@@WoodyPianoShackAs both a Korg, Roland owner and Yamaha pre-owner I found Roland better in the mix and Korg the punchiest of them. Depends what you're after, none is better or worse just different concepts I believe.
Heh, I’m just the opposite! Very few Korg products I’ve ever cared for or enjoyed the sound of (that said, I own a Prologue, Drumlogue, opsix, and DSS-1! 😂). Honestly, I’m not a big fan of how this keyboard sounds, but its utility for helping to foster ideas and as a studio tool is obvious. And bonus marks for the different sizes and costing less than the Genos!
Aww Woody, you've never looked happier exploring a new keyboard. 😊 Well, I have to admit, I've loved all of the big 3, Korg, Roland, and Yamaha for synth sounds such as synth brass, synth leads, ethereal sounds, voices, choirs, brass, drums and percussion, etc, for years. Although in certain areas, such as with acoustic strings, Korg is my favorite, dating all the way back to my Korg Triton days. On the other hand I've never really been much of a fan of the Korg guitar sounds, with the previous PA instruments, or even on the Korg synths and work stations. IMO, Yamaha has excelled with the best acoustic and electric piano "emulations," as well as with guitar patches, acoustic, electric and lead guitar, dating back to the original Yamaha Motif series. That said, although I'll want to hear more examples of guitar patches with the new PA5X, after hearing your demo presentation, I feel that Korg has improved the sound of their guitar samples significantly, possibly even placing them on par with Yamaha. Again, I have to hear more examples, but that said, I love the sound of this new arranger. Thanks as usual Woody for your excellent presentation, demonstration, and musical excellence! 👏
Fantastic introduction to the awesome Korg Pa5X. I have owned my unit for just under a year and it still impresses me enormously! I can't wait to watch the next set of videos you produce regarding this amazing instrument. Thank you for your fair and balanced presentations. Woody, keep up the good work as you continue to influence the music making community - tack 🙂
Thank you! You are entertainment at its peak. I love your joyous enthusiasm. I like the Genos and the Genos 2 even more, but based on my purchase choice that took place a few months ago with my 76 key version, I like the Pa5X the most.
Korg arrangers have always sounded like a real band playing while the Yamaha arrangers sound like a fully produced album. To each his own. I only wish the Korg UI was as user friendly as Yamaha. Lovely demo. Enjoyed it.
Now we know where all the missing buttons and faders on the Nautilus went! Sounds good. Smart of Korg to send you the Pa5X to compare and contrast and not let Genos 2 get all the limelight.
It's still weired why Korg decided to almost copy the Genos look and plastic and removed 95% of the controls on the Nautilus and then made the Pa5X so Premium ... one can just hope that Yamaha does the Oposite with the Genos 3. It's one of the few things that is a real con for the Genos line. Just DON't copy that silly tilt screen !! can't wait for people trashing that comment 😅
Wow!! I can't wait!! You now have my favourite keyboard of all time in your possession ! It's amazing, I've had it since it launched over 2 years ago, and it still blows me away today. Make sure you have the latest OS installed as it has many new things including 60+ incredible new styles. I also have the Genos2 and as much as I also like that keyboard, the Pa5x still tops it for me, it sounds more modern and professional, just my opinion of course.
I've had mine for 4 weeks now and it still blows my mind. The keybed is the best feeling action I've ever touched. I played a friend's genos 2 last week and that keybed feels like a toy from kmart in comparison.
One feature that I miss is the printing of the location of the connections along the top back edge. This has been very helpful on my Pa4x as it is located against a wall.
I agree that having the text on the top back edge is super helpful and convenient. As a workaround, you can buy fairly inexpensive Brother label makers and use the black label tape with white text to give you a professional look on your keyboard. Maybe you know someone who owns such a label maker? But, it would have been nice if it was included on the keyboard from the factory.
The sheer, solid quality of the Korg aluminium and wood casing is awesome. The sound is spectacular. This is the arranger for me. Yamaha need to ditch the plastic! For 5K I'm not even going to consider a plastic keyboard.
Good choice. I upgraded from PA4X to the 5x a year ago. A great instrument ...looking forward to hearing what you do with it. I have a lotta fun and made a few utube videos meself😂
I wish I had enough musical talent to make use of even a fraction of this arrangers features. Jamming out to cheesy music on of these beasts is a life goal.
@@andywatts8654 Yep. Not much musical talent needed. Ever since the first 'arranger' you didn't even need chord theory anymore. Just push two or three buttons at the same time to play 7's, add9's, sus4's without even knowing what the f* you were doing. Basically these are very expensive MP3-players that you can jam a little to.
@@Frontdesk99 I think your probably missing the point here. Keyboards like this enable people with limited musical ability to experience a high enjoyment factor while learning to play. In a talented players hands these keyboards sound amazing.
It performs a different task to what I need my Nautilus for - the same goes for the Yamaha arranger you featured - this thing is like a beast of a one man band machine though! Surprisingly, Benn Jordan absolutely loved it - I thought he'd turn his nose up at it. He was having all sorts of fun with the one he had access to. In any case: Korg ❤ _(Gimme a new Kronos guys, c'mon!)_
Finally the right person to review this instrument! Please explain about registration banks( performances) and possibilities and functions of those…if you compare with registrations banks on Genos.. it’s there half bar fill in function in pa5x? and if you can notice some “cuttings” on the sounds when you press “fill in” buttons. Mvh Paul 🙂
ok, will watch out for that! registrations is not implemented in same way here, you just save a songbook entry, and then setlist to quickly select from screen, but not as easy as the genos quick registration buttons.
@@WoodyPianoShack Its a great keyboard and whilst Korg’s own Video Manual series gets newbies going they are limited. I’ve had Pa’s prior and this OS is a major leap forward I feel as though I’m starting over.
