Conference napalm::commusic_v1

    That's an interesting price quote ... I got an "estimate" from Chuck
    Levin's of $2995.  A $1k discrepancy is a bit much.

    I've been thinking about one of these (still trying to find a *real*
    workstation type keyboard).  As I see it ... 

    +	M1 sounds
    +	supports MIDI sample dump standard
    -	no additional oscillators (boo!)
    -	no extensions to M1 architecture (additional FX, etc)

    +	88 weighted keys
    -	channel (not poly) aftertouch
    -	possibly heavy as lead (if SG1D kybd used)

    +	large sequencer & disk drive
    -	Korg sequencers are generally lame

    If Ensoniq comes out with a VFX-based workstation, I may have a
    tough decision ahead.

-b

As I'm just learning of all the places I can spend my few pennies...where is
Chuck Levin's, and do you have a phone number?  Will they mail order?

Could be a big difference in regional pricing, or an error someplace.  I would
like to save $1K...

	Thanks,

	Jim

    Chuck Levin's is in Wheaton, Maryland (just north of the DC beltway).
    Phone is 301-946-8808.  It's probably the largest music store I've ever
    been in. 

    I bought my OB-Xa from them years ago.  If you know what you want, they
    are a great place to deal with (since they're usually *real* busy, they
    won't spend a lot of time trying to explain features over the phone).
    They've always given me great deals. 

    They will mail order, but I seem to remember a hassle if you want to
    pay COD ... they accept *only* cash (no money orders, certified checks,
    or anything else). 

    Ask for Mark Towles (Toe-less). 

-b

Well I didn't get to talk with Mark Towles as it was his day off, Jason in 
keyboards looked up their price and told me $4,000.

Either you and Mark have a very good relationship, or he misquoted it.  Anyway
thanks for the tip, they do sound like a super store, and one to check with if
you don't mind MO (and I don't mind).

	- Jim

    ??  Hmmm - well, I didn't get a formal quote (and I wouldn't say that
    we have a "good relationship" necessarily) ... but he did say (or at
    least I *thought* he said) that he figured it would go for around
    $2995. 

    Maybe I misunderstood him.  If not, $4k is too darn much money.

-b

Anyone know how the T1 keyboard feels relative to the SG1?  I'm guessing that
it's weighted but not piano-like...

    According to a (not so knowledgable) person I talked to recently, the
    action is identical (read: same mechanism as the SG1).
    
    For $5k, it oughta play like a Steinway.
    
-b

Daddy's thinks they'll be around 4K.  I was talking with Tim yesterday and he
says some lucky DECie will be getting the first one that they get in...

    Any idea on the price of the T2 (76 keys) or T3 (61 keys)?  I'm
    quite interested in a look/listen to these ... since the t2 is NOT
    weighted keys (according to EM), I'd hope it's a good deal lower
    in price than the T1 ...
    
    Called Daddys (Nashua, NH) - expected avail. of these is mid October...
    
    	-Jim

    Anyone seen a detailed description/review/brochure on these T-series
    units?  What soundfile/samples (or whatever KORG calls 'em) are
    in there?
    
    	-Jim

    The brief mention of the T1 in Keyboard (or was it E.M.?) said that
    the T1 had a "superb Bosendorfer (?sp) piano and a sax to die for"...
    does the M1 have these same sounds, or did they put a better piano
    in the T1?

I talked with KORG technical support yesterday (I have a T1 on order with
Daddy's in Nashua).  They told me a few new things I didn't know.
Here are some of the points made by the tech.

The first 4Mb of 16-bit samples are the M1 sounds, but many have been cleaned
up, samples relooped etc.

In addition, the next 4Mb have new samples including the Boesendorfer piano.

This is true for the entire T series (T1, T2, and T3).

The new wave forms in the M3R, are also found in the T series.  The M3R is NOT
a cheap M1R without a sequencer.  It has 3Mb of memory, with many of the
M1 samples, and some new ones as well.  These new ones apparently are also
included in the T series.

