New TOTL Arranger from Ketron

[ton37]

The reasoning is actually very simple: because the customer demands it and to compete with other brands. The former certainties no longer apply in these turbulent times. So in order to survive, every company has to forge a new path if it is to ensure its survival.
If I'm wrong I'll admit it frankly, but for now I'll keep it to my inside information: Genos in 3 models.

[Jeff Hollande]

I understand your argument, Ton but ... keep in mind that each Yamaha dealer ( all over the world )  has signed an NDA ( = Non Disclosure Agreement ).
That means each Yamaha dealer is absolutely not allowed to give any new product information before these products are officially announced and/or launched by Yamaha.

I have the impression your dealer probably wanted to inform you KORG will launch a PA5X in 3 key versions : 61, 76 and 88 ... or am I completely wrong ?

Best regards, JH

[Shubid]

I have the impression your dealer probably wanted to inform you KORG will launch a PA5X in 3 key versions : 61, 76 and 88 ... or am I completely wrong ?

That's what I thought, and bear in mind that nobody has talked about a 61/76/88-Genos, before the PA5X was released.

[EileenL]

Well, I for one have not seen lots of people wanting 61 note Genos. If anything, most want a 76 note one. That is why it has sold so well.

[Lee Batchelor]

Agreed, Eileen. The 76 key version is the "sweet spot" for most players, especially gigging musicians. It's light to carry, has all the bells and whistles, has a decent key bed, and is big enough to assign three zones for us players who need piano, strings, and brass in one registration (for example).

I can see an 88 key version for the die hard piano players but the very nature of the Genos' functions and voices negates the need for an 88 weighted keybed. Like someone said, there's the CVP series for that purpose.

[mikf]

Ton
Doesn't help survival to produce a version that is not economically viable. Yamaha had real sales numbers from Tyros to show this was the case with their 61 vs 76 versions. That's why they dropped it.
Yes, there are some customers who would really like a 61 note version, but there just didn't prove to be enough of them on Tyros to be worth the additional cost of designing, marketing, manufacturing and supporting a separate model. And customers had a good 61 note alternative anyway from Yamaha with much lower cost SX models. Smaller and cheaper, - that proved popular. But smaller and almost same price did not.
I don't think anything changes just because Korg did it. May be it works for Korg because  they have no SX equivalent. Or maybe Korg are just making a mistake and will regret it. I just don't see Yamaha doing it.
Mike

[maartenb]

May be it works for Korg because  they have no SX equivalent.

Korg have the PA-hundreds series, like PA600, PA700, PA1000.


Maarten

[ton37]

I understand your argument, Ton but ... keep in mind that each Yamaha dealer ( all over the world )  has signed an NDA ( = Non Disclosure Agreement ).
That means each Yamaha dealer is absolutely not allowed to give any new product information before these products are officially announced and/or launched by Yamaha.

I have the impression your dealer probably wanted to inform you KORG will launch a PA5X in 3 key versions : 61, 76 and 88 ... or am I completely wrong ?

Best regards, JH

Yes, you are completely wrong 

[Jeff Hollande]

Hey Ton :

I would be grateful to let me know why I am completely wrong.

What makes you think why Yamaha will manufacture 3 Genos2 versions : 61, 76 and 88 keys ?

It looks like you are 100% convinced these 3 Genos2 versions will be available, right ?

I am looking forward to reading your reaction.
Thank you for your reply !

Best regards, JH

[ton37]

I'm not tied to any NDA, but I do want to protect my resource so he doesn't get in trouble. And I just trust him. This answer doesn't improve credibility, so everyone is most right if they think differently. In any case, I am postponing the purchase of the PA5x-61, pending the new Genossen which will appear within 1 year. Then I have plenty of choice ( I prefer the 61 Genos?). The pre-announcement could go a little faster than we think ;-)).

[mikf]

Korg have the PA-hundreds series, like PA600, PA700, PA1000.
Maarten

Yes, but these models are previous generation and quite a bit of a downgrade compared to the new and very impressive PAX5. Whereas the SX900 was not all that far behind the Genos in overall performance at the time of its introduction. Yes there were some feature differences, but it was pretty close to being a Genos 'mini with 61 keys and a significant price difference. 
Mike

[JohnS (Ugawoga)]

Cannot understand people wanting a 61 note Keyboard when you can have a 76 note keyboard.
With a 76 note keyboard you have a better range and also handy for keyboard splits.

Genos 2 --No smoke without a fire

[mikf]

Cannot understand people wanting a 61 note Keyboard when you can have a 76 note keyboard.