I LOVE Italian made keyboards! They have a certain quality about them. I have a Studiologic SL990 in my studio,and I'm getting a Dexibell Combo J7 this spring. My ultimate dream is a Fazioli Grand. I want to hear this Korg. I know it plays well since it's Italian. I'm looking forward to hear you play this. It's $5300 here in the States,but it's only 44 pounds,so it weighs LESS than my Studiologic.
its been 8 years still using my yamaha psr e343, im stuck with this keyboard. i dont know when will i enjoy the way you enjoying, may be my dream remains as a dream.😞
Woody I have had the Korg PA%x for almost a year ,, It is the best arranger I ever owned ,,, when I first ordered it ,, I also ordered the speaker that attaches to the back ,, but Korg discontinued the speaker ,,, i called guitar centers and Korg and Guitar centers seen to it that I got the new speaker ordered it will arrive soon ,,,the Korg Pa 5x is the best arranger i have ever played ,, It feels amazing you will love it ,,the possibility's as of what music one can play using it , I have only played it a few times ,, you know my off the grid style I dont like to multi track ,,or do video editing i like to do everything live in once take always have ,,, I want to play music on a insterment not make a movie ,,,if I ever become a fiml maker I will change and make films ,, but for just playing music and creating fashion statements in just one take and im done I love the Korg PA5x ,,, Now watch the whole world of arranger players copy my original style ,,, but woody remember you read it first from Astral Hills ,,,The Korg is great ,,,,I have a question why do people show them self unboxing the insterments i never understand that so strange its just a box ,,,If the keyboard is not damaged and packaged well ,,why show each movement of removing it from the box that strange to me ,,,,Its like undressing the keyboard down to nakedness like a stripper ,,,at a night club ,,,why not just get a drink and give the box a tip ? I dont get it ...I love the Keyboard not the box ,,,,Just say hey folks I got a new Korg Pa5x here ,,, Oh yea it came well packaged safely in a box ,,,,if something happen to it would ,,,people put it back in the box like a casket and have its funeral kind of the same thing ? i hope my Korg Pa5x Lives a very long live and I never have to put it in a box casket dead ,,,that would be sad,,:( ....the strange unboxing on keyboards on youtube how odd ,,,I should do it when my speaker arrives lol ....just for the craziness of it ,,,,Like the birth of the Korg Korg PAASMK2 shown by Astral Hills ,,LOL
Woody...I found it interesting that you chose to play Tasmin Archer's 1992 song, "Sleeping Satellite". Somehow that song eluded my ears until about 2 years ago! Love her voice! I discovered, btw, that the opening sounds at the beginning of that song can be duplicated perfectly by navigating Halion6: All Instrument Sets | Musical FX | Intelligent Liquids. 🙂
Korg keyboards are starting to look more like their synths with the sliders. But then i was told that korg do everything, be great to see what this can do, and how it compares with yamaha, those are the only two that are in the market now. Roland was if i remember, with the VA series some years ago.
Those devices are very funny, and I am a Korg fan since MS20. But I will buy one of those when I will be old. When I won't be able to play live with a band.
You've made this sound beautiful, contemporary, and just downright fun Woody. This seems to sound a lot more modern in its styles and sounds than the Yamaha Genos 2. Wonder what your thoughts are between the two?
thanks! my thoughts on the two would perhaps have to be addressed later after spending as much time with the korg as the other arrangers. i have about 40 hours on the pa now and getting quite deep into it. remember there are about 800 styles on each, and you've only heard about 5 so far, so don't make any judgements yet :)
Hi Woody. Great demo (and nice ending). Would it be possible in a future video to show which cables you've used, the type of cables and the keyboard ports for audio output please, also with the Genos and other keyboards you demo. Really enjoyed your unboxing and look forward to discovering more with you about this Korg. Thank you!
hello andy and thx for the comment. i'm not sure it is worthy of a video, i'm just running two instrument jack cables for left and right from the instrument to a zoom h4n audio recorder. done!
Woody...I do believe the Korg Pa5X was released in 2020? I'm curious about what made you decide to review this arranger keyboard now? Do you know if Korg is working on releasing a replacement arranger keyboard that improves on the Pa5X? What version OS did your demo keyboard have? Was it the 1.2.1, which I think is the latest? Did you notice any hiccups? Thanks for taking the time to produce your enjoyable videos!
thanks for the question. no special significance to the timing, i have been nagging my contacts at Korg to lend me one for a few months. in fact they offered a loan when they launched it, but i didn't have the bandwidth to take it on. it has been tricky to arrange, involving korg japan, music stores and distributors, but finally they made it happen. i have latest os, no new replacement models that i know of, it's too early for that surely? korg have communicated to me that they are still committed to improving the keyboard, but no specific details shared with me.
It would be a smash hit if KORG would release a VST version of this arranger. Even for like 799$. Or are there any arranger VSTs that I’m not aware of? And Woody, amazing video as always ;)
You are truely a lucky guy, having the Genos 2 on loan, and now this awesome Pa5X fro Korg. Back in the day, when the Pa4X and Genos got released, i tried both as i wantwed to see how i could get along with each one of them. Comming from the Yamaha Tyros 4, i imediately found my way around the Genos, with not much searching for the things i was used to use. But with the Korg, every time i wanted to so something, i needed to ask the store salesman to help me out. Is the Pa5X more like the Yamaha keyboards? I love the sound, but i don't know ifi it has One Touch Settings, and Registrations, and maybe a multipad too? As those are my favorite features from the Yamaha workstations.
you will have to watch the tutorial that i shot today for description of many of these features. registration is not as convenient as yamaha perhaps, but otherwise quite equivalent.
