Korg Expands Concert Series Digital
Pianos
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| (Click for a close-up) |
February 5, 2000
Korg continues to expand their Concert Series line
of digital pianos with the introduction of two new high end accompaniment
pianos, the Ci-9600, Ci-8600, and a new low-cost model, the C-1500. These
new 88-note Concert Pianos offer the very latest technology housed in
wood cabinets. All instruments feature weighted-action keyboards, 64-note
polyphony, realistic acoustic piano sounds, and three pedals (damper,
soft and sostenuto) for even more sound control.
The Ci-9600 and Ci-8600 represent a significant addition to Korg's Concert
Series of digital pianos. They both feature Korg's exclusive TouchView interface,
with a graphic interface for home enthusiasts looking for a less technical approach
to enjoying playing a digital piano.
The Ci-9600's Real Weighted Hammer Action keyboard is heavier in the lower
register and lighter in the higher, just like that of a traditional grand piano,
while the Ci-8600 uses a traditional weighted hammer action. Both instruments
provide a maximum of 64 note polyphony, ensuring notes will not be "robbed"
during pedaled performances, and giving ample polyphony for playing piano with
accompaniment background.
The Ci-9600/8600 contain 346 programs from Korg's professional synthesizers.
Sounds include 15 different pianos (with a new, spacious stereo-sampled piano),
electric piano, organ, flute/sax, brass, strings, guitar, drums and unique synthesizer
voices. There are eight special "Melody Voice" programs that capture
the performer's expressive nuances, like vibrato and tremolo--ideal for use with
the accompaniment features. Two sounds can be layered simultaneously (Dual) or
the user can play different sounds in the lower and upper registers of the keyboard
(Split).
There are thirty-six types of built-in digital effects, all of which are designed
to add spaciousness and depth to the sound, and to help make the accompaniment
section sound like a true ensemble of instruments. The 40-watt sound system features
Korg's new Unity Cabinet Bass Reflex System™, with dual speakers for the
mid-low end, and two drivers for pristine highs. A special new feature of these
pianos is Korg's new Bass Enhancer circuitry, which adds rich lows for a powerful
bass response.
Two hundred seventeen accompaniment styles can easily be played with either
right or left hand chord tracking, or even a one-finger mode for the most basic
of players. Full accompaniments (such as latin, pop and jazz) employ the array
of built-in sounds and effects, for creating elaborate performances. A new feature
of these pianos is the Pianist rhythm styles. When playing a simple chord in the
left hand the user can sound like a full, two-handed pianist or even sound like
a small ensemble featuring piano, bass and drums. Internal memory contains 25
pianist rhythm styles and 192 full styles, each containing two intros, four variations,
two fills and two endings. The Korg Ci-9600/8600 include a 40,000-note MIDI recorder
that allows the user to record anything played on the keyboard -- from straight
piano playing to backing and melody, to complex arrangements.
The Ci-9600/8600 are able to playback commercially-available Standard MIDI
Files and karaoke data direct from their disk drive. A dedicated 32-voice, 676
sound XG engine provides Yamaha XF™, M-live™(Midisoft), Solton™
and Tune-1000™ compatible data and text formats support, with a Jukebox mode
for choosing the order songs will play back in. Song lyrics and program data are
displayed clearly on the large Korg TouchView™ graphical user interface.
Sounds and accompaniment styles can be selected and modified by simply touching
the displayed words or graphics. A Help function, which displays basic explanations
on the screen, is also provided.
Additional features include MIDI IN and OUT, a TO HOST connector (allowing
single-cable connection to computers for access to musical instruction and educational
software), a built-in metronome, and keyboard transposition/pitch control capability.
Ten different temperaments plus four user scales facilitate authentic performances
of classical and ethnic music.
The Korg Ci-9600/8600 both have a sophisticated cabinet design that includes
an ornamented music stand. The Ci-9600 has a folding key cover, similar to one
on an upright/spinet piano, as well as side panel construction crafted from a
single piece of wood. The Ci-8600 features a 2-piece wood side panel construction.
The new C-1500 Concert Piano is an affordable, 88-key addition to the expanding
Korg Concert Series Piano line.The C-1500 delivers three high-quality piano sounds
(including two spacious stereo pianos and a monaural piano for increased polyphony),
plus electric piano, harpsichord, vibraphone, organ and string sounds. The C-1500's
88-key full-scale keyboard provides the same feel as a traditional hammer-action
acoustic piano and includes three levels of touch sensitivity, allowing the user
to choose how the sound will respond to their playing dynamics.
Three pedals-damper, soft and sostenuto-provide professional-level control,
and MIDI IN/OUT and a PC interface greatly expand the flexibility of the C-1500.
A 15-watt sound system with 2 speakers, built-in key transposition and pitch control
capability, round out the C-1500's feature set. In addition, two headphone jacks
are provided for teacher and student during lessons, or for late night practice
without disturbing others. A rich black walnut finish cabinet which complements
any décor, completes the C-1500.
The Ci-9600, Ci-8600 and C-1500 Concert Series Digital Pianos will be available
in Spring of 2000, with suggested retail pricing as follows: C-1500 $2150, Ci-8600
$4200, Ci-9600 $5300 .
For more information contact
Korg at www.korg.com. |
