yes yes..i started out as a pianist and hence i MUST MUST have a weighted 88-key KB. heh. I have a Yamaha P120 currently but as i'm maturing as a keyboardist i am discovering the need for more sounds. The touch of my p120 is superb and in my personal opinion Yamaha makes the best weighted keyboards in terms of touch. I was thinkin of getting a rack for the sounds, but my damn keyboard doesn't have a pitch bend wheel and it's pretty impt to me. So right now i'm in a dilema. Im looking at the Korg Triton Extreme 88-key versus Yamaha Motif ES 8. Ignore the weight for one. I like the touch of the ES 8. Graded keys. Im wondering if the TE's 88-keys are graded. However, i prefer the sounds of the TE. I've onli tested the sounds of the TE but haven't got a chance to feel the 88 key version at City Music. Probably they don't have it in stock til sumone orders it. SO pls help me out here guys. U guys have got more experience. I appreciate it a whole lot. Thanx in advance!
88-keys Graded KBs
- Thread starter ACjam
- Start date
bongman
New member
you can check out Korg website or write to Korg US
to enquire is the TE88 graded KBs, my intuition tells
me it's a graded one.
Who would buy a non-weighted 88 key synth?
another option is get a 88-graded key MIDI controller with
pitch blend and mod wheels; then get some other modules.
I guess it's true that Yamaha produce better weighted keys
but I think the Motif ES sounds is comparable to Triton Exteme.
I've heard advice that Motif ES piano sounds are better and
sound wise the higher and lower notes are better sampled.
It's just my little cents of advice, anyone would like to comment?
to enquire is the TE88 graded KBs, my intuition tells
me it's a graded one.
Who would buy a non-weighted 88 key synth?
another option is get a 88-graded key MIDI controller with
pitch blend and mod wheels; then get some other modules.
I guess it's true that Yamaha produce better weighted keys
but I think the Motif ES sounds is comparable to Triton Exteme.
I've heard advice that Motif ES piano sounds are better and
sound wise the higher and lower notes are better sampled.
It's just my little cents of advice, anyone would like to comment?
Cheez
Moderator
The Triton Extreme is graded. Remember that although we piano trained keyboardist are rather picky about getting graded keys, ungraded weighted keys are not bad either particularly if you're going to do sequencing (eg Yamaha S90). Graded keys can be a problem in sequencing - difficult to get even velocities.
As for the sound, it is too subjective to advice you. Depends on the kind of music you are playing.
Looks like you have to weigh your priority - whether the touch or the sound is more important. If you ask me - sound can always be expanded later by adding modues; you are stuck with the keys of your keyboard and cannot change them short of getting another keyboard. But of course, you have to consider budget. In the end, it's the "X" factor that will draw you to get your keyboard - this factor is different for everybody due to preferences.
As for the sound, it is too subjective to advice you. Depends on the kind of music you are playing.
Looks like you have to weigh your priority - whether the touch or the sound is more important. If you ask me - sound can always be expanded later by adding modues; you are stuck with the keys of your keyboard and cannot change them short of getting another keyboard. But of course, you have to consider budget. In the end, it's the "X" factor that will draw you to get your keyboard - this factor is different for everybody due to preferences.
hi guys thanx for ur replies. Another factor of coz would be the price. I know the ES 8 would be around 5111++ or sumthin since the last i asked (durin sum promotion period)..but i'm not too sure about the TE tho. I've e-mailed city music but still awaiting their reply. U guys have any idea? Personally I prefer the horitzontal pitch bender for the TE as opposed to the vertical one on the motif. That's another factor to consider. But what cheez makes quite abit of sense. The sounds can be expanded. Mebi i'm leaning slightly towards the motif if the price difference is not that great since i like its touch. Awaiting more comments b4 i make my decision. Thanks once again!
ACjam said:
if Price is a factor for you, then MOTIF ES8 sure at the losing end...
BTW,
just for your info,
although now already passed YAMAHA promotion period,
you still can apply YMC (Yamaha Music Card) before your purchase to take advantage of the discount (about 8~10% if you are not YAMAHA student, since the promotion period already over).
hmm...ok price is a minor factor then. I mean I don't mind forkin out the extra cash if it's gonna last me a whole lot more. But thanx for the info on the Yamaha card thinggy. Could probably save quite abit with that. Neat. I guess not many people own the TE88 version. I would appreciate more opinions tho. Really wished i could try out the feel of the TE88 b4 i make my purchase. Imagine i pay that hefty sum den the KB comes and i don't like the feel of the keys. OMG. Oh yeah. I did try the KORG SP series tho. If it feels like those no way in hell am i gettin them. But given the weight of the TR88, 28.5kg, i'm inclined to believe the keys shuld be sumwhat like the Yamaha's. Any idea?
Cheez
Moderator
Don't forget to check out Roland. They have the pitch/mod stick aligned horizontally. I personally prefer it vertical since the horizontal stick combines both pitch and mod control and are both spring loaded such that the resting position is always in the middle. Mod wheel controls a lot of expression and it is preferably not spring loaded.