A couple of things. The PA-as soundbar seems to no longer be available. Korg still lists it on it's site, but if you go to several resellers they claim it's discontinued. I find that interesting, since if you don't have the sound bar, you are either relegated to using headphones like you are, or you have to run the main outputs to a set of external monitors. If you do that, where is your outputs for recording? So, would you please, as part of your demonstration, go over the 1-4 outputs. I think they are fixed outputs, so you have no control over the volume, but I'm not sure. Next, when going over the back panel, you forgot about the Guitar Input. For some songwriters, that's really important, since the PA5X comes with a slew of guitar effects and speaker emulations. You've recently had the Genos 2, and I don't know if you still have one, but there is a huge difference between Yamaha and Korg in their arranger keyboards, and in my opinion, this feature makes the Korg the stand out arranger. That feature is 'Chord Variations.' Korg introduced this was the original i3 'Interactive Arranger' way back in 1993. While both keyboards recognize the same chords, the Korg has different patterns for various chord types. So, they are broken down into Major, Sixth, Seventh, Minor, Augmented and Diminished. Also, there are two chord variations for Intros and Endings, based on Major, Sixth and Seventh and then Minor, Diminished or Augmented. Yamaha does not do this. This is not implemented on every style type, but I would say that probably a majority of the styles have this implemented on them. I have an old PA800 and it's on several styles on that. So, choose a style, say the 'Basic Bossa' style (if that's still available) and hit the Intro 1, and play a C chord. Then, start it over again, and this time play a C minor chord. The Intro should be different for different chord types. If you still have the Genos, try it on that and see if it does the same thing. I don't think it will. What this means TO ME is that the music you're playing, if it has more than just Major chords, is going to sound more musical, especially if you get into minor, diminished and augmented chords. Now, as I said, this doesn't apply to every style, but it is used where it most musical. Is it worth it? To me it is. Anyway, I haven't subscribed until now, and I am looking forward to seeing what you think of this over the next few videos. Thank for reviewing it.
Had one for 6 months. Some bits are good such as the extra rhythmic style pads that along with the 4 style variations give you a lot of musical options. In fact I never would reduce style intensity on the Genos, this was great about the Pa5X, it meant you can jam for a long time on a single idea. Having said all that it is by no means as good as a Genos 1 or 2. Without registrations it is incredibly hard to set things up nicely and some sounds are just bad and not realistic. Also the 88 weighted Fatar keybed broke on mine and I traded it in as soon as it was repaired. It was a poor weighted bed, but I believe the 61 and 76 synth ones are pretty good in fact.
i agree the 10 registration buttons and reg banks are the first thing that I missed on the Pa. makes sense that it's a fatar action, it must be one of their high-end synth actions on this.
Such a different beast than the Genos2. If you held one up against the other and asked someone to choose the "pro" instrument, you can pretty much guarantee they'd choose the Korg. And about £1200 less for the 5x here in the UK compared to the Genos2... I got my Pa5X a couple months ago; replacing a 4X. I was genuinely going to go for the Genos2 this time if it wasn't for the price. When the 5X arrived, I was reminded absolutely that I'd made the right choice!
@@WoodyPianoShack Your in-depth reviews on the Genos were immensely helpful, Woody!! Having had hands on with it, it was definitely the right choice for me - and a reduced learning curve, as the last Yammy keyboard I had was a Tyros2! I have the Pa5x MIDI-linked with my Roland RD800, so each can play the other, and I have a full 88 key weighted / hammer action to go with it. Everything I need when I go out gigging as a bass guitarist!!!
I have both, and both are very different. I'm a firm believer in having a synth/workstation to accompany an arranger. I like the pianos in Nautilus better, but the brass, strings and woodwind are the very best on the pa5x. The keybed on the pa5x is THE best semi weighted action I've ever had the pleasure of touching. The genos 2 feels like a toy in comparison. The Nautilus has a great keybed as well, but the pa5x is leagues above everything in keybed action.
@studiokounouz1064 the synth sounds it has are great, but the Nautilus has 5x the amount, and you can tweak them more. The nautilus has a cpl thousands more sounds than the pa5x, the variety is immense. But the pa5x excels at duplicating the real instruments a band would have. The orchestras/strings are mind blowing. I still love the ease of use the Nautilus with drums and arpeggiators and scenes.
What would be really cool is if you could create your own backing tracks and/or create your own patches for those backing tracks or simply call up different patches individually for those backing tracks.
Very nice Woody, I tried an earlier Korg Pa?X many years ago and preferred it to the Yamaha Tyros of the day, in terms of the sounds and styles. Given my standard of play I struggled to justify the purchase. I still have my now aging GEM WK8 'Megastation' ! How do you feel this, their latest version compares to the Yamaha Genos 2, which I guess is fresh in your mind?
you have sampler, but extremely basic linear sequencer, not pattern based, sadly. kronos has many more synthesis engines, this one is basically only a sample playback + CX3 afaik.
Do you know , you can see en follow the chords and measure of the long intro , seems a chord sequencer, the major or minor chords has a different pattern & tap twice the intro or break or fill in button, becomes a never ending intro etc, you can play and improvised with the intro, awesome on KORG PA5X, but NOT YAMAHA TYROS GENOS 2 keyboards 😅 & have fun🎹👍 with your great asset🎉 btw I've also a PA5X
In my personal opinion korg pax5 is a better keyboar than genos the smooth sound transition on the korg pax5 make tge keyboar way more organic than the genos , is sad that yamaha genos 2 dont have that feature and bye the way you play amazing on this beast
Pa5X-61 is next on my list. Then there's the Genos2. So far the Pa5X is in the lead. No 61-key versions at my main retailer, so I'll have to wait until they're in stock. Then there's the Genos2. Meanwhile waiting for delivery of my Arturia AstroLab.
