Looking to complete your stage piano or synth-based gig rig? Check out the Roland KS-11Z. Outfitted with a quick-release system this premium-grade stand is fully adjustable and supports both compact keyboards and 88-note mammoths. The arms can be folded in for eased transport and, since the KS-11Z has a heavy-duty steel construction finished adjustable rubber feet for optimum stability on uneven surfaces, it's perfect for any serious keyboardist.

With the release of the original Korg Modwave, sound-designers the world over were given more than enough to sink their teeth into. Yet another monster of a synthesizer but with even more beef to it than the first-gen, the Korg Modwave MK2 boasts increased polyphony plus some tasty, all new extras.What's New with the Korg Modwave MK2?The most essential new addition to the Modwave recipe has to be the forceful polyphony. While the MK1 sat at a pretty-good 31-voice polyphony, the MK2 now boasts 60 voices! Another welcome tweak is the ability to set up 'free running' LFOs, and that's alongside the fresh LFO delay and LFO retrigger options; a new pre/post switch on the reverb sends; and the new modulation sources. All of this might sound modest, but it's often those small and simple things that give you the biggest results. The Modwave MK2 in a NutshellFor anyone who isn't familiar with the first edition: the Modwave worked entirely with wave tables. To understand the core idea, we have to go back in time to the eighties, when the DW synths from Korg offered some variety in a forest of homogeneous analogue sawtooth and square waves. FM was also around, but even then, was notoriously difficult to tame. What's special about the Modwave is that it's home to a gigantic number of wave tables and, when you add on all of the morphing wave tables, the number of possible timbres shoots up to somewhere in the 200 millions. Of course, that doesn't even include everything that you can do with the sound afterwards, especially when you start digging into the modulation matrix and filters. To keep it short: this model might be even more versatile than the first gen ever could be.

Known for offering up solid-and-elegant solutions, König & Meyer present the 13946 Piano Bench. Featuring a clean, stylish design and a sturdy beechwood construction, this piano bench is a great match for digital pianos like the Casio Privia PX-S7000. The dual crossbar height adjustment system helps ensure the optimum playing position, while the padded seat cushion brings the playing comfort. To protect the floor, felt pads have been stuck underneath the legs.

Known for offering up solid-and-elegant solutions, König & Meyer present the 13947 Piano Bench. Featuring a clean, stylish design and a sturdy beechwood construction, this piano bench is a great match for digital pianos like the Casio Privia PX-S7000. The dual crossbar height adjustment system helps ensure the optimum playing position, while the padded seat cushion brings the playing comfort. To protect the floor, felt pads have been stuck underneath the legs.

Il faut bien reconnaître qu'il est difficile de trouver un piano numérique complet à prix abordable. Bien sûr, il existe des claviers indépendants, mais dans un salon, il est préférable d'avoir un meuble à part entière, c'est-à-dire avec une base stable et élégante ainsi qu'un pédalier. Le Fazley FSP-500 est un de ces claviers indépendants, mais dans ce set, il est accompagné d'une base lui donnant beaucoup plus de prestance. Cette dernière est même équipée de trois pédales ! Pour une somme intéressante, vous obtenez un piano numérique de qualité, facile à utiliser et sans complications. Idéal pour les personnes qui prennent des cours de piano, par exemple, ou qui souhaitent simplement jouer à la maison. N'oubliez pas qu'un piano numérique destiné à une utilisation à domicile (en combinaison avec un casque) est beaucoup plus pratique pour les colocataires (et les voisins) qu'un véritable piano acoustique. Avec 16 sons (ce sont les sons caractéristiques des pianos numériques) et une polyphonie de 64 voix, vous ne risquez pas de vous ennuyer. Vous avez un ordinateur à proximité ? Grâce à un câble USB disponible séparément, vous pouvez également utiliser le piano pour contrôler un logiciel. Vous n'avez peut-être pas besoin de ça au début de votre apprentissage du piano, mais un jour ou l'autre, vous serez subtilement séduit par ce type d'aventure. Le FSP-500 est prêt à répondre à cette demande. Pour ce prix, c'est un piano numérique très tentant !

