Who here has a Juno Di?

How are the acoustic piano sounds? Gig worthy? Do they sound like a real piano?

I apologize for making another thread but I wanted to get the attention of the owners of this synth (or at least people who have had experience with one).

I used to own the JUNO-Di and later upgraded to the JUNO-Gi. The piano sounds are quite good, but you cannot expect spectacular sound at this price level. There is a world of difference between my RD-700NX and the JUNO-Gi (or JUNO-Di).

Keyboard action of the Di/Gi is about average. One thing that bothers me about these JUNO synths is not their sounds, many of which are very inspiring. The light weight of the keyboard makes it fine for transporting, but I feel it is a little too light. The synth will move or slide on some surfaces.

Do you think the pianos sound good enough to gig with? Maybe make a CD? Thanks.

The answer depends on your expectations and budget. The JUNO series is marketed towards young keyboardists who typically cannot afford expensive gear. The synth sounds fine to most people. But there are others who will tell you than nothing less than a true digital stage piano, such as an RD-700NX, is worth owning.

You can produce professional quality music with the JUNO-Di. It has been done. Watch the interview with Isabella Summers. Preset haters should take note Isabella often uses the same sounds over and over. One of her songs was nominated for a Grammy award. Remember that the next time some genius says you are a lesser musician for not having programmed every sound.

[video=youtube;hNe-nQMhK74]

I would get a Korg PS60 but hear Korg's grand/acoustic piano sounds are bad. I need something for live gigs AND recording music with good acoustic pianos. I said this in another thread and everyone still voted for the PS60, so maybe they did a good job with the pianos this time? I don't know.

A Grammy doesn't mean anything these days besides record sales and what might sound good in a television ad. Florence and the Machine could have easily came out fifteen years ago and the production techniques and pallet of sounds would still have sounded the same. While it's great that someone can load up a preset patch, write a decent song and make millions, most of what's on the radio hasn't evolved beyond the 90's.

The piano sounds on the Triton, TR & X50 were marginally passable, but the current generation of Korg keyboards produce much better sounding pianos.

I just found this demo page for the PS60

http://www.klawiszowiec.net/demo/component/content/article/1-korgps60

I don't know if I would use much of those sounds. The pianos sound pretty good actually.

You're missing the point. Record sales are significant. A Grammy does mean something. They are achievements. They are more than idle forum chat complaining over playing presets.

Back to the keyboard selection. DV8R, the PS-60 is comparable to the Juno-Di. Although there are differences between these two synths, you aren't going to hear a world of difference for synths in this price class. There are numerous demos of both on youtube. You should watch as many as possible and then decide.

I am enjoying the Gi far more; better interface, better sounds, more inspiring overall. Did not like how the PS60 sounded at all and was unimpressed with the Di. I have velcro on my Gi and X stand because it was sliding badly when playing organ on the thing. The piano is flawed in the multi sample and EQ wave but is pretty natural and expressive. It will never sound like an RD-300NX or even a KROG SV-1 for that matter.

So far I think the Juno Di offers more than the PS60. Better sounds and more of them. The PS60 doesn't seem to have many sounds (based on that demo page) that I would find useful.

I think the pianos sound great compared to others in this price range.

Do you guys/gals think they sound good too or is it only because I have untrained ears?

I agree with DJ RAZZ that the Gi sounds better than the Di. I upgraded to the Gi for that reason. You have to begin somewhere, however. Since you can't tell the difference in the sound quality, then why worry? Buy what you like best. Then upgrade later after you have outgrown the synth. If you are really worried, then buy the synth from somewhere you can easily return it within a month. There are many online stores to choose from.

I want something that will be high enough quality to gig and make original music with. I don't want to join a band and have people think we sound corny or generic, ya know? The only place I can go through for my purchase is www.americanmusical.com because I'm going to do the 3 month pay as you play plan they offer. I would get a Gi but can't afford it, my budget is right around $700.

You've told us you have a limited budget. We've made many suggestions, but now it's up to you.

You get what you pay for... it's as simple as that. My first synth was superseded by a better one less than a year later. I learned my lesson.

In a fit of frustration I came quite close recently to buying a Di. I thought the sounds were pretty good.

I know, but I'm just trying to figure out which one has the best acoustic piano sound is all. Seems there is no definite answer, but I appreciate people sharing their knowledge with me as I am a rookie while most of you are well experienced.

Syntex wasn't aware of my buying and budget options as far as I can tell. I don't mean to repeat myself so many times but I was talking to him. Many of the people here have helped me learn much over the past few days and I very much appreciate it, but I remain undecided and don't see my conversation causing any trouble.

EDIT: I do understand that everyone agrees that something more expensive will be better. I'm just trying to make the best decision possible with what I got to work with. Thanks.

hehe. Did you buy something else instead?

I've played a Juno Di a few times in the store and I thought the sounds were pretty good. Certainly gig-worthy and I wouldn't be afraid to use them on a recording. I've had Fantom XR and I think the pianos and EPs were easily as good as the ones on the Fantom - which got used on countless records. It has a sound engine based on the Fantom G (like the Juno Gi) which definitely sounded better to my ears than the Fantom X engine.

I wasn't impressed by the PS60 when I played it at the store and I was even less impressed by the demos I have heard. But that could be a personal taste issue - I usually like Korgs better than Rolands, but not this time...

Thanks, I definitely appreciate your input.

Yes :-)

I stuck with my Receptor setup and bought a M-Audio Axiom 61 Pro

Hey Mikey, you said you liked the Juno Di sounds. Did you happen to hear the grand/acoustic pianos on it? If so did you like those, what were your impressions?

I've almost decided to get it, it's currently the most likely contender.

I'm not impressed with the audio demo of it I posted earlier. Some of the stuff isn't bad on it, but I don't think it has nearly the potential that the Juno Di will offer me for original work.

I will say this--90% of most audiences can't tell the difference between a $99 Casio and a Steinway, so I wouldn't sweat it.