16:22 this is why i am so in love with arrangers....one man show! i started playing with the casio pt-20 in 1983 and then with the Yamaha PSR-70! it makes you smile, fun just to fiddle around....... and the sound quality today is beyond imagination, pure real - every musician should have one arranger at home... also great for finding new ideas..... i own the yamaha psr sx-700 now, just for fun! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Good to see you finally introducing yourself to the world of Korg keyboards, mate. I have the impression that you neglected the other half of the keyboard-universe for far too long. I’m sure you will be amazed of what you have been missing out on.
@@WoodyPianoShack Yeah, a “keyboard” for me, means an “arranger-keyboard”. (I’m that old, I guess.) You focussed on Yamaha until now, so I can’t wait to see your exploration of the Pa5X. I’m sure it will be amazing!
Over a year ago I perused the manual for the PA5x. At the time - just like PSRSX900 and Genos2 - the PA5x Chord Looper feature had NO editing support. Has this changed maybe (hope springs eternal) in a recent firmware update?. TBH composer/producer-wise I didn't see anything more favourable to us in the PA5x than the Genos line...
You look like you are having a whale of a time . A true test of how good the instrument is . If it inspired you and gets you smiling like that , then are into a winner .
There's a group of people on Facebook who complains endlessly about their PA5X not working properly. Their names imply that they may be from a certain region of the world. I've been wondering if these "problems" only exist on PA5X made for a certain region in the world. I bought my PA5X 16 months ago but have not opened the box yet. I'm turning my office into a dedicated music room and will hook it up then.
If you find out how to get the bagpipes please let me know how I have been trying for 2 months and only managed to get them once but maybe i must be one of the owners who have a faulty key board it was bought brand new!
Hello Woody, I’ve bought a second Pa5x, they are that good I have to have more than one of this incredible keyboard. I may even get a 3rd, who knows 😮😂 !!!
Is there any software that can act like an arranger keyboard, so you can trigger backing track chords changes with one hand while playing the melody with the other? I’d love to noodle around with that, but can’t justify buying one of these to do it!
nope, nothing. very strange. but perhaps because you need to many controls to operate one of these, it's a performance instrument, not something for the DAW?
You are seriously so happy playing the Pa5X it is contagious and it makes me smile.
Oh wow! Exciting times in the Piano Shack - and for us too!! What a beast of an instrument! Thank You Woody!
thank you too!
To my ears, Korg synths have always been the most "warm and musical" sounding of all the big brands.
yeah, i hear that too, warm, fat and punchy on the kross, nautilus and now this.
@@WoodyPianoShackAs both a Korg, Roland owner and Yamaha pre-owner I found Roland better in the mix and Korg the punchiest of them.
Depends what you're after, none is better or worse just different concepts I believe.
Heh, I’m just the opposite! Very few Korg products I’ve ever cared for or enjoyed the sound of (that said, I own a Prologue, Drumlogue, opsix, and DSS-1! 😂). Honestly, I’m not a big fan of how this keyboard sounds, but its utility for helping to foster ideas and as a studio tool is obvious. And bonus marks for the different sizes and costing less than the Genos!
I've always been a Korg fan, but Kurzweil is up there in terms of sound for me.
Aww Woody, you've never looked happier exploring a new keyboard. 😊 Well, I have to admit, I've loved all of the big 3, Korg, Roland, and Yamaha for synth sounds such as synth brass, synth leads, ethereal sounds, voices, choirs, brass, drums and percussion, etc, for years. Although in certain areas, such as with acoustic strings, Korg is my favorite, dating all the way back to my Korg Triton days. On the other hand I've never really been much of a fan of the Korg guitar sounds, with the previous PA instruments, or even on the Korg synths and work stations. IMO, Yamaha has excelled with the best acoustic and electric piano "emulations," as well as with guitar patches, acoustic, electric and lead guitar, dating back to the original Yamaha Motif series. That said, although I'll want to hear more examples of guitar patches with the new PA5X, after hearing your demo presentation, I feel that Korg has improved the sound of their guitar samples significantly, possibly even placing them on par with Yamaha. Again, I have to hear more examples, but that said, I love the sound of this new arranger. Thanks as usual Woody for your excellent presentation, demonstration, and musical excellence! 👏
Fantastic I would love to be able to play a keyboard like that. I had lessons on an organ when I was a kid, but haven’t done it since.
Fantastic introduction to the awesome Korg Pa5X. I have owned my unit for just under a year and it still impresses me enormously! I can't wait to watch the next set of videos you produce regarding this amazing instrument. Thank you for your fair and balanced presentations. Woody, keep up the good work as you continue to influence the music making community - tack 🙂
appreciate the nice feedback and kind words, cheers
واض@@WoodyPianoShack
Hi. Is your PA5x running on the OS ir came with or have you done any of the updates?
Thank you! You are entertainment at its peak. I love your joyous enthusiasm. I like the Genos and the Genos 2 even more, but based on my purchase choice that took place a few months ago with my 76 key version, I like the Pa5X the most.
I understand the facial expression… those sounds are gorgeous! I possibly look similar when I pick up a beautiful guitar and it sings to me!
You are one lucky man, what a keyboard 🫠
Korg arrangers have always sounded like a real band playing while the Yamaha arrangers sound like a fully produced album. To each his own. I only wish the Korg UI was as user friendly as Yamaha. Lovely demo. Enjoyed it.
As a lifetime KORG user and now jumping into the YAMAHA series arrangers for some years I can say that KORG UI is much better and easier then YAMAHA.
Now we know where all the missing buttons and faders on the Nautilus went! Sounds good. Smart of Korg to send you the Pa5X to compare and contrast and not let Genos 2 get all the limelight.
100% !
