Grandstage Digital Stage Piano

KORG's Grandstage Piano is equipped with seven powerful sound engines and is loaded with meticulously selected keyboard sounds. The Grandstage has looks that pay respects to acoustic pianos, yet also convey the beauty and individuality of electronic instruments. Firmly grounded in both newness and in the piano tradition, it's the birth of a masterpiece for a new generation.

Containing stupendous piano sounds from top-level instruments worldwide, the SGX-2 acoustic piano sound engine is what makes the Grandstage worthy of the term "ultimate." The grand piano sounds were captured using instruments from Germany/Heidelberg, Germany/Berlin, Austria, Japan, as well as a newly sampled Italian grand piano. These five grand pianos are considered world-leading classics, and now they are available to you in an unparalleled playing experience. In addition, the Grandstage also provides a newly sampled upright piano sound, featuring a character that is different than the spacious and brilliant grand piano sounds, and possessing its own refinement and depth.

These SGX-2 sound engines contain high-capacity unlooped stereo samples for every key, and use up to 12 levels of velocity switching to perfectly convey the detailed and powerful expressiveness of an acoustic piano, extending to damper resonance that reproduces the spaciousness that is felt when the pedal is pressed, and even mechanical noise.

Responding to the requests of numerous professional players, the Grandstage also provides monaural piano sounds for all of these acoustic piano programs. These monaural piano sounds were voiced not from a mono mix of stereo samples but from monaurally recorded sources, and will shine clearly even within a band's mix.

Electric Piano
The EP-1 electric piano sound engine contains a total of six vintage electric piano sounds: the classic I, II, V and DMP models of instruments that generate sound by striking a metal tine, and the 200 and 200A models of instruments based on vibrating reeds. MDS (Multi-Dimensional Synthesis) technology delivers a further evolution of the concept of velocity switching, smoothly responding even to subtle changes in your keyboard dynamics. Realistically-reproduced amps, cabinets, speakers, and vintage effects add the finishing touches to these impeccable simulations.

Organ Sounds
Three different organ sounds are provided. The CX-3 tonewheel organ sound engine is a complete reproduction of KORG's classic combo organ that went on sale in 1980. The newly designed VOX transistor organ sound engine reproduces the sound of the VOX organ that went on sale in 1960 and had such a great impact on popular music in Europe and the US. Also new is the Compact transistor organ sound engine which simulates the compact organs that earned a legendary place in rock during the same years as the VOX organ. By using these sound engines with the rotary speaker effect that's built into each one, you can experience the enjoyment of organ playing to your heart's content.

Other Sounds
The Grandstage provides a total of 500 different sound programs, and in addition to the above five types of sound engine, it also gives you the AL-1 analog modeling sound engine that delivers well-defined reeds and thick brass sounds, and the HD-1 PCM sound engine that covers a wide variety of sounds. In particular, the HD-1 contains many new samples of distinctive keyboard instruments, including an eight-level multi-sampled clavi sound, as well as harpsichord, pipe organ, and the distinctive metallic sound of an FM piano.

Although the Grandstage features numerous sound programs, its intuitive interface lets you rapidly select the desired sound without any confusion. The most frequently played sounds such as piano, electric piano, and organ can be recalled from the right-hand "keyboard section," and sounds such as synth and strings can be recalled from the left-hand "ensemble section." Additionally, all effect, EQ, and dynamics controls can be directly accessed using front panel knobs and buttons. As a stage piano, the Grandstage is focused on simple operation to let the player concentrate completely on their performance.

Effects
The reverb and delay that are indispensable for any emotionally rich keyboard performance are provided as master effects; you can use the panel controls to instantly switch between effect types or to adjust the depth. The Grandstage features KORG's newly developed reverb circuit to achieve even greater expressive potential. Selecting the HALL or ROOM settings applies "iVerb" to deliver natural spaciousness and smooth reverberation, or you can choose SPRING to apply "Spring Reverb" that will match the vintage organ sounds.

Each sound is programmed with the optimal insert effect settings, so you'll be enjoying the ultimate sound experience from the moment that you turn on the Grandstage.

Ergonomically Laid Out
The Grandstage provides carefully considered parameters and a thoughtful panel layout with numerous highly usable functions to ensure that you'll achieve your best performance whether you're playing live or in a session.

This stage piano brings the player unprecedented expressive power. The Dynamics knob is KORG's new feature that is unique to the Grandstage. It instantly changes the way in which your keyboard playing dynamics (velocity) affects the volume and tone, allowing you to customize the playing feel of the keyboard in real time to suit your performing style or the genre of music.

Customizable
Turning the dynamics knob toward the left provides a softer sound with a wider dynamic range in response to your keystrokes. This allows more sensitive expression since the sound responds directly to changes in your playing strength; ideal for piano solos or when accompanying a song. Conversely, turning the dynamics knob toward the right provides louder sound relative to your playing strength, creating flatter dynamics. This is ideal when you want to play with a consistent touch so that your sound will stand out in the band or ensemble.

The favorites buttons let you register up to 64 of your favorite sounds. If you've saved your settings for a live performance, the sounds you need can be instantly recalled during a song or between songs. The sounds you save can be registered as a combination of the keyboard section and ensemble section.

KORG's unique "Smooth Sound Transition" (SST) function creates smooth and natural change when you switch between sounds and effects even while you perform; it's been further refined on the Grandstage.

The Grandstage is equipped with a three-band equalizer that lets you adjust the character of the overall sound appropriately for the acoustics of your live performance venue. It can be controlled easily just by operating the faders.

Just by turning on the two sections "keyboard" and "ensemble," you can play layers or splits using the two programs selected for each section. Layer/split selection, split point settings, and swapping the lower and upper can all be accomplished easily using the panel switch, with no need to delve into the depths of a menu.

The panel lock prevents sounds or settings from being unintentionally changed. You won't need to worry that your hands might accidentally come in contact with a knob or button while you're absorbed in your performance on stage.

Both 88-key and 73-key models of the Grandstage feature the Real Weighted Hammer Action 3 (RH3) keyboard. Like the keyboard of a grand piano, it's divided into four regions in which the lower register feels heavier and the upper register feels lighter, beautifully conveying the delicate touch and nuances of your fingertips, and letting you experience a realistic playing feel.

Beauty
The Grandstage carries on the sophisticated black body that exemplifies the elegance of an acoustic piano, the very quintessence of keyboard instruments. Its front panel features hairline-finished aluminum, and striking red LEDs ensure great visibility even on a dimly lit stage. The rear panel features chic woodgrain, creating an individualist and stylish appearance that will be obvious at a glance. The entire rear panel KORG logo can be brightly illuminated, and you can adjust the color, brightness, and illumination mode to your taste. Like a piano that was born for the stage, this instrument makes a statement.