New TOTL Arranger from Ketron

[Jeff Hollande]

Thank you very much, Jonny, for your link that confirms the content of my message of this morning.

The Event looks to be an impressive arranger keyboard with ( too ? ) many " frightening " features and/or applications ?
Best regards, JH

[jugge]

This guy is using both Genos and a Ketron SD90 and have some comparison videos between the two.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2bFH7ms9A4

[Jeff Hollande]

Hey Jugge :

Thank you for this link.

Never seen/heard such a weird presentation/comparison. Sorry.
I do not know what to say.

Best regards, JH

[mikf]

The guy presents badly, talks too much, repeats the same points over and over, ...but...cutting through all that it does show a very neat editing ability on the Ketron, and it's definitely a step ahead of the Yamaha.
Of course, it makes little or no difference to many - maybe most - arranger players, who don't want to do this kind of editing anyway. They just want to select and play.
Mike

[keynote]

Here's a new demo from the Ketron Event - Soft Rock. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJpONy1_rx4

Sounds very good to me. Being able to have a different intro and ending when using a different key with the same Style is interesting.

Best regards,
Mike

[usaraiya]

Listening to these short demo clips is fascinating to know its superb sounds, but I cannot find a full review of the KB, which would be great to get to know the ins and outs of it.
MSRP $6000, street price of $5000 is quite sobering.

Uday

[Lee Batchelor]

Listening to these short demo clips is fascinating to know its superb sounds, but I cannot find a full review of the KB, which would be great to get to know the ins and outs of it.
MSRP $6000, street price of $5000 is quite sobering.

Uday

Agreed on the price. I'm definitely waiting to hear Yamaha's response. Arrangers are getting way out of some peoples' price range. They used to be pricy but within grasp. I'm starting to wonder if my current Genos will be my last arranger. All I need is for Yamaha to fix my registration issue 👿!

[keynote]

The Ketron Event will cost $5,000 here in the USA, and it will apparently be available in December in some countries. I really like the Event, although it apparently doesn't have Seamless Sound Switching/Transition, but of course the Pa5X does. I would rather have a Joystick than wheels, by the way. Since I already have a top-of-the-line arranger i.e. the Genos, I would be interested in a Ketron Event 'module' if Ketron makes one. The module should be more moderately priced too. PS: The Ketron Italy website is unreachable currently, so perhaps Ketron is doing maintenance and updating the website with hopefully comprehensive information regarding the Event including specifications since the Event is now listed on the Thomann Germany website. https://www.thomann.de/fr/ketron_event.htm?shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZnIiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6MiwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjR9&reload=1

Here is a recent YouTube video talking about the Korg Pa5X and the Ketron Event.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnTt3vNUXhk

UPDATE: There is actually specifications regarding the Ketron Event on the Thomann Germany website link. I noticed the Event has 216 note Polyphony which is a lot better than the 160 note polyphony of the Pa5X. Better yet, I'll just add the info from the Thomann website.

Ketron Event Entertainer-Keyboard, 76 semi weighted touch responsible keys with aftertouch, 464 voices with 3 independet sounds each, 62 drum kits + 580 live drums, dual/layer, split, more than 400 styles, 4 banks with unlimited registrations, polyphony: 216 voices, 7" touch screen display, 15 sliders with LED indicator, 8 potis, pitch bend and modulation wheel, audio & midi Recording, audio player with 5+1 mulitracks, 2 separate player units, effects: DSP (reverb, chorus, flanger, overdrive, distortion, tremolo, autopan, equalizer, and more), 3-voice vocal harmony, 240 GB SSD (80GB for system), SD-Card slot (up to 512 GB), 1 GB user sample storage,bluetooth audio (input), WiFi network remote control via Ketron App, connections: main stereo output (2x 6.3mm jack, L/R + R), aux 1 & aux 2 (L/R), headphones 6.3mm stereo jack, sustain pedal, volume pedal, footswitch, Midi In1/In2/Out/Thru, line in L/R (2x 6.3mm mono jack), microphone input 1 (XLR), microphone input 2 (6.3mm jack), 2x USB to Device, USB to host, HDMI Out, dimensions (W x T x H) in mm: 1140 x 365 x 125, weight: 14.8 kg, color: black

No Seamless Sound Switching/Transition mentioned, so that's somewhat disappointing. All in all, it seems to be a great option for consideration.

All the best,
Mike 

[usaraiya]

http://ketronamerica.com/dealers.html

This website lists multiple dealers of Ketron in the US including 2 in Canada.
This may be useful information to some.

[Lee Batchelor]

http://ketronamerica.com/dealers.html
This website lists multiple dealers of Ketron in the US including 2 in Canada.
This may be useful information to some.

Thanks. I didn't think we had any dealers. The one in Niagara Falls is about 2.5 hours away from me.

