Keyboards

With their background in home keyboards and high-quality electric pianos, it came as something of a surprise that Technics should enter the mainstream synth market with a physical modelling instrument. SOS attended the world preview.

In a synth market dominated by the Japanese and American manufacturers, it's a pleasant surprise to be looking at a synth made in Sweden — especially when it's as technologically advanced as the Nord Lead. Gordon Reid sees red...

Two months ago, Korg unveiled their OASYS high-end physical modelling synth, and already, a low-cost spin-off is just around the corner. SOS staff were amongst the first to hear it.

Paul Ward looks back through time to 1980, and considers the hidden strengths of one of Roland's more overlooked monosynths: the SH09.

Yamaha's Virtual Acoustic technology has begun the march toward affordability with the release of the VL7, at a little more than half the cost of the flagship VL1. Is this a DX7 for the '90s? David Crombie finds out.

Amidst the parched sands of the NAMM show, Paul White found welcome relief at Korg's Oasys of advanced musical technology, where the latest efforts of the company's US R&D team were unveiled.

Chris Carter sings the praises of a vintage synth from Electronic Dream Plant which cost just £199 on its launch in 1978, but which hides a multitude of surprises under its unlikely yellow and black hood...

Kurzweil's new master keyboard combines the features of a MIDI controller with the sounds and feel of an 88-note digital piano. Tim James tickles the ivories...

Yamaha's new Virtual Acoustics instruments provide the cutting edge of sophisticated synthesis technology — at a price. But what is the company doing for the mere mortal musician amongst us? Martin Russ assesses their answer, the new W-series workstations.

The X5 is Korg's cheapest fully-featured keyboard synth, with a spec that belies its modest price tag. Derek Johnson finds out whether it's really the bargain it seems.

Derek Johnson takes a look at two 88-note master keyboards that provide piano-like feel without breaking the bank.

76-note master keyboards at under £500 are relatively thin on the ground. Derek Johnson takes a look at the Korean-made contender for your cash.

Waldorf's dream machine is finally off the drawing board and in the real world, and looks sure to set synth players' hearts beating a little faster.

Is 'physical modelling' set to become the buzz-phrase of '90s synthesis? Martin Russ exclusively tests out Yamaha's innovative new synth and reveals all...

Kurzweil's flagship synth was introduced to wide acclaim in 1992. Last year, sampling was added to its list of capabilities, and now the first of the long-awaited ROM expansion boards is available. Tim James listens in and wonders if it might be time to give up his violin lessons...

The JX10 was Roland's 'final analogue statement' before the advent of their ground-breaking D50. Derek Johnson reveals the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of this supersynth, now available on the secondhand market for less than a third of its original asking price.

Martin Russ looks at the long-awaited new keyboard from Alesis and finds that it takes an alternative approach to just about everything...

Sixteen-part multitimbrality, 32-note polyphony and a respectable set of GM-mapped Tones join some usable and fun auto-accompaniment, and an absurdly low price tag, in a 'home' keyboard that deserves some attention from the studio musician. Julian Colbeck just wants to have fun...

Roland were one of the stars of the recent NAMM show, launching a jaw-dropping array of new products, including three new 'Expandable' keyboards in the JV line. David Crombie looks at two of them.

SCI's Pro 1 is one of the classiest little monosynths on the second-hand market, as Paul Ward explains.

With its highly-polished finish and beautifully weighted piano-style keyboard, Peavey's master controller certainly looks the business. But does it do the business? Derek Johnson finds out.