Keyboard or synth module under $500?

[jfrog]

I a guitarist with a who would like some decent sounds to records with. I'm looking for a keyboard or synth module (I currently have a MIDI keyboard) with decent sounds for, among other things:

1. Horns (trumpets)
2. Strings
3. Synth-y sounds
4. Organ (B3)

Are there any out there that do decent jobs for under $500? Less is better, but I realize also that you get what you pay for.

What have you bought & liked or disliked & why?

 

[Hi_D_Ho_Man]

Never hear it but...

There's this http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i-KUR-ME1.html

For $100 more you got room for expansion cards
http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i-ROL-XV2020.html

I have an xv5050 and i really like it. 2020 has the same sound set if im not mistaken

 

[Middleman]

Rolands are good. I picked up and older JV1080 and put the rest of my cash into expansion cards. I have every sound imaginable as the older sound expansion cards can be found for under $150 dollars.

 

[zuke]

The Emu sound modules and command stations are going very cheap at the mo. However, you might find support very thin for the hardware side of things at Emu. Does not effect the warranty tho'.

 

[zuke]

The Emu sound modules and command stations are going very cheap at the mo. However, you might find support very thin for the hardware side of things at Emu. Does not effect the warranty tho'.

 

[zuke]

The Emu sound modules and command stations are going very cheap at the mo. However, you might find support very thin for the hardware side of things at Emu. Does not effect the warranty tho'.

 

[jfrog]

Thanks for the input. It gives me some stuff to consider.

 

[Chrisjob]

The Emu sound modules and command stations are going very cheap at the mo. However, you might find support very thin for the hardware side of things at Emu. Does not effect the warranty tho'.

Anybody have any opinions on the Emu modules, Proteus, Vintage Keys, etc...?

 

[Sklathill]

I personally like the Proteus 2000. It's not very good as a general do-all module...but I have my Roland XV-3080 for that. My Proteus PK-6 i use to supplement with solid percussion fills, leads, pads, and slightly more colorful acoustic instruments that don't necessarily sound more realistic.

This doesn't sound like what you need, but if you ever find yourself needing stuff like this, the PK-6 would be a good keyboard synth to get.

If you don't mind getting used, the older Korg boxes provide some very good meat and potatoes sounds. They're definitely on par with the Roland JV series, if not ahead in the brass department (I still use a Korg trumpet over my Roland XV trumpet at times) but behind the XV series in general in terms of general sound offering...but price performance is very good. The X5DR is very easy to find and can be had for less than 200. The NX5R is a bit harder to find but has better sound and polyphony and a slightly better interface but goes for 300...