There is also 1Mb of RAM for loading new samples from the 3.5 inch disk, or
from MIDI sample dump standard.  This RAM is optional on the T2/T3.  KORG
is developing a library of disks for the T series.

The T1 will come standard with a 1Mb Piano sample (suppose to be as good as
the SG1D).

That's the latest I have heard.  Availability is targeted for October for the
T3, and soon afterwards for the T1 and T2.

	- Jim-who-can't-wait...

    Rd -.1
    
        I'm a bit confused ... the 8MB, you were told, on the T1, T2
    and T3 are the same.  This 8MB must include both the piano that's
    now in the M1, plus the Boesendorfer.  Then, you mentioned that
    the T1 (did you mean ONLY the T1) comes standard with a 1MB piano...
    is this 1MB piano IN ADDITION to the M1 and Boesendorfer pianos?
    Is the 1MB piano thus loaded from disk (to give you a total of 3
    pianos now)?
    
    	-Jim
    
    P.S. I still want one ... !  Any word on what the KEYBOARD on the
    T2 will be?  synth or weighted?

Note on M3r.  M3R doesn't provide as much "modulating"/"oscillator"
flexibility as M1.

Chad

Has anyone actually seen any of these units in a store yet?

Mike D

    I've called several local stores (Mass/NH) and they say availability
    is late October or November".  They mentioned that Korg is gearing
    up to produce/sell more M3R's instead, thus pushing back production
    of T1, T2, T3's
    
    	-Jim

In a discussion with KORG USA Technical Support, they told me that the 1Mb of
RAM would be standard on the T1 and optional on the T2/T3.  They mentioned that
a T Series disk library is under development which would include both disks
with new programs, and disks with new wave samples for the RAM.  They then
mentioned that the T1 would come with one disk containing a new PIANO sample
which would be a combination of a number of pianos including I think a
Yamaha Grand, and others.

The M1 piano and the "Bosendorfer" piano are part of the standard 8Mb ROM
sounds.

The T1 is an 88-note weighted keyboard, the T2/T3 are unweighted 76-note and
61-note respectively.

I have also heard that KORG is focusing on getting the M3R into volume 
production and has moved the T series out until late October with the T3 coming
out first, and then the T1 "shortly" afterwards.

I have heard that the T1 I have on order isn't expected until late November.

The only other news to add is that the Technical Specialist told me that while
the M1 sounds are contained in the T Series, the have been "cleaned up"
(e.g. relooped etc.).  He said that not all, but many will sound even better
on the T Series than they do on the M1.

I'll post anything else I learn here.

	Jim

P.S.	The latest issue of EM has a two page add on the T Series on the
	inside front cover.

    For what it's worth, I heard a store was selling M3Rs at $750 already.
    I'll see if I can dig up the name of the store (where'd I put it?....) 

-b

    I wonder if Korg will "give away" disk (sample) library for the
    cost of duplication, as Roland seems to do (for their S-50 series
    samplers), or whether Korg will change "an arm and a leg" for each
    disk ...
    
    	-Jim

    
    I have played with the M1/M1R a bit (dealer let me borrow an M1R awhile
    ago), and now I am interested in purchasing a rackmount SGU.  I already 
    have a MAC SE and Mastertracks PRO sequencer software.  Since the M3R is 
    now introduced, is there any reason *why* I would want to still purchase 
    an M1R over the M3R at this time, since supposedly the M3R has cleaner 
    samples, and I don't need the M1R sequencing?
    
    One thought:  I know that on the M1R, you need to place it into 
    sequence mode to be able for an external sequencer to play on multiple
    channels (and I have used different sequencer "SETUPS" 0-9 to select
    the types of effects desired on my sequence).  I guess that with the
    M3R I would lose the ability to have 9 effects "setups".  How are effects 
    processed on the M3R for external sequences?
    
    Also, RE .18, any more info on the M3R blow-out?
    
    
    Ken Rosenberg
    Software Specialist DWO

I've heard that the M3r's architecture is a bit leaner.  I don't know
the details but I believe I got the info from COMMUSIC so reread the
notes about it.

