Next Keyboard. Yamaha or Korg

[Oldden]

Only ever bought Yamaha portable keyboards up until now. Full size organs a different thing altogether. Now I'm not so sure that whose models best if I buy another's keyboard one day. Genos 2 is to my mind after seven years to get it a lot better, disappointing. Korg, if they have an update may be a better bet. Maybe before a Genos 3 comes out, if ever , there will be a Korg PA6X. Happy with my Genos 1, can't see any reason to change at the moment, maybe never.

[Gunnar Jonny]

Happy with my Genos 1, can't see any reason to change at the moment, maybe never.

I tend to be in the same lane, because most of what presented as news on G2 don't really matter as much for my use. I'm not sure what I did expect, but I'm a bit disapointed.
Bought a Pa4X-76, liked it so much that I sold it for a reasonable good price and will add Pa5X-76 rather than swap G1 for G2.
I have a feeling about that will give me more musically possabilities and challenges as well as more value for the money.

[BogdanH]

If I would own Genos1, then I would definitely keep it (and save 2k at that).
I have SX700 and after seeing what's new on Genos2, I don't expect any actual improvements in next PSR-SX successor either -and so I'll keep my keyboard for a while. But if it happens that I decide for new keyboard in near future, then I know that Yamaha has nothing for me. And Pa5X just got even more appealing.

Just sharing my thoughts,
Bogdan

[AndrewKeyz]

Well at least the lacklustre Genos 2 is inspiring me to do something else. 

Am considering a P525, MontageM, Native Instruments Komplete ultimate 14 with one of their smaller keyboard controllers.
Doing more stuff with Logic again.

I'm even interested in taking up the drums as I can see a decent electronic drumkit can be had for less than £1000.
It's the only band instrument I haven't tried my hand at and online learning resources are quite vast these days.

[Danny1972]

Only ever bought Yamaha portable keyboards up until now. Full size organs a different thing altogether. Now I'm not so sure that whose models best if I buy another's keyboard one day. Genos 2 is to my mind after seven years to get it a lot better, disappointing. Korg, if they have an update may be a better bet. Maybe before a Genos 3 comes out, if ever , there will be a Korg PA6X. Happy with my Genos 1, can't see any reason to change at the moment, maybe never.

Hello Oldden,

I think a lot will depend on which one you would feel more comfortable with. Which Yamaha portable keyboard to you have (or had) as I didn't see you mention it.

I have the Pa5x along with Genos and I am comfortable with both, the biggest reason for this is that I've owned both a Korg and a Yamaha in parallel for many years so I can switch between them easily. But if I only had Yamaha's then switching to a Korg, there's a lot to consider and it can feel daunting, maybe even if it was the other way around. As a keyboard though, the Pa5x is really nice and I think you'd get along with it because the new OS is a lot closer to how Yamaha's function. The last major update really added a lot of content too, styles, sounds and mutltipads as well as some more features and I am hearing another big update is due at some point. Actually there was an update a few days ago which I will check out later after work but I think it's only some fixes and a few additional features but I don't know what yet.

[cyber swine]

I ordered a PA5x half way through the G2 presentation.  I had long wanted a companion board but after the first couple or three teasers it was pretty clear it would not be another Genos:  new and different would have been okay, more of the same with lipstick not so much.  Still, I waited for the presentation and reveal just in case the "wow" factor arose.  Korg in Canada jacked the PA5x prices just a few days ago, the 76 key went up an even $200 (Cdn).  Only one major retailer up here had stock and still showed the old advertised price so I jumped on it pronto.  Feel kind of dumb for waiting so long but it's all worked out in the end.

[Danny1972]

I ordered a PA5x half way through the G2 presentation.  I had long wanted a companion board but after the first couple or three teasers it was pretty clear it would not be another Genos:  new and different would have been okay, more of the same with lipstick not so much.  Still, I waited for the presentation and reveal just in case the "wow" factor arose.  Korg in Canada jacked the PA5x prices just a few days ago, the 76 key went up an even $200 (Cdn).  Only one major retailer up here had stock and still showed the old advertised price so I jumped on it pronto.  Feel kind of dumb for waiting so long but it's all worked out in the end.

