Conference napalm::commusic_v1

    Thanks for your reply Paul, it is very useful information.

    I have played Piano for apx 15 years so in that sense I'm not a
    beginner, but as far as electronic keyboards are concerned I am a total
    beginner!!

    I intend to use it for home use and hopefully start some recording with
    some friends but nothing too serious.
    
    I have also seen  a Yamaha DX27 for sale...How does this compare???
    Does the DX27 have a Sequencer???
    
    Thanks
    
    Arfon.
    DTN 830-6028
    

    The DX-27 is a 5 octave, full size keys, 4 op FM synth. Completely
    programmable. Doesn't support splits and/or layers. 
    
    I'd prefer it over the .0 referenced synth, which seems to be aimed at 
    a more "consumer" market.
    
    I've no idea what a used DX-27 is selling for, but I'd suspect around
    $300 US would be about tops.
    
    Edd

    This may sound dumb, but what are "splits and layers"?
    and "Aftertouch"???
    
    Thanks
    Arfon.
    

    Splits are putting 1 sound on one side of the keyboard, and a second
    sound on the other. Like "bass on the low keys, piano on the high
    keys".
    
    Layers are where you can simultaneously play two sounds by playing only
    1 key.
    
    Aftertouch allows you to vary the pressure on a key after the key
    reaches the bottom of it's travel. By varying the pressure you can
    activate a modulation source. Ex: Press hard and the LFO comes in.
    Depending on the architecture, pressing hard on one key might cause
    ALL the notes to react to the modulation ("Channel AT") or ONLY the
    key you press harder could react ("polyphonic AT")
    
    Edd

And to simplify aftertouch a little further:

>> Ex: Press hard and the LFO comes in.

After you play the key you press down hard and vibrato (for example)
appears in the already sounding note - very useful for emulating non-keyboard
instruments (horns/strings). 

Polyphonic helps you emulate a horn choir (for example) where each instrument 
has a different vibrato. Mono aftertouch would make all of the horn [players] 
synchronize their vibratos - less realistic.

Vibrato is a commmon use of aftertouch. You can also have different sounds
or harmonics coming in and out in response to your key pressure. Depending
on how flexible your midi setup is you can control just about anything with 
aftertouch.

Dave

    Arfon,
    
    I'm just a beginner myself and I luckily happened onto the Yamaha PSR
    500. I say luckily because I just happened to call on the telphone for
    a price check of another more costly unit, and the dude steered me into
    this. I've had it for a few weeks now and am thoroughly delighted. I've
    since rechecked my original idea (Roland E-5 or KR100) only to confirm that
    mine was by far the better buy. Check out my entry for Yamaha PSR
    400/500 for details. (sorry, don't remember the number)
    
    "sakman" 

    Thanks sakman I'll certainly gives this the once over!!!
    
    RE .3
    
    You Say that the DX27 is completely programable....
    
    What does this mean...?
     	-Do you need a computer to program it???
    	-Does it have any preset rhythms and sounds???
    	-When programs are input can they be stored for future use???
        -What exactly do you program, new sounds?, rhythm patterns?, songs?
    	-Is this programabity essentialy a Sequencer ,if not does the
         DX27 have one??
    
    Thanks
    Arfon.
    
    

    > You Say that the DX27 is completely programable....What does this
    >mean?
 
    You can vary ALL the components that make up a sound. Frequency,
    envelope, algorhythm, feedback, LFO, key follow, etc...
    
    >  	-Do you need a computer to program it???
 
    Nope, you can vary all the parameters via the front panel. You can use
    a 'puter if you want, but it's not necessary.
    
    >   	-Does it have any preset rhythms and sounds???
    
    Lots of preset sounds, no rhythms.
    
    >	-When programs are input can they be stored for future use???
    
    Yes.
        
    > -What exactly do you program, new sounds?, rhythm patterns?, songs?
    
    Sounds only.
    	
    > -Is this programabity essentialy a Sequencer ,if not does the
    >      DX27 have one??
    
    Nope, the DX has no sequencing abilities. It's a keyboard and sound
    generator ONLY.
    
    Edd
    
    
    

    So there's no rhythm section at all on a DX27???
    
    Arfon.
    

    Not even a decent drum sound...
    
    Edd

    A DX-27 was my first keyboard, and while it was fine for me at the
    time, I wouldn't recommend anyone buy one today unless you can get it
    *really* cheap. The main drawback is that it doesn't have
    velocity-sensitive keys which (imo) makes it practically useless for
    even semi-serious keyboard playing. It doesn't have drum sounds or a
    sequencer either (but that doesn't worry me too much).
    
    I still like my DX27. It functions well enough in my set up for back
    up sounds, but I only ever play it over midi from a velocity sensitive
    keyboard. It's really just a bit out of date.
    
    
    Tony I
                          

    No doubt about it Arfon, spend the extra poundage on the 500. I
    originally bought the 400 since the Music Store at the time didn't have
    a 500. When the 500's came in three weeks later, he gave me a 
    good trade (my 400+$100) for a 500 with a stand. 
    
    The 400 is a great unit, the 500 is a great+ unit. I have yet to see
    anything that comes close to the value. I can't see me ever needing an
    upgrade. 
    
    The biggest functional difference is the 500 has reverb where the 400 
    doesn't. There are other subtle differences in capability, I haven't
    gotten that sophisticated with mine so I really can't explain what
    those differences are. 
    
    One thing I've noticed about owning it (I'm a guitar player) is that it
    seems when I go into my music room to play, I use the automation to
    play along with it on my guitar. This thing has tremendous guitar practice
    value for me. I seem to be practicing less on the keyboard itself. I
    think I'm gonna start taking KB lessons soon.
    
    "sakman"