Neither can I and Tyros sales demonstrated that most people think this way. Some people claim that size makes a difference, but the size difference is so little that it's hard to imagine how that could matter to more than a very few.
I think that most who claim that a 61 note is important really want a much lower price version, but it would not be much lower in price. 
Mike

[ton37]

It is a matter of having a choice, each for his/her own. How many sizes are there for a smartphone, a laptop, a tv, a computer monitor, a car, a tablet etc. etc.?? All those products can do the basic wherefore it is made. So why would it be different for a keyboard? It doesnot always have to be a financial dimension, it could be a practical choice. Luckily one can decide for themselves what makes you happy   

[Lee Batchelor]

It is a matter of having a choice, each for his/her own. How many sizes are there for a smartphone, a laptop, a tv, a computer monitor, a car, a tablet etc. etc.?? All those products can do the basic wherefore it is made.

A valid point but you're comparing apples to oranges. When it comes to keyboards it boils down to how many octaves you need. The extra octave provided with the 76 key version requires very little space and yet offers so much more. Trust me - I would have to drastically alter the sounds I provide to the various bands I play in if I only had the 61 key version! In fact, it would be quite impossible to do some of the things I do now.

[mikf]

For the manufacturer, it's always the financial consideration that rules.  It would be poor management for it not to.
If you have several variations of a cell phone or other high volume consumer products then you can easily absorb the additional cost of having multiple variants because of the large additional sales volume they might generate.
But arrangers are not sold in those quantities. And the Tyros history obviously convinced Yamaha they couldn't recover those additional costs  from the small number of 61 key Genos likely to be sold. Its seems a sound business decision. 
Mike

[ton37]

I appreciate your reactions, but what I meant is simply; I decide what I need and you decide what you need  . I never ever had problems with a 61 kb, allthought I have had the Genos and the Tyros 5-76. So why would there a reson for me to buy a 76 note kb ? Only because the fact that the manufacterer decides for me what is good for me by giving me no choice? O no! I'm
only interested in a 61 notes kb even if the consequence is a little less quality or less functionalyties. But the nowadays quality is quite good of some branches. Besides: lesser keys means lesser mistakes...  to play my favourite I need only 1 key: 'One note Samba' 😁😁

[Jeff Hollande]

Up to now we know the Ketron Event will be available
in 76 keys only.
The Korg PA5X in 3 note versions 61, 76 and 88.

All of us - except Ton37 - believe the Yamaha Genos2 will be available in 76k only.

Apparently Ton37 has been convinced by his dealer the Genos2 will come in 3 note versions: 61, 76 and 88.

Time will tell who is right.

JH

[ton37]

Now you are right, Jeff

[EileenL]

I doubt that any dealers anywhere know a thing about a new Genos. Yamaha are very strict on who knows what and only essential staff will know anything and will risk losing their jobs if things are released before time. Dealers are the last to know anything about new launches.
  My Money is on 76 note only.

[mikf]

Eileen - here's a couple of questions for you. If they were to release a new Genos early next year would you definitely buy one.  And if they released a 76 key and 88 key version with only a small price difference, which would you choose?
Mike

[Jeff Hollande]

The present consumer Korg PA5X Dutch street prices :

61 note = Euro 4200,--.
76 note = Euro 4500,--.
88 note = Euro 4999,--.

JH

[EileenL]

Hello Mike,
  Yes I would buy a new Genos and as I am not a pianist would still choose a 76 note one.

[tyrosman]

Genos is due for Discontinued

Total Rubbish

[tyrosman]

I must admit a fantastic guitar sound on demo
I think that a new Genos will be out shortly

i dont think so

[tyrosman]

Must admit I am not keen on the look of it as it seems quite bulky to me. No mention if it has a touch screen. Not very impressed.

Same here Eileen ill stick with what we kno

[tyrosman]

Yes I agree,
  If someone really want's a new model, they will find the means to buy it. After all there are no pockets in shrouds.

Very true

[Amwilburn]

I doubt that any dealers anywhere know a thing about a new Genos. Yamaha are very strict on who knows what and only essential staff will know anything and will risk losing their jobs if things are released before time. Dealers are the last to know anything about new launches.

Can confirm. I rarely find out more much before launch date (at most a month), but usually a matter of days or a week.

[keynote]

The more I listen to the Ketron Event the more I like it. Here is a new live demonstration of the KETRON EVENT - ***y Ambient Sax played live. Short, but sweet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5pD_dmm1t0

Best,
Mike

[mikf]

Am I interpreting what I hear correctly - the sax is free playing riff fills by itself following the chord played? If so that is an amazing feature.
Mike