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FYI - this review is a "first impressions" one. After I've had the chance to gig with this unit, I will probably write a follow-up review...
Gear Pros: Great Value! This keyboard seems to me to be a "no-brainer" purchase for any keyboard player on a budget. It has great sounding patches, a great keyboard feel, and a great feature set with a reasonably well thought out interface. I wanted a board with good "go-to" sounds, a good feel, the ability to plug the unit into a P.A. (check the low-end Yamaha's for a bit of a surprise on this item) and the ability to split the keyboard for left-hand bass parts. I plan to gig with this keyboard, and my first impressions are that it seems constructed well enough to handle stage load-in/out with proper care.
Gear Cons: The power supply/wall wart should be changed to a conventional A/C chord with the transformer inside the unit. This kind of issue is not uncommon for budget boards, but it is still irritating and a concern for a gigging musician. How much would it cost the manufacturer to change it up and put the transformer in the unit, anyway? Is there no room inside the chassis for it? Come on designers, Just Say No to wall warts!
Merchant Pros: Pro Audio Toys was great. They had a good internet price on this board. They were running a special on M-Audio gear, which cut 15% of the going rate (so this board was $510 out the door). From order entry to unbox was four business days (cross country), and the unit arrived in good condition. I like Pro Audio Toys level of order feedback (both on their website and via their email communications), and I would recommend them as an online merchant. It was kind of refreshing to shop their site as well. No fluff items for sale here - just core products for a semi-pro to pro-level musician. Ironically, I usually shop at "M.F." but thanks to their recent warehouse move and general disorientation, I had to search elsewhere. I now have a new site at which to focus my $$.
Merchant Cons: none.
Overall: I shopped around for many months before deciding on this board, and I'm glad about my decision. Musicians on a budget who are looking for a stage piano with good sounds, a good keyboard feel, and the features offered by this unit should pull the trigger and get one.
Rating:  [5 of 5 Stars!] |
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