Keyboards

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.

Following hot on the heels of the TS10, the weighted 76-note keyboard and improved features of the TS12 make it a hot contender for 'top workstation'. David Crombie passes judgement.

Derek Johnson waxes lyrical about a synth he wouldn't part with but is the cheapest he owns — Roland's last monosynth, the 1982-vintage SH101.

A chance to do some crystal gazing at product developments in the music / recording / visual fields.