I liked your rewiew very much, clear and honest, also appreciating the comparisons with other brands, it gives a proper idea, about the keyboard. Bravo!!!
Just bought one after comparing others in this bracket. Incredible what you get for $320. Still remember the Roland E-16 from the early 90's. This video (as the comments) were very helpfull to make a decision.
@@PianoTone Hi Tony, thanks again for your great video. On Dutch radio was a program about Fluxus and art in general. It was said (not sure if true) that Yoko Ono wrote the lyrics to Imagine... Well, Imagine it is what I am now learning on the keyboard 😊 Cheers from The Netherlands.
Hi Tony excellent easy to follow video. I have recently purchased my ek50 and wondered when the in depth review that you mention may be published? I could do with as much help as possible as the user manual is very basic. Thanks John.
Hi John! Have to apologize, but I won't be able to do that review in the near future - I had someone I know offer to buy the EK-50 from me, so I took them up on it so I could buy another board to review. I do know a fair bit about how to do stuff with it though, so feel free to shoot any questions my way that you like. There's a really good basic usage intro here from an awesome reviewer of arranger keyboards if you want to check that out: ua-cam.com/video/4jqFEkubyuQ/v-deo.html But once again, don't be shy about firing any questions my way, I'll be glad to help if I can!
Thanks so much Jeff! Unfortunately I won’t be able to do a full review on the EK-50 unless I end up buying another (I sold mine to someone who wanted to buy it); it is an awesome keyboard though, I may end up with another one at some stage (or if I ever find a rentable one I will definitely do that to do a full review)
Hey Nice review, I'm almost totally sold on buying EK-50, but I've got one question: what options of recording are available on that keyboard? Is there possibility to record through USB? I've heard that I can easily record Yamaha PSR keyboards (373 and 473) that way, but they don't seem to be as advanced or 'powerful' as the KORG one, thus I'd rather preffer EK-50.
There was talk of Korg adding that feature to the EK, but to my knowledge at least, they never did - so for recording you would need to connect the line outs to an audio interface (Focusrite Scarlett etc). Good luck with choosing a keyboard! Thanks for checking out the channelm, feel free to subscribe
There is also a digital piano/keyboard version - Korg XE20 (same category as Yamaha DGX 670 or Casio PX-S3000) which has rather similar desing/interface to EK-50, but with 88 weighted hammer-action keys, etc.
Yes I’d love to see and try one of those, stores where I am never carry them. It adds higher end higher polyphony piano samples as well - would be an interesting combo with the EK 50 samples and interface; it seems a bit $$$ to me though, but I would love to try it out! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Hi Tony, yes, I've subscribed to your channel and found you reviews very informative and fun to watch.
I visited a music store today and tried the EK-50 keyboard. Even though I always prefer hammer-action keys to synth ones, the key feel was quite good (perhaps similar feel to that of Kurzweil keyboards, which I personally prefer to Yamaha or Casio keybeds - but I understand it is very subjective...). I also like the intuitive design, when every function is easily accessible without the need to go to the manual all the time, etc. The arrangement of the sounds into keyboard sets is something one has to get used to, but I like the idea of prearrangements of the suitable sounds to a given style. What I miss is some ethnic sounds, namely Indian ones (like harmonium, etc.), which I like and am used to from Yamaha or Casio keyboards (there is a version of EK-50IN meant for the Indian market, which has those sounds). I wonder whether it is possible to download additional sounds besides many styles available. Perhaps whit additional (downloadable) styles come also appropriate new sounds as part of it?
Regarding XE-20 piano-keyboard, I had a chance to try it in a nearby music store several times. The keys are weighted hammer-action, even though the touch is different to that of other brands (Yamaha, Casio, Rolland). There is no escarpment effect (present e.g. in Rolland pianos), which I actually don't need and consider unnecessary at digital pianos (I have never played acoustic piano before, so I am not used to that). The key touch is lighter, which I actually prefer to a heavier one. Perhaps it is a good balance between playing piano sounds vs. organs/synths/other sounds that are better played with a lighter touch. But I understand that keyboard feel is very subjective matter and everyone may have different needs and preferences in this respect. Nevertheless, swat astonished me that the keys on XE-20 are practically noiseless, no clicking key sounds, that can be heard while playing pianos from other brands (like Casio or Yamaha). So, this piano-keyboard may please someone who found key noises disturbing, etc.
Overall, I like both EK-50 and XE-20 and consider them a good quality products. I presently own entry level paino/keaboards Casio CDP S-350 and Yamaha PSR 363. I still consider myself a beginner, so I find those ones sufficient for my level. Nevertheless, if I would considering an upgrade to a higher level piano or keyboard, I would very seriously consider those Korg products.
Thank you very much for these reviews K-50/E473/ E463. I want to buy one for my daughter who plays piano for 8 yrs now. She is competent in classical piano playing. I think the next instrument would be such a fun device. Priorities: 1. Great Keys action feel (near to piano as possible). 2. Arranging/creating mini-band multitrack songs with multi-voices. 3. Portable /gigging/jamming. What would you recommend if my budget was like $400-500? This K-50 is currently under $400 in my local online shop. I looked at your Yamaha PSR E series reviews too and E373 is like $170. Should I conclude my search and get this K-50? Or should I go low and get the E373? Many thanks for your reply.