[JohnS (Ugawoga)]

This keyboard has my attention 

[mikf]

Well, dont get carried away, they made a decent looking list of dealers, but look at it in detail and you see many of the states are covered just by a bloke who plays a Ketron, not what I would think of as a a real keyboard dealer. I met one of the 'dealers' in Texas, and he was just a bloke responding from his house, and when I heard him play he sounded like my granddaughter who is just learning. Not an impressive company image.
I dont want to knock Ketron because it is a nice product, but their distribution and support network in North America seems very embryonic, and has been that way for many years.   
Mike

[Jeff Hollande]

Have you heard/seen this video ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxYRuchkqw4

JH

[Lee Batchelor]

Have you heard/seen this video ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxYRuchkqw4
JH

Great sounds. That's not the Event though. He's likely a good player. Just wish he'd actually play something. Thanks for the link, Jeff.

[Jeff Hollande]

Hi Guys :

Finally we hear/see more about the Event's features and applications.

In these videos ( links below ) this gentleman ( of the Balkan region ? ) is explaining the various features and applications of the EVENT.
Some Yamaha Genos' and Korg's PA4X comparison.

It might be useful to know this man confirms there will be an EVENT MODULE available next year ( 2023 ) with the same features of the Event 76n.

Apparently there will come a 61n Event version - with less features - but it will be called differently.
I understand the 61n will have another brand name.

LINKS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_W8ozk2ZhM.
Some corrections/additional information : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8zOFRps0PQ

Have fun !
Best wishes, JH

[mikf]

No sound samples in this video but a lot of information on its capabilities and advances. I took three things from this.
1. This keyboard is heavily designed to meet the needs/ dreams of live playing pro musicians rather than easy operation. Some of the features seem quite groundbreaking, although we have no idea from this video how well they actually work. But the big trade off is that all these features complicate the operation quite a bit, buttons everywhere, but good live control potential. Good gigging players will like it though because they are better for live control than having to go deep into menus to make changes.
It appears to me that both Ketron and to some extent Korg are targeting a different market segment than Yamaha, less of the home hobbies/ learner. That intermediate player or learner is a big slice of the arranger market, and I think Yamaha is dominant there. Maybe Korg are covering both bets a bit, but Ketron seems all in for the gigging player.
2. From what he says seems Ketron have concluded what became clear to Yamaha on the Tyros ....ie most people won't choose a 61 key at almost the same price as a 76. So likely they will go the same route as Yamaha, the 61 key version will have less features, different branding and bigger price differential, a la Genos versus SX.
3. They are having same issues as Yamaha and Korg actually getting product manufactured and into the market.

To early to draw conclusions, but for what it's worth my initial reaction is that this Ketron keyboard is not going to seriously dent the Genos or whatever Yamaha do next, nor would they expect it to. Ketron doesn't have the market presence, or support and it is a more intimidating looking keyboard than the Genos or most Yamahas, so has less appeal to the intermediate player. But it is impressive on paper, and the gigging players with Yamaha arrangers might be liking what they see.
Mike

[Jeff Hollande]

Thanks for your interesting comments, Mike.

I wonder who might be interested in buying an Event Module next year ?
When I go back to their Audya4 ( Module ), the price difference was
small and the sales was low compared to their Audya5 ( keys ).
I guess their Event's pricing might be comparable, who knows.

I think you are right about their future 61n marketing policy.

Regards, JH

[Lee Batchelor]

Yes, excellent all around guys.

Ketron has two hurdles with which to deal: 1) Supply chain issues (as mentioned) and 2) Distribution. They can have the "best of the best" arrangers on the planet but there are about 360 million potential customers in North America but barely a handful of dealers. If they can survive on the European and Asian markets, all the more power to them but I'm old school. I need to audition a keyboard for hours before buying. I refuse to drive hours on one direction looking for a dealer who likely knows nothing about the keyboard. Buying a Ketron won't happen very often in Canada and will be difficult in the U.S.

[Jeff Hollande]

You are absolutely right, Lee.

Their worldwide distribution and their after sales' service have always been a serious issue.
Will that change soon ? Hard to believe, I guess.

In Europe Ketron most musicians know some of Ketron's products but I have no idea how important their market turnover is.
I have no clue how active they are in Asia but it would surprise me very much they are well known in this part of the world.

BUT ... IF the Event would become an attractive arranger keyboard for many pro giggers ( like you ) and home players, there might be found dealers in the USA and Canada.
Wishful thinking, I guess. 
Perhaps, our friend SOCRATIS, ( member of this PSR Tutorial Forum and one of Ketron's present Event's developers ) could tell us how Ketron's worldwide distribution strategy will look like.
I am afraid he will never answer this question due to his employment contract obligations.