Do you really need a workstation with build-in sequencer? If not, you can consider getting a cheaper stage piano (eg RD700, S90) and a sound module. Roland's touch is not as good as Yamaha but better than Korg. Yamaha S90 has the same generation of weighted keys as the Motif except it is not graded. It also has the Motif sounds (S90ES has the Motif ES sounds).
If you like the Triton sound, you can get the Yamaha S90 + the Triton rack. Personally, I will not buy a combination of Yamaha and Korg sounds since both are targeted at electronic music. I would get Yamaha OR Korg, AND Roland. Roland has the best pianos and orchestral sounds, in my opinion. This combination will let you cover most genres.
Do you really need a workstation with build-in sequencer? If not, you can consider getting a cheaper stage piano (eg RD700, S90) and a sound module. Roland's touch is not as good as Yamaha but better than Korg. Yamaha S90 has the same generation of weighted keys as the Motif except it is not graded. It also has the Motif sounds (S90ES has the Motif ES sounds).
If you like the Triton sound, you can get the Yamaha S90 + the Triton rack. Personally, I will not buy a combination of Yamaha and Korg sounds since both are targeted at electronic music. I would get Yamaha OR Korg, AND Roland. Roland has the best pianos and orchestral sounds, in my opinion. This combination will let you cover most genres.
Cheez said:
Eh...
I thought both MOTIF 8 (or MOTIF ES8) AND S90 (or S90 ES) are not graded? :?:
As what i seen from the spec, all these model are "Balanced Hammer Effect Keyboard"...
For Korg TE88 & some 88-keys Roland keyboard,
from the spec stated it has "...progressive graded hammer action keyboard..."
Pls correct me if I'm wrong...
Cheez
Moderator
Mingguan, you're right! Pai seh. The Motifs are balanced and not graded. Apologies for the error!
The only graded keys from Yamaha are the stage pianos (P series) targeted at pianists. The earlier S80 was also graded. But then people realised that graded keys are not so good for sequencing. So everything after that becomes balanced (at least for synthesizers and workstations). That makes more sense. Roland haven't got the idea yet - so their Fantoms are still graded. Neither has Korg. Yamaha is smarter in this area. If you think about it - people who gets synths and workstations usually plays more than just piano sounds and also does sequencing - balanced keys make more sense than graded. Piano purists usually go for stage pianos - and so graded stage pianos make sense. One up for Yamaha.
The only graded keys from Yamaha are the stage pianos (P series) targeted at pianists. The earlier S80 was also graded. But then people realised that graded keys are not so good for sequencing. So everything after that becomes balanced (at least for synthesizers and workstations). That makes more sense. Roland haven't got the idea yet - so their Fantoms are still graded. Neither has Korg. Yamaha is smarter in this area. If you think about it - people who gets synths and workstations usually plays more than just piano sounds and also does sequencing - balanced keys make more sense than graded. Piano purists usually go for stage pianos - and so graded stage pianos make sense. One up for Yamaha.
Cheez, you are more informative than me.
Just happend that recently I'm looking for synthesizer (as you know),
thus I did do a bit of study/research on it & do some comparison.
If not, I may be very sua-gu on it.
BTW, thanks for your info given also.
Agree as I see a lot of compliment on it in this forum as well as other forum. But I know later you may say it does not compareble to those soft sample, right?
:wink:
Just happend that recently I'm looking for synthesizer (as you know),
thus I did do a bit of study/research on it & do some comparison.
If not, I may be very sua-gu on it.
BTW, thanks for your info given also.
Agree as I see a lot of compliment on it in this forum as well as other forum. But I know later you may say it does not compareble to those soft sample, right?
:wink:
alamak...im lost.. pardon my ignorance. K mebi one of u could explain the difference btw graded and balanced to me? i rang up city music and was told that the touch of the TE88's kinda like KoRG's SP series. That's kind of a downside to me. I noticed the difference in touch btw the ES 8 and my P120 but the ES 8 still feels heavy enough and adequate for my taste. Mebi if i elaborated more on what i intend to play u experts could gve me a better opinion. My reason for a weighted KB is so i can do many high speed appegios up and down the KB, scales and what have u. As for now, my most impt sounds would be the piano, choir, strings, elec guit (overdrive, dist). Tho non-weighted keys could achieve higher speeds, especially for guitar solos, it kinda compromises accuracy and clarity. So I'm still more inclined towards weighted. I don't really know about Roland's stuff. Care to comment more on the touch of the roland's keys? I know the sounds are pretty good. Went to swee lee to test the Fanthom sumthing. But as usual they don't stock on the 88 weighted keys version. So erm if u're recommending roland, can elaborate abit on the models available and ur opinion on its touch? Thanx a million guys!
bongman
New member
Hi,
check out:
http://www.lelong.com.my/Auc/List/2006-01DSale2518919.htm
(note: I'm not the seller, just giving information)
Yamaha Motif ES8 at RM$10,000
which is about SG$4500 or less ???
