DILEMMA - KORG or Yamaha. PA800 or PSRS900

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prkravi

New member
Hi Folks,
Im looking to upgrade my keyboard from a DGX 550 (Grand Piano inspired Portable) to a good Arranger Workstation.
Im an intermediate player and i create my own midi files, and i would like to upgrade to a higher end.
Im stuck between a choice of the KORG PA 800 and the Yamaha PSRS 900.
Can you guys help me out in deciding which of the two, its all quite mind boggling the specs etc.

One generic question as well, hope i dont offend anyone...is it true that the PSRs are just enhanced toys and the real keyboards are the Korgs and the Roland's?

Pls help me decide. Thanks.
 
Arranger keyboard does have it used. It is recommended for beginner. From there you start what you really want after owning an arranger keyboard,It is really not that friendly to use "gigs grade" keyboard from the start. .
 
Hi Kongwee,
Thanks for stopping by and dropping in a few lines.
But im sorry i really dont get what you mean.
Are you saying that both of the keyboards that i have shortlisted are complex ones and not suitable?
Can someone still help compare between the two or atleast give some feedback on either if you have played it earlier.
Thanks in advance :-)
 
Hi there

I don't use arranger workstations but here are links to comparisons:

http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/016829.html

http://www.the-gas-station.com/messages.cfm?Type=normal&Thread_ID=64776&LastDays=39706&

You really need to pop by the retails outlets and try out the sound / feel / functions on the machines. This will allow you to make a better choice ;)

With regards to the comparison of the PSR to Korg / Roland arrangers, I feel it depends on how much you can squeeze out of the machine, not the other way round.
 
iv got a like new condition psr s900 if ur looking for one.

they are more intuitive than korg for the neutral or beginning user, less buggy too. soundwise i think they do acoustic sounds better but the korg does synth sounds better and has a more 'live' sound vs the yamaha's 'cd' sound. The korg however is deeper in functions hence maybe better for the very advanced user

of cs, the pa800 is also significantly more expensive $3xxx vs yamaha $2xxx

96714402 if you're looking for a good deal. might let go at $1799
 
prkravi said:
Hi Kongwee,
Thanks for stopping by and dropping in a few lines.
But im sorry i really dont get what you mean.
Are you saying that both of the keyboards that i have shortlisted are complex ones and not suitable?
Can someone still help compare between the two or at least give some feedback on either if you have played it earlier.
Thanks in advance :-)
Click to expand...

Depending on what you wanna achieve. I have many friend just play transpose key on keyboard. Arranger will come with plus and minus transpose key. Also the arrangement on the keyboard will help you to understand style in shorter time since you don't have your own band. In short, it is all-in-one band presentation. Other class of keyboard you have to play actual keys and pre-arrange style if the keyboard support it.

Go to this thread to find out more:
http://soft.com.sg/forum/gear-keyboard/97150-what-keyboards-keyboard-should-i-buy-noobs.html
 
you already have the dgx550 which is an arranger keyboard so basically you'v got the budget to upgrade to the s900 or pa800


just read my earlier post.
 
hey thanks guys...
I checked out some stuff at the yamaha showroom in plaza singapura got hands on a few of them...thanks for that hint to go and feel the stuff out there....honestly after i felt the PSRS900 im kind of not very convinced...being used to the 88 keys and the piano touch...
am looking at something else that the store guy suggested the MM6 series...will keep you guys updated..
Thanks again..
 
Maybe you should get Motif class keyboard. But you must really source for better price. 6000+ pattern can make up the loss on auto accomp in PSR.
 
Kongwee / ZZ,
MOTIF is too much of an investment for me now....and i wont be really making any justice to own the MOTIF i guess.
But im eyeing the MM8 i guess that makes sense for me for now...
will keep you all posted,
Thanks again!:)
 
I own Roland Fantom S88 when I only know how to play C key only. I ditch my digital piano that cost the same. Motif is not too much unless you wanna dig that board inside out. It is well worth the effort.
 
HI prkravi,

I hope you know what kybd you are getting and wanting to do with it. I had the opportunity to play with synth workstations as well as arrangers, but end up with the later coz honest to admit, I couldn't play well enough and having an arranger definitely fuels my interest in playing the keyboard. With a synth workstation, one plays more of the role of a composer, while with an arranger, one is more like a band leader or one-man-band.

Where feel of keys is concerned, it's a matter of getting used to. When I felt the keys of Tyros2, I wouldn't want the feel of any other kybds but yet, I ended up with a PSR1500 which I had so much enjoyment playing with and just inspires me to play on and on. On the other hand, if you look at many of the YouTubers who play impressively, they didn't have the best instruments!

If you are serious in arrangers, look for those with 4 style variations and allows user styles to be created. With due respect to knogwee, 6000+ pattern CAN'T make up the loss on auto accomp in PSR. Each belongs to a different class of kybds and has different controls.

Hope you'll find and like what you get :)
 
Last edited:
Thanks silver,
Yes you do have a point, im just absorbing the options and exploring the various stuff before i finally decide on the purchase, thanks. OK question:-
1. Patterns are similiar to Accompaniment right? Pls clarify.
2. Also what did you mean by 4 style variations?

Thanks again.
 
Hi prkravi,

the models you've shortlisted are good arranger keyboards. To me, when it comes to playing arrangers, it's more realtime interactive playing and that is why with the 2 intro/2 variation//1 fill/2 ending in the accompaniment section of my PSR1500 was so important. Is this what you want to do too? Or do you want to do sequencing/composing from scratch/with cut&paste rhythm?

Look closely at the specs of your chosen keyboards and you'll know what I've pointed out. Notably, your dgx has only 1 intro/2 variations/1 ending, right?

Patterns in synths or arrangers are rhythm phrases. Arranger kybds incorporates patterns into styles with intro/variations/fill/ending all laid out on the keyboard within your control. If your ideal synth workstation can do that, then by all means get what you like.

I've kinda lost touch with synths after they incorporated appregiators and patterns into them. What I still get myself informed with about synths is the sound emulation technology these days, eg. motif/tyros with super articulation, etc.

I won't recomment which brand here, but do importantly listen and feel what you like.
 
prkravi, Silverbeast pointed out the key question you need to ask yourself - what do you want to use the keyboard for. Your choice of the type of keyboard will depend a lot on that question.
 
Kebd

Hi Cheez,
My needs are to be able to create quality MIDIs with good sequencing capabilities. Realistic sounds, abillity to create my own sounds from the wave form and record in both audio and MIDI.
And i think i might have found my dream instrument...
ROLAND JUNO G!
It has all that i want and within my budget...
Any one here has any views on the JUNO G, please share...
Thanks again.
 
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