New budget Fantom X

[Juho L]

Originally Posted by jasedee

I think more and more companies will start to produce a "Budget" range, which I am not sure will do more harm than good?

On the one hand, it gives more people a chance to be creative and access more technology

I think it's good taht companies produce also cheaper products in addition to the high end gear. For example most people just can't afford a synth that costs 2500 euros. Having an option to get the same quality product with some restrictions with just above 1000 euros is nothing else than a good thing. And in addition to that if you play in a band and want a good rompler keyboard there's no point in paying for all the features of the big workstations that you don't actually need. There's always a place for stripped down budget workstations.

I understand your concern about budget products but some are really good. For example I believe that Fantom Xa is a fine piece of gear even it could be categorized as "budget synth".

But I think also from the companies point of view, it is about money, and more market share, and will this motivate them to produce cheap quality products, just for a quick buck?

Yup. Just a year or two back we got a totally new wave in workstation front. Instead of boring Korg monopoly Yamaha and Roland entered the ring and things started happening. Now the competition is tough and seems that Korg's workstation imperium has crumbled.

I have heard good things about the original Fantom, I hope this new 'lite' edition doesnt sacrifice it's reputation...

Nah. Roland won't shoot their own leg.