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Bought this used from Japanese vendor based upon reading specs-has an RH2 keyboard-in reality a Fatar TP40 graded hammer action, same as used in many 2021 digital pianos and controllers. I was not disappointed-the action is very playable, coming from my learning/playing technique on acoustics including grands. Very solidly made, not terribly heavy considering its features-and size is very compact. Look at the newest compact digitals-and this one over 15 years ago easily matches or betters many of those. The big surprise-although this is not programmable, there is a very decent set of playable sounds, a multi-track midi recorder for working up compositions (not much editing but its there) and the touch-screen well it works very handily. for an older Korg, this is a big surprise although I had one on my Korg D-16 used for many years. I would guess may of these sounds are Trinity-era sounds and although there is not an overwhelming number of variations-he important sounds-organs, ep's and acoustic pianos (drums too) there are a t least a few very useable. There are better, but for 2003 I was not too disappointed. My only big gripe-the main stereo piano sound is about what I'd expect on a digital this old-actually better than i thought it would be-but then Korg made the unfortunate mistake to program the remaining acoustic pianos monophonically-and these sound pretty terrible to my ears. why they didn't just program variations of the much better stereo grand, was a big mistake. Really kills those other acoustic piano programs but fortunately 2 acoustic pianos are stereo, and I guess with some external DSP, the others can be made useable. But overall, despite my owning some much more powerful workstations and digital pianos, I am keeping this one too. Very nice looking and made very solidly, a big plus.

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I have a real half grand to compare the differentials between my acoustic piano and the SP500. There are the obvious differences like the physical structure of the instruments, plus, I wont be able to play the 'Trumpet Voluntary' on my grand,or throw it in the back of a van on the way to a gig..But,amazingly, with a bit of tweaking and careful manipulation of the pedal system, it sounds and feels like the real thing,very inspirational. The piano sounds are really incredible. The lead guitar sounds are poor,but the acoustic rhythm sounds are okay.Percussion not bad if you're using it in a home studio environment.Saying that, using it solely as piano keyboard either in a band or at home, it does the business.

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i'll keep it until hell freezes over i love it it is my best friend. it makes me better than i am it helps me play better its a whole band i also create my own music with it i am a guitar player that started playing korg 500 two years ago and play every week as a single love it

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After a long day in the keyboard section of the music store I finally came to this model. I'd been looking for a well rounded model that I could gig with but also use for microtonality. This was the least expensive model I found that boasted these features and a lot more. I am sold and will return to get this instrument. The action is great, it has a excellent sound, and it fulfills all of my present musical needs. Highly reccomend!

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everything seems bad to me, so why do I give it a 3? because:- 1. It looks great 2. It is packed with tons of features

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I'm very happy with this one and will probably have it for years. Before buying this, I was considering buying a digital piano so I could practice classical and a keyboard with style so I can play in a band. But this one is all I need now! Whenever people see it, they always say 'WOW'. It's indeed very sleek and sexy!