It's still weired why Korg decided to almost copy the Genos look and plastic and removed 95% of the controls on the Nautilus and then made the Pa5X so Premium ... one can just hope that Yamaha does the Oposite with the Genos 3. It's one of the few things that is a real con for the Genos line. Just DON't copy that silly tilt screen !! can't wait for people trashing that comment 😅
Wow!! I can't wait!! You now have my favourite keyboard of all time in your possession ! It's amazing, I've had it since it launched over 2 years ago, and it still blows me away today. Make sure you have the latest OS installed as it has many new things including 60+ incredible new styles. I also have the Genos2 and as much as I also like that keyboard, the Pa5x still tops it for me, it sounds more modern and professional, just my opinion of course.
Very pricey instrument though
@@PetraKann Genos 2 is more expensive
great to hear from an owner, congrats. check, latest OS out of the box!
@@dannymormone must compare prices of the 76 note versions, pretty much the same :)
I've had mine for 4 weeks now and it still blows my mind. The keybed is the best feeling action I've ever touched. I played a friend's genos 2 last week and that keybed feels like a toy from kmart in comparison.
Those were some EXCELLENT demo's Woody! That Pa5X sounds amazing! love the sound switching when you changed parts
One feature that I miss is the printing of the location of the connections along the top back edge. This has been very helpful on my Pa4x as it is located against a wall.
I agree that having the text on the top back edge is super helpful and convenient. As a workaround, you can buy fairly inexpensive Brother label makers and use the black label tape with white text to give you a professional look on your keyboard. Maybe you know someone who owns such a label maker? But, it would have been nice if it was included on the keyboard from the factory.
The sheer, solid quality of the Korg aluminium and wood casing is awesome. The sound is spectacular. This is the arranger for me.
Yamaha need to ditch the plastic!
For 5K I'm not even going to consider a plastic keyboard.
Good choice. I upgraded from PA4X to the 5x a year ago. A great instrument ...looking forward to hearing what you do with it. I have a lotta fun and made a few utube videos meself😂
nice job and congrats
Another Great Unveiling Woody. Thanks
I wish I had enough musical talent to make use of even a fraction of this arrangers features. Jamming out to cheesy music on of these beasts is a life goal.
you can do it!
I think you just press a button these days 😉
@@andywatts8654 Yep. Not much musical talent needed. Ever since the first 'arranger' you didn't even need chord theory anymore. Just push two or three buttons at the same time to play 7's, add9's, sus4's without even knowing what the f* you were doing. Basically these are very expensive MP3-players that you can jam a little to.
@@Frontdesk99 I think your probably missing the point here. Keyboards like this enable people with limited musical ability to experience a high enjoyment factor while learning to play. In a talented players hands these keyboards sound amazing.
It performs a different task to what I need my Nautilus for - the same goes for the Yamaha arranger you featured - this thing is like a beast of a one man band machine though! Surprisingly, Benn Jordan absolutely loved it - I thought he'd turn his nose up at it. He was having all sorts of fun with the one he had access to. In any case:
Korg ❤
_(Gimme a new Kronos guys, c'mon!)_
i saw benn's video but didn't recall that it was a Pa, nice!
That is serious gear you have there.
Modern keyboards are seriously impressive in terms of sound and features.
It looks like you found your happy place! That Pa5X sounds great as did your playing!
Looking forward to additional videos..this keyboard perked my interest for a while.
I bought a Pa600 more than 10 years ago but listening to the styles of this one I can clearly hear they have the same DNA.
They change nothing. Same with Roland's styles. Made by boomers who are stuck in the 80's.
Very nice looking keyboard...looking forward to you playing it😊
Got my pa 700 last week. Love it.
congrats, intriguing keyboard. it looks purple in the photos, is it? super cool in that case!
Nailing it Woody. Sounds like me playing the bass.
Great Demo Woody, I hear a little Tasmin Archer & Enigma in your little jam ! Sounds great !!!!
Its korging time!
Looking forward to your evaluation of the PA5X. Thanks for your time and effort.🎵🎶🎹👍😊
Finally the right person to review this instrument! Please explain about registration banks( performances) and possibilities and functions of those…if you compare with registrations banks on Genos..
it’s there half bar fill in function in pa5x? and if you can notice some “cuttings” on the sounds when you press “fill in” buttons.
Mvh Paul 🙂
ok, will watch out for that! registrations is not implemented in same way here, you just save a songbook entry, and then setlist to quickly select from screen, but not as easy as the genos quick registration buttons.
“A few weeks” Hoho! - Lucky boy Woody! Fun times indeed! 😊
The poor wife!!
I have a Pa5X and look forward to your videos on this awesome keyboard.
super, congrats!
@@WoodyPianoShack Its a great keyboard and whilst Korg’s own Video Manual series gets newbies going they are limited. I’ve had Pa’s prior and this OS is a major leap forward I feel as though I’m starting over.
I LOVE Italian made keyboards! They have a certain quality about them. I have a Studiologic SL990 in my studio,and I'm getting a Dexibell Combo J7 this spring. My ultimate dream is a Fazioli Grand. I want to hear this Korg. I know it plays well since it's Italian. I'm looking forward to hear you play this. It's $5300 here in the States,but it's only 44 pounds,so it weighs LESS than my Studiologic.
my italian legend organ was fabulous design and construction too. i hear they make nice cars down there too.... ;)
its been 8 years still using my yamaha psr e343, im stuck with this keyboard. i dont know when will i enjoy the way you enjoying, may be my dream remains as a dream.😞
I bought one of the first PAs. it was a 1x. It was a great board as well.
This looks and sounds fantastic. Also you could totally create an entire 'pages from Ceefax' album on that LOL.
Excellent review, have just ordered one now, we are very excited
oh wow, have you got some fun in store! congrats.
Nice review. Glad you got a KORG Arranger, at last.