Best regards, JH

[mikf]

I think he will not answer this question because he doesn't know. He is a contract 'outside' development engineer, probably working on specific design issues and unlikely to be in the know about Ketron business plans.
Mike

[Sokratis1974]

You are absolutely right, Lee.

Their worldwide distribution and their after sales' service have always been a serious issue.
Will that change soon ? Hard to believe, I guess.

In Europe Ketron most musicians know some of Ketron's products but I have no idea how important their market turnover is.
I have no clue how active they are in Asia but it would surprise me very much they are well known in this part of the world.

BUT ... IF the Event would become an attractive arranger keyboard for many pro giggers ( like you ) and home players, there might be found dealers in the USA and Canada.
Wishful thinking, I guess. 
Perhaps, our friend SOCRATIS, ( member of this PSR Tutorial Forum and one of Ketron's present Event's developers ) could tell us how Ketron's worldwide distribution strategy will look like.
I am afraid he will never answer this question due to his employment contract obligations.

Best regards, JH

Hello.
This information does not conflict with the NDA that I have signed, but I am not in a position to know because I have absolutely nothing to do with the commercial department.
I will try to find out though, although I don't know how soon I might have an answer because these days the whole factory in Italy is very busy with the production and completion of the Event project so that it will be ready for shipment in early December.
However this is the distributors in accordance with site of Ketron https://www.ketron.it/en/distributors
I don't know if the list has been updated but it's not hard to find out.
Thanks.

[Jeff Hollande]

Hi Socratis :

Many thanks for your fast reaction. Very much appreciated.
Impressive list though.

Looking forward to receiving your answer(s) soon .

Thank you.
Best regards, JH

[Lee Batchelor]

Thanks for the list, Sokratis1974. There is only one distributor in Canada and one in the U.S. What's more important is a decent dealer network. There are none in Canada as far as I can see. We can't audition one from a distributor - I don't think.

[rphillipchuk]

There are none in Canada as far as I can see. We can't audition one from a distributor - I don't think.

That is stopping me from purchasing.... I have been in touch with AJ ....I have did the math and it would be $7600 Canadian with taxes..and probably another $250 for Customs.     So approximately $8000.00 Canadian all in !!!!    WITHOUT TOUCHING THE KEYBOARD.... + 20% restocking fee........

I need to play one before spending that kind of money !

[Lee Batchelor]

That is stopping me from purchasing.... I have been in touch with AJ ....I have did the math and it would be $7600 Canadian with taxes...and probably another $250 for Customs.     So approximately $8000.00 Canadian all in !!!!    WITHOUT TOUCHING THE KEYBOARD.... + 20% restocking fee........
I need to play one before spending that kind of money !

Agreed. That price is nuts. I'd wager Genos 2 won't get that high.

[Duffy]

Ketron Event price in UK £4249
Full details now on Ketron UK site

[Jeff Hollande]

Hello Canadian Friends :

Paper is patient.
I absolutely agree with your concerns about purchasing a Ketron/Event in your country.

It is very risky to buy blindly such an unknown and expensive arranger keyboard in a region where this brand/model is barely to be found.
There is no musician in the whole world who will order a not thoroughly tested expensive instrument.

IMHO it might be wise to wait for the new high end Yamaha ( Genos2 ? ).
If it takes too long before Yamaha will launch a Genos'successor or ... if you do not like it ... there is now a very good Japanese alternative, at a reasonable price, right ?  

Best regards, JH

[ton37]

Keytron Event in Europe/ Benelux, €4849,- (delevering 3 weeks) as the Genos 1 costs €4248,- (on stock)

[Jeff Hollande]

Thank you, Ton, for this interesting local Event's price information.

I wonder if there are still musicians who have the intention to buy a brand new Genos now, at the present unit price ? 
As soon as the world will know when the new high end Yamaha arranger will be launched ( or maybe sooner ? ) we might expect there will follow a Genos price advantage
to get rid of Yamaha's and/or dealers ' remaining stock.

Best wishes, JH

[Lee Batchelor]

Hello Canadian Friends :
Paper is patient.
I absolutely agree with your concerns about purchasing a Ketron/Event in your country.
It is very risky to buy blindly such an unknown and expensive arranger keyboard in a region where this brand/model is barely to be found.
There is no musician in the whole world who will order a not thoroughly tested expensive instrument.

IMHO it might be wise to wait for the new high end Yamaha ( Genos2 ? ).
If it takes too long before Yamaha will launch a Genos'successor or ... if you do not like it ... there is now a very good Japanese alternative, at a reasonable price, right ?
Best regards, JH

Great advice, as usual Jeff. I'm still willing to wait for Yamaha to reply with Genos 2. Meanwhile, despite the shortcomings of my Genos, it still works and sounds great. It's not like I can't gig anymore until Yamaha figures out my registration issue, which I doubt they will. I haven't heard from my support guy for two weeks 😣.