I’m looking to get a keyboard amp. I have a Motif XF board and currently using a Roland KC 550 amp.

I’m interested in the Yamaha Stagepas 300 (great reviews BTW). I currently play in a four piece band but my goal is also to get myself out there and do solo gigs.  With the four piece band, I would be using the Stagepas mainly as monitors b/c I can come out of the amp and into the main PA. 

My question is will the Stagepas 300 give me enough power to do solo work for private parties, small to mid sized or even possibly larger restaurant gigs?  I don’t know if genre of music applies here but I would be performing straight ahead and smooth jazz, soft rock, and neo-soul.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

John

The beauty of the StagePas 300 is the high fidelty sound output and more than decent power levels. It is always recommended, however, to carry more in reserve than you need (unless you are guitar player… ) seems only guitar players fell in love with the sound of their gear behaving like it is about to have a hemmorage.

In general, you want to have a good clean signal without your gear sounding like it is working hard to do what it is doing. That is why I said it is recommended to carry more power than you anticipate using. This gives you not only quality results but great piece of mind.

If at all possible - look into the StagePas 500. However, if that is too pricey, I’m sure for the types of music you mention, and since it is solo work the StagePas 300 will serve you well - get some stands so you can raise them to ear level ( resist the urge to raise them higher than your audiences ears) Rule 1 of sound reinforcement: Aim your speakers at your audience’s ears.

:-)

Thanks Mr.PC,

I REALLY want the 500’s (more power, compression and better reverb) but they are kinda out of my price range.  If someone would introduce a 17% coupon instead of 10-15 % off I wouldn’t hesitate to go with the 500’s.  All n’ all, I don’t anticipate playing for more than 100 people so I guess it will have to be the 300’s.

I picked up the 500 series last summer and it pumps out great.  We gigged out last week in a redneck bar that was very tight.  It handled two vocals, 2 keys and one bass very nicely.

I would always try to figure out what the difference between “what-I-could-afford” and “what-I-really-wanted” by how many gigs it took to make up the price difference. In other words, if the price difference was one or two gigs - I just decided to go and get what I really wanted and made sure I really enjoyed playing - because across all the time and gigs I would be doing, I might as well enjoy myself!

When you do the price difference in “gigs”, it kind of makes you realize the sound system is an investment in what you do, not just an expense. Anyway you cannot go wrong!

Mr. BM, how right you are!

I received the Yamaha 300’s yesterday and they sound FANTASTIC!!!!!  Stereo makes such a huge difference.  I haven’t played with them on stage yet, but I will next Sat.  Hats off to Yamaha once again for making solid and great sounding gear.

If you haven’t gone ahead with the StagePAS, I’d recommend the QSC K series. I have two K12 speakers and they sound absolutely amazing!