Sample search near an end...

To all the valued correspondents:

While I may not make the purchase immediately, thanks to all of you who shared tips on samplers, both hard- and software. So that you know, I am leaning towards a Kurzweil 2600XS. Why a kbd? Well, my kbd controller has been about ready to poop out, I've always liked the Kurzweil weighted-action kbd, and (as Mary said) this new generation comes with the KDFX board built-in, thereby allowing for a lot of processing power both internally and for use outboard-wise.

Beautiful sounds, a good interface, a new input-device (the 88 'ivories') and, if need be, a one-stop beast to bring to a gig. And Kurzweil is doing a promotional with reduced prices.

I gotta go collect aluminum cans now...

Cheers,
Jon

`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`
Real Life: Orchestral Percussionist
Web Life: "Corporeal Meadows" - about Harry Partch
http://www.corporeal.com/
NOTE:
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Hi John

You could probably get a 2500 with weighted keys for about 2000
grand. I know because my voice teacher is selling his and he has
checked EBay. To have KDFX and perhaps the contemporary card added
would be about a grand. I'm not convinced the k2600 is that much
better for most people.

ANd if that is where you are looking also be sure to check out the
Korg Triton. Alex has one, with sampling, and I've come around to
thinking it sounds better than the Kurzweill (oh gasp but true). I
actually retired my K2000 keyboard this summer and got a Korg Karma.
I love it, and thats why my voice teacher is selling his k2500. The
sounds are awesome. I think we have even fooled Jacky a few times
with the drum sounds into thinking it was hand drumming. It doesn't
handle samples though, so it wouldn't be appropriate for your needs

Butits worth looking at to see if your "needs" change.

Peace,
Mary

Mary,

{you wrote...}
>You could probably get a 2500 with weighted keys for about 2000 grand.

...and etc. Well, to fill out the picture, I've got my eye on a 2500RS that's up for sale, but don't know if I'll be the one that gets it. Until the day I actually get something new, I'll keep my eye out for quality used gear. The one caveat that I usually have is used keys, as I've talked with a few people that found actions had gone pretty bad on an item that they picked up. Electronics, once burned in, tend to be stable, but mechanics (like our bodies) eventually fail. (Note that the 2500RS is a rack unit, so I'd still need some new keys...).

But your points are well-taken, and the money won't leave my hands without a fight! And thanks for the tip on the Triton; my needs are pretty set, as sampling really is the goal here, but down the road? Oh, by then there will be some new, shiny toy....

Cheers,
Jon