Hi there! Thanks for the kind words! Key Action: Keep in mind that these keyboards are synth action (non-weighted keys) so if your daughter is used to fully weighted keys, these will feel very different to her. The Korg EK-50 keys are significantly better (in my opinion) than the keys on the PSR-E373 or PSR-E463, and better (maybe not significantly) than the keys on my new PSR-EW425/E473. The keybed on the Korg feels higher quality, but the other advantage is even though they are not weighted, the Korg keys are "true" full size (octave width of 165 mm which is the same as a piano); for some reason, most synth action unweighted keyboards will SAY "full width" but the octave width is slightly narrower at 159-160mm; so she would have an easier time with these because the spacing would feel more familiar. Another option would be the Casiotone CTS-500 which is also an arranger with great sounds, but the key action feels more "piano-like" (ALMOST semi-weighted feel). I own a CT-S1 (review on my channel) which is NOT an arranger, but has the same keyfeel. But the CTS-500 has the smaller octave width and smaller speakers. Arranging/Playing With Voice(s): The Korg user interface is still the best I've ever seen; these keyboards can be complicated to learn - not the Korg it is SO user friendly and easy to use it's crazy. The predefined keyboard sets (pre-layered sets of 4 voices) where you can at the touch of a button turn layers on/off is fantastic; she will get up and running very quickly on this keyboard. The Yamaha PSR series requires more "menu deep diving" to configure things - this has improved a fair bit on the PSR-E473/EW425, but the E373 will be harder to use. And the EK50 can also mute style parts which is nice (you can play with just drums, just bass/drums, or full backing etc.) the 373 cannot. Portability/Gigging/Jamming: The EK-50 has 20 watts speakers that sound awesome, and proper L/R lineouts to connect to external audio equipment. The 373 has tiny speakers at 5 watts, and only a headphone out - for gigging or jamming there is no contest at all. The Korg is a couple pounds heavier, but still nice and light compared to weighted keyboards. So overall, as long as you think she will be ok with the non weighted keys, I would DEFINITELY recommend the EK-50 over the PSR-E373 or E463. The other one I would consider is the PSR-E473 (the 61 key version of my PSR-EW425); the Korg still has a slightly better quality keybed, but the user interface has improved on these PSR's and they have a mic input with gain and effects (if she sings this is a massive feature) and it also has a built in audio interface making it super easy to record audio or videos. Sorry for the long winded response! (I love talking about keyboards . . . .) Feel free to ask more questions and let me know what you decide and how she likes it! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Tony, thank you so much! This one was so good I was looking forward to your full review- oh well! But you seem like the guy to ask. You lavished praise on this keybed, that it felt precise and gave you good control over velocity levels. I’m primarily a piano player, ES920, and while this board would serve for organ/synth duties, it also would be a solo board that would be the easiest to take out to parties and jams, both in terms of weight and expense, so it’d have to do piano competently as well. So asking as someone who prefers weighted action, will I achieve relative satisfaction playing the piano with this board? Each of us is different, so you have no way to answer that, but from your personal preferences, could you be happy playing piano sounds with this board? It’s easy enough with the Aux in to get better piano sounds from my iPad, so this is all about the keybed. Have to admit different priorities abound. I have the Casio CT-X5000, and while I’m in admiration of all it can do, and mostly appreciate the sound quality (esp compared to even 10 years ago with these budget boards), the loose clacky keys and the somewhat sloppy/imprecise throw of the keys gets to me, distracts me from the otherwise fun time I’m having (100 User Tones; these other boards only have Registrations. 128 Registrations, 3-4 times more than the others; 2 tones for the Split; sounds already paired for each of the Styles/rhythms. Etc.) So enter contestant #2, the EW425 has a keybed that I tried out, and for an unweighted action it felt pretty OK for piano, no noises, no somewhat loose throw of the action, and for the short time I auditioned it I thought it was actually decent with piano. That and the 76 keys, microphone input!, USB audio/midi interface, 4 simple-silly sample buttons, etc., making me think that it might be the board I might ditch the CT-X5000 for. But then enters the EK-50, which according to you also has a decent-enough keybed, and has the huge added advantage of being focused on the player like me, who’s all about creating quickly-produced powerful sounds, and with 3 voices on top, that’s a lot to work with, buttons for each voice and the quick-adjusts made possible, not to mention other super user-friendly touches like their version of Ots, etc. I had the PA1000, which makes me want to believe that this could be somewhat like it- awesome sounds and sound system, life-like Styles- Have to admit I could go either way- EW425 (keybed is same as E473) or the EK-50. Any thoughts?
Hey there! That one is really tough because it's been a while since I played the EK-50 and my playing has improved dramatically since I did. I do remember the action being really good (better than PSR keyboards, but I hadn't played the EW425 yet because it wasn't out). And one of the other HUGE features of the EK50 is TRUE full size keys. I know it's only a 5mm difference per octave, but for me it makes it so much easier to play (and not make mistakes grazing keys) when the key size actually matches what I'm used to. And after owning a 425 for awhile I absolutely love everything about it; 76 keys, sounds, features, mic input, big speakers, etc except when my main piano is a fully weighted one I find it hard to play. So to be honest, it you asked me right now "you have to play a gig with either the EK50 or the 425 right now which one would you take?" I would take the EK50 because of the key size. And FYI the aux in won't help you with other piano sounds though - you can stream in a backing track, but to trigger MIDI sounds you use the USB out from the board to your device then the device has to send audio to PA/speakers. Hope that helps!
@@PianoTone Hey, thanks for the response. As the pros/cons weigh on each other, I find myself leaning towards the EW425. No board has it all, esp in the sub $600 range, but gotta love that industry bucking 76 keys and audio interface! Yeah Yamaha! Glad to hear you’ve been loving it. Truth be told, after having the magnificent PA1000, I have not-so-secretly been wanting to get the PSR SX700. I was blown away by how good the styles and sounds were on the PA1000, and for the serious composer, you had an insane amount of control over your sound editing. But it took way too much time to learn, and from what I’ve heard the SX series, 600/700/900, are more user friendly with the trade-off of having few choices for deep editing. I just wish Korg would come out with the next generation of the PA700/1000, and use the same incredibly user friendly approach as the EK-50. But I don’t have $1,200-$1,400 for a used SX700, so getting a board like the EW425 that comes in under $500 with those 2 pre-defined expression knobs, etc., I may call myself content for now. And yes, they’d both be a slam dunk for iPad instruments: simple USB cable from the EW425 transmitting MIDI to play the iPad, and the audio interface to get the audio into the keyboard. For the EK-50, the USB cable would bring my playing into the instrument app with MIDI, and then a simple audio 1/8” cable in to the Aux In would bring the iPad sounds into the boards speakers. I’ve been talking with Thomann in Germany and even after paying $80 in shipping to my Southern CA address, I could get the EK-50/EK-50L for about $175-200 less than buying stateside. For some reason they don’t charge VAT (19%!), AND, it’s under the $800 threshold for customs. However I’m not sure about CA state tax, if I had to pay that I’d only save $135-150. I’m kind of between/betwixt boards. Having the es920 means I can do serious practicing- but turns out I’m not as good as I’d hoped I’d be after several months of daily practice- it’d actually take several years of daily practice to get my senior fingers anywhere close to my 12 yo freshly minted playing ability. So- big disappointment/reality check, but I figure with the EW425 I’d really have a simplified way to be at the center of singalongs, with requisite microphone already on board. I’ve never used auto accompaniment much except for rhythms, but perhaps I could record the chords so that the auto-accompaniment plays back with that, giving me back the full range of the keyboard to play along with it. Does the EW425 and the EK-50 have that capability, to pre-record the chords for the auto-accompaniment?
