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jtheb
Published on 12/22/08 at 15:27
Small, 5-octave synth. Audio and midi connections. Several basic sound and style reproductions.
I chose it due to its technical characteristics and price. (its "dynamism" among other things, which is very rare for new instruments at this price point)
The sounds are limited, no too diversified. You have to bear in mind that it's a model from the 1990s, so it doesn't have the same features as modern synths... (I bought it because I didn't want features I consider useless, like illuminating keys to learn songs)
As a pianist I don't like that it's far from a piano or an electric piano. It has only 5 octaves (which is very limited) with normal-sized keys, but not exactly like a piano.
But I won't complain any longer about that, if I had wanted an electric piano, I should have gotten one, but I do criticize the lack of diverse and quality sounds.
UTILIZATION
Very user-friendly. It's somewhat of a toy, but for the price, it is perfect for beginners. I have never used the MIDI connections because that's not my field of competence.
I use it to tune my guitars and to find certain melodies and arrangements. It's perfect for that, but I don't recommend it to pianists with a minimum of experience who want to perform musical works.
OVERALL OPINION
I've been using it for four years now. I wanted a small synth to help me find melodies and this one does the job fine. I don't think it's possible to find a synth with the same functions at this price point. I like its dynamism (even if quite limited), its different basic sounds, the different drum kits (which aren't that bad) and its simplicity.
With hindsight, I think I would opt for a better quality synth (better sounds, nicer keyboard), but at a higher price.
For $100 CAN (secondhand), it's an excellent price!
Recommended for beginners who aren't sure of their investment... Or musicians who want to have a reference piano.
Otherwise (keyboard players, home studio owners and, especially, pianists!) look another way.
It's a synth for beginners, it's not a keyboard nor an electric piano and even less a true piano!
I chose it due to its technical characteristics and price. (its "dynamism" among other things, which is very rare for new instruments at this price point)
The sounds are limited, no too diversified. You have to bear in mind that it's a model from the 1990s, so it doesn't have the same features as modern synths... (I bought it because I didn't want features I consider useless, like illuminating keys to learn songs)
As a pianist I don't like that it's far from a piano or an electric piano. It has only 5 octaves (which is very limited) with normal-sized keys, but not exactly like a piano.
But I won't complain any longer about that, if I had wanted an electric piano, I should have gotten one, but I do criticize the lack of diverse and quality sounds.
UTILIZATION
Very user-friendly. It's somewhat of a toy, but for the price, it is perfect for beginners. I have never used the MIDI connections because that's not my field of competence.
I use it to tune my guitars and to find certain melodies and arrangements. It's perfect for that, but I don't recommend it to pianists with a minimum of experience who want to perform musical works.
OVERALL OPINION
I've been using it for four years now. I wanted a small synth to help me find melodies and this one does the job fine. I don't think it's possible to find a synth with the same functions at this price point. I like its dynamism (even if quite limited), its different basic sounds, the different drum kits (which aren't that bad) and its simplicity.
With hindsight, I think I would opt for a better quality synth (better sounds, nicer keyboard), but at a higher price.
For $100 CAN (secondhand), it's an excellent price!
Recommended for beginners who aren't sure of their investment... Or musicians who want to have a reference piano.
Otherwise (keyboard players, home studio owners and, especially, pianists!) look another way.
It's a synth for beginners, it's not a keyboard nor an electric piano and even less a true piano!