Advice for Keyboard Amp

[_joe_]

Hey all, it's been a while i haven't shopped for anything.
recently i have been facing some issues at the bar were my band and I play.
I'm pretty sure that the need for a Keyboard amp is becoming a must in order to balance out the sound on stage and especially the "direct sound" that we're getting from the guitar,bass amps + drums on our small stage.

I've been looking at the KC series from Roland and i think they are a good pool of amps, would anyone advice me to get one? If yes, which one, i feel that the 150 can fit the bill/usage need.
I would need it as a amp/monitor maybe the 350 is more versatile.

I want something portable with my M3 so i don't die from back problems.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Joe

[michelkeijzers]

I am using JBL EON 10's ... some say the bass leaves a bit to bit desired but they are very portable. And the new versions seem to be even better.

[billbaker]

_joe_,

Are you balancing the stage volume for the other players on stage or for the audience?

Michel's suggestion of an EON 10 is good as a monitor - it's what I use - but at least for me, it's not intended to be heard more than 10 feet away, and never as a 1-to-1 competition with guitar or bass.

This is a very apples and oranges issue - something most guitar players fail to grasp - in that keyboards sound better through (arguably) FOH quality speakers directly. Guitars (especially) want the coloration of a cranked amp, before they go to FOH -- turning down affects their sound.

So the solution -- if as a band you are looking for one -- is for both guitar and keys to be in a similar situation; both loud as hell, or both satisfied with FOH as their primary carrier of sound to the audience.

Loud as hell option is let the guitarist keep his and you get a small (sic) powered PA with a 15" speaker (like Eon-G2) or even a tri-amped powered tower (like Mackie) to reproduce your full spectrum sound at levels comparable to the guitar... let FOH do vocals.

The more sensible option (yeah, but he'll never think so) is to put the guitarist/bassist through personally operated multi-effects that include a cabinet simulator (for tone) then directly to FOH just like the keyboards; minimize stage volume (in ears anyone?); trust your sound guy (what!?); oh, and enclose the drum kit.

... You have to WANT to do all that, particularly when the easiest option (time-wise) is to buy a keyboard amp and turn it to 11.

BB

[hammondcuni]

Go with a Peavey KB5. Rock solid from top to bottom. Has wheels and nice solid pull up handle.

[vicz]

I use a Yamaha Stagepas 150M which works well either as a personal onstage monitor or keyboard amp in a small venue.

http://www.pmtonline.co.uk/yamaha-stagepas-150m.html

You can scaleup or go stereo in the same range if you prefer. Strongly built, yet not too heavy, with a built in mixer. If you don't want the mixer the MSR100 is similar.

[gurn]

Believe it or not -- this is what I use & recommend.



It's the best-sounding small amp I've heard for keys.
It's designed for acoustic guitar. But it makes my M3m sound fantastic.

The AC60 is 30 watts per channel.

There's an AC90 also if you need more power.
They're compact, lightweight and they sound fantastic.