keyboard dilemma: to sell or not to sell..

For the last five years or so, my main keyboard has been the Korg Karma, as you can probably tell by my user name. I recently purchased a Korg M3M synth module which I'm controlling with my Roland V- Synth. My plan was to sell the Karma when I got the M3M, since it has the updated second generation of Karma in it. I also have a nice collection of other synths/modules, including a Korg Micro X, which has the Triton sounds, so I wouldn't be loosing them if I sell the Karma. I've got someone who wants to buy it in a couple days and I'm happy with the price we agreed on.

I've started making samples of my favorite sounds from the Karma. But the problem is that I'm starting to feel reluctant to sell it. I don't really "need" it, or even have room to keep it out in my studio. But I'm feeling an attachment to it and wonder about keeping it. I've used it extensively on my last two cd's, including having Jefferson Starship keyboardist Pete Sears and new age recording artist Steven Halpern play it to record tracks for the album.

I could definitely use the money, but I'm hoping I don't have seller's remorse afterwards. I've done a huge amount of editing and tweaking on it and have created a lot of custom combi's, which have become part of my signature sound for the last two cd's. I'm backing them up to floppies from the disc drive and I have two other friends that have a Karma, so I have the option of using them, plus the Karma samples I'm making to load into the sampler of the M3M or V-Synth.

All the features I like and use the most on the Karma have been improved and increased on the M3, so it's an upgrade all around. Anybody think it's a bad move to let go of the Karma, or on the other hand, a good move? I'd be interested to hear other perspectives.

If this is true and you don't need the money badly, I'd say keep it for a while until you're sure you won't regret selling it. Even if you're not using it.

Eventually, you'll be ready to get rid of it, and it's not likely to depreciate much more than it already has.

How about you sell me the M3M for the same price as you're asking for the KARMA...?

Well, for me, I have a hard time letting go of gear, although I have sold a few pieces here and there. I can understand the emotional/artistic attachment to the KARMA and personally would not get rid of it. Besides, you might want to control the M3M with it just to have a super KARMA-fied experience.

I still have complaints about the KARMA/Triton series though - like really bad reverb and chorus and a few (maybe more) of the samples have clicks at the loop points. Big no no. Still, it's a fun synth.

Bottom line. I would say keep it until or unless you're dirt broke or jack up the price by including the following in the description: "was played by famous people, inlcuding me!"

J.

If you sell it, you can't be 'Karma1' here anymore.

Any keyboard you use extensively on recorded tracks you should keep if at all possible. If you ever need to re-record a track from those cd's you'll be missing that board dearly. I speak from experience on this.

I'd say keep it, unless you're getting a really good price for it. Then, you always have the option of picking up another one.

Its a dilemma most if not all keyboardists deal with at some point. Take solace in the fact your not alone. If you do sell it, make sure you record any tracks individually before doing so or the regrets will provide many endless sleepless nights.

The M3 and Karma are fairly similar in instruments at least in lineage. Maybe the rom waveforms aren

Hi Karma1,

Yes, it is a dilema. Now, to help keep things in perspective, if you have some/most/all of Karma Lab's combi collections and if you have MW on top of that, I would definitely recommend keeping the Maroon Monster. You'll have a hard time replacing those excellent sounds/grooves for sure.

If you don't need the dough, stick it in the closet for a month or three and see how much you find yourself needing it...

I'd say keep it. After selling mine, i instantly lost the backbone of alot of ideas id created. But i needed the cash at the time (made back up floppies though ) After playing the M3 Karma version, i really wanted to pickup another Karma, as they are getting very cheap at the mo.

...oh no, memories coming back, 'Gods Bathtub' & 'Large Honey Place' and those Enigmatic sounds

some of the best sounds ive 'ever' heard are from that synth.

Ok bro, you got it - I'm asking $2500 for the Karma. I accept Paypal.

Very funny J.

Just wanted to say thanks very much to all the forumites who responded - much appreciated!

After a lot of thought and consideration, I've decided to hold off on selling the Karma, and give it a few months before making a decision. It was very helpful getting all the feedback here. Thanks again.

Not a bad idea ... I waited many, many months of not using my Fusion or Micron before deciding to sell ... I have fewer niggling doubts ... but even if you come to sell it, there will probably still be a part of Karma workstation you'll miss (like I do about Fusion and Micron ... )

... just remember, though ... you can't have everything at once ... sometimes it's good to move on ...

I doubt you'll get enough for the Karma to make up for losing an instrument that you have history and a real creative connection with. I say keep it.

If you want to keep it, keep it. It's not like you'll get 10k for it. If you could go out and buy a Karma today would you? If it's holding you back CUT IT LOOSE.

economy the way it is keep it if you use it