Korg SV-1 vs. Korg SV-2: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE!

Since the SV-2 released earlier this year, I have always wanted to see how it compared to the original SV-1. Now that I own both of them, I figured now would be a great time to do a comparison to see how they stack up. While many things have changed with the SV-2, it remains a fun, inspiring keyboard to play, and likely will be a staple part of Milan Recording Studios for many years to come.

[@bryanlu93]

HOW HAS NOBODY DONE THIS?! Honestly! It just goes to show how garbage most of the reviews of keyboards and instruments are. Love your commitment to sharing helpful info, and love the videos that keep coming out.

[@Kougeru]

not easy to get tbh

[@tiffanyboogaloo]

I respect that the man made an hour long video about the differences because this really helps me in deciding what I want to get and I subscribed after five minutes :’) YOURE great !

[@michaelreeves3637]

I researched the SV-2 for 3 weeks, and watched video after video. But your's is the one I watched the most. When you are throwing down 2,000 bones on an electric piano on a hunch that you are going to play it even more than the grand piano you just learned how to play last year, you need to do your homework. Thank you so much for this insightful piece. I've played mine for 3 hours tonight and absolutely adore it. There are some very talented players who were showcasing the SV-2, but your review was even more thorough than the representatives from Korg. Really appreciate your efforts.

[@tomhalbouty3653]

I'm a fan of your reviews. Long but comprehensive and very well done. My SV 1 has been a great instrument. The SV 2 sounds like a great successor. I'm keeping the SV1 for now.

[@germanvalenti86]

Hi, James. Thank you for this wonderful and detailed comparison. I've really enjoyed it. As for the "taste" on some SV1 sounds, I understand that Korg released last April a file that you can download with all the original SV1 sounds that you can load into your SV2, through the SV2 Editor. So, I think that could be a "problem" resolved and a fantastic news for those who still love and still want some of the old SV-1 sounds.

[@sandscribbler]

I don't own an SV-2 (yet), but it looks like you can download the original SV-1 sounds from the Software section of this Downloads page: www.korg.com/us/support/download/product/0/839/#software

[@st.g]

That's really good to know. I was (just) a little sad that the "Toto" and "Van Halen" patches didn't make it to the SV-2.

[@BlueHeatB3]

@@st.g Hi do you know if the SV-1 sounds for SV 2 sounds the same like the old SV 1 unit. Or is there a difference?

[@jamesandres780]

Great review. I have an SV1 and Couldn’t be happier with it. Since having it I’ve gone into many a music store and tried out every Electric keyboard under the sun and would not trade it for ones that cost 10 times as much.

[@konradhausmann6359]

Love my SV-1 and I actually think its EP sounds better and I don't play acoustic very often so I don't really need the upgrade. Thanks for the comparison!

[@free2muse]

Man. Thanks so much for this video. I'm getting ready to buy one and the store has both in stock. This helps a lot and actually gives me more assurance in really getting either of them.

[@jacobt387]

The difference between the default sv1 and sv2 epiano sounds is that the sv1 has the amp simulator on and the sv2 does not. If you want the sv2 epianos to have the same bite as the sv1 ones just press the button to turn on the amplifier section and voila

[@jaredleclair3289]

Love the look of the SV-2. Another great video and thanks for pumping them out as quick as you do. Any chance we could get a CP-88 vs SV-2 comparison? Or a "best of" the ~2000 USD price range video? Thanks!

[@mulakescudero945]

I ve just found you today. no dead air! brilliant presenter and a very talented pianist. talking and playing for a long straight 62 minutes! (subbed)

[@ThePianoforever]

Welcome.

[@moldenburg909]

So, that’s a long review and yes I watched it to the end. As I always do. I agree with you that both of them got a place in the market. They are similar and not similar. The sounds are, in my opinion, more mellow and warm and a lot of them are really good. I like the pads with vocals. That one is awesome. So yes I think the SV2 is nit just an upgrade of the 1 but more a kind of sister/brother next to it. Does that makes sense? Thank you for sharing, playing and fiddling!

[@ThePianoforever]

Thank you for being such a loyal subscriber, and I always enjoy reading your comments.

[@moldenburg909]

And thank you for putting so much effort in your channel and bringing honest reviews. I am following your channel for years now ( in the beginning I didn’t dare to comment. English isn’t my native language) and I am still enjoying your reviews. 😊

[@timcorns9351]

Great review! Like you I’ve been waiting for the SV2 for ages! Thanks very much for comparing them back to back in this way.

[@ThePianoforever]

My pleasure!

[@THEWEIRDSISTERS69]

How does the action compare? I’ve always felt the SV1 has a very unique almost heavy/sticky feel to it. Similar to my early 70s fender Rhodes. You can really dig in but it’s not very fast.

[@nickmonks9563]

Well. Thanks to this video, now I know which one I have to have. Both. I have to have both. Damnit, James. I knew I should have watched some cut rate, half-ass review instead of yours. These both seem fantastic. Thank you.

[@DarioBoente]

Excellent and very detailed review. It covers all topics I wanted to know. Thanks!

