Korg Forums

roryn1 · Joined: 27 Mar 2009 Posts: 27

Hello!
My name is Rory and I know nothing about synthesizers. I do have an old Korg X-5 I bought in the 90's that I learnt all my piano skills on since I was 5 years old and it has taught me(for piano skills) well until we could get a normal piano.

I'm starting a new band with bass, drums, two guitars, a vocalist, and me on keyboard but I need a new synthesizer, one that can I can program to do things throughout songs with different beats and melodic tunes. I also need to use it for live shows and have it work easily. What do you guys recommend?

Thanks

xmlguy · Platinum Member Joined: 26 Nov 2007 Posts: 3605

You didn't provide enough info about the music you do. What music genre and what kinds of keyboard sounds will you use the most?

AnthonyB · Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 6:49 pm Post subject:

Hi roryn1, yes a bit nmore info would be beneficial - though the Korg M50 http://www.korg.com/Product.aspx?pd=413 was the first board that entered my mind. (also the TRITON EXTREME -which as got lots of "everytthing really, and a great overall synth/keyboard) Got the feeling youre on a "budget" which may rule the OASYS out. If you do live use - then perhaps a Synth (not a workstation) would be more useful?, see the X-50 http://www.korg.com/Product.aspx?pd=253 or the Roland Fantom http://www.roland.com/products/en/Fantom-G7/index.html (great for live use i hear, with its large screen which can be used with a mouse). Fantom is a workstation though....

There are also arrangers of course, but perhaps you just want a keyboard with decent electric piano/piano/organ etc?

Anthony
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KORG KRONOS 88-Korg D3200-Casio Privia PX-830BP-KAWAI RX-2 Grand Piano
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JOHN 3:16

roryn1 · Joined: 27 Mar 2009 Posts: 27

haha that's a tough one, we're going to range through alot of genres. I'm thinking metal like hardcore but with lots of techno, and kind of rock/alternative? Like I said we do have a drummer but I'd like to make techno beats with it too in my spare time.

roryn1 · Joined: 27 Mar 2009 Posts: 27

I'll be using lots of synth sounds so I want as much selection I can get

roryn1 · Joined: 27 Mar 2009 Posts: 27

what's the pros and cons between a workstation and a synth? And what's the difference?

kanthos · Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 2:51 am Post subject:

A synth typically refers to a device that uses a few basic waveforms and lets you shape them. Workstations don't generate the waveforms; they have all kinds of complex waveforms in memory, as well as having other features like sequencing (arranging songs on the keyboard) and sampling (recording audio that you can later play back - not all workstations have sampling; if it's something you really want, make sure your choice of keyboard has it).

You probably want a workstation; certainly, if you want any realistic acoustic instrument sounds, a synth won't suit you. Synths are popular because they have a certain sound and don't have some of the limitations of workstations (for one thing, synths usually give you more hands-on controls), but workstations are better general-purpose units.

I'd suggest that if you don't have a keyboard at all, get a workstation. It'll be a better starting point and you'll have more useful presets out of the box. As you say, you don't know much about synths and keyboards, so you'll probably find a synth more limiting until you really understand how to make your own presets. A synth also won't give you organ and electric piano sounds that are popular in genres like rock. You can always get good with a workstation and add a synth to your setup down the road when you have a better idea of the specific sounds you want.
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Keyboard Rig: Korg Kronos, Moog Sub 37, Waldorf Blofeld Module, Neo Instruments Ventilator II, Moog MiniFooger Delay, Strymon BigSky, Roland KC-150, Mackie 802-VLZ4 Mixer

roryn1 · Joined: 27 Mar 2009 Posts: 27

are workstations good for live shows? I do have a synth, a Korg X5, super old, it has good tunes in it if you've got good speakers hooked up to it but it doesn't have presets on it like say I needed to change the tune wicked fast during a song at a show or something.

And I would like something with drum beats in it and effects I could add to the tunes and stuff? I wish there was just one synth or workstation or whatever that had everything everyone needed Sad

Synthoid · Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 1:48 pm Post subject:

candlewick · Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 5:47 pm Post subject:

I've been using current and past worstations live from the M1 to present. I would second the opinion that the M50 would be a nice fit for you.
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"I Need More Cowbell!!"
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TritonLE76,X3R, M50-61, TD6V V-drum module w/ Pintech Mesh Triggers

roryn1 · Joined: 27 Mar 2009 Posts: 27

awesome thanks to everyone you were all a good help I'll be purchasing an m50 61 key soon. Smile