@@randalgoat Hey there! You can make 6 track MIDI recordings on the 425, or you can make audio recordings (that go to the USB flash drive) and play them back as backing tracks (that's what I almost always do anyways so I can play full range on the keys; my left hand is always playing a rhythm usually with octaves or a walking bass; I only tend to actually use accompaniment with my DGX-670 because it has "AI Full Fingered" as a chord mode which is awesome). I have a whole video series on recording with the 425, including making some custom intros and outros if you want to check that out; video 1 is here: ua-cam.com/video/C_nvRQ-1ZOU/v-deo.html Hope that helps!
Have subbed you, we seem to be in the same place on keybeds...am playing a ew410, it's good except for key action, can you give me an in depth rundown on 425's keybeds? Thank you
Tony how is the onboard 12 track recorder on this unit? There’s not much about it anywhere. Wondering if you can record a song in the unit and then export/transfer out to GarageBand or other DAW..
I haven't actually used it yet, but from the manual (you can download that from Korg's website - page 17). It's "sort of" a 16 track recorder. 12 of the tracks are reserved for the accompaniment parts so if you are not using those it's really 4. And those 4 tracks will by default record the 4 voice layers (lower 1, upper 1,2,3) as you play. There is some editing ability to erase / re-record, I'm not sure how easy it is to accurately "punch in punch out" as far as specifying exactly what sections to redo. You should be able to get 4 layered tracks (played individually) by specifying the voice you want in upper 1, playing it alone, then do the same with upper 2, play it alone to overdub etc. With the lower voice since it is only active when split is on would have to turn on split, set split point to highest note on keyboard then record that. And I believe you can export the recording to a DAW (it will be midi not audio) with each of the 16 recorded channels as individual MIDI files. I'll keep you posted once I get a chance to play around with that.
@@PianoTone Great! Thanks for that info. The manual is not very detailed so it would be great to know how the recording goes and if it indeed does transfer over individual MIDI tracks into a DAW. If it does, I’ll be seriously considering one. 😊👍
Hi Tony, I want your advice: I have been playing piano for 3 years now. I still consider myself a beginner, I know basic chords, and am able to play a few songs. I have a Casio CTX700, which is a great keyboard in my opinion. Do you think I should get another piano or should I stick to that one until I reach an intermediate level. I have seen your reviews and there are great options like the cts1, the new casiotones, Korg Liano, np piaggero 35, and many more. So I am still undecided about buying a new piano or stick to my Casio for a few more years. Thank you for your time!
If you’re happy with the CTX700 stick with it! I’ve never seen one but I know the specs are great (I believe same sound engine as the newer CTS keyboards).
Great information. If you want to play blues piano's like a honky tonk and harmonica, Cuban/Latin for percussion Buena Vista Social Club kinda which would in your opinon be a better choice the Korg EK50 or Yamaha PSR E473. You mention the interface and this is a plus for the Korg, the in/out connectivity I believe to be better on the Yamaha. But just for blues and percussion which would make the better choice. I do understand that certain things are subjective. Thanks in advance.
That's a tough question, I think either one would be great to be honest. I've never played the Cuban/Latin style myself, but for blues the Korg's got a great simple default piano that cuts through everything else nicely, it also has a great action and true full size keys (Yamaha's a tiny bit narrower). The user interface on the Korg is super easy, but the Yamaha did improve theirs from the E463 considerably (but the Korg's is still better). They both have line out ports and great speakers as well. I think it probably comes down to how important the extra two features are to you on the Yamaha: the built in audio interface (makes recording audio/video a breeze, and also allows you to stream back in MIDI sounds if you're using a MIDI sound bank on a device), and it also has a mic port with gain if you're gonna be singing. If it was me as much as I like the Korg, I'd lean 473 for those last 2 features, but those are things I'd use alot - if they're not a huge deal to you, the Korg might have a slight edge. Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Thank you for your advice. I'd lean towards the Korg due to ergonomics as keybed you mentioned,though the Yamaha is in certain areas objectively the (slightly) better one.
@@michelvondenhoff9673 There's also a newer Korg EK-50U which I think is the exact same but has more "american" styles (blues, rock jazz) - don't know the specifics though.
Thank you sir your wonderful info .question can I add another sound from keyboard set to IN compony style . like saxophone. Trumpet or any other sound that keyboard has, the instruction book came with it dose not have many info. also I figured out has a ORIANTEL setting witch i figured out I can play ARABIC setting COOL:
Hi there; I'm not sure if you can modify the accompaniment styles or not; I don't think so. But Korg does have additional styles you can download from here: www.korg.com/caen/products/synthesizers/ek_50/bonus.php Hope that helps! Thanks for visiting the channel, feel free to subscribe!
You would choose a style set first, then press whatever layer you want to change a voice for and scroll through the available voices. Thanks for checking the channel out feel free to subscribe
Trying to find how to activate portamento. I noticed that several of the synth lead sounds have portamento on them, but I cannot find in the menu how to adjust or toggle it on other sounds. Any help appreciated 😅
@@PianoTone hey thanks. Yeah, I looked through the manual and it seems to be a dead end. But it’s just baffling that as some of those leads and sounds definitely have portamento on them. But most don’t. Oh well.
