O.k., this might run a bit long, so if you don't have the time, you might want to move along to something shorter and more interesting.
I need help. I'm like your grandfather who can't set up his email, and starts every text with "This is your grandfather." I don't understand the latest terminology and technology.
I remember when I was young like you whippersnappers . . . never mind. I'm 57. I was gigging in the late 80s and early 90. I'm still using the same performance synth I used back then -- a Generalmusic S3. It's a workhorse, a powerhouse, and the best synth ever made (your opinion may vary, but mine is, of course, correct). The S3 allowed me to sequence (more on that in a minute) every beat/note/event on an individual, even microscopic (their word, but it fits) basis, so I could create truly custom sequences, including faithful reproductions of cover songs, down to each individual snare hit and cymbal crash.
I want to start gigging again, but the S3 is nearly as old as I am, and wearing out almost as fast. I need to replace it. I want a keyboard that will do exactly the same thing. But most current boards out there don't really talk much about sequencing (a little, but not much). They talk about "performances" and "styles" and so forth. When I started we called individual sounds "patches", but that became "programs" or "voices" or . . . whatever it is now -- and I don't know what all that means, and believe me, I have tried to research the issue. I'm not sure the terminology is industry standard, but rather whatever the manufacturer wants it to mean. Is a performance the same as a sequence? Is a style the same as the one-touch generic drum beat you heard get on some beginning keyboards or those old console organs (Let's rhumba!)? Hard to compare apples to apples without a industry standard glossary of terms.
Please don't suggest I go with a DAW. I considered that option, but for a host of reasons I decided against it. I have no interest in re-litigating that decision in my brain.
I am considering a Yahama Genos2 (yes, it costs almost more than my car -- which is also old -- but after 30 years with the same keyboard, I feel like I've earned the right to splurge a bit for the right keyboard), but I don't know if it will give me the flexibility I want. Also considering the Yamaha Montage7, the Korg Nautilus, the Korg Kronos, and the Roland Fantom. Or maybe a Korg PA5x? Or something else? I don't know what I don't know.
I am currently using a Roland RD2000ex as my primary keyboard, so what I'm looking for is a secondary keyboard, preferably with 76 synth-style keys, that will provide me with a sequencer (or arranger, or performer, or whatever it's called now), most of my voices (other than piano, which the RD handles quite nicely, thank you) -- basically to be my back-up band. But a band playing what I want it to play -- not what some guy at the factory thinks it should play.
Any help/education/advice from you youngsters (and older folks who haven't been out of the game for 30 years) would be much appreciated.
And get off my lawn!
I need help. I'm like your grandfather who can't set up his email, and starts every text with "This is your grandfather." I don't understand the latest terminology and technology.
I remember when I was young like you whippersnappers . . . never mind. I'm 57. I was gigging in the late 80s and early 90. I'm still using the same performance synth I used back then -- a Generalmusic S3. It's a workhorse, a powerhouse, and the best synth ever made (your opinion may vary, but mine is, of course, correct). The S3 allowed me to sequence (more on that in a minute) every beat/note/event on an individual, even microscopic (their word, but it fits) basis, so I could create truly custom sequences, including faithful reproductions of cover songs, down to each individual snare hit and cymbal crash.
I want to start gigging again, but the S3 is nearly as old as I am, and wearing out almost as fast. I need to replace it. I want a keyboard that will do exactly the same thing. But most current boards out there don't really talk much about sequencing (a little, but not much). They talk about "performances" and "styles" and so forth. When I started we called individual sounds "patches", but that became "programs" or "voices" or . . . whatever it is now -- and I don't know what all that means, and believe me, I have tried to research the issue. I'm not sure the terminology is industry standard, but rather whatever the manufacturer wants it to mean. Is a performance the same as a sequence? Is a style the same as the one-touch generic drum beat you heard get on some beginning keyboards or those old console organs (Let's rhumba!)? Hard to compare apples to apples without a industry standard glossary of terms.
Please don't suggest I go with a DAW. I considered that option, but for a host of reasons I decided against it. I have no interest in re-litigating that decision in my brain.
I am considering a Yahama Genos2 (yes, it costs almost more than my car -- which is also old -- but after 30 years with the same keyboard, I feel like I've earned the right to splurge a bit for the right keyboard), but I don't know if it will give me the flexibility I want. Also considering the Yamaha Montage7, the Korg Nautilus, the Korg Kronos, and the Roland Fantom. Or maybe a Korg PA5x? Or something else? I don't know what I don't know.
I am currently using a Roland RD2000ex as my primary keyboard, so what I'm looking for is a secondary keyboard, preferably with 76 synth-style keys, that will provide me with a sequencer (or arranger, or performer, or whatever it's called now), most of my voices (other than piano, which the RD handles quite nicely, thank you) -- basically to be my back-up band. But a band playing what I want it to play -- not what some guy at the factory thinks it should play.
Any help/education/advice from you youngsters (and older folks who haven't been out of the game for 30 years) would be much appreciated.
And get off my lawn!
