PR AGENCY CONTACT:
Robert Clyne
Clyne Media, Inc.
Tel: 615.662.1616
Leslie Buttonow
Korg USA Inc.
Tel: 631.390.6500FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KORG DISPLAYS ITS NEW SV-1 STAGE VINTAGE PIANO
— Retro-style performance keyboard offers decades of in-demand classic sounds —127th AES CONVENTION, NEW YORK, NY, October 9, 2009 — Korg is displaying the new SV-1 Stage Vintage Piano. The SV-1 offers the most complete compendium of hit-making vintage electric pianos, funky clavs, classic and cult-fave organs, string machines, analog/digital electronic contenders and world-class acoustic pianos ever available in a single instrument. Available in lightweight 73-key and 88-key models, the SV-1 features Korg’s premium RH3 Real Graded Hammer Action for a solid, expressive feel. [Note: Please see the end of this press release for words from keyboard luminaries regarding the SV-1.]
Designed for all musicians – from the piano purist to the occasional keyboardist – the SV-1 recreates the look, feel and satisfaction of performing on a vintage instrument. Absent are the crowded displays and parameter menus that are so common on today’s keyboards. In their place, the SV-1 provides a streamlined front panel where each knob serves a single function and LED indicators cue the performer to each knob’s current setting. Pressing any knob recalls its original saved setting. Eight FAVORITES buttons operate much like car radio buttons, bringing needed sounds within fingertip access.
Crafted using Korg’s RX (Real eXperience) Technology, each of the 36 onboard sounds is a detailed and authentic re-creation (complete list below). The RX engine accurately captures the full range of expression and dynamics of the original instruments, including the snap of the tine, release of the hammer, click of the contacts and other definitive sonic elements.
The SV-1 also re-creates the effect pedals and studio processing that gave these sounds their original character. In addition, the proven, tube-driven (12AX7) Valve Reactor circuit combines with period-accurate amplifier modeling to deliver the warmth, bite and snarl that brings these sounds to life. Each of the tone modifying sections features its own dedicated On/Off switch and controls for easy editing.
The SV-1 can be transposed into any key, and the tuning can be adjusted to match another instrument or existing track. Eight velocity curves match the keyboard response to any playing style. Unlike the original instruments, the SV-1 is virtually maintenance-free and always in tune.
Korg’s free Editing Software provides an extra level of programming, with access to additional parameters for the technically savvy player. The software can also be used to organize sounds into gig-ready setlists, and for sharing and downloading new sounds that will be made available in the near future. Standard MIDI jacks (In, Out) as well as a USB MIDI connection are provided. An optional stand and rolling soft case are available.
The SV-1 features balanced XLR and _" outputs, eliminating the need for noisy or costly direct boxes. Convenient audio inputs are also provided, along with a front-mounted headphone jack.
A half-damping sustain pedal is included. Two aux pedal inputs can accommodate an additional switch pedal and an additional sweep pedal (to control the Wah effect and Rotary speed, for example). Both inputs can accept switch pedals, providing the Soft and Sostenuto pedals for the piano performer.
Korg introduced the SG-1 and the SG-1D – the world’s first sample-based digital pianos – in 1986. The SG-1D was popular for its great sound, simple controls and solid feel. The SV-1 carries on that tradition of excellent sound, accurate feel and extreme ease of use.
The SV-1 Stage Vintage Piano will be available early November 2009. The 73-key SV-173 will carry an MSRP of $2700.00; the 88-key SV-188 will carry an MSRP of $3000.00.SV-1 Supplemental Information:
SOUNDS:
Bank 1 - Electric Piano 1: Tine Electric Piano (x4); VPM Piano (X2)
Bank 2 - Electric Piano 2: Reed Electric Piano (x2);Electro-Acoustic Grand; Korg SG-1D;
1980s Synth Piano; MIDI Grand
Bank 3 - Clav: Clav (x4); Plucked Reed Piano-ette; Transistor Piano
Bank 4 - Piano: Bright Japanese Grand; Smooth European Grand; Mono Grand; Upright Piano; Piano + Strings; Piano + Pad
Bank 5 - Organ: Tonewheel (x3); USA Tube Console; Italian Combo; VOX Combo
Bank 6 - Other: Real Strings; Tape Strings; String Machine; Real Choir; Synth Brass;
Sharp Brass
EFFECTS:
Equalizer: Bass, Mid, Treble
Pre FX: Compression; Boost; U-Vibe; Chorus/Vibrato; Tremolo; Wah (Pedal or Auto)
Amp Model: Clean; California; Tweed; AC30; Mod’ed OverDrive; Organ Hi-Gain OverDrive
Modulation FX: Chorus 1; Chorus 2; Phaser 1; Phaser 2; Flanger; Rotary (Fast/Slow switch)
Reverb/Delay: Room; Plate; Hall; Spring; Tape Echo; Stereo Delay (Tap-Tempo)
###Word count: 699 wordsPhoto Files: Korg_SV-1_73_Photo1.JPG, Korg_SV-1_73_Photo2.JPG,
Korg_SV-1_88_Photo1.JPG, Korg_SV-1_88_Photo2.JPG
Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_BPiScinrkADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ARTIST QUOTES:
A number of prominent jazz and R&B keyboardists offered their first reactions to the SV-1:
L.A.’s most prolific solo, session and touring musician Greg Phillinganes noted, “The first thing I noticed about this is it’s got a great touch. There’s quite a range of velocity, and it doesn’t feel synth-y – it has a nice, even weighted keyboard. With each of the keyboard sounds that are in here, I get the feeling that I’m actually playing the real thing.”
Contemporary R&B singer and keyboardist Frank McComb was won over by the SV-1’s sounds, feel and effects: “The effects! – I don’t have to lug pedals! I won’t need pedals with this because it has everything built in. Those who know me know that, when in concert, I have pedals on top of my electric piano. But right here on the board of this piano are all the effects you can think of. And you really have to play it – I’m not easily convinced when it comes to electric pianos, but I’m sold! It also looks pretty hip; it’s light. Not hard to lug around for gigs–you could actually travel with it, and you won’t be charged for it at the airport!”
Jazz phenom Eldar commented, “The SV-1 sounds unbelievable. And everything is right there at your fingertips. Everything’s on the knobs and buttons, so when you’re playing live, you don’t waste any time.”
Neal Evans, Soulive co-founder and keyboardist, commented, “It replaces you having to lug around three, four keyboards; or having to kind of show up and wonder, ‘what is the piano gonna be like?’ when you know you have to have a pristine piano here, a pristine electric piano, a pristine organ, etc.” And regarding the tube, “That’s what you want to see, you want to know that it’s real, that it’s not just a bunch of algorithms, there’s actually the tube, the warmth.”
Evans went on to sum up the SV-1 like this: “This is what you always hoped would happen again — Korg produced a new vintage keyboard. We’ve waited for this for a very long time.”—For more information, contact Korg, 316 South Service Rd, Melville, NY 11747.
Tel: (631) 390-6500; Web: www.korg.com.Korg is exhibiting at booth 229 at the 127th AES Convention in New York, NY.
All Rights Reserved.