Chad

    If you're looking for a good deal on an M3R, call MusiCity in
    Lafayette, LA.  800-673-0565. 

    Ask for Ted, and give him my name (and make sure you mention DECMS or
    this conference - trying to get a rapport established, y'know). 

-b

    I had a chance to play a T3 (the 61-note version of the T1) at EU
    Wurlitzer in Boston the other day.  I had about 30 minutes on it,
    through headphones, with screaming guitars, drums, other keyboards,
    etc. being played in the background.
    
    My initial reaction?  I LIKE IT!  I'm going to be either a T2 or
    T3 (I don't want the size/weight of the 88-note, weighted T1). 
    First off, the large backlit display (8 lines x 40 characters) looks
    nice, very readable, and gives you a LOT of data to work with all
    at once.  I didn't use the T3 long enough to get a good feel for
    the UI though.  One nice feature that differs from the M1 ... you
    have 2 rows of buttons 0-thru-9; when you press a button from the
    top row, a "pop-up menu" shows up, listing all the (10) sounds
    available for that number (i.e. press 5, you see patches 50-59 all
    at once!)
    
    Sounds?  Hard to judge in the environment I played it in (the noisy
    store), but I can say this: there are a LOT of sounds when you have
    8 meg of ROM to play with!  Just about every major acoustic, orchestral
    and modern instrument is represented.  What I remember ... 3 more
    pipe organs, a NICE piano (it's supposed to be a B�sendorfer), a
    couple of saxes including "growl sax", lots more drums'n'percussion,
    trombone, a NICE mellow Rhodes (NOT like the DX-7 rhodes, more like
    a REAL rhodes played lightly), lots of "spacy/breathy" sounds, let's
    see, what else ... a few more B-3-ish organs, tympani, several more
    brass insruments, that's all I can remember for now.
    
    Oh yeah, there were alot of "combinations" for which velocity brough
    in extra instruments, like a "jazz/jam" combi with one trumpet,
    then 2 horns, then 3, depending on how hard you played.  I don't
    know if the M1 could do this too, but it was a nice effect.  
    
    The one drawback that comes to mind is that you get "only" 16 voices,
    which means you quickly run out if you use thick layers.  That's
    about the ONLY "complaint" I can think of, though ...
    
    I can't wait to pick mine up (as soon as they hit the stores...)
    
    	-Jim

    Re .23
    
    I should add that the sounds I listed in note .23 were those sounds
    that were in the T3 but NOT in the M1, since the T-series supposedly
    has the same 4 meg (slightly cleaned up?) as the M1, *plus* another
    4 meg.  So, I listed the ADDITIONAL sounds that I remembered that
    were beyond those in the M1 portion of the 8meg.
    
    Also, when I say "when they hit the stores", this one I played was
    NOT for sale; they only had ONE of them!
    
    	-Jim

>< Note 2032.24 by FGVAXR::LAING "Soft-Core Cuddler*Jim Laing*282-1476" >

Jim,

Thanks for the info on the T3. I will buy one of these T series units I'm 
sure. I was talking to one of Wurlitzer's 
salesmen (the Keyboard manager for the Boston store--forget his name), and 
he said that Korg may not in fact produce the T2 (76-key version). I was 
really bummed out to hear that, since that is the one I really want 
(88-note version is too heavy and expensive, and the 61-note version 
doesn't have enough real estate to do much that's useful multiple-split-wise). 

I think this would be a BAD move by Korg. All that sound and functionality 
deserves more than 5 octaves. Besides, it almost seems as though the T3 
would be competing with the M1 in some ways (yes, I know the T3 would would be 
considerably more money).

I hope the rumor he heard is just that, a rumor, and not a set-in-stone 
marketing strategy change. 

Mike D  

    I called KORG themselves, just last Friday, on this question, becuase
    there was an old ad in a KORG rag that listed ONLY the T1,T3; then
    a more recent brochure that had all 3 listed, with specs and pictures
    of all 3 of 'em.  Then a guy at Steve's Quality Instruments mentioned
    the rumor that you mention - no T2 - so I called KORG.  KORG says
    there WILL be a T2.  Let's hope they're not lying!
    
