Korg Digital Pianos anybody??

[jmather]

Hey guys,I found this piano (Korg Concert C6500) on Craig's for $500. It seems like a good deal, think it went for $1200 new. I don't know anything about keyboards...does anyone have this or know anything about it? I'm looking for a good piano sound for my studio and also something I can use at gigs.I'd appreciate any thoughts...Thanks!Justin

[mazz]

This isn't something I'd want to take to gigs. It's a home unit, probably with built in speakers. Korg tends to have good piano sounds, but for studio use, something like this, or even a pro stage piano probably wouldn't have what you would want for studio usage. There's a big difference between a piano sound coming through an amp and a piano sound coming through your studio speakers. I'd hold out for a piano designed for stage usage and try to go for something like Ivory for your studio. You could still use the piano for a controller.Just my 2cMazz

[jmather]

Mazz, thanks for the explanation. I'm new to the world of pianos/keyboards. I have an old upright in my living room which sounds good enough to practice on but not for recording... I'll look into Ivory like you mentioned...I'm assuming that's software?Thanks Mazz,Justin

[jmather]

Now, assuming this keyboard has a midi output and can be used as a controller, would it be worth having that real hammer action feel for recording piano? My midi controller (m-audio - semi weighted) doesn't quite cut it. This is why I'm leaning towards a digital piano.

[mazz]

Most hammer action keyboards these days have midi or USB or both and would be fine for controlling a sampled piano such as ivory. On the rare occasions that I play a gig where I need the full 88, I have a semi weighted Kurzweil that is very light. After ruining my back with a weighted action Korg for years, I'll take a semi weighted any day. Besides, live gigs always have compromised sound anyway, at least in my experience. Any time a piano is squeezed through an amp in a noisy room in a noisy band, why bother with lugging a heavy axe that no ones going to notice the subteltiesof anyway!Save your back, you'll need it when you get old. Mazz

[mojobone]

My opinion, a fully-weighted controller is very helpful in 'connecting' your fingers with the sound of a sampled piano, but it's very importantl to have some control over the keyboard's MIDI velocity curve. Usually this is buried in a menu somewhere in the keyboard's guts, but there might be offsets or compensation available in your sequencer/host. Why not download the manual from the Korg site to get an idea whether you'll be comfortable with the controls?

[jmather]

Mazz & Mojo - I ended up buying the Korg...just picked it up today, got it for 400! (They paid 2,300 apparently 3 years ago)Sounds and FEELS great! Just plugged her into my DAW and so far so good. Thought I'd let you know. Very happy with my purchase. And most importantly it LOOKS so good in my studio Thanks for the help guysJustin

[mazz]

If you're happy, it's all good!!! Congrats!!

[jmather]

Hey Mazz, are you going to be at the rally? I'd love to put a face to the name!

[mazz]

I'll be there. I'm just a little white dog that likes to jump over things. But I have opposable thumbs. I'll be wearing a striped shirt.Just kidding.I don't own any striped shirts.