A master of a workstation keyboard, the Yamaha Genos 2 comes brimming with every function you could ever wish for. From stunning sounds and styles to a fitted microphone input, this performance-grade keyboard has been fully set up for the stage. Yamaha have been considered the industry standard in workstations since the nineties and have been honing and perfecting their advanced models ever since. In the form of the Genos 2, Yamaha take massive creative strides forward by including future-thinking details such as the enormous, full-colour touchscreen display, the responsive bank of faders and encoders, and the smooth feel and action of the keyboard itself.The Yamaha Genos 2In return for the high investment, this model brings the highest level. With cheaper keyboards, both quantity and quality are compromised, but with the Genos 2, you're getting quantity and quality in truck-loads. This model blends Yamaha's AWM sample engine with an AWM expansion engine and an FM engine. All three engines boast a polyphony of 128 voices, so if you use the expansion, that brings the total up to 384 - or 256 without the expansion. This is already more than enough to back up the most ambitious of performers, and that's next to the FM synthesis - a feature that hasn't really left the Yamaha formula since its introduction with the DX7 synthesizer back in the eighties - a model that single-handedly sent many of the other analogue synthesizers of that time into early retirement. Basically, the addition of an FM engine puts this edition of the Genos way ahead of the models that don't feature it. Why? We've already mentioned the polyphony and, with FM synthesis at your fingertips, you gain the power to shape and mould your own unique, custom sounds. Meanwhile, the AWM sample engine does all of the things that the FM engine can't, including more-than convincingly emulating the full grandeur of Yamaha's legendary CFX concert piano.Extra PerksThe quality of the styles also match the quality of sounds and make absolutely no concessions, while the design has been 100% streamlined for the travelling performer: a microphone input complete with phantom power; a built-in harmoniser and vocoder effect that can be added to your vocals; and a display screen can even be hooked up via HDMI, so score or visuals can be displayed in 1280x720 resolution. A music rest comes included and the rear panel has been fitted with a port for USB sticks, two sets of DIN MIDI inputs and outputs as well as a USB-MIDI port. Wireless LAN and Bluetooth is also supported and the Genos 2 can also double as a USB audio interface as needed. The list of options goes on, completing a formidable sledgehammer of a model built to last the years.

The Artiphon Orba 2 picks up where its popular predecessor left off, featuring the same tried-and-true, hands-on design fleshed out with several extras, including the option to playback samples and longer songs. This uniquely-shaped, pocket-sized synthesizer/looper is extremely responsive to motion and has been equipped with a synth engine for synthetic sounds, but it also comes with a companion app that offers a sample engine so you can create samples on the fly or load in your own pre-made samples. Also, where the original Orba limited song-creation to eight measures, the Orba 2 lifts that number way up to 128 bars, and it also supports quantization.How Does The Orba 2 Work?As gimmicky as it looks, the Artiphon Orba 2 is not to be underestimated in terms of potential. The eight-way playing surface is super-sensitive and can be tapped, pressed, tilted, shaken and more, resulting in different sounds. It also supports nine gestures and, since gestures are never performed in exactly the same way, the end result will be slightly different every time, whether you wave, beckon or clap. Made to be taken out into the big wide world, the Orba 2 is a satisfyingly potent little tool for creative musicians and sound-designers that are always looking for a fresh source of inspiration - even when they're chilling at the beach or strolling through the park.

The Artiphon Orba 2 picks up where its popular predecessor left off, featuring the same tried-and-true, hands-on design fleshed out with several extras, including the option to playback samples and longer songs. This uniquely-shaped, pocket-sized synthesizer/looper is extremely responsive to motion and has been equipped with a synth engine for synthetic sounds, but it also comes with a companion app that offers a sample engine so you can create samples on the fly or load in your own pre-made samples. Also, where the original Orba limited song-creation to eight measures, the Orba 2 lifts that number way up to 128 bars, and it also supports quantization.How Does The Orba 2 Work?As gimmicky as it looks, the Artiphon Orba 2 is not to be underestimated in terms of potential. The eight-way playing surface is super-sensitive and can be tapped, pressed, tilted, shaken and more, resulting in different sounds. It also supports nine gestures and, since gestures are never performed in exactly the same way, the end result will be slightly different every time, whether you wave, beckon or clap. Made to be taken out into the big wide world, the Orba 2 is a satisfyingly potent little tool for creative musicians and sound-designers that are always looking for a fresh source of inspiration - even when they're chilling at the beach or strolling through the park.

A monster of a stage and studio tool, the Gravity KS MKS 01 B keyboard stand has enough space for stacking up to four keyboards or synths, each weighing up to 25 kilograms. This stand has four levels, each fitted with two 40cm long arms that can be shifted left or right to adjust the width and provide a secure shelf per model.

