From aevett1@yahoo.com Sun Jan 03 21:46:06 2010
Subject:Re:Roland 880

Shawn -

I have a Traynor K4. It seems that the general opinion of specialized keyboard amps/enclosures, on both this forum and others, is that they don't sound as good, overall, as powered PA cabinets. Based on prior experience with several different keyboard amps over a 25 year period, I have tended to agree with that - especially when a keyboard amp is called on to accurately present a high quality piano sample/model effectively.

However, there have been a couple of keyboard amps referenced recently that seem to stand out and do a better job than other models; the Traynor K4 is one of those. Having used one for the past 2+ years, I am impressed with its' solid coverage of a broad range of keyboard tones. While I have noticed that a powered PA cabinet still has an edge on the K4 with regard to piano tones, the Traynor still does a very decent job. Lots of great features too. One that I find useful is the dual tube preamp option on Channel 1, which includes a choice of 'voicings' that offers EQ variations for different applications. Last night I ran VB3 through Channel 1 in tube pre mode, voicing option 3. Even without a separate rotary sim unit, the VB3 model and its' internal sim sounded very rich and animated. Also, the synth tones I used reproduce well through the K4: 'electric violin', accordion, 'lead' guitar, strings/various pads, etc. In a band setting, the
pianos I use do fine through the K4: A variety of pianos from the Yamaha S90ES, and Casio PX-330. One solo 'piano' gigs, I have used the K4. It does a capable job, though I have found that using a powered PA cabinet (Peavey PR-12D) presents solo 'piano' a little better. The one time I played a solo gig on a house PA w/ JBL EONS, the sonic difference was stronger.

If I had to choose only one mixer/amp to cover all applications, I would pick the K4. I've had keyboard amps by Peavey, Roland, and Marshall. The K4 is by far the best keyboard amp I've owned. Definitely worth checking out. Here's a link to the 2006 Keyboard Magazine review of the K4: http://www.traynoramps.com/default.asp?p1=3&p2=0&p_id=14&id=20

Allan

From: Shawn Lyday
To: CloneWheel@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sun, January 3, 2010 6:46:10 PM
Subject: [CWSG] Re:Roland 880


Speaking of compact key amplification, does anyone have experience with the Traynor K4 or the MS 550N ?

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