FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Best Keyboard Amp

Question:
What is the best way to amp a Stereo Keyboard setup. I use two Stereo keyboards with Piano, B3, Rhodes, and Synth patches. I need an all around great sounding setup to get the most out of the stereo patches. The other players in the band say they are having trouble hearing what I play. The crowd and the singers can hear what I play. I currently use a keyboard amp and don't go through the PA nor do we want any instruments through the Pa since we have 5 vocalists. Here is what I think my options are: Stereo Keyboard Amp - I use a 100 watt Fender KB200 with 12 speaker mounted forward, a 10 speaker mounted transverted to the right, and a Peizo speaker. Powered Mixer - do most of these have true stereo inputs? How many watts do I need? Would I be purchasing more functionality than I need? What about Speakers? Components - seperate Amp, mixer, effects, speakers. Powered Speakers - use two JBL Eons G2's with a mixer. What is the most effective and cost effective approach?

Answer:
Problem with most keyboard-amps is: they project very far. So the sound is good in front of the stage (where your singers are) and even the audience hears you. But you have to run it loud if the amp is too close to you... So the balance won't be perfect after all. My keyboard player got fed up with trying to find a good keyboard amp. He is currently playing through a small PA system of his own, but has recently tried playing through my Bass amp (SWR Super Redhead). He LOVED it! Now he is saving up to buy a good bass amp to push his keys through..... go figure!