Akai K4, is it worth it?

[Billabong]

Hey all,

I was at a local Guitar Shenter, and they had a used K4 for $275. Looked in good shape. Could probably talk them down to $250.

I was looking to get just a MIDI controller, but thought this might be better. I already have two sound modules and a computer, but it's always nice to have more gear.

Just wondering if it was a fair price or not.

Thanks,
Bill

[rats]

Do you meen Kawai K4 by any chance?

[Billabong]

Yes, I do. Sorry about that. A Kawai K4.

Is it worth $275-$250? I'm not into one particular style of music, but mostly rock, dance, techno, etc.


Thanks,
Bill

[rats]

Billy Bong I own a K4 and personally would not pay more than 100 bucks for one. Most of the voices are pretty sucky and dated sounding. There are a few voices that are OK however and I hang on to it because 1) I can't possibly get any money for it, and 2) the few decent voices are worth having it around for. If you do want one of these things though, I would seriously look into Ebay. There always seems to be one for sale for $75-$100. I would DEFINITELY not pay what that store is asking for it. I don't think theye were much more than that new 10 years ago! If you are getting the additional sequencer that comes with some of the units, it's a major pain in the ass, and it seems to be built rather cheaply and could possible break given the construction of the buttons/etc. There are a lot better sequencer keyboard units out there that are much more up to date and user friendly IMHO. But that's just me!

[Billabong]

Thanks rats. I think I'm going to go with a regular MIDI controller for now, that way I can plug into whatever I want.

Later,
Bill

[cordura21]

I had one a long time ago and you're right, the sounds are dated. And I remember that some of the loops on the piano (or was it the strings?) had little pops and clicks.

The BIG advantage of the K4 is that it has aftertouch on the keys, wich is pretty cool.

And it's pretty stable as a synth. I changed it for an Ensoniq SQ1+ and while it was better, it had some very weird electrical behaviour.