Lovely happy song at the end, Loved it 😊
Tasmin A 😎 great to hear your version woody 😍
Woody I have had the Korg PA%x for almost a year ,, It is the best arranger I ever owned ,,, when I first ordered it ,, I also ordered the speaker that attaches to the back ,, but Korg discontinued the speaker ,,, i called guitar centers and Korg and Guitar centers seen to it that I got the new speaker ordered it will arrive soon ,,,the Korg Pa 5x is the best arranger i have ever played ,, It feels amazing you will love it ,,the possibility's as of what music one can play using it , I have only played it a few times ,, you know my off the grid style I dont like to multi track ,,or do video editing i like to do everything live in once take always have ,,, I want to play music on a insterment not make a movie ,,,if I ever become a fiml maker I will change and make films ,, but for just playing music and creating fashion statements in just one take and im done I love the Korg PA5x ,,, Now watch the whole world of arranger players copy my original style ,,, but woody remember you read it first from Astral Hills ,,,The Korg is great ,,,,I have a question why do people show them self unboxing the insterments i never understand that so strange its just a box ,,,If the keyboard is not damaged and packaged well ,,why show each movement of removing it from the box that strange to me ,,,,Its like undressing the keyboard down to nakedness like a stripper ,,,at a night club ,,,why not just get a drink and give the box a tip ? I dont get it ...I love the Keyboard not the box ,,,,Just say hey folks I got a new Korg Pa5x here ,,, Oh yea it came well packaged safely in a box ,,,,if something happen to it would ,,,people put it back in the box like a casket and have its funeral kind of the same thing ? i hope my Korg Pa5x Lives a very long live and I never have to put it in a box casket dead ,,,that would be sad,,:( ....the strange unboxing on keyboards on youtube how odd ,,,I should do it when my speaker arrives lol ....just for the craziness of it ,,,,Like the birth of the Korg Korg PAASMK2 shown by Astral Hills ,,LOL
Great demo, thanks. Love the sounds too.
Great to see an impartial video which is not trying to sell a product, but from the perspective of an end user. I wonder if it will become a keeper?
well i always have the option to buy. but with all the new gear i have to learn, i'm not sure if i will have the time to enjoy an arranger.. :(
@@WoodyPianoShack enjoy the moment then and being on the Korg side
Never seen you enjoying this much while trying out a board. :)
Can't wait for the other videos in the series.
Woody...I found it interesting that you chose to play Tasmin Archer's 1992 song, "Sleeping Satellite". Somehow that song eluded my ears until about 2 years ago! Love her voice! I discovered, btw, that the opening sounds at the beginning of that song can be duplicated perfectly by navigating Halion6: All Instrument Sets | Musical FX | Intelligent Liquids. 🙂
Well played Woody👏👏👏
Korg keyboards are starting to look more like their synths with the sliders. But then i was told that korg do everything, be great to see what this can do, and how it compares with yamaha, those are the only two that are in the market now. Roland was if i remember, with the VA series some years ago.
Those devices are very funny, and I am a Korg fan since MS20. But I will buy one of those when I will be old. When I won't be able to play live with a band.
sounds like a cunning plan!
You've made this sound beautiful, contemporary, and just downright fun Woody. This seems to sound a lot more modern in its styles and sounds than the Yamaha Genos 2.
Wonder what your thoughts are between the two?
thanks! my thoughts on the two would perhaps have to be addressed later after spending as much time with the korg as the other arrangers. i have about 40 hours on the pa now and getting quite deep into it. remember there are about 800 styles on each, and you've only heard about 5 so far, so don't make any judgements yet :)
@@WoodyPianoShack👍
That looks like quality.😊
looks and feels, 100%
Ohh Man those sounds r sick, just like coming out of a Kronos. 😍😍
Hi Woody. Great demo (and nice ending). Would it be possible in a future video to show which cables you've used, the type of cables and the keyboard ports for audio output please, also with the Genos and other keyboards you demo. Really enjoyed your unboxing and look forward to discovering more with you about this Korg. Thank you!
hello andy and thx for the comment. i'm not sure it is worthy of a video, i'm just running two instrument jack cables for left and right from the instrument to a zoom h4n audio recorder. done!
How do the keys feel? Sensitivity? Aftertouch? I like the HDMI out ... assume so we can use a larger screen?
Woody...I do believe the Korg Pa5X was released in 2020? I'm curious about what made you decide to review this arranger keyboard now? Do you know if Korg is working on releasing a replacement arranger keyboard that improves on the Pa5X? What version OS did your demo keyboard have? Was it the 1.2.1, which I think is the latest? Did you notice any hiccups? Thanks for taking the time to produce your enjoyable videos!
thanks for the question. no special significance to the timing, i have been nagging my contacts at Korg to lend me one for a few months. in fact they offered a loan when they launched it, but i didn't have the bandwidth to take it on. it has been tricky to arrange, involving korg japan, music stores and distributors, but finally they made it happen. i have latest os, no new replacement models that i know of, it's too early for that surely? korg have communicated to me that they are still committed to improving the keyboard, but no specific details shared with me.
Could you make a comparative test between genos 2 and PA5X ??
maybe, i think there are too many features to dive into and compare, would be a massive undertaking to do it well and fairly
A little Tasmin Archer Sleeping Satellite cover in there. Cool. Not something you hear everyday. ;-)
no, strange that it would even come to my mind when improvising!
It would be a smash hit if KORG would release a VST version of this arranger. Even for like 799$. Or are there any arranger VSTs that I’m not aware of? And Woody, amazing video as always ;)
It made me craving for a shrimp cocktail and then one serving of salmon with strawberries.