I'm not sure but you can check the manual online: www.korg.com/us/support/download/manual/0/793/4084/ Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Hi I know that it can play also midi files I was wondering which GM Sound Bank does it use?!… the first GM, the GM2, XT… And is it fast to load a midi file and can we play along with it, does it have a good Drum kit, I normally use the Jazz kit, and the brush kit is it good… The Finger Bass and the Walking Bass are they realistic, and of course let’s not forget the old and warm Organs does it have the desirable Hammond B3… what about Electric piano are they any good, is it any thing near the Fender Rhoads… Best regards from Funchal
Hi there! I actually sold the EK a couple years ago, but it was an awesome keyboard. I never loaded MIDI files so not sure about that, and I have no idea what MIDI sound bank it uses; the Rhodes sound was good and I used various walking bass sounds alot in the left hand with piano in the right. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
UI is so overlooked by manufacturers. Yamaha isn't too bad going all the way down to their budget series. Casio seems to just cut everything out to fit price brackets. I couldn't find this here in India, but we have an EK50-IN variant with 40 Indian styles and sounds and is the equivalent of about 420 USD shipped. So this sounds slightly not as detailed as the AIX chip on the Casio CT-S1 and CT-X700?
I think the IN version is the same board with Indian styles … the piano patch on the AiX chip on the CTS1/CTS400 and CTX700 is definitely a more detailed piano patch and is better for pure piano pieces, I find I do really like the EK50 for modern music though - the piano is a bit more “plain” but is bright and cuts through the mix well (on the CTS1 or on my Yamaha p125 I had which have great piano patches I would often switch to a different less detailed brighter patch when playing modern music with a backing track because those brighter patches cut thru the mix better)
They’re both great keyboards either one is a great choice - I would probably go with the Yamaha myself Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
I've never seen a CTX5000 so I can't comment on that one; both the EK-50 and E473 are amazing keyboards with lots of features; if you only play piano they each have something in their favour: the E473 has more (and better quality) piano sounds, the EK-50 has "true" full size key width, and a slightly better feeling keybed (the E473 keys are full-size synth key width which is slightly narrower than piano keys). Either of those would be a great choice though. Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Being a composer I got problems with their sound four in one and the style like you can’t fix it I liked the d50 Roland decades ago anyway will get to j ow that keyboard
I'm not a specialist on arrangers, but in the under $500 USD range I would recommend the Yamaha PSR-EW425, PSR-E473 & Korg EK-50. I've never tested (or even seen) more expensive arrangers; stores where I live only carry the entry level ones. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Hi there not exactly sure what you are asking, but with the USB drive on the EK-50 you can load and play along with WAV, MP3, SMF and MIDI files stored on the flash drive (so audio OR standard MIDI). There are more details in the manual on page 25 - you can find it on Korg's website at: www.korg.com/tmp/support/download/index.php/product/0/793/?country=us&page=product&prodtype=0&prodid=793 Hope that helps! Thanks for visiting the channel
Hey thank got mine last Friday iam a singer songwriter my style is soul music soul pop I got around it today the sounds are amazing I have to disabled like you did on the videos other internments in the rhythm I got to rewatch your video of course and practice I find it a bit complex and of course it was a gift for me to keep on making music iam just concern about the rythme I loved my rhythms beat on my 1990’s m360 or 380 Yamaha which I can’t seem to reproduce on this new keyboard 🎹 I am concern about the string sounds I don’t have much choice of strings iam concern I need softer palette 🎨 of strings and I don’t know how to put an echo effect on these strings or even if we have this option hey for real I need to learn and practice iam excited so dear can I compose an opera on this one or a soul pop song without using their incorporated sounds thanks from Paris France Natalie based here at the moment to my regret
You can try amazon wherever you are from with this link: amzn.to/3bN1ZDl or you could contact music stores in your area or search online. Thanks for visiting the channel feel free to subscribe
I think the marketing of the Korg company is wrong. It does not win against the similar Yamaha 473, but even loses! Cogg doesn't have an arpeggiator, there aren't even sound labels on Corga! Was there not enough paint? Laughter! It was also necessary to add that Yamaha has 473 and a little more. And they would only buy Korg! It was necessary to make not only a Korg for playing musicians, but also a bit of a studio instrument! Add everything for the studio programmatically without spending a lot of money!
Played both PSR-473 and EK-50 in store for a bit and decided on the Korg for UI and keybed. Tony is frank about his preference for the Yamaha. The PSR has certain advantages over the EK. Great exchange of information between adults 😎
Achei a aparência desse teclado 🎹 feia .. Eu acho que ele não vale muito apena comprar pq tem teclado mais barato que ele que oferece muito mais que ele ... só na quantidade de voz 🗣️ que ele tem por exemplo ...tem teclado mais barato que ele que oferece muito mais até na aparência ...e essa telinha é muito feinha por um teclado 🎹 que custa uns 5 mil reais ...em fim por esse valor é mais compensável comprar um YAMAHA então tem teclado da Yamaha pelo mesmo valor tem teclado Yamaha muito mais bonito tbm por menos e oferece muito mais que ele ...acho que no mínimo esse teclado teria de ter uma tela com fotos do instrumento 🎷🎸 mais vozes muito mais coisas para oferecer ...ele não vale o valor que ele está ...sim não tem como negar que os timbres pelo menos são "bons " no mínimo essa tela amarela deixa ele inda mais feio ...no meu ponto de vista 👀 🤔💭 nem mostra a fotos dos instrumentos etc ... então compra um Yamaha PSR sx 600...900 que é o mesmo valor é mais bonito também e oferece muito mais até o Yamaha 473 oferece muito mais que esse teclado 🎹 do vídeo
Tony thanks for the tips it helps it’s clear . For the recording part it sucks i hope you can elaborate and demonstrate the installation we need
I don't actually own the Korg anymore sorry!
Great review, I'm grateful of your work.
Thanks so much for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
I liked your rewiew very much, clear and honest, also appreciating the comparisons with other brands, it gives a proper idea, about the keyboard. Bravo!!!
Thanks so much glad you liked the review. And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Great review Tony. I need to take a look at this one.
Thanks! Yeah even though it's only 61 keys and the keys aren't weighted, I love this board.
Oh and there is an 88 key weighted key version of this - Korg XE20; has all the rhythms etc - it's almost twice the $ though
Just bought one after comparing others in this bracket. Incredible what you get for $320. Still remember the Roland E-16 from the early 90's.
This video (as the comments) were very helpfull to make a decision.
Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Hi Tony, thanks again for your great video.
On Dutch radio was a program about Fluxus and art in general. It was said (not sure if true) that Yoko Ono wrote the lyrics to Imagine...