Wrapped up inside an all-new compact jacket and loaded with a vocoder, the Korg KingKORG just went NEO. This ultra-portable synth still houses the same sound-engine as the original KingKORG, but shrinks things down to a manageable thirty-seven keys. An XLR input has also been directly planted on the control panel: plug in a microphone and engage the built-in vocoder and all of the fun that comes with it.The Features of the Korg KingKORG NEOThe NEO is so simple to control and get to grips with that it might even be one of the easiest-going synthesizers around right now. At the same time, the sound-engine is pretty diverse, granting access to virtual analogue sound, wave tables, and even samples, so when you hear the piano sound in the clip included under the Videos tab on this page, you're hearing sample-based synthesis. This feature alone makes the KingKORG NEO pretty flexible, especially on stage. Basically, you're looking at the synth that can do everything, and the layout is subtractive, so you also get some sweet filters - seven LPF, six BPF and five HPF to be precise - and you even get two envelopes and two LFOs to play with, and a three-fold effects section to polish everything off.We Are the Robots!While the on-board vocoder is set up for vocals and speech, the effect analyses the frequency spectrum of the incoming signal and then applies that spectrum to its own signal (which is often bright synth pads, raw basses - anything with a lot of overtones), so there's nothing holding you back from feeding this audio effect any other sound source, just to see what happens. Just think what it could do with a drum loop! What you'll get in return is satisfying, retro-futuristic sound that many a sound-designer will happily experiment with for days on end.

Definitely built for serious sound-designers, the second edition of the Opsix is still FM-based, which can be a turn-off for some but mouth-watering for others. It was the DX Series synthesizers that gave the controls involved in FM synthesis a bad name, but that was back in the eighties. The issues that come with the complexity of FM synthesis are solved by the Opsix with simple elegance. This synth comes loaded with plenty of faders and encoders, making it far easier and far more fun to control all of that FM-based power. The Opsix MK2 is available with a keyboard or as a tight module edition.The Features of Korg Opsix MKSince this is the second edition, everything is also a bit more roomy: the polyphony has been pushed up to 80, which is more than you think when it comes to FM-synthesis since, depending on the algorithm, a single FM voice can have plenty of sonic layers to it. The faders and encoders over on the left have been backlit and colour-coded to indicate whether you're dealing with an operator, a carrier or a modulator. A mass of filters has also been supplied - essential for those all-important finishing touches because, while FM has a lot of influence over the clarity of a sound, it doesn't achieve it in quite the same way as filters can. Compare it with a regular synthesizer, which takes a bunch of samples or a sawtooth wave and pushes everything through a filter, the Opsix is able to create a billion possible sounds and then push them through a filter. Do the maths and it quickly becomes apparent just how extensive this beast is.Further FeaturesThis model also features polyphonic motion sequencing alongside an enormous modulation matrix. There's an arppegiator prepped for building hair-raising patterns that just aren't physically possible when playing by hand. The effect section is like a fat cherry sitting on top of the sonic cream and, to really sweeten the deal, Korg also throw in a big software package on the side. This is basically a solid and complete synthesizer based on an extensive synth model but then loaded with a clear and easily navigated set of controls.

The Crumar Seventeen Parsifal is built like a tank and sounds like a dream. Designed for gigging keyboardists, this stage piano comes with an especially clean control lay-out, giving you room for your controllers or perhaps even your laptop. Crumar has even forgone the pitch-bender and modwheel, which is not to say that you're missing out - on the contrary: the Parsifal is fully focussed on sound and that means you're treated to sublime, non-looped piano samples with a natural envelope for maximum realism.The Crumar Seventeen ParsifalWhen it comes to stage pianos, for most, the sound is what matters. Here, you're not just getting a Bechstein, a Steinway and a Yamaha, but a physical modelling tines piano, a Felt piano and various electronic and digital piano sounds from the '70s and '80s - think the DX, MKS and Clavi. A harpsichord and vibraphone are included as well, as are expansions for even more pianos and, to complement the sound, Crumar has thoughtfully crammed in effects like chorus, delay, reverb, tremolo and a few others. The Seventeen Parsifal comes finished with a set of balanced outputs, underscoring its professional character.

If a slightly more affordable Roland RD-88 is what you're after, the RD-08 is undoubtedly the perfect stage piano for you. While trimmed down a little here and there, this model remains incredibly extensive and offers most keyboardists more than they will ever need.The Roland RD-08: Features The ivory-style PHA-4 Progressive Hammer Action keys combine with Roland's own SuperNATURAL and ZEN-Core sound engines, where the SuperNATURAL engine gives you unprecedented piano and e-piano sound, while the ZEN-Core takes care of the strings, wind instruments, organs and more. All of the functions and settings are effortlessly navigated, and the whole thing is certainly more than manageable enough to take gigging.Optional UpgradeAs your skills and repertoire grows, you might need your stage piano to grow along with you. The optional RD-08 Upgrade not only expands the built-in sounds with a fat stack of new sounds, but adds USB audio interface capabilities, two virtual slots for Wave Expansions on Roland Cloud, and Apple MainStage support.