You are truely a lucky guy, having the Genos 2 on loan, and now this awesome Pa5X fro Korg. Back in the day, when the Pa4X and Genos got released, i tried both as i wantwed to see how i could get along with each one of them. Comming from the Yamaha Tyros 4, i imediately found my way around the Genos, with not much searching for the things i was used to use. But with the Korg, every time i wanted to so something, i needed to ask the store salesman to help me out. Is the Pa5X more like the Yamaha keyboards? I love the sound, but i don't know ifi it has One Touch Settings, and Registrations, and maybe a multipad too? As those are my favorite features from the Yamaha workstations.
you will have to watch the tutorial that i shot today for description of many of these features. registration is not as convenient as yamaha perhaps, but otherwise quite equivalent.
@@WoodyPianoShack Can't wait for that!
Nice one Woody.
Um grande fã da Korg mandando um oi aqui do Brasil 👋🏼
It is very good. My friends who also owned PAs used to refer to the Nautilus and the Kronos as "Those other little Korg boards" LOL
A couple of things. The PA-as soundbar seems to no longer be available. Korg still lists it on it's site, but if you go to several resellers they claim it's discontinued. I find that interesting, since if you don't have the sound bar, you are either relegated to using headphones like you are, or you have to run the main outputs to a set of external monitors. If you do that, where is your outputs for recording? So, would you please, as part of your demonstration, go over the 1-4 outputs. I think they are fixed outputs, so you have no control over the volume, but I'm not sure.
Next, when going over the back panel, you forgot about the Guitar Input. For some songwriters, that's really important, since the PA5X comes with a slew of guitar effects and speaker emulations.
You've recently had the Genos 2, and I don't know if you still have one, but there is a huge difference between Yamaha and Korg in their arranger keyboards, and in my opinion, this feature makes the Korg the stand out arranger. That feature is 'Chord Variations.' Korg introduced this was the original i3 'Interactive Arranger' way back in 1993. While both keyboards recognize the same chords, the Korg has different patterns for various chord types. So, they are broken down into Major, Sixth, Seventh, Minor, Augmented and Diminished. Also, there are two chord variations for Intros and Endings, based on Major, Sixth and Seventh and then Minor, Diminished or Augmented. Yamaha does not do this.
This is not implemented on every style type, but I would say that probably a majority of the styles have this implemented on them. I have an old PA800 and it's on several styles on that. So, choose a style, say the 'Basic Bossa' style (if that's still available) and hit the Intro 1, and play a C chord. Then, start it over again, and this time play a C minor chord. The Intro should be different for different chord types. If you still have the Genos, try it on that and see if it does the same thing. I don't think it will.
What this means TO ME is that the music you're playing, if it has more than just Major chords, is going to sound more musical, especially if you get into minor, diminished and augmented chords. Now, as I said, this doesn't apply to every style, but it is used where it most musical. Is it worth it? To me it is.
Anyway, I haven't subscribed until now, and I am looking forward to seeing what you think of this over the next few videos. Thank for reviewing it.
Had one for 6 months. Some bits are good such as the extra rhythmic style pads that along with the 4 style variations give you a lot of musical options. In fact I never would reduce style intensity on the Genos, this was great about the Pa5X, it meant you can jam for a long time on a single idea. Having said all that it is by no means as good as a Genos 1 or 2. Without registrations it is incredibly hard to set things up nicely and some sounds are just bad and not realistic. Also the 88 weighted Fatar keybed broke on mine and I traded it in as soon as it was repaired. It was a poor weighted bed, but I believe the 61 and 76 synth ones are pretty good in fact.
i agree the 10 registration buttons and reg banks are the first thing that I missed on the Pa. makes sense that it's a fatar action, it must be one of their high-end synth actions on this.
Such a different beast than the Genos2. If you held one up against the other and asked someone to choose the "pro" instrument, you can pretty much guarantee they'd choose the Korg. And about £1200 less for the 5x here in the UK compared to the Genos2... I got my Pa5X a couple months ago; replacing a 4X. I was genuinely going to go for the Genos2 this time if it wasn't for the price. When the 5X arrived, I was reminded absolutely that I'd made the right choice!
congrats on your Ps, i haven't yet decided which sounds best, but for sure they are very different character
@@WoodyPianoShack Your in-depth reviews on the Genos were immensely helpful, Woody!! Having had hands on with it, it was definitely the right choice for me - and a reduced learning curve, as the last Yammy keyboard I had was a Tyros2! I have the Pa5x MIDI-linked with my Roland RD800, so each can play the other, and I have a full 88 key weighted / hammer action to go with it. Everything I need when I go out gigging as a bass guitarist!!!
What's better for the sound ? Pa5x or Nautilus ? Thanks ❤
I have both, and both are very different. I'm a firm believer in having a synth/workstation to accompany an arranger. I like the pianos in Nautilus better, but the brass, strings and woodwind are the very best on the pa5x. The keybed on the pa5x is THE best semi weighted action I've ever had the pleasure of touching. The genos 2 feels like a toy in comparison. The Nautilus has a great keybed as well, but the pa5x is leagues above everything in keybed action.
Thanks. What you think about a synthesisers sounds? like a lead pads ..
@SoManyHobbies365
@studiokounouz1064 the synth sounds it has are great, but the Nautilus has 5x the amount, and you can tweak them more. The nautilus has a cpl thousands more sounds than the pa5x, the variety is immense. But the pa5x excels at duplicating the real instruments a band would have. The orchestras/strings are mind blowing. I still love the ease of use the Nautilus with drums and arpeggiators and scenes.
@SoManyHobbies365 👍👍👍thank you very much sir 🙏
yes, what @somanyhobbies said :D
What would be really cool is if you could create your own backing tracks and/or create your own patches for those backing tracks or simply call up different patches individually for those backing tracks.
it's all possible here, i have attempted it, but somewhat clunky and painful process at times. so doable but maybe not so pleasurable.