Congrats, you're going to love it

[AndrewKeyz]

I ordered a PA5x half way through the G2 presentation.  I had long wanted a companion board but after the first couple or three teasers it was pretty clear it would not be another Genos:  new and different would have been okay, more of the same with lipstick not so much.  Still, I waited for the presentation and reveal just in case the "wow" factor arose.  Korg in Canada jacked the PA5x prices just a few days ago, the 76 key went up an even $200 (Cdn).  Only one major retailer up here had stock and still showed the old advertised price so I jumped on it pronto.  Feel kind of dumb for waiting so long but it's all worked out in the end.

I really think that presentation sucked donkey balls. It seemed less interesting than the Genos V2 update.

"And now we go to our designer." "Yeah basically we had the genos and just made small change to the sliders and angle of displays." Wowawiwa.

Just hearing Martin Harris playing was much better.
Should have had more wow music at the start probably. Especially the FM & AWM combo stuff.

[Oldden]

Hi Danny, I've got a Genos 1 which I love, plus still got my PSR3000 which I still play now and again. In the past a PSR520 plus a few more, the names I've forgotten. For Christmas I'm having a Yamaha classical guitar to go with my Yamaha electric. So you can see, I'm a Yamaha fan. At least up till now. The new Genos, at least to me is not much of an upgrade, especially for the price. Next year, I might have a change, will have to have a good think. Thanks for your reply. Den.

[Danny1972]

Hi Danny, I've got a Genos 1 which I love, plus still got my PSR3000 which I still play now and again. In the past a PSR520 plus a few more, the names I've forgotten. For Christmas I'm having a Yamaha Classical guitar to go with my Yamaha electric. So you can see, I'm a Yamaha fan. At least up till now. The new Genos, at least to me is not much of an upgrade, especially for the price. Next year, I might have a change, will have to have a good think. Thanks for your reply. Den.

You're welcome Den

Yes, I kind of grew up with Yamaha for many years. I also used to have a PSR-520, that was my 3rd ever keyboard, the two previous to that being the PSR-410 and before that the PSS-790 with the small keys and drum pads! After the 520, I got the 620 (not much difference apart from the floppy drive), then came my first big one - the PSR8000! Now that was something special. I have lots of memories with that keyboard. It was at that point I started to also check out other brands, mainly Korg & GEM. My first Korg was an i30 to go along with the PSR8000, and it was really from there I had Korg and Yamaha in parallel.

I've noticed quite a drop in price of the Pa5x, it's a good time to get one.

[nonchai]

I Just asked BONNERS UK to confirm whether the KORG 5x chord looper supports editing the recorded chord loop progressions and

....... just like GENOS and now GENOS 2 -

NOPE....

So won't be replacing my PSR SX 900 for either sadly. Unless a firmware update in either changes things....

[Amwilburn]

Only ever bought Yamaha portable keyboards up until now. Full size organs a different thing altogether. Now I'm not so sure that whose models best if I buy another's keyboard one day. Genos 2 is to my mind after seven years to get it a lot better, disappointing. Korg, if they have an update may be a better bet. Maybe before a Genos 3 comes out, if ever , there will be a Korg PA6X. Happy with my Genos 1, can't see any reason to change at the moment, maybe never.

Again with the weird 7 year thing; Genos 1 was 2017, Genos 2 is 2023. That's 6. Maybe because Korg took over 7 years between Pa4x (2015) and Pa5x (2022)? In which case, if you're waiting for the G3 vs PA6x, the good news is they're both scheduled to arrive 2029, so you'd finally be able to A/B 2 competitive TOTLA from the exact same generation

I haven't gotten my hands on a G2 yet; indeed, it's odd the countries they haven't released in yet: Canada, India, Japan (?) but G2 is out in the Middle East!
So I'll reserve judgment til I've had time to A/B them myslf.

