jmack

So im looking into getting a korg triton studio or korg triton extreme this weekend...

but ive also been reading about what you can do with a computer and a nice midi controller too...

the only reason im going for a korg is because of it's world class pianos and samples (amongst other things) in the korg triton series.


so my question is, do you go for the nice korg triton or opt for the less glamorous but possibly cheaper computer route with midi controller?

Id LOVE to have the korg, but if its more beneficial to be doing this stuff on my computer then ill do that instead.

vanblah

Well, my first keyboard was an O1W-FD (the great grandfather of the Triton). I learned a lot on it, but ulitimately it proved to be a little limited.

Since then I've gone the route of a controller with modules and computer set up. Not only is it cheaper but it allows me to be more specialized. For instance, when I needed a really good piano sound and the studio did not have a piano I purchased the Bosendorfer 290 VI from EastWest which in my opinion blows every other piano sample I've ever heard out of the water. I can also have any number of "analog" synthesizer VI's that I want (there's a ton of freeware/opensource VI's out there).

On top of that I can record multiple tracks of acoustic instruments as well as my MIDI stuff and it's all laid out nicely on a computer screen rather than a 5x5 LCD.

That being said, you might like the compactness of a workstation. Especially if you plan to take it with you anywhere.

As to the question of cheaper. If you want to try to emulate the professional sound of the Triton you'll be spending a LOT of money on a computer. Sure you can write and record with a cheap computer and cheap soundcard, but you'll end up with a product that is far inferior to the sound you'd get just using the Triton.

The Triton is certainly a very nice choice.

jmack

see the thing is now... if im going to get it... is do i get the triton studio (more expensive but BEAUTIFUL machine) or that fancy ass Triton Extreme.

I feel so stupid because i have to walk into a music shop, having NO experience with triton and i cant even play a piano.

the best knowledge I have is messing with an ASR10... OLD.

So its embarrassing.

you know like you feel like youre one of those snowboarding kids who has ALL the fancy expensive gear, brand new, and then fumbles the entire way down the hill.

i know I should start on something cheaper... but why? I mean I know I LOVE music and I know I want to make full blown productions, so I mean is it wrong to start out big?

degrawj

i bought a Korg Triton Pro X, the 88 key model a year and a half ago, and ended up selling it six months after i got it mostly because i didn't devote enough time to actually figure out how to use it. it's a very powerful machine, with incredible samples, but it's also freaking expensive, and pretty damn complicated to use. so that is a problem starting out big. unless you are really serious about this, and you are going to really devote some time and effort into learning how to use the Triton, personally, i dont think it's worth it. because other wise, all you have is this huge piece of expensive equipment that just has some good samples. i like using smaller pieces of equipment, like my MicroKorg and EM-1, and then use my computer for samples and what not. but that's just my personal taste, and it totally depends on what you want to do with your music.

vanblah

I'd learn to play on a less expensive keyboard if I were you. No amount of technology is going to make up for the fact that you can't play.

I'm not saying that you have to be a virtuoso or anything. Just learn the basic concepts behind the tools you are going to be using.

The music is already in you ... you just have to learn how to use a tool that will bring it out of you. Don't get caught up in the whole gear lust thing. It's hard, I know. There are some things out that I desperately <i>want</i> but I don't <i>need</i>. If I actually had those items I'd use them maybe once or twice and then they'd sit on a shelf.

I guarantee you that the people you admire musically either A) learned how to play their instruments or B) have someone do it for them; most of them probably do both. They didn't just go out and buy the most expensive peice of gear out there and then miraculously turn out an CD.

Be aware that there is a learning curve with most everything ... musical instruments even more so than most things. Just devote some time to it and you'll get there.

Don't be afraid to tell the sales people that you don't really know how to play either. Honestly, they'd rather have a happy customer than someone frustrated with something that was oversold. Just build a relationship with them and remember that YOU have the upper hand because they want your money and they aren't the only game in town.

jmack

yeah im going to crank the hell out of it.. i spend 3 hours a night working on a website.. i think its time to devote some time to something i REALLY love.

so.. there you have it.

i guess if i dont like it i can sell it...

zfleebin

I wouldnt recommend a korg triton for a beginner simply because it is made more for a pianist than a beginning producer and the sequencing is rather complex. The real question before determining what to get is what you want to make. Are you looking towards creating digital symphonies, techno (what type?), music for movies, or do you want to do production work for bands. I will admit I am biased since I do mostly techno work and a small amount of background orchestration for flamenco but I have a close friend with a full size triton that is a professional pianist who will probably give his input if asked.