Very nice Woody, I tried an earlier Korg Pa?X many years ago and preferred it to the Yamaha Tyros of the day, in terms of the sounds and styles. Given my standard of play I struggled to justify the purchase. I still have my now aging GEM WK8 'Megastation' !
How do you feel this, their latest version compares to the Yamaha Genos 2, which I guess is fresh in your mind?
too early to say, and too much to write in a comment. we many cover this in a separate video!
A Woody signature would add at least $100 to the value.
good point, i will take my white paint marker and scrawl it over the front panel before i give it back to the shop :)
Would it make it sound any better?
Absolutely brilliant - coming from a Kronos2 - does it have the same sounds on it? Also is there a sequencer and audio in sampler?
you have sampler, but extremely basic linear sequencer, not pattern based, sadly. kronos has many more synthesis engines, this one is basically only a sample playback + CX3 afaik.
Beautiful flowers!
When powered on, the buttons are well lit, in all lighting situations, something the camera doesn't show properly.
yes, they are indeed. this is a very hard synth to film though, there is terrible flicker on "film", never had issues before. but fine in reality :)
@WoodyPianoShack your camera shutter speed is 2 slow, that's the issue 😉
Do you know , you can see en follow the chords and measure of the long intro , seems a chord sequencer, the major or minor chords has a different pattern & tap twice the intro or break or fill in button, becomes a never ending intro etc, you can play and improvised with the intro, awesome on KORG PA5X, but NOT YAMAHA TYROS GENOS 2 keyboards 😅 & have fun🎹👍 with your great asset🎉 btw I've also a PA5X
nice power tips, thanks! and congrats on yours.
@WoodyPianoShack but don't misunderstand me, GENOS 2, is also a great machine 👍 depending on your preferences🎉
In my personal opinion korg pax5 is a better keyboar than genos the smooth sound transition on the korg pax5 make tge keyboar way more organic than the genos , is sad that yamaha genos 2 dont have that feature and bye the way you play amazing on this beast
oh! cheers, thanks! we're just getting started!
Pa5X-61 is next on my list. Then there's the Genos2.
So far the Pa5X is in the lead. No 61-key versions at my main retailer, so I'll have to wait until they're in stock.
Then there's the Genos2.
Meanwhile waiting for delivery of my Arturia AstroLab.
Lets hope you play this one.
My question is: For the cost will it stand the test of time?
I'm happy with mine but I just wish it had more Japanese oriented Styles in the library.
16:22 this is why i am so in love with arrangers....one man show! i started playing with the casio pt-20 in 1983 and then with the Yamaha PSR-70! it makes you smile, fun just to fiddle around....... and the sound quality today is beyond imagination, pure real - every musician should have one arranger at home... also great for finding new ideas.....
i own the yamaha psr sx-700 now, just for fun! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
sx700 is a gem, thanks for the comment!
I hope to finnd a Korg for left hand.
I have it for a year already , is this current video ?
Having fun eh!
impressive !!!!
Good to see you finally introducing yourself to the world of Korg keyboards, mate.
I have the impression that you neglected the other half of the keyboard-universe for far too long.
I’m sure you will be amazed of what you have been missing out on.
introducing myself? i've owned and featured dozens of korgs on this channel :) but if you mean arrangers, then yes, this is indeed the first :)
@@WoodyPianoShack Yeah, a “keyboard” for me, means an “arranger-keyboard”. (I’m that old, I guess.)
You focussed on Yamaha until now, so I can’t wait to see your exploration of the Pa5X. I’m sure it will be amazing!
Over a year ago I perused the manual for the PA5x. At the time - just like PSRSX900 and Genos2 - the PA5x Chord Looper feature had NO editing support. Has this changed maybe (hope springs eternal) in a recent firmware update?. TBH composer/producer-wise I didn't see anything more favourable to us in the PA5x than the Genos line...
Never had one, but there are some people saying that this is the most expensive karaoke machine ever made, thoughts ?
a bit harsh as it does a little more than a karaoke!
4th button from top is missing 😅
The best Aranger in 2024 !
You look like you are having a whale of a time . A true test of how good the instrument is . If it inspired you and gets you smiling like that , then are into a winner .
There's a group of people on Facebook who complains endlessly about their PA5X not working properly. Their names imply that they may be from a certain region of the world. I've been wondering if these "problems" only exist on PA5X made for a certain region in the world. I bought my PA5X 16 months ago but have not opened the box yet. I'm turning my office into a dedicated music room and will hook it up then.
If you find out how to get the bagpipes please let me know how I have been trying for 2 months and only managed to get them once but maybe i must be one of the owners who have a faulty key board
it was bought brand new!
Arrangement keyboards are no joke....they are extensively used in the Middle East and Balkans at weddings.
Oh ye!
Didn't freeze the screen on you? Many people complain about it?
it crashed and rebooted once during my time with it
Hello Woody, I’ve bought a second Pa5x, they are that good I have to have more than one of this incredible keyboard. I may even get a 3rd, who knows 😮😂 !!!
Nice ❤
21:52 It'll be Alright on the Night! I think you might have missed a little edit :)
It sounds more powerful than the Yamaha Genos. The Ketron Event should also be considered.
Is there any software that can act like an arranger keyboard, so you can trigger backing track chords changes with one hand while playing the melody with the other? I’d love to noodle around with that, but can’t justify buying one of these to do it!
nope, nothing. very strange. but perhaps because you need to many controls to operate one of these, it's a performance instrument, not something for the DAW?
Check out: Giglad (my favorite); also Varranger, RealTime Style Performer, OneManBand , Nimbu.
awesome sound i prefer korg pa5x over tyros 5 much richer in sound
Well that screen tilts thing looks like the weakest link.
Looks like it will be the first thing to break.