But yes, Korg changed a fair amount from PA4x to PA5x (the pianos especially impressed me) but for PA1000 owners, they complained there aren't enough new styles (it's actually about 40% more, and if they removed old styles like Yamaha did going from T5 to Genos, then people would complain they got rid of old favourites, so no matter what Korg did with Pa5x styles, there would be complaints )


But it's exactly what Danny said: it's going to depend a lot on what you're used to, because the usage is so different. e.g you'll be utterly disappointed in Korg not having registrations if you use registration sequences a lot, or find their style programming difficult if you're used to Yamaha. On the other hand, if you're used to Korg live quantizing chord changes in accompaniment (which is brilliant) which Yamaha doesn't (and I won't know if G2 does that or not but previous Yamahas did not) you'll be annoyed as heck switching chords mid beat on a Yamaha only to hear the notes suddenly slide onto the notes of the new chord change, mid strum.

Mark

[pjd]

I haven't gotten my hands on a G2 yet; indeed, it's odd the countries they haven't released in yet: Canada, India, Japan (?) but G2 is out in the Middle East!

Mark

Hi Mark --

Always happy to read one of your posts.

As to Japan, I think they are afraid that GenosX will cannibalize sales from Electone. Conversely, Electone is not offered for sale in many regions.

If you ever get the chance, maybe ask your Canadian Yamaha rep how such decisions are made? I've noticed some quirks and gaps in the Yamaha Mexico line-up, too. I often feel like the amount of disposable income vs. what they can charge and sell comes into play.

Take care -- pj

[Amwilburn]

Oh I already know all decisions (like rollouts) are decided by Yamaha global (Japan) and you're right, the StageEA's are best sellers in Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, & Singapore so it makes sense to hold of on G2 there, but it just seems funny not to have it launch... at launch... in the country of origin 

And that's what's so weird: G2 *is* available in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Just not Japan or HK yet?
I should probably also explain that the music retailer I work for is also in Hong Kong as well as Canada.

[pjd]

Hi Mark --

Thank you for your expertise and insight. Yep, I knew about Tom Lee's trans-Pacific scope.

People should listen to this man. 

Thanks, again -- pj

[kbrkr]

As I already have the G1, last night I purchased a Korg Pa5x.  I agree with Gunnar and others, this combination really opens up lots of sound opportunities.

Yes the Pa5x has growing pains, but the styles and sounds are amazing.

[robinez]

As I already have the G1, last night I purchased a Korg Pa5x.  I agree with Gunnar and others, this combination really opens up lots of sound opportunities.

Yes the Pa5x has growing pains, but the styles and sounds are amazing.

congratulations, you have the same keyboard setup now as i have, the genos 1 and pa5x are a perfect combination!

[Danny1972]

As I already have the G1, last night I purchased a Korg Pa5x.  I agree with Gunnar and others, this combination really opens up lots of sound opportunities.

Yes the Pa5x has growing pains, but the styles and sounds are amazing.

Great choice and it will be a killer combo. The new styles from the latest update really shows the power of the Pa5x because they are styles never featured before and made for the Pa5x rather than updated previous styles. There are many new styles on the Pa5x anyway but I think these additional ones have taken things a step further.

[rattley]

Nice!     Down the road I'm thinking Genos 2 (already ordered) + Ketron EventX??  I've yet to find a real one near me.  I had no problem plopping down my cash on either Genos before it was released.  But not finding any local Ketron support makes me insist on touching before buying one!  -charley

[Gunnar Jonny]

I ordered a PA5x half way through the G2 presentation. 

I ordered Pa5X-76 last night, and got confirmed it's shipped and on the way. Guess it's here early next week.
Will probably think about G2 later sometime, but some of us Norwegians don't ride the same day we saddle the horse, so maybe (if ever) G3 will be ready for sale by then. 

[kbrkr]

Congrats on the Pa5x Boys; I'll see you on Korgforums.

I still love the Genos, but the Pa5x is a different animal and that's exactly what attracted me to it!

Best of luck with your new keyboards!

[NativeAngels]

At the end of the day it's whatever arranger you the end user purchase. It's ok basing your decisions on what others have said but you might go and purchase and arranger that everyone else is singing the praise of and not like it or just isn't right for you.