Well, Imagine it is what I am now learning on the keyboard 😊
Cheers from The Netherlands.
Thanks a lot brother.......
Hi Tony excellent easy to follow video. I have recently purchased my ek50 and wondered when the in depth review that you mention may be published? I could do with as much help as possible as the user manual is very basic. Thanks John.
Hi John! Have to apologize, but I won't be able to do that review in the near future - I had someone I know offer to buy the EK-50 from me, so I took them up on it so I could buy another board to review. I do know a fair bit about how to do stuff with it though, so feel free to shoot any questions my way that you like. There's a really good basic usage intro here from an awesome reviewer of arranger keyboards if you want to check that out:
ua-cam.com/video/4jqFEkubyuQ/v-deo.html
But once again, don't be shy about firing any questions my way, I'll be glad to help if I can!
thanks you for the video you have made my mind up for me, regards Allan stoke in Trent UK
Thanks a bunch! Glad you enjoyed the video, it is a great keyboard
Hi Tony, I enjoy your videos. I know you're eagerly awaiting the arrival of the EW425. Are you still planning to do a "full" review of this Korg EK50?
Thanks so much Jeff! Unfortunately I won’t be able to do a full review on the EK-50 unless I end up buying another (I sold mine to someone who wanted to buy it); it is an awesome keyboard though, I may end up with another one at some stage (or if I ever find a rentable one I will definitely do that to do a full review)
Sos vos el que canta? Qué bueno!!! Es genial!!!
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Hey
Nice review, I'm almost totally sold on buying EK-50, but I've got one question: what options of recording are available on that keyboard? Is there possibility to record through USB? I've heard that I can easily record Yamaha PSR keyboards (373 and 473) that way, but they don't seem to be as advanced or 'powerful' as the KORG one, thus I'd rather preffer EK-50.
There was talk of Korg adding that feature to the EK, but to my knowledge at least, they never did - so for recording you would need to connect the line outs to an audio interface (Focusrite Scarlett etc).
Good luck with choosing a keyboard! Thanks for checking out the channelm, feel free to subscribe
There is also a digital piano/keyboard version - Korg XE20 (same category as Yamaha DGX 670 or Casio PX-S3000) which has rather similar desing/interface to EK-50, but with 88 weighted hammer-action keys, etc.
Yes I’d love to see and try one of those, stores where I am never carry them. It adds higher end higher polyphony piano samples as well - would be an interesting combo with the EK 50 samples and interface; it seems a bit $$$ to me though, but I would love to try it out!
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@@PianoTone Hi Tony, yes, I've subscribed to your channel and found you reviews very informative and fun to watch.
I visited a music store today and tried the EK-50 keyboard. Even though I always prefer hammer-action keys to synth ones, the key feel was quite good (perhaps similar feel to that of Kurzweil keyboards, which I personally prefer to Yamaha or Casio keybeds - but I understand it is very subjective...). I also like the intuitive design, when every function is easily accessible without the need to go to the manual all the time, etc. The arrangement of the sounds into keyboard sets is something one has to get used to, but I like the idea of prearrangements of the suitable sounds to a given style. What I miss is some ethnic sounds, namely Indian ones (like harmonium, etc.), which I like and am used to from Yamaha or Casio keyboards (there is a version of EK-50IN meant for the Indian market, which has those sounds). I wonder whether it is possible to download additional sounds besides many styles available. Perhaps whit additional (downloadable) styles come also appropriate new sounds as part of it?
Regarding XE-20 piano-keyboard, I had a chance to try it in a nearby music store several times. The keys are weighted hammer-action, even though the touch is different to that of other brands (Yamaha, Casio, Rolland). There is no escarpment effect (present e.g. in Rolland pianos), which I actually don't need and consider unnecessary at digital pianos (I have never played acoustic piano before, so I am not used to that). The key touch is lighter, which I actually prefer to a heavier one. Perhaps it is a good balance between playing piano sounds vs. organs/synths/other sounds that are better played with a lighter touch. But I understand that keyboard feel is very subjective matter and everyone may have different needs and preferences in this respect. Nevertheless, swat astonished me that the keys on XE-20 are practically noiseless, no clicking key sounds, that can be heard while playing pianos from other brands (like Casio or Yamaha). So, this piano-keyboard may please someone who found key noises disturbing, etc.
Overall, I like both EK-50 and XE-20 and consider them a good quality products. I presently own entry level paino/keaboards Casio CDP S-350 and Yamaha PSR 363. I still consider myself a beginner, so I find those ones sufficient for my level. Nevertheless, if I would considering an upgrade to a higher level piano or keyboard, I would very seriously consider those Korg products.
@@indrakt That's awesome info thanks so much!
Thank you very much for these reviews K-50/E473/ E463. I want to buy one for my daughter who plays piano for 8 yrs now. She is competent in classical piano playing. I think the next instrument would be such a fun device.
Priorities: 1. Great Keys action feel (near to piano as possible).
2. Arranging/creating mini-band multitrack songs with multi-voices.
3. Portable /gigging/jamming.
What would you recommend if my budget was like $400-500? This K-50 is currently under $400 in my local online shop. I looked at your Yamaha PSR E series reviews too and E373 is like $170. Should I conclude my search and get this K-50? Or should I go low and get the E373? Many thanks for your reply.
Hi there! Thanks for the kind words!
Key Action: Keep in mind that these keyboards are synth action (non-weighted keys) so if your daughter is used to fully weighted keys, these will feel very different to her. The Korg EK-50 keys are significantly better (in my opinion) than the keys on the PSR-E373 or PSR-E463, and better (maybe not significantly) than the keys on my new PSR-EW425/E473. The keybed on the Korg feels higher quality, but the other advantage is even though they are not weighted, the Korg keys are "true" full size (octave width of 165 mm which is the same as a piano); for some reason, most synth action unweighted keyboards will SAY "full width" but the octave width is slightly narrower at 159-160mm; so she would have an easier time with these because the spacing would feel more familiar. Another option would be the Casiotone CTS-500 which is also an arranger with great sounds, but the key action feels more "piano-like" (ALMOST semi-weighted feel). I own a CT-S1 (review on my channel) which is NOT an arranger, but has the same keyfeel. But the CTS-500 has the smaller octave width and smaller speakers.
