Rack unit with a killer piano sound, anyone?

[thispleasesme]

Okay, heres the deal...

about 5 years back I bought a Korg Triton thinking it would cover all my needs as far as live performances go. Now, after time has passed and my musical tastes/needs have changed, I have found it to be quite a let down.

My main gripe is that it only has 61 keys. The close second big problem is it's absolutely dreadful piano sound. So! Here's the plan...

I'm going to sell my Triton, I've got someone willing to give me 1000 USD for it...

Then 500 is going towards that new M-Audio keystation pro 88 key controleler. Now before anyone goes after that, stop... I've already decided on it.. I tried it and liked it

So that leaves 500 dollars plus whatever I decided to take out of savings to get a rack module with a good piano sound, as well as a decent selection of electric pianos i.e. rhodes/wurli kind of sounds as well as some organs if possible... I've got my synths covered with my k-station and my virus...


So what suggestions can you, my fellow synthisists offer me? Anyone?

Thanks!

[ssscientist]

Kurzweil makes some fine sounding stuff, and you should be able to find it used for a WHOLE lot less than new.

http://instruments.listings.ebay.com...istingItemList

I'd kinda recommend that you hold off on buying that M-Audio controller until you've at least tried one of these Kurzweil 88 weighted key units - I'm not a good enough player for it to matter to me, but people that I record tell me they're the shit...

[metropolis79]

There're 3 options in my opinion, if you want to replace a Triton.
In order of Price (from low to high)
1. Yamaha Motif Rack
2. Kurzweil PC2R
3. Roland Fantom XR

If you need only bread and butter sounds IMHO go with the Kurzweil. It has great Pianos and Strings. It has also a KB3 mode for simulating an hammond.
But take care that's not programmable (speaking of LFO's ADSR etc. they are fixed by Kurzweil).
Than that's the motif and the fantom...they are very similar, but the fantom xr is the newest...Personally I prefer The Motif, but the Piano could be better on the Fantom (yamaha have putted the triple strike piano only in the S90 and in the motif ES...so those founded in the MOtif rack are 1 layer pianos).

So...go and try those boards!

(PS: they cost all around 1000 bucks)

[lumbago]

Get a Roland XV-3080 or XV-5050 or XV-2020 and drop a SRX-02 piano card in it.

Then set up a "performance" with two patches concurrently - the Premiere Grand (patch 1) from the SRX-02 and the "Bright Piano" patch at 50% volume.

Magic.

[tedluk]

Originally Posted by thispleasesme

I'm going to sell my Triton, I've got someone willing to give me 1000 USD for it...

Dang! Hey I won't tell him if you don't...

SHHHHHHH

Seriously, I'm really impressed with my Motif rack so far, though I don't know if the piano's are anything to rave about. I think on any workstation you'll probably want to get the piano board for best results.

How about something like THIS?

I haven't played it, but I've heard a lot of good things about it.

Ted

[thispleasesme]

Ted, the one you linked is an LE, he wants the classic with the touch screen and all but thanks for keeping it hush hush, haha..

I would go software in a second, but I need this for stage mostly...

Keep the comments coming I'm all ears.

[tedluk]

I figured it probably was, but it's also 5 years old! (Have they really been out that long?)

OK you don't want software? How about THIS



Ted

[tedluk]

Nevermind- I don't think it'll fit in your rack...

Ted

[bat63]

Roland EXR-3/5/7

All available at Sweetwater


Here's a demo:


http://www.ke-musik.dk/Upload/HtmlAr...XRKE_musik.mp3

[bigwillz24]

I got the triton le and i was looking at a motiff rack for pianos untill i ran across this


I thought it sounded great and there cheap too

[metropolis79]

Originally Posted by bigwillz24

I got the triton le and i was looking at a motiff rack for pianos untill i ran across this


I thought it sounded great and there cheap too

yes! the vintage pro is a killer unit...but is intended for simulating vintage/elettromechanical gear, not acoustic pianos...

[thispleasesme]

where can i find that thing! and how much? It sounds great!

[bat63]

Originally Posted by thispleasesme

where can i find that thing! and how much? It sounds great!

Uh,what are you talking about?

[thispleasesme]

the vintage pro

[metropolis79]

Originally Posted by thispleasesme

where can i find that thing! and how much? It sounds great!

In any shop I think...this is an E-mu product...
take a look at e-mu weeb site for finding the distributor in your country and buy it!!

Except for the hammonds, this is a luxury machine

[imissthewar]

Motif rack all the way.

[tedluk]

Originally Posted by imissthewar

Motif rack all the way.

If price isn't an issue, I'd agree.

But, the original request was for something around $500.00.

Ted

[imissthewar]

Originally Posted by thispleasesme

So that leaves 500 dollars plus whatever I decided to take out of savings

I figured that meant his budget had grown a bit.

[tedluk]

Originally Posted by imissthewar

I figured that meant his budget had grown a bit.

lol

Double is a "bit"? I need to hang out with you, man!

Ted

[imissthewar]

If he doesn't want to take out $500 from savings he can ignore my advice.

[qwarks]

Originally Posted by thispleasesme

the vintage pro

That model has been discontinued, but, check eBay as they turn up fairly
regularly . That's where I got mine .

[steve350]

I am not familiar with these rack units. To use them, all I need is a keyboard that has midi out correct?

How much is the Vintage Pro selling for?

[tedluk]

Yes-
There's one on E-bay right now with a BIN of $629.00.

Good luck!

Ted

[Michael Jones]

Kurtzweil does make some pretty fine sounding stuff. The Roland JV 2080 may be a less expensive alternative.

Piano MUST be one of the hardest sounds to emmulate. I kind of judge the quality of the sound module by its piano sounds. I've seen a lot that come close, but none that REALLY capture the sound of a fine grand piano.
I'm spoiled though, I have a 7' grand in my house.

[thispleasesme]

Yeah, see thats my problem. I'm spoiled because I have an incredible Yamaha Concert Grand in the best sounding room in my house. Unfortunately, its two floors from my studio. That, and I can't bring it on stage.