[nonchai]

They improved the sonics - and styles aspects

improved some hardware aspects - very well - knobs faders buttons etc..
Audio over USB... hmm - I think it might just be stereo - great shame - 

But clearly haven't touched the firmware workflow wise whatsoeve

[cyber swine]

FWIW I have my PA5X now and I finally understand the expression "the best of both worlds".  The Genos is great of course but I'm shocked by just how much I'm liking the Korg.

[Strideplayer]

Do  I understand correctly that the Genos OS is easier to learn than the Korg? Or are they about equal?  This from a piano player who has never had an arranger keyboard.
Thanks,
Strideplayer

[Danny1972]

Do  I understand correctly that the Genos OS is easier to learn than the Korg? Or are they about equal?  This from a piano player who has never had an arranger keyboard.
Thanks,
Strideplayer

Hello Strideplayer,

I have owned both brands for a very long time and I can certainly say that Yamaha have been easier to use vs the OS of Korg up until the Pa4x line. However with the Pa5x, Korg has dramatically changed everything and given it a complete overhaul where I think it's pretty close to Yamaha's system. I have even heard some say that the new Korg OS is easier to use that the Genos OS but I am not sure, I find them both are comparable, but this wasn't so before the Pa5x, I thought the OS on the Korgs previously had a steep learning curve especially in the old i30 and Pa80 days.

[Gunnar Jonny]

Do  I understand correctly that the Genos OS is easier to learn than the Korg? Or are they about equal?  This from a piano player who has never had an arranger keyboard.

As long as arrangers is new for you, I think it doesent matter what you choose. You have to learn from the beginning anyway.
Then it should be your feelings about sounds (ears & heart) that make you take your choise.
But, when it comes to aditional collection of styles to find, noone beats Yamaha. 
The problem for many of us that started with and continued with one brand is that we did go so deep into the OS that when come to another, we often tend to compare how it's done. I've had Technics from the start, and every other brand gave me challenges, simply because I was so used to the 'Technics way' after many years of use.
Now it's Yamaha OS that has been used for many years, and as pretty new to Korg, there will be a steef learning curve. But, to load a style and play it, is pretty much stright forward at all brands. 
Wish you best of luck whatever you choose. There is no good or bad arrenger when enter middle and upper range, it's all about personal taste, needs and wishes.  Don't forget, it's lots of videos at the web as well as many really talented 'gurus' at the fora to help you if you get stuck in something.

[Strideplayer]

Thanks both of you, very helpful thoughts.  Decisions, decisions, Korg P5x has a weighted keyboard and 88 keys, great for a pianoplayer.  Yamaha Genos weighs 'only' 28lbs, a weight which I, carefully, still can handle, perhaps with a little help, in case I want to play at a senior or nursing home (I should be in one at 90). I'll keep my eyes open to find one or the other to try out. And, yes, for me it's all about sound sinds I play by ear and never learned to read music. Meanwhile, I am enjoying quite a few videos on the new Genos 2.

Strideplayer

[DrakeM]

Yamaha of course, like the last two. Once you know how to use the best, why settle for second best?

The preset styles on a Korg, Roland,Casio and Yamaha are all so-so for playing anything half way. It might sound great to you if you are just a sit at home player. Most the styles will get only through half the song. I guess that is why in all the demo videos they only play 30 to 60 seconds of the songs.

For instance the new G2 has added the "CountryCirlcle" style. Which is a so-so attempt for you to use it to play the song "Ring of Fire".

I will upgrade to the next SX(whatever) keyboard but only because the S950 is over 10 years old (not because the SX(whatever) is any better. I have certainly gotten my monies worth from the S950 and then some.

[Keystar]

I've been playing a sx700 for a couple of years and love pretty much everything about it, so much so that I've been so tempted by the reduced price of the Genos here to about $5,000 + tax Canadian. The Genos is 2 levels above the sx700 and I'm almost certain that I'd love it even more. I'm a 80% home player with occasional shows at the senior homes and private parties. I don't "need" to upgrade but....

One thought that makes me hesitant is that the Korg's pa1000 has been out since September 2017 and is a new model will likely due next year ? It'll in theory still be a lower tier than the Genos but will a new design and updated technology and likely $1,000 cheaper make it worthwhile to wait ?

Thoughts ?