Arranging/Playing With Voice(s): The Korg user interface is still the best I've ever seen; these keyboards can be complicated to learn - not the Korg it is SO user friendly and easy to use it's crazy. The predefined keyboard sets (pre-layered sets of 4 voices) where you can at the touch of a button turn layers on/off is fantastic; she will get up and running very quickly on this keyboard. The Yamaha PSR series requires more "menu deep diving" to configure things - this has improved a fair bit on the PSR-E473/EW425, but the E373 will be harder to use. And the EK50 can also mute style parts which is nice (you can play with just drums, just bass/drums, or full backing etc.) the 373 cannot.
Portability/Gigging/Jamming: The EK-50 has 20 watts speakers that sound awesome, and proper L/R lineouts to connect to external audio equipment. The 373 has tiny speakers at 5 watts, and only a headphone out - for gigging or jamming there is no contest at all. The Korg is a couple pounds heavier, but still nice and light compared to weighted keyboards.
So overall, as long as you think she will be ok with the non weighted keys, I would DEFINITELY recommend the EK-50 over the PSR-E373 or E463. The other one I would consider is the PSR-E473 (the 61 key version of my PSR-EW425); the Korg still has a slightly better quality keybed, but the user interface has improved on these PSR's and they have a mic input with gain and effects (if she sings this is a massive feature) and it also has a built in audio interface making it super easy to record audio or videos.
Sorry for the long winded response! (I love talking about keyboards . . . .) Feel free to ask more questions and let me know what you decide and how she likes it!
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Tony, thank you so much! This one was so good I was looking forward to your full review- oh well! But you seem like the guy to ask. You lavished praise on this keybed, that it felt precise and gave you good control over velocity levels. I’m primarily a piano player, ES920, and while this board would serve for organ/synth duties, it also would be a solo board that would be the easiest to take out to parties and jams, both in terms of weight and expense, so it’d have to do piano competently as well.
So asking as someone who prefers weighted action, will I achieve relative satisfaction playing the piano with this board? Each of us is different, so you have no way to answer that, but from your personal preferences, could you be happy playing piano sounds with this board? It’s easy enough with the Aux in to get better piano sounds from my iPad, so this is all about the keybed.
Have to admit different priorities abound. I have the Casio CT-X5000, and while I’m in admiration of all it can do, and mostly appreciate the sound quality (esp compared to even 10 years ago with these budget boards), the loose clacky keys and the somewhat sloppy/imprecise throw of the keys gets to me, distracts me from the otherwise fun time I’m having (100 User Tones; these other boards only have Registrations. 128 Registrations, 3-4 times more than the others; 2 tones for the Split; sounds already paired for each of the Styles/rhythms. Etc.)
So enter contestant #2, the EW425 has a keybed that I tried out, and for an unweighted action it felt pretty OK for piano, no noises, no somewhat loose throw of the action, and for the short time I auditioned it I thought it was actually decent with piano. That and the 76 keys, microphone input!, USB audio/midi interface, 4 simple-silly sample buttons, etc., making me think that it might be the board I might ditch the CT-X5000 for.
But then enters the EK-50, which according to you also has a decent-enough keybed, and has the huge added advantage of being focused on the player like me, who’s all about creating quickly-produced powerful sounds, and with 3 voices on top, that’s a lot to work with, buttons for each voice and the quick-adjusts made possible, not to mention other super user-friendly touches like their version of Ots, etc. I had the PA1000, which makes me want to believe that this could be somewhat like it- awesome sounds and sound system, life-like Styles-
Have to admit I could go either way- EW425 (keybed is same as E473) or the EK-50. Any thoughts?
Hey there! That one is really tough because it's been a while since I played the EK-50 and my playing has improved dramatically since I did. I do remember the action being really good (better than PSR keyboards, but I hadn't played the EW425 yet because it wasn't out). And one of the other HUGE features of the EK50 is TRUE full size keys. I know it's only a 5mm difference per octave, but for me it makes it so much easier to play (and not make mistakes grazing keys) when the key size actually matches what I'm used to.
And after owning a 425 for awhile I absolutely love everything about it; 76 keys, sounds, features, mic input, big speakers, etc except when my main piano is a fully weighted one I find it hard to play. So to be honest, it you asked me right now "you have to play a gig with either the EK50 or the 425 right now which one would you take?" I would take the EK50 because of the key size. And FYI the aux in won't help you with other piano sounds though - you can stream in a backing track, but to trigger MIDI sounds you use the USB out from the board to your device then the device has to send audio to PA/speakers.
Hope that helps!
@@PianoTone Hey, thanks for the response. As the pros/cons weigh on each other, I find myself leaning towards the EW425. No board has it all, esp in the sub $600 range, but gotta love that industry bucking 76 keys and audio interface! Yeah Yamaha! Glad to hear you’ve been loving it.
Truth be told, after having the magnificent PA1000, I have not-so-secretly been wanting to get the PSR SX700. I was blown away by how good the styles and sounds were on the PA1000, and for the serious composer, you had an insane amount of control over your sound editing.
But it took way too much time to learn, and from what I’ve heard the SX series, 600/700/900, are more user friendly with the trade-off of having few choices for deep editing. I just wish Korg would come out with the next generation of the PA700/1000, and use the same incredibly user friendly approach as the EK-50.
But I don’t have $1,200-$1,400 for a used SX700, so getting a board like the EW425 that comes in under $500 with those 2 pre-defined expression knobs, etc., I may call myself content for now. And yes, they’d both be a slam dunk for iPad instruments: simple USB cable from the EW425 transmitting MIDI to play the iPad, and the audio interface to get the audio into the keyboard. For the EK-50, the USB cable would bring my playing into the instrument app with MIDI, and then a simple audio 1/8” cable in to the Aux In would bring the iPad sounds into the boards speakers.
I’ve been talking with Thomann in Germany and even after paying $80 in shipping to my Southern CA address, I could get the EK-50/EK-50L for about $175-200 less than buying stateside. For some reason they don’t charge VAT (19%!), AND, it’s under the $800 threshold for customs. However I’m not sure about CA state tax, if I had to pay that I’d only save $135-150.