    	-Jim

>< Note 2032.26 by FGVAXX::LAING "Soft-Core Cuddler*Jim Laing*282-1476" >
>                         -< KORG says "YES" on T2... >-

That's good news. I'd trust what Korg themselves say rather than a rumor. 
Have you heard anything definite about how much a T2 will cost? 

Mike D

    When I spoke with Korg (in New York, at 516-333-9100) they didn't
    talk at all about price, although they did say that the T2 would
    take a while longer to hit the stores than the T1's and T3's.  Price?
    Well, I seem to be hearing ~$3000 for the T3, and prices ranging
    from $4000-$4500 for the T1.  The T1 has 1meg of RAM, while the
    T2 and T3 don't; although I'm a bit confused/surprised by the pricing
    scheme I'm hearing, it seems that the T2 might be around ~$3500???
    
    -Jim

    My latest call to KORG to check on T2 "status" ... two different
    people (one at KORG's main number, and one at their consumer number)
    report that T2's *have* started shipping, but in small quantities.
    The mentioned a "list price" of $4167, which I also was given by
    a local Boston dealer.  List for the T3 was ~3750, I forget the
    list for the T1, but it was over $5000.  I guess it makes sense;
    about $450 more than a T3 gets you a T2 ... now, if I could locate
    one of the dealers to whom they were shipped ... ?!
    
    -Jim

->< Note 2032.29 by FGVAXX::LAING "Soft-Core Cuddler*Jim Laing*282-1476" >
->                           -< T2 news; list prices >-

-> now, if I could locate one of the dealers to whom they were shipped ... ?!

Jim,  if you ever find one, please let us know. I've got to try one of these!

Mike D

    Where to try a T1 or T2 ... in Boston, Mass area ...
    
    Daddy's Junky Music (Boston) called me last night; they have 2 T3's.
    EU Wurlitzer called me, they have a T1 and a T3.  Re -.1, if you
    want to try one to feel the action, hear the sounds ... try a T3,
    since a T2 is just a T3 with 15 more keys on it (let's see, that's
    about $28 per extra key if you buy a T2 rather than a T3!
    
    		-Jim_who_MUST_have_a_T2_too!

Seems like they had t2's in the new Music Emporium catalog that I got yesterday
check the dealer's note for a phone/address

dbii

    Something's fishy here ... I just got a rag from a not-so-local music
    dealer (who knows how they got my address?). 

    Anyway, they were advertising the T series as *32* voice synths, not
    16, and the M3R as an 8 voice version of the M1R.  True or false? 

-b

    Re -.1
    
    From the KORG lit. I have, all 3 are listed as 16-voice (M1, M1r,
    M3r, T-series).  My opinion is that one of the few misgivings about
    the T-series is that, despite all the "workstation" features - large
    sequencer capacity, built-in disk drive, LOTS of samples sounds,
    nice 8x40 display, multiple MIDI outs, etc., etc., it is ONLY 16
    voice!!!  Give it 24 or 32 voices, and I think it'd be unbeatable
    for its price ...
    
    -Jim
    
    P.S. Going tonight to put a down payment on my T2, (at Daddy's in
    Nashua) for $3595 ... *expected* delivery is 2-3 weeks.

    Re .33
    
    A mail-order "Rag" I just received says that the M1r is a rack version
    of the M1 but without a sequencer, yet just today a friend was showing
    me some stuff on his M1r's sequencer!   The accuracy of some of
    these rags is not the best ...
    
    -Jim

    Well, I know for sure that KORG *does* make the T2 model - mine
    just arrived!  Only had it for 24 hours; maybe I'll post a mini-
    "review" on it later ...
    
    -Jim

Well, I've had my T2 (the 76-key version) for a few weeks now, so it's about
time I summarize some of my thoughts 'n' experiences with it.  Basically,
I love it!  Here's a random collection of notes about it, many "my opinion
only" and some "facts" about the unit ...

