The saga continues

[guscar66]

Its me ---again. So trying to minimise my errors and wasted money. I have made three catastrophic errors of judgement which has cost me a lot of money (for me anyway) . Currently though , I have a Korg EK50 which I bought as an 'entertainer' board . After playing for a while the fact that the display does not show what you have stored or recalled became a millstone, one that I really underestimated. So I made my latest bad purchase ------Pa300. The volume warble on organ sounds was just unbearable in context of playing with others---despite all efforts going to the deepest menus--- nothing stopped it so back it went, well traded, because Korg said it was 'normal' -- (my oscilloscope said different , but ----) . The EK50 has actually endeared itself to me ----I enjoy playing it-----its ,well, bright and cheerful, easy to play ----if that makes any sense. However I do need something that displays registrations on demand when playing in the group.
I am now seriously considering the Yamaha Sx600. and would appreciate any input like known problems or issues . my friend who also plays keyboards was in the market for a replacement for his really old technics 5000 so we went to guitar/guitar in Glasgow to have a look and hands on------he settled for a E583 but they did not have a sx600 on display . I liked the basic setting up process for the e583 so likely the 600 will be similar , I think though that the 600 better sound engine especially for organs would suit me better. (my friend is piano biased ) Once again chaps , any input would be appreciated.

 

[Biggles]

The e series are basically aimed at the learner market so it is very strange that your mate bought one.

The Korg 300 was a very stripped down version of a 600 and only real use was as a beginner board or as a doorstop.

Forget the Yamaha 600 and look at, listen to and play the 720. The 600 is a seriously stripped down version of the 700 series.

Yes the 720 is way more expensive but you do get what you pay for.

I am no Yamaha lover but if there was no other choice in an Arranger the 720 would be a better buy.

There is still the Korg Pa 700 which is a great keyboard, it has good organ sounds and digital Drawbars via the touchscreen, and a better keybed than on Yamaha’s.

Trying to skimp with the cash will not bode well.

 

[guscar66]

Yes I hear you. Will see if I can get a look at a Korg pa700 . Unfortunately , price is the limit, I don't play professionally so can't really justify a £1000 + board. My friend is a natural , plays by ear and only really needs piano and a couple of other instruments ----he could play a board made out of yoghurt cartons and sticky back plastic and make it sound good ! (I am not worthy) he had more need of a lightweight and simple board . whilst being cheapish.
Thanks for your input.

 

[Biggles]

…….simple board.

Now, there’s the rub.

There is no such thing as a simple board that does what you seem to want.

They all tend to have a steep learning curve.

Korg Pa & Yamaha SX models are very capable but both have that steep learning curve and that leads to a long time programming the system with the songs that you want to play.

That said, once the ins and outs of the complex operating system are learned e.g. the Korg process of saving a modified Style to Songbook and saving modified Keyboard sets become second nature and can be done very quickly.

I only use Korg as an example because that is what I am used to, I’ve played quite a few Yamaha Arrangers and I am not impressed by their operating systems now with their sounds, acoustic piano aside.