I’m kind of between/betwixt boards. Having the es920 means I can do serious practicing- but turns out I’m not as good as I’d hoped I’d be after several months of daily practice- it’d actually take several years of daily practice to get my senior fingers anywhere close to my 12 yo freshly minted playing ability. So- big disappointment/reality check, but I figure with the EW425 I’d really have a simplified way to be at the center of singalongs, with requisite microphone already on board.
I’ve never used auto accompaniment much except for rhythms, but perhaps I could record the chords so that the auto-accompaniment plays back with that, giving me back the full range of the keyboard to play along with it. Does the EW425 and the EK-50 have that capability, to pre-record the chords for the auto-accompaniment?
@@randalgoat Hey there! You can make 6 track MIDI recordings on the 425, or you can make audio recordings (that go to the USB flash drive) and play them back as backing tracks (that's what I almost always do anyways so I can play full range on the keys; my left hand is always playing a rhythm usually with octaves or a walking bass; I only tend to actually use accompaniment with my DGX-670 because it has "AI Full Fingered" as a chord mode which is awesome).
I have a whole video series on recording with the 425, including making some custom intros and outros if you want to check that out; video 1 is here: ua-cam.com/video/C_nvRQ-1ZOU/v-deo.html
Hope that helps!
Have subbed you, we seem to be in the same place on keybeds...am playing a ew410, it's good except for key action, can you give me an in depth rundown on 425's keybeds? Thank you
Tony how is the onboard 12 track recorder on this unit? There’s not much about it anywhere. Wondering if you can record a song in the unit and then export/transfer out to GarageBand or other DAW..
I haven't actually used it yet, but from the manual (you can download that from Korg's website - page 17). It's "sort of" a 16 track recorder. 12 of the tracks are reserved for the accompaniment parts so if you are not using those it's really 4. And those 4 tracks will by default record the 4 voice layers (lower 1, upper 1,2,3) as you play. There is some editing ability to erase / re-record, I'm not sure how easy it is to accurately "punch in punch out" as far as specifying exactly what sections to redo. You should be able to get 4 layered tracks (played individually) by specifying the voice you want in upper 1, playing it alone, then do the same with upper 2, play it alone to overdub etc. With the lower voice since it is only active when split is on would have to turn on split, set split point to highest note on keyboard then record that. And I believe you can export the recording to a DAW (it will be midi not audio) with each of the 16 recorded channels as individual MIDI files. I'll keep you posted once I get a chance to play around with that.
@@PianoTone Great! Thanks for that info. The manual is not very detailed so it would be great to know how the recording goes and if it indeed does transfer over individual MIDI tracks into a DAW. If it does, I’ll be seriously considering one. 😊👍
Hi Tony, I want your advice: I have been playing piano for 3 years now. I still consider myself a beginner, I know basic chords, and am able to play a few songs. I have a Casio CTX700, which is a great keyboard in my opinion. Do you think I should get another piano or should I stick to that one until I reach an intermediate level. I have seen your reviews and there are great options like the cts1, the new casiotones, Korg Liano, np piaggero 35, and many more. So I am still undecided about buying a new piano or stick to my Casio for a few more years.
Thank you for your time!
If you’re happy with the CTX700 stick with it! I’ve never seen one but I know the specs are great (I believe same sound engine as the newer CTS keyboards).
Thank you for your response. I am happy with my keyboard. I will upgrade in the future @@PianoTone
Great information. If you want to play blues piano's like a honky tonk and harmonica, Cuban/Latin for percussion Buena Vista Social Club kinda which would in your opinon be a better choice the Korg EK50 or Yamaha PSR E473.
You mention the interface and this is a plus for the Korg, the in/out connectivity I believe to be better on the Yamaha. But just for blues and percussion which would make the better choice. I do understand that certain things are subjective.
Thanks in advance.
That's a tough question, I think either one would be great to be honest. I've never played the Cuban/Latin style myself, but for blues the Korg's got a great simple default piano that cuts through everything else nicely, it also has a great action and true full size keys (Yamaha's a tiny bit narrower). The user interface on the Korg is super easy, but the Yamaha did improve theirs from the E463 considerably (but the Korg's is still better). They both have line out ports and great speakers as well.
I think it probably comes down to how important the extra two features are to you on the Yamaha: the built in audio interface (makes recording audio/video a breeze, and also allows you to stream back in MIDI sounds if you're using a MIDI sound bank on a device), and it also has a mic port with gain if you're gonna be singing.
If it was me as much as I like the Korg, I'd lean 473 for those last 2 features, but those are things I'd use alot - if they're not a huge deal to you, the Korg might have a slight edge.
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Thank you for your advice. I'd lean towards the Korg due to ergonomics as keybed you mentioned,though the Yamaha is in certain areas objectively the (slightly) better one.
@@michelvondenhoff9673 There's also a newer Korg EK-50U which I think is the exact same but has more "american" styles (blues, rock jazz) - don't know the specifics though.
Thank you sir your wonderful info .question can I add another sound from keyboard set to IN compony style . like saxophone. Trumpet or any other sound that keyboard has, the instruction book came with it dose not have many info. also I figured out has a ORIANTEL setting witch i figured out I can play ARABIC setting COOL:
Hi there; I'm not sure if you can modify the accompaniment styles or not; I don't think so. But Korg does have additional styles you can download from here: www.korg.com/caen/products/synthesizers/ek_50/bonus.php
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@@PianoTone Thank you for your fast response😀
How do I access the piano sounds like bright piano, m1 piano and all of that?
You would choose a style set first, then press whatever layer you want to change a voice for and scroll through the available voices.
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Trying to find how to activate portamento. I noticed that several of the synth lead sounds have portamento on them, but I cannot find in the menu how to adjust or toggle it on other sounds. Any help appreciated 😅
I don’t own this anymore so sorry I can’t help! Maybe look for a manual online
@@PianoTone hey thanks. Yeah, I looked through the manual and it seems to be a dead end. But it’s just baffling that as some of those leads and sounds definitely have portamento on them. But most don’t. Oh well.
How to upload the set list bank to usb from the keyboard ek 50?