Designed with wandering musicians and ambitious beginners in mind, the Roland GO:KEYS 5 combines a clean-and-intuitive control lay-out with the powerful ZEN-Core engine - the same sound engine that you can find under the hood of the Japanese brand's high-end synths and stage pianos.The Roland GO:KEYS 5As minimalistic as it may look in terms of physical controls, the Roland GO:KEYS 3 is nothing short of fully loaded when it comes to sounds and rhythms. For a start, you're looking at more than 1,100 sounds plus 74 drum kits and over 200 rhythms. What's more, this tight little keyboard can be upgraded with Z-Style Packs, Wave Expansions and Sound Packs from the Roland Cloud, which means it's fully future-proof. In addition, you also get an AUX so you can hook up an external playback device, and a microphone jack input that's backed up with various vocals effects, including harmony.Other HighlightsAs befits a modern bit of kit, the GO:KEYS 5 features Bluetooth, a built-in USB audio-interface and a USB-MIDI interface, supports WAV/MP3 playback from USB sticks, and has been crammed with a mass of effects and rhythms. Since it weighs less than five kilos, has built-in speakers and can run on eight AA batteries, it's a great choice for roaming musicians as well as for beginners who want to get off to a good start.

The Roland LX Series is the cream of the crop when it comes to digital pianos that look like traditional acoustic uprights. Unlike its flat and compact counterparts, this digital piano is designed to be the centrepiece in the living room, and as you might expect, it's filled to the rafters with the latest technology. In fact, while it's a bit more compact than the LX-9, the Roland LX-5 boasts the same advanced sound generation tech.The Sound of the Roland LX-5Roland has equipped the LX-5 with a physical modelling sound engine, which goes a few steps further than your standard sample-based engine. Based on parameters such as string length, string tension, damping and resonance, the built-in Piano Reality Modelling engine simulates sound with convincing realism and without any compromises, resulting in a digital piano sound that's virtually indistinguishable from the sound of acoustic pianos.Other HighlightsIn addition to traditional piano sound, the Roland LX-5 offers up E-pianos, a harpsichord, a vibraphone, a choirs, strings, organs and more, for a total of 324 different on-board sounds. Add that to the technically unlimited polyphony, the built-in Roland Piano App support and the various inputs and outputs, and you've got everything you would want from a high-end digital upright and then some.

The Roland LX Series is the cream of the crop when it comes to digital pianos that look like traditional acoustic uprights. Unlike its flat and compact counterparts, this digital piano is designed to be the centrepiece in the living room, and as you might expect, it's filled to the rafters with the latest technology. The Roland LX-6 slots right in between in the entry-level LX-5 and the top-level LX-9, yet features the same sounds and key touch as the latter.The Sound of the Roland LX-6Roland has equipped the LX-6 with a physical modelling sound engine, which goes a few steps further than your standard sample-based engine. Based on parameters such as string length, string tension, damping and resonance, the built-in Piano Reality Modelling engine simulates sound with convincing realism and without any compromises, resulting in a digital piano sound that's virtually indistinguishable from the sound of acoustic pianos.Other HighlightsIn addition to traditional piano sound, the Roland LX-6 offers up E-pianos, a harpsichord, a vibraphone, a choirs, strings, organs and more, for a total of 324 different on-board sounds. Add that to the technically unlimited polyphony, the built-in Roland Piano App support and the various inputs and outputs, and you've got everything you would want from a high-end digital upright and then some.

The Roland LX Series is the cream of the crop when it comes to digital pianos that look like traditional acoustic uprights, and here, you're looking at the flagship: the LX-9. Unlike its flat and compact counterparts, this digital piano is designed to be the centrepiece in the living room, and as you might expect, it's filled to the rafters with the latest technology.The Sound of the Roland LX-9Roland has equipped the LX-9 with a physical modelling sound engine, which goes a few steps further than your standard sample-based engine. Based on parameters such as string length, string tension, damping and resonance, the built-in Piano Reality Modelling engine simulates sound with convincing realism and without any compromises, resulting in a digital piano sound that's virtually indistinguishable from the sound of acoustic pianos.Other HighlightsIn addition to traditional piano sound, the Roland LX-9 offers up E-pianos, a harpsichord, a vibraphone, a choir, strings, organs and more, for a total of 324 different on-board sounds. Add that to the technically unlimited polyphony, the built-in Roland Piano App support and the various inputs and outputs, and you've got everything you would want from a high-end digital upright and then some.