1) LOTS of sounds!  Something like 180 waveforms and ~85 drum samples to
	work with.  These are the basis for Programs, which are in turn
	used to create Combinations (like layers, splits, etc.)
	[about twice that of the M1]  I felt overwhelmed at first with SO
	many sounds to choose from ... see bottom of this note for a listing
	of SOME of the programs (patches) I use ...

2) Great "user interface", i.e. it's easy to use (in my opinion).  The large
	backlit (8x40) screen makes editing, sound creating, sequencing,
	disk operations, etc. really easy; you can see so much at once (at
	least compared to the 2x16 screens I'm used to on other keyboards)

3) Sequencer is easy to use, yet seems to be plenty powerful.  Within a
	half hour, I had a 6-track sequence (well, with some wrong notes
	here 'n' there) created.  With >50,000 notes and 20 "songs", plus
	using the built-in disk drive, seems I'll have plenty of "room to
	work with"

4) Nice performance/real-time control features ... in Program (i.e. "patch")
	mode, you can alter 8 things in real-time, each of which controls
	many individual parameters (for example, altering "attack time"
	probably alters the attack of each oscillator's VDA) ... great for
	"on-the-fly" customizing, tweaking of a sound based on the tune
	you're playing, etc.  If you want a sharper attack, brighter sound,
	longer release time, more or less FX, etc. you can change these
	things almost instantly.  In "combination" mode, you can alter the
	balance (level) of each sound making up the Combination, easily.

5) "pop-up menus" help in alot of ways ... some show graphically the envelope
	you're working with, others show FX routing, others list sounds.
 	One feature I like is that if you press a "bank" button, 0-9, you
	see a menu of the 10 programs or combinations in that bank.  No longer
	do I need to keep long "patch listings" nearby; I just keep a list
	of what each bank is (i.e. for me, bank 4 is "pianos", 5 is "basses",
	etc.) then the pop-up menu tells me WHICH bass sound is in each of the
	10 "slots" within that bank, for example.  With 200 programs and 100 
	combinations resident, it really comes in handy ...

6) The built-in disk drive is the newer "high-density" which takes HD 3.5"
	floppies, holding over a meg each.  You have 2 choices: 

		4 files which contain
			all "global" settings
			100 combinations
			200 programs
			20 songs (~50,000 notes total)
			4 drum kits

	  OR   1 file which contains
			all the above (like 1 file from above)
			1 meg of SAMPLE(s)

7) 2 card slots are compatible with M1 cards for programs, combinations,
	sequences and PCM samples.

Well, that's all I can think to comment on for now ...


Things I don't like ...
=======================
I have very few complaints...

1) "only" 16 voices
2) When you change programs or combinations, whatever sounds were playing
	are "cut off" completely, suddenly
3) You can't name the files on disk (they're called Files A, B, C and D)

==========================================================================
A program/combination listing I used when I first got it (this is a list
I made for my own use, some of the comments might be meaningless, but it'll
give you an idea of the variety of sounds in this unit ... these are only
SOME of the "factory" sounds, the ones I chose to use ...

AcousticGuitar  A04,24,54  	B34,64,78		
Accordion			B52			C26,86
Bagpipes			B70
Banjo				B14
Bass		A16,36,56,96	B04,24,44,58,84
Bell-String			B28,50			C28,68,81
Bells		A35,75,95  	B25,35
Brass		A12,42,52,82	B12,62			C02,16,32
Chimes		A45             
Clarinet			B32
Clavinet			B41
Drums		A09,29,49	B09,29,39,49		C09
E.Piano		A11,51,74	B11,68,71		C11,31
Flute		A08,10,18	B72			C79
HM Guitar	A14,64          			C94
Harmonica			B22
Harp				B17
Harpsichord	A31
Jazz Organ	A21,71		B31,40,81
Mallet		A25,28,34,39	B05
Mandolin			B54
Oboe/Reed	A32                   			C55
Pad		A17,40		B21,37,43,47,67,73	C17,24
Piano		A41		B51,65			C01,21,41
Pipe Organ	A47		B61,91			C13,53
Pizz.Strings	A37		B30			C67
Sax		A22,62		B02,42			C42,82,98
Strings				B07,27,47,77		C05,37,45
Synth		A38,55,92	B36,38,82		C06
Tympani				B19
Vibes		A15                     
Vocal		A03,23,43,53,63	B26,56
Whistle		A99             
Woodwind			      			C15,75