BRAND NEW YAMAHA MOTIF ES8 FOR SALE. ,
RETAIL IS RM12,500,
MY PRICE IS RM10,000 NETT!..
MOTIF ES7 SELLING AT RM8,400 NETT, AND
THE MOTIF ES6 IS SELLING RM7120 NETT..
ALL NEW IN THE BOX, WTTH 1 YEAR YAMAHA WARRANTY. RECEIPTS AND WARRANTY CARD WILL BE GIVEN, NOT INCLUDE POSTAGE! I AM ALSO SELLING OTHER YAMAHA PRODUCT , PLS SEND YOUR QUOTATION TO ME, OR CALL 012-7088170 FOR MORE SPECIAL PRICE!!! LOAN CAN BE ARRANGE BY AEON CREDIT FINANCE.. SHOWROOM IS AT JOHOR BAHRU AREA.
check out:
http://www.lelong.com.my/Auc/List/2006-01DSale2518919.htm
(note: I'm not the seller, just giving information)
Yamaha Motif ES8 at RM$10,000
which is about SG$4500 or less ???
BRAND NEW YAMAHA MOTIF ES8 FOR SALE. ,
RETAIL IS RM12,500,
MY PRICE IS RM10,000 NETT!..
MOTIF ES7 SELLING AT RM8,400 NETT, AND
THE MOTIF ES6 IS SELLING RM7120 NETT..
ALL NEW IN THE BOX, WTTH 1 YEAR YAMAHA WARRANTY. RECEIPTS AND WARRANTY CARD WILL BE GIVEN, NOT INCLUDE POSTAGE! I AM ALSO SELLING OTHER YAMAHA PRODUCT , PLS SEND YOUR QUOTATION TO ME, OR CALL 012-7088170 FOR MORE SPECIAL PRICE!!! LOAN CAN BE ARRANGE BY AEON CREDIT FINANCE.. SHOWROOM IS AT JOHOR BAHRU AREA.
ok i've finally came to terms with my dilema. Graded keys are out of the pict rite. Graded stage pianos (like Yamaha P series) don't come with a pitch bend wheel. So i've probably gotta settle for balanced weighted keys. cheez i like ur idea bout the S90 and there after gettin a module. Any idea how much the S90 is goin for?
Oh and i've always wondered what that touch strip under the wheels of the Motif, Triton Extreme etc. does.
Oh and i've always wondered what that touch strip under the wheels of the Motif, Triton Extreme etc. does.
bongman
New member
hi,
you may want to check this out:
(fyi, I'm not the seller)
YAMAHA SYNTHESIZER 08 - $900
http://www.ebay.com.sg/viItem?ItemId=7379688497
you may want to check this out:
(fyi, I'm not the seller)
YAMAHA SYNTHESIZER 08 - $900
http://www.ebay.com.sg/viItem?ItemId=7379688497
Cheez
Moderator
The ribbon strip is just another form of controller, I believe in 3 directions (x,y and z).
Mingguan will be able to tell you how much the S90 cost - he did a lot of research into pricing of Yamaha products lately...
Bongman's suggestion on the S08 is not bad. S08 and S90 has the same keys (ie same as the Motif). Only differences are that the S08 has no Motif sounds, less polyphony (64 but should be sufficient), and doensn't have the 4 fader controllers like the S90. I believe the piano sound is also different. But since you want Triton sounds more than Yamaha sounds, S08 + a Triton rack may be an option. Maybe leave you with more $ to get a Roland module???
Mingguan will be able to tell you how much the S90 cost - he did a lot of research into pricing of Yamaha products lately...
Bongman's suggestion on the S08 is not bad. S08 and S90 has the same keys (ie same as the Motif). Only differences are that the S08 has no Motif sounds, less polyphony (64 but should be sufficient), and doensn't have the 4 fader controllers like the S90. I believe the piano sound is also different. But since you want Triton sounds more than Yamaha sounds, S08 + a Triton rack may be an option. Maybe leave you with more $ to get a Roland module???
i must seem like a pretty hardcore p250 fan but its the only P series that features pitch and mod wheel, with pitch spring loaded and mod not. if you're a pianist trained player and you'll be playing mostly piano, strings and the like, it'll be useful.
synth sounds wise however, yamaha is clearly at the loosing end. Korg does particularly well in this. one alternative is u can buy a really good midi controller at a fraction of the price of an es8 or extreme, and buy sound modules and racks to make up for it. costs less, easier to carry around and easily expandable!
synth sounds wise however, yamaha is clearly at the loosing end. Korg does particularly well in this. one alternative is u can buy a really good midi controller at a fraction of the price of an es8 or extreme, and buy sound modules and racks to make up for it. costs less, easier to carry around and easily expandable!
Cheez
Moderator
Silencer said:
Problems with most midi controllers are that they have bad touch. Otherwise, they come with no after-touch. The cheaper ones are really not so good. The more expensive ones like Fatar and Doepfer can't get from Singapore. But if touch is not so much of an issue than sound, it is certainly the way to go.
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