The Korg Grandstage X is a flagship stage piano with seven distinct sound engines. It is the next generation of Korg’s Grandstage series and is equipped with new features that set it apart from its predecessor.
This instrument is extremely competitive with other instruments in its price range and the realm of the top stage pianos of all time, including the top-of-the-line instruments from Nords. Let’s find out more about Korg’s latest stage piano.
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Contents
Design
The Grandstage X features a real weighted hammer action keybed (RH-3 keybed) that quite accurately reproduces the feel of an acoustic. It is the same action found in the Korg SV1, which I used for several years with a band, and can highly recommend.
It also has velocity and aftertouch, making it an ideal choice for synth enthusiasts and anyone looking to compose. Aftertouch is not commonly found onboard stage pianos and provides an extra layer of expressiveness for pianists.
The Grandstage X has a strikingly futuristic design with an aluminum body and smooth curves, reminiscent of the Korg SV1 and the Roland RD-2000. It’s unique and almost spaceship-looking body is sleek and stylish and helps it to stand out from the crowd.
On the front panel, you will find all the controls you need, allowing you to tweak your tones exactly how you want. There are new key-touch sliders for instant expressive control, buttons, and more.
There is also a small screen that displays your parameter changes effectively.
Sound
Engines
Seven sound engines are onboard, including pianos, EPs, and analog-style synth sounds.
The biggest engine is the SGX-2 with piano non-looping samples on all keys, velocity switching of up to 12 levels, and an all-new damper resonance. This reproduces the sound of pedal pressure and even mechanical noise.
Pianos
There are six classic grand pianos (German, Italian. Japanese, and more), and new GSX and Korg Nautilus sounds, with 13 pianos overall.
You will also find timeless sounds from Korg’s instrument legacy of sounds including pianos from the OASYS, SG1D stage piano, and M1 Synthesizer.
Korg also added three mono piano tones and one with a midrange focus that does not interfere with the EQ bandwidth of other instruments in a band, so they cut through the mix effectively.
Electric Pianos
The EP-1 engine adds all the sounds you have come to expect, know, and cherish from EP history such as sparkly Tines and warmer Rhodes models.
You will find Tine I Early, Tine I Late, Tine II, Tine V, DM, and 200 and 200A. The German EP and Tablet EP are also available.
All these use the multi-dimensional synthesis (MDS) that ensures no audible breaks between the velocity layers.
Organs
It offers three unique organ engines (CX-3, VOX, and FC-1). The rotary speaker emulation and vibrato effect give you the vintage organ effect you would expect from a top-tier stage piano.
The “CX-3” tone wheel organ sound source faithfully replicates the renowned Korg combo organ, and the “VOX” transistor organ sound source accurately mimics the iconic VOX organ from the 1960s. This was an extremely prominent sound in 1960’s music.
The FC-1 transistor organ sound source reproduces the compact organ accurately alongside the VOX organ. These sounds are all enhanced by the integrated rotary speaker effect and vibrato effect.
Other Sounds
This stage piano also boasts a total of 700 sound programs. The AL-1 analog modeling gives you various synth leads and brass sounds. The HD-1 PCM offers a wide variety of sounds, including an 8-step multi-sampled Clavi D and Clavi E, harpsichord, and more.
Features
It has a select-by-category knob where you will find your favorites and also features smooth sound transitions (no cut-off when you change sounds).
You can save up to 64 favorites for single sounds, splits, or layers, each with its own custom settings. The Grandstage X also features a built-in effects section with reverb, delay, and a Nutube-based saturation.
There is also a key-touch slider that allows you to instantly control how the volume and timbre of the keys change, allowing you to customize the playing feel of the keyboard.
Lastly, there is an analog tube sound built into the instrument, as well as a unison function. The tube effect adds real warmth and is also found in the Korg SV series, whereas the unison adds a rich chorus-like effect.
Connections
- XLR-3-32 type (balanced) (L/R) with LIFT-GND switch
- Audio output on unbalanced (L/R) 6.3mm
- Audio input
- Headphone socket
- MIDI in/out
- SD card slot
- USB-B port
- Power supply input
- Damper, switch, and pedal inputs
Software
It comes with a diverse variety of music software including Ozone Elements which allows you to create and master songs with AI.
It also includes Skoove which will help you improve your piano playing skills, and software synths from KORG and other brands.
Price
This is a high-quality stage piano. It offers pro features and sounds that compete with other high-end stage pianos from Nord, Roland, and Yamaha. It is available as a bundle from Sweetwater (US) for $3159 (at the time of writing).
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Conclusion
The Grandstage X is a top-of-the-line stage piano and a competitive product in its price range. It is a high-quality instrument that can handle a wide range of musical styles and is a tour-ready instrument. It’s an excellent choice for professional pianists in 2024!