01 piano "pad"
02 Bright, power brass
03 Guitar / Harmonica
05 Vivaldi orchestra
06 Super Synth
09 Big Drums
11 DX-7 Rhodes
13 Full Pipe
15 Woodwind
16 Big Band (vol.sens.)
17 Slow String pad
21 Grand Piano
24 Guitar + String (nice alternative to E.Pno as pad)
25 Tympani / Orchestra
26 Musette (Accordion-ish)
28 Bell pad (play mono, stacatto)
31 "real" Rhodes
32 Trombones (nice w/open voicings)
33 Pipe Organ (B61 + B61 8va)
37 Violin + soft strings
41 Pianos x2
42 Sax x3
45 Symphony (vel.sens.)
47 String + Harp
53 Med. Pipe Organ
55 Sonata (reeds + harpsichord)
61 Piano / Strings
66 E. Piano / Horns
67 Pizz + Soft Strings
68 Pad w/Light Bells
74 Bass / Chorus Guitar
75 Woodwinds
77 Horn + strings
79 Flute
81 Pad w/Light Bells
82 Sax w/Vel. Growl
86 Accordion 8', 4'
94 Bass/Distorted Guitar
98 Airy Sax

    I've played with the T1 and I am in love with it.  By the looks of
    things, I may be getting the T2 in the future.  Two gripes I have
    though, is that I'll be using this keyboard for live performances.
    A lot of songs we do use dominant synth sounds (i.e. Tom Sawyer, Jump,
    Walking on a Thin Line), and I didn't really find any of the synth
    samples on the machine worthwhile.  Do any of the compatible disks or
    ROM cards have good synth sounds.  Or are they easy to design
    yourself??  I've never had a keyboard where you can edit your own
    patches, I've only had sound modules.
    Gripe #2 is will this keyboard be more prone to breaking down while
    being moved around than others??  With such and expensive machine, I
    don't want to have to deal with that...

    Thanks for your help

    J

    
    Here's a question that I hope someone can answer.
    
    It is a fact that M1 RAM cards are completely compatible with the T
    Series. However, what I'd like to know is: is it possible to get the T
    Series sounds on M1 RAM cards? The reason I am asking is that there is
    an absolutely killer lead guitar sound on the T Series (called VAN
    GUITAR, or something like that) that I've got to have. Right now I can't
    afford one of the T Series units, but may be able to swing an M1 (their
    list price has been reduced recently). It would be great if this guitar
    sound, and other T Series sounds, were available as cards for the M1.
    Anybody know if this is possible?
     
    
    BTW, thanks to Jim Laing for letting me try his T2. It is a GREAT
    keyboard.
    
    Mike D 

    This really isn't an answer, but....
    
    If VAN GUITAR uses PCM(s) available in the M1, it should be possible to 
    transport the patch from the T Series to the M1. Can you write to M1
    cards when they're in a T2? If not, maybe the patch can be transferred
    using a computer. I have a Mac w/Opcode M1 editor, so maybe we could set 
    up a test.

RE < Note 2032.40 by RUGRAT::POWELL "Dan Powell/221-5916" >

	Or, for that matter, if its only one patch, and its a factory
loaded one, can't it simply be programmed by hand using the T1 as a reference?
If its a third party patch then I'd rule that out...

	Dan

    
    VAN GUITAR is definitely a factory patch (not 3rd party), but I don't
    think that the guitar sample it is based on is included in the M1's ROM  
    sample set (at least not those that initially ship with the unit).
    
    Mike D  

    Ok, is it possible to buy PCM cards for the M1 without the patches?
    I know Korg has four PCM cards (SYNTH, ORCH, DRUMS, and BRASS) but have
    only seen them with a patch card included. Perhaps there is a PCM that
    we could use to approximate the one used in VAN GUITAR. 

