60, so a while ago)