For NAMM 2024, Korg has introduced the Grandstage X, the next generation of its flagship stage piano with seven distinct sound engin
Unlike usual, I was surprised by Korg today. Usually news that comes to NAMM or Superbooth is embargoed. This time there was radio silence until this morning when they announced the microKORG 2 and KingKORG Neo.
In addition to the new synths, they also announced a new top level stage piano, the Grandstage X. Not my area of expertise but exciting to report about it.
Korg Grandstage X
Grandstage X is the new generation of Korg’s flagship stage piano. Completely redesigned, made in Japan and equipped wth new features.
The most important thing on a stage piano is the keyboard. It features a real weighted hammer acton keybed (RH-3) that reproduces the weight distribution of a grand piano. Of course, with both velocity and aftertouch.
The Grandstage X comes in a striking futrist design with an aluminium body with smooth curves that could also fit well in a bar scene of a sci-fiction film. On the hardware unit, you can find various controls, allowing you to tweak your tons on the fly. Including new key-touch sliders for instant expressive control, buttons, and more. There is also a display that gives visual feedback of the parameters.
Seven Engines
A lot has also happened in the core. Grandstage X now hosts no less than seven distinct engines packed with piano, electronic piano and more sounds. Even analog-style synth sounds.
The biggest engine is the SGX-2 with pianos non-looping samples on all key, velocity switching of up to 12 levels, and an all-new damper resonance. The latter reproduces the sound of pedal pressure, and even mechanical noise. On the sound side, you get six classic grand pianos (German, Italian. Japanese…), new GSX and Nautilus sounds, and pianos from the Korg OASYS, SG1D stage piano, and M1 Synthesizer.
In response to requests from many professional players, Korg also added three mono piano tones and a midrange-focused tone variation that does not interfere with the EQ bandwidth of other instruments in a band.
The EP-1 engine adds typical timbres from the Tine I Early, Tine I Late, Tine II, Tine V, DMP, and the 200 and 200A. Plus, the German EP and Tablet EP are available on op. All these uses the multi-dimensional synthesis (MDS) that ensure that there are no audible breaks between the velocity layers.
Besides this, the new Korg Grandstage X offers three distinct organ engines (CX-3, VOX, and FC-1). Additional rotatary speaker emulation and a vibrato effect gives you intant vintage organ vibes.
That’s not all. It also hosts the AL-1 analog modeling sound source engine for crisp leads and thick brass sounds. On top, you get HD-1 PCM sound sources, including 8-step multi-sampled Clavi D and Clavi E, harpsichord, pipe organ, and more. That’s a pretty impressive sound core.
For further sound shaping, the Grandstage X features a built-in effects section with reverb, delay, and a Nutube-based saturation stage.
Spliting/Layering
Further, Grandstage X also has the ability to create layers and splits on the fly with the on/off buttons on the control panel. Layers and splits can be used simultaneously, giving you a wide range of playing options. The matching sliders allow you to adjust the volume balance as you wish
Not to forget, it has a rhythm track with drum and bass. According to Korg, it’ an evolution of the drum track functionality found on some Korg synthesizers. Besides this, it also has a chord progression function that can be combined with the rhyhtm track.
Connectivity
- 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 input
First Impression
Since I’m less involved with stage pianos, I can’t give an exact assessment. However, at first glance it looks like a solid upgrade. I think it’s a bit of a shame that physical modeling is still not a topic in stage pianos in 2024. They use hybrids of multi-samples and synthesis. Pure synthesis is missing, which is a shame. I hope there will be more movement in the future.
Korg Grandstage X will be available soon for 2699€.
More information here: Korg
Available for pre-order at my partner
“Pianatomy” 😉