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I'm planning to buy the VAX 77 keyboard (that folds in half), when it becomes available:

http://www.infiniteresponse.com/

I am not a synth/tech geek. I just want to be able to power the keyboard on, connect it to an amplifier and start playing something. But according to them I need to have an external sound module.

What modules would you recommend?

The module has to meet these conditions:

1. I am mostly after quality piano, organ and Rhodes sounds although it would be fun to have a large collection of various sounds ready at hand.

2. I DON'T want to travel with a laptop computer. Just: Keyboard, sound module and amplifier.

3. I don't know what price I am willing to pay. If I am getting what I want maybe 1400 US dollars?

I have read something about this Muse Receptor thing that comes with a package called Komplete 5 installed. Would the Receptor meet these conditions of mine (except condition #3)? It's awfully pricey, 2500 US dolllars. But It's also awfully tempting. But I think the Receptor will have to wait. Maybe I will buy one later on. I want to try something less pricey first.

Well, the Receptor and typical sound modules are really in two completely seperate categories. The Receptor allows you to host soft synths; think of it as a computer dedicated to the sole purpose of hosting soft synths and plug-ins. Its sounds, therefore, are virtually limitless, depending on the size hard drive model that you get and what software you install. Typical sound modules are for the most part self contained, although some allow you to install expansion boards to add more sounds.

To answer your question, yes you can get what you're looking for at $1400. The Motif Rack ES comes in at about $1100 (it also has a $100 rebate deal going on now if you order by March 31st), and the Fantom-XR is about $1400. Both of these modules have those bread and butter sounds that you're after and both are expandable. In fact, these are probably the two most popular bread and butter modules available today. The RP-X module from GEM apparently has some great piano sounds, but I don't think it has organs (not sure though). The "RP" stands for real piano I believe, so this module is really all about pianos. But if pianos are all you want, that would be a good less expensive option coming in at $600.

Thank you seanakaforty for a helpful answer. I will take a look at the modules you mentioned.