I'm not sure but you can check the manual online: www.korg.com/us/support/download/manual/0/793/4084/
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Hi I know that it can play also midi files I was wondering which GM Sound Bank does it use?!…
the first GM, the GM2, XT…
And is it fast to load a midi file and can we play along with it, does it have a good Drum kit, I normally use the Jazz kit, and the brush kit is it good…
The Finger Bass and the Walking Bass are they realistic, and of course let’s not forget the old and warm Organs does it have the desirable Hammond B3… what about Electric piano are they any good, is it any thing near the Fender Rhoads…
Best regards from Funchal
Hi there! I actually sold the EK a couple years ago, but it was an awesome keyboard. I never loaded MIDI files so not sure about that, and I have no idea what MIDI sound bank it uses; the Rhodes sound was good and I used various walking bass sounds alot in the left hand with piano in the right.
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UI is so overlooked by manufacturers. Yamaha isn't too bad going all the way down to their budget series. Casio seems to just cut everything out to fit price brackets. I couldn't find this here in India, but we have an EK50-IN variant with 40 Indian styles and sounds and is the equivalent of about 420 USD shipped. So this sounds slightly not as detailed as the AIX chip on the Casio CT-S1 and CT-X700?
I think the IN version is the same board with Indian styles … the piano patch on the AiX chip on the CTS1/CTS400 and CTX700 is definitely a more detailed piano patch and is better for pure piano pieces, I find I do really like the EK50 for modern music though - the piano is a bit more “plain” but is bright and cuts through the mix well (on the CTS1 or on my Yamaha p125 I had which have great piano patches I would often switch to a different less detailed brighter patch when playing modern music with a backing track because those brighter patches cut thru the mix better)
Should i buy yamaha psr e473 or korg ek50? I need ur advice
They’re both great keyboards either one is a great choice - I would probably go with the Yamaha myself
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Hello, If I only play grand piano, what do you thinch is the best, EK-50, psr-e473 or casio ctx 5000 ?, thanks.
I've never seen a CTX5000 so I can't comment on that one; both the EK-50 and E473 are amazing keyboards with lots of features; if you only play piano they each have something in their favour: the E473 has more (and better quality) piano sounds, the EK-50 has "true" full size key width, and a slightly better feeling keybed (the E473 keys are full-size synth key width which is slightly narrower than piano keys). Either of those would be a great choice though.
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@@PianoToneI think the Korg for the full siza key. Thanks.
Being a composer I got problems with their sound four in one and the style like you can’t fix it I liked the d50 Roland decades ago anyway will get to j ow that keyboard
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❤🙏
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Okay what about this? So what arranger would you suggest today if you had $500? $1000? 1500? 2000?
I'm not a specialist on arrangers, but in the under $500 USD range I would recommend the Yamaha PSR-EW425, PSR-E473 & Korg EK-50. I've never tested (or even seen) more expensive arrangers; stores where I live only carry the entry level ones.
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How to convert song from usb to keybord Ek50
Hi there not exactly sure what you are asking, but with the USB drive on the EK-50 you can load and play along with WAV, MP3, SMF and MIDI files stored on the flash drive (so audio OR standard MIDI).
There are more details in the manual on page 25 - you can find it on Korg's website at: www.korg.com/tmp/support/download/index.php/product/0/793/?country=us&page=product&prodtype=0&prodid=793
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Hey thank got mine last Friday iam a singer songwriter my style is soul music soul pop I got around it today the sounds are amazing I have to disabled like you did on the videos other internments in the rhythm I got to rewatch your video of course and practice I find it a bit complex and of course it was a gift for me to keep on making music iam just concern about the rythme I loved my rhythms beat on my 1990’s m360 or 380 Yamaha which I can’t seem to reproduce on this new keyboard 🎹 I am concern about the string sounds I don’t have much choice of strings iam concern I need softer palette 🎨 of strings and I don’t know how to put an echo effect on these strings or even if we have this option hey for real I need to learn and practice iam excited so dear can I compose an opera on this one or a soul pop song without using their incorporated sounds thanks from Paris France Natalie based here at the moment to my regret
"Glory to "GOD" Sir this item available or not pls give me instructions about this Korg EK 50 if not available pls how to get this
You can try amazon wherever you are from with this link: amzn.to/3bN1ZDl or you could contact music stores in your area or search online.
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@@PianoTone ok sir tq u
I think the marketing of the Korg company is wrong. It does not win against the similar Yamaha 473, but even loses! Cogg doesn't have an arpeggiator, there aren't even sound labels on Corga! Was there not enough paint? Laughter! It was also necessary to add that Yamaha has 473 and a little more. And they would only buy Korg! It was necessary to make not only a Korg for playing musicians, but also a bit of a studio instrument! Add everything for the studio programmatically without spending a lot of money!
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Played both PSR-473 and EK-50 in store for a bit and decided on the Korg for UI and keybed.
Tony is frank about his preference for the Yamaha. The PSR has certain advantages over the EK.
Great exchange of information between adults 😎
Achei a aparência desse teclado 🎹 feia .. Eu acho que ele não vale muito apena comprar pq tem teclado mais barato que ele que oferece muito mais que ele ... só na quantidade de voz 🗣️ que ele tem por exemplo ...tem teclado mais barato que ele que oferece muito mais até na aparência ...e essa telinha é muito feinha por um teclado 🎹 que custa uns 5 mil reais ...em fim por esse valor é mais compensável comprar um YAMAHA então tem teclado da Yamaha pelo mesmo valor tem teclado Yamaha muito mais bonito tbm por menos e oferece muito mais que ele ...acho que no mínimo esse teclado teria de ter uma tela com fotos do instrumento 🎷🎸 mais vozes muito mais coisas para oferecer ...ele não vale o valor que ele está ...sim não tem como negar que os timbres pelo menos são "bons " no mínimo essa tela amarela deixa ele inda mais feio ...no meu ponto de vista 👀 🤔💭 nem mostra a fotos dos instrumentos etc ... então compra um Yamaha PSR sx 600...900 que é o mesmo valor é mais bonito também e oferece muito mais até o Yamaha 473 oferece muito mais que esse teclado 🎹 do vídeo
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@@PianoTone imagina...de nada ...sobre teclados 🎹 🎶 e órgão 🎹🎶 me interessa muito 👏
BLA BLA BLA
Sorry you didn’t enjoy the review - have a good day