Product: Fatar Studio 2001
Price Paid: US $1000 used
Submitted
03/16/2004
at
07:10pm
by
michael
Ease of Use
:
9
I have two of these because I like them so much. The software version of the one I'll mostly be talking about, because I've had it around 10 years, is v2.1. This is a controller keyboard only, no sounds. It can control a rack of modules, or other keyboards, or computer sounds. You need to read the manual because this keyboard is much deeper than lesser Fatar models, it was the top of the line. It has been replaced by the SL-2001, the new top of the line. The manuals are identical except for photos, because the instrument design has changed a bit. Otherwise features are identical.
The manual is excellent but takes some time. If you're midi literate, it should be no problem. I'm giving it less than 10 only because there's a learning curve involved.
Features
:
10
Features are where this keyboard shines. The keyboard action is close to the best I've ever played. At one time I found an 'ancient' Yamaha Pf70 to be somewhat superior in terms of keyweight. I own a Steinway and have no problem translating my playing over to the Fatar, that should tell you something.
In terms of control the Fatar Studio 2001 is the best ever IMO. It has 4 midi ins, 4 midi outs, 3 pedal or switch inputs, assignable aftertouch, mod wheel, pitch bend, 4 sliders that can be assigned to any continuous controller, numerous assignable buttons, a good LCD display, 64 patch locations accessible with dedicated buttons, 8 zones per patch switchable while the patch is active, customizable velocity curves per zone etc, etc...
Expressiveness/Sounds
:
No Opinion
As mentioned, this is a controller keyboard with no sounds.
Reliability
:
10
Well, I've used it for about ten years, both gigging and home studio. There have been NO problems as far as reliability. Putting it in a hardshell padded case, as I have done, is the way to go. Anything can break if you abuse it or an accident happens. The right case minimizes that stuff.
I bring an extra power supply because it's fragile. I always bring a backup, a smaller keyboard. IMO it's stupid not to do that if the gig depends on it, regardless of how dependable your main keyboard is.
Customer Support
:
1
There's NO customer support here in the US to my knowledge, although you can have repairs done via Music Industries, the distributer of Fatar products here.
Fortunately, these keyboards are ultra reliable in my experience. I've had my original Studio 2001 for around ten years with few problems other than a few squeaky notes and a pitchbend pot needing replacing.
Overall Rating
:
10
It hasn't been lost or stolen, but I bought another one anyway because I like it so much, one for the studio, one for gigs. I've been playing 30 or so years, this is the best overall keyboard I've ever owned. The action is superb. It helps me, in a big way, make music which is what it's all about. It can't brew me a pot of coffee in the morning, but other than that it's a keeper. My second F2001, by the way, cost me substantially less recently. The first one was bought around ten years ago.