    
    Re: .43
    
    Actually, Korg's idea of including a patch card with the PCMs is a good
    idea, otherwise you have the unfortunate task of having to build up
    patches from scratch just to hear your new samples...yecch.  Even if
    you want to change the patches later, at least you can just plug in and
    audition the PCMs. 
    
    According to Korg's advertising newsletter, all PCMs are sold in sets,
    one PCM ROM and one patch RAM.
    
    								Brian 

    If the PCM sample is not on the original M1 ROM then you will have to
    upgrade to the M1-EX by installing the ROM upgrade kit. I think it's
    $300 for the upgrade. It includes the patches from the T series on a
    card.
    
    Chris

    Will KORG sell the M1 upgrade package as a line item or is it only
    available by paying an "authorized repair center" to install it
    for you? I definitely would prefer installing my own.

Tim at Daddy's informed me that several of the new disk for the T Series will
be on today's truck.  I believe this willbe the SYNTH-1, COMBINATION-1, and
FRETTED INSTRUMENTS disks.  I think he's getting two copies of each.

These cards have new PCM samples and therefore require either a T1 or a
T2/T3 with the RAM option.

Cheers,

Jim T.

If may have said cards, I meant T Series disks. - JT

    
    Hi!
    
    I am new to this conference and very new to the world of
    keyboards/synths.  However, I just recently bought (in Oct.) the T1 at the
    recommendation of a local Jazz keyboardist that I know here in Tampa
    (he's also my Jazz/keyboard teacher - I am beginning to think that he
    convinced me to get the T1 just so he could use it during my lessons!) 
    Anyway, I love the keyboard!  As I stated, I am very new to all of this
    electronic-music stuff so I was pretty much blown away when I first started
    using the keyboard.  Since I got the keyboard I have also acquired all
    10 of the sound disks (I particularly like the "Environmental" one).  The 
    problem is, unlike .11, I am not very impressed with the saxaphone
    sounds, atleast as they are preset.  Does anyone have a particularly good 
    effects setting with regards to the saxes? (particularly the tenor & alto).
    Also, I have heard that there is a good Korg synth unit that will add 8 
    more tracks to the T1.  Does anyone know what the model number and price 
    is of this gizmo?  Any info would be appreciated.
    
    Thanks,                       
    
    Grace "neophyte" Evans
    Tampa, Florida (TMO)
    
    P.S. I am definitely not "new" when it comes to playing the piano.  

    FWIW, in my opinion a box that has good sax samples is one where the
    samples sound very flat.  Why?  Because a sax is a wild instrument. 
    What makes a sax sound good is NOT the quality of the sample as much as
    the quality of the intonation.  I have heard a good growl sample, for
    example, fail pretty badly in a real application.  For my tastes, I
    found it worked much better to emulate a growl by dividing up the
    sample into a rapid succession of attacks (short notes).  Vibrato
    should not be in the sample.  Else, the vibrato gets faster the higher
    the notes you play.  Vibrato should be added.  Sax samples do, to my
    ears, sound fine without multi-sampling much over a wide range IF you
    add all the intonation.  It also helps to add a breathy attack rather
    than have the full attack of a sax be a real sax sample.  
    
    In other words, unlike other acoustic instruments where you should
    sample all kinds of different ranges and such (like with a piano)
    really good sax requires just a few samples and a LOT of intonation.
    Just my opinion.
    
    Steve

    Do the T1 and M1 share the same samples?
    
    Edd (asked for TFSO'd ex-COMMUSICEER RKNRON::ROSS)

The T1 has all of the M1 samples, and more.  The M1 has 4mb of sample ROM while
the T1 has 8mb (and 1mb of sample RAM).

There is an upgrade to the M1 products called an M1REX which adds all the T1
samples, however does not make the M1 into a T1.  Just adds the additional
sample memory.

I also heard but can't verify that the T1 had its "M1 samples" cleaned up,
relooped, etc.

	- Jim