Understanding an upgrade path...

[thesilencenoise]

So, I now feel like a complete newbie despite having had my Triton Classic since 2005.

I have used it extensively, have a massive library of (now backed up) floppies that hold somewhere in the realm of 150 SNG files that have years of work.

I think, primarily because of the lack of a hard drive and connectivity features that it's time to look into an upgrade.

I'm having a difficult time grasping the upgrade path though. I currently use the Cue List extensively in the Triton, but when playing a show or recording I'm always converting from that cue list into a completed song.

I do build songs by "parts," so I'm familiar with that interface for these purposes.

I'm aware the Kronos does not have the Cue List functionality, however is largely said to have FAR superior overall quality of sounds. I have a lot of piano and strings in the songs I'm writing, so it's certainly a big consideration.

However, I'm trying to get a grip of what songwriting would BE like without the cue list. Would you simply begin recording a new change or part at that particular measure? How does this really work?

I understand that the M3 is virtually the exact same as the Sequencer structure for the Triton, but I'm still not sure of its backward compatibility.

Long story short, I REALLY don't want to lose everything I've got now but understand there may be some retooling to make it all harmonious.

Thanks for any insight into these questions!

[bsr2002]

If you are no longer editing your .sng files, I'm assuming these are songs made with your sequncer... I would record the audio from your sequencer and put to mp3 then you can store them anywhere.

[xmlguy]

Upgrading to the Triton Extreme would be rather painless, and you'll get all the benefits of the King of the Titans.

[thesilencenoise]

That makes some sense xmlguy.

One thing though, from a price standpoint, the M3 seems to be pretty comparable to a good condition Extreme (perhaps I'm looking in the wrong place).

Is there any major difference in upgrading to the M3 OVER the Extreme?

I realize I'm probably way more manual than most on here and really should get educated on how to get more sophisticated.

I was more concerned about the pain of learning a completely new sequencer when I blaze around my current one.

[xmlguy]

I frequently see Triton Extremes for $900 and less, for Tr88's even. I don't see M3's below 1200 for the 61, and usually a lot more for the larger ones. If you've been happy with your Triton Classic for so long, then I think you'll really enjoy the TrEx as much or more than the M3. The main difference is that the M3 uses a new synth engine that allows 16 program combis instead of 8, and more velocity mapping, but these are only marginal improvements at best. The Triton engine still sounds great and most keyboardists don't come close to exploring its full potential, so the extra money for the M3 is hard to justify unless you really need these new features. I don't.

[thesilencenoise]

That makes an awful lot of sense.

I'm going to look into the Extreme and see if I can find a deal for one somewhere. I actually prefer the 61 key myself, so those might be a little cheaper.

I haven't found one that low (yet).

Or if anyone's got a line on one from here in that price range, let me know!

[xmlguy]

Keep your eyes on Craigslist for your nearest large metro area. Also watch GuitarCenter's used inventory. You can buy used gear from most guitar centers and have it shipped, plus you get the ability to return it to your local store if there's any problems with it within the return period.

[Rosen Sound]

That makes an awful lot of sense.

I'm going to look into the Extreme and see if I can find a deal for one somewhere. I actually prefer the 61 key myself, so those might be a little cheaper.

I haven't found one that low (yet).

Or if anyone's got a line on one from here in that price range, let me know!

Just so you know, the triton extreme 61 has one of the greatest keybeds ive EVER felt. I am very disapointed that the kronos i plan on getting does not have a keybed on par with the triton extremes. It feels similar to the DX7 if youre familiar with it.

Also, many people (MANY) prefer the triton extreme over the M3. the only thing that i feel is better in the M3 is the piano. even the though the TEX has one that isnt bad, and definitely blows the tritons classics out of the water!
you get double the combi programs but still only 5 insert effects, and with 120 note polyphony it seems kind of useless to me. It has a very cold sound that i cant get behind, wich is why i chose the triton extreme instead.

[McHale]

The Triton Extreme doesn't feel similar to the DX7, it is the exact same keybed as the DX7. And IMHO, it is the best keybed I've every played.

As far as upgrade path, skip the Triton Extreme and go with the M3. The M3 outshines the Triton Extreme in SO many ways. I love my Triton don't get me wrong, but the M3 is miles ahead.

[Rosen Sound]

I have both as well.. Im aware theyre the same keybed. I personally think they feel incredibly similar...

[McHale]

I have both as well.. Im aware theyre the same keybed. I personally think they feel incredibly similar...

Not to be a smart-a$$, but if they are the same, SHOULDN'T they feel EXACTLY similar?

The Yamaha FS keybed is used in the Yamaha DX7, SY77, SY99, EX5, PF10 and Motif7 (and other Yamahas that have semi-weighted keys), Korg M1, WS, 01/W, Trinity, Prophecy, Triton series (except for LE) and the OASYS.

I do like the M3 keybed just slightly less that the Yamaha FS and only because of the texture of the keys. My fingers slip off my M3 during fast runs where it doesn't on the Yamaha FS (because the FS is shiny and grabs a bit better).

[Rosen Sound]

I have both as well.. Im aware theyre the same keybed. I personally think they feel incredibly similar...

Not to be a smart-a$$, but if they are the same, SHOULDN'T they feel EXACTLY similar?

The Yamaha FS keybed is used in the Yamaha DX7, SY77, SY99, EX5, PF10 and Motif7 (and other Yamahas that have semi-weighted keys), Korg M1, WS, 01/W, Trinity, Prophecy, Triton series (except for LE) and the OASYS.

I do like the M3 keybed just slightly less that the Yamaha FS and only because of the texture of the keys. My fingers slip off my M3 during fast runs where it doesn't on the Yamaha FS (because the FS is shiny and grabs a bit better).

not necessarily. I have tons of keyboards coming into my shop here, many of them have the yamaha FS keybed. The wavestation has the same keys yes, but feels very different, but when you play it, you can still tell it is the same keybed. I dont know if youve opened many of them up, but the springs and what not are always in some sort of slightly different place. Some under the keys, some at the back of the keys. Some have rubber contact points, and some have metal contact points (wich i prefer..) thats what makes them all feel slightly different.

of all of them, the ones i consider having the closest feel is the Triton extreme and the DX7, the DX7 has a little less 'click' then the triton. i personally like the tritons more, feels more weighted.

[thesilencenoise]

So I did decide to go with the TX. Found an 88-key for under $1,000 so it seemed like a good deal. I can always go to the Kronos later but I'm stoked I won't have to recreate six years of sequencing work entirely, especially since I plan to "update" them a bit.

I'm excited!

[remyor]

I suggest exporting the song to midi or saving them as midi files, then importing to any workstation and then you would just have to choose your programs to your liking and saving the song files. As far as I know this is doable. Let me know if this helps and good luckm it sound like you have done a lot of work on the classic.