Yamaha Tyros 5 vs Korg Pa4X – Arranger Workstation Keyboard

Yamaha Tyros 5 vs Korg Pa4X Arranger Workstation Keyboard – When it comes to pro arrangers, you have Yamaha and Korg dominating this space and you have their set of hardcore fans.

But if you are not prejudiced and looking to choose between the two, what should you choose? For that, you also need to know how these arrangers have evolved.

Yamaha always had a strong arranger keyboard line-up (their PSR series) and the Tyros has been built-up on that model, so you will see some excellent ready to use styles and amazing orchestral and acoustic instruments.

Korg, on the other hand, has always been strong on the workstation side and their PA arrangers leverages most of those features. So if you want very good editing features, a fully functional sampler (something which the tyros doesn’t provide), basically a keyboard that gives you all the features of an arranger as well a workstation, then the Korg Pa4X keyboard could be handy.

Having said that both the brands have ‘upped’ their game with the introduction of their recent models, and there is no clear cut winner as such.

Both sound stunning. Its like you’re listening to a top-class audio recording and not hearing some amateurish ‘Style playback’. Both offer a wealth of features, that can be used in various situations. In case, you’re planning to buy one of these, do try them out to see which suits you the most.

Here’s what some of the users have to say:

• Most users feel that the Tyros has better sounds. Yamaha has always been know for their great sound. As far as a workstation, most people use their computer and software to create their music. Using software and a computer always gives you a broader range of things you can do than on most keyboards.
• What a fantastic tool we have in hand with the Korg Pa4X. Professional styles, style tracks placed in the style itself, sounds, performance, effects of very high quality. For years I enjoyed the playing the Yamaha Tyros. After a careful and thorough preparation I decided to switch to the Korg Pa4X. Post the switch, I think that I’ve made the right choice. The set consists of 76 keys with Pa4X amplification system which I’ve linked directly to an external reinforcement. This creates a powerful and dynamic sound without any distortion, noise and hum.
• It depends on what is one aiming for. If you’re already a performer with a band or a singer acting as a one-man band and doing quite well in terms of the gigs that you get, you can use the Tyros 5 straightaway without needing much tweaking of the styles and voices. When it comes to the orchestral or acoustic instrument sounds and their styles, there is no beating the Tyros keyboard. The styles are also top class, well programmed, and there are tons of styles, much more than on the Korg PA keyboard. In these areas, nothing beats the Tyros. As simple as that! Even if you intend to use it for your studio and want to do a quick demo, you can use the sounds and styles directly from the Tyros and come up with something quickly that sounds cool. But what if you are stepping into music production and will be spending more time in the studio programming songs? In that case the Korg Pa4X may be a good choice considering it is an all round instrument with almost all the features that a creative musician would need. Korg have been making Keyboard Workstation for quite some time (popular from the Triton days) and so the Korg PA arrangers do have feature set from their workstation keyboards. Korg’s fully functional sampler and in-depth editing features lets you create unique styles if you wish to. Tyros, on the other hand, has sample play back function and not a sampler (but then it is because they are already providing you so many styles and voices). In case you still want to tweak the Tyros sound and styles to do in-depth editing, it might be relatively easier to hook it up to your computer and do it with their software.

Watch: Korg PA4x vs Yamaha Tyros 5, More comparison videos.

KeytarHQ Editorial Team

KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.