[@Medium_Johnson]

Love the Wurly, all my homies love the Wurly

[@JacksonNotJaxon]

I just got the Yamaha Arius Ydb S52 as my first 88 key weighted keyboard and so far I'm really happy with it. Also, Im pretty sure that I'm actually first on this video.

[@pawelsz95]

And finally you made it! Good, detailed and well recorded review! Stereo sound is just obvious from both boards - now SV-2 sounds like it should, also the orchestral sounds, also SV-1 sounds like it should. I think you feel the difference. Highly appreciate the comparison of effects behaviour, sounds switching and build quality details. I think I prefer the SV-2 sound they're like higher fidelity. SV-1 seems to be voiced differently with focus on midrange, SV-2 sounds full across the whole range. I would highly appreciate comparison of SV-2 with Grandstage, particularly acoustic pianos. Great work and thank you!

[@HeCoversMe]

Amazing review/comparison James. I think you sold me on the SV2. Next step...how to afford it hahaha. Great job as usual

[@aselma10]

The SV2 is insane. The only thing I like better about the SV1 is the Amp , not sure if like it in the sv2. But the sounds and the touch are superb

[@paulmckibbins8672]

Hey, James. Another good video thanks. I want to call your attention to a book (and video) called "Down The Rhodes" about the history of the Fender/Rhodes and the many different people who worked and played with the classic keyboard. In your excellent review of the Rhodes, you wondered why there are Fender/Rhodes and just Rhodes when they are virtually the same instruments. The answer is in this book. The reason is related to marketing: Fender had a contract provision that if a dealer sold a Fender product, the dealer had to sell Fender guitars. Harold Rhodes wanted to sell his pianos in piano dealerships who wouldn't be interested in selling guitars. Renaming the keyboard was the solution but the interiors still said Fender/Rhodes. There are many more fascinating details in the book and I highly recommend it.

[@ThePianoforever]

I believe I have talked about that same topic in a past video a while back.

[@supyalld638]

just listening to this guy makes my day. LOVE YOUR VIDEOS

[@ThePianoforever]

Thank you! Glad you're enjoying the content.

[@martinking2170]

Thanks for all your objective and informative videos. Would be great if you could do a review of the Korg D1 please. It has the same keybed as the SV2 for less than half the price, but are the instrument sounds up to scratch?

[@ThePianoforever]

I tried to order one some time ago, but the retailer I contacted had 3 in stock, all broken. It seems there may be some issue with the frame or case of it that causes the action to break and malfunction. The RH3 is a nice action and I used my SV1 for years with no issues so I don't think it's the action's fault.

[@blessankuriakose2551]

I'm also curious about Korg D1 from India

[@kennyng5866]

Managed to find a display unit korg D1 at 600 dollars from where I'm from... Isit a good buy?

[@VidarW]

Hey man! I recently purchased a volume/expression pedal (Roland EV-5) for my SV2 and it didnt worked well. It was more than a on/off pedal than anything else. EV-5 worked fine with Nord Stage 3 but not SV2. I calibrated it after the manual but still crap. I know you own a SV2,what pedal are you using? Greetings from north of norway. Great demo!

[@robertbjork4210]

You always do excellent reviews and this is one more. I own the SV1 and was looking forward to the 2. In my opinion, the EP sounds were better on the 1, but the default piano was better on the 2. The ‘other’ sounds on the 2 were spectacular and the additional presets were really needed. I can’t afford to own both, but I also can’t let go of my SV1. From the comparison, the SV1 seemed to have a more punchy and full sound within the EP category. I can see why you would want to keep both pianos. I kind of wish Korg would have kept everything that the SV1 had and just added to it with all that extra SV2 stuff. ...and, as silly as it might sound, I like the SV1 on/off switch 😎

[@ThePianoforever]

I literally agree with everything you've said here. I miss the SV1's power switch on the SV2 as well. The EP sounds on the 1 honestly are a bit better and punchier than in the 2, but I like the EP sounds in the SV2 too, they're mellow and gentle, and there's twice as many. Both are awesome. 😁👍

[@amadoalves]

In this comparison, basically the SV1 sounds more punchy. Maybe the SV2 is better at pianissimo. Other SV1 pluses for me is the stronger switches, all black look, and dedicated organ section. I understand the SV2 pluses: more sounds, and maybe better acoustic piano and some organ sounds. Personally I worry about the purported difficulty to play turns. Turns are essential! I own neither, tried the SV1 some years back, cannot recall a difficulty in turns. Now considering buying one of these, probably the SV2 simply because the SV1 is not on offer anymore.

[@ThePianoforever]

I agree, the SV1 is punchier. I haven't experienced any issues with turns or the overall nimbleness of the action. It's very quick and responsive. If you like bargains, the SV1 can likely be found on the used market, and usually you'll save some money this way.

[@st.g]

I'm glad you talked briefly about the speakers. Today it's still difficult to get an "S", and there are none to try out. I'm wondering if those speaker variations are worth waiting until December to get a hold of when there are 3 without in stock down the street. Do you use them? Or, in a scenario where would use them, would you prefer to use a portable monitor instead?

[@ThePianoforever]

Yes and no. The internal speakers are very handy, and the cream color with the unique grilles does provide a cool look. So there is an advantage to the internal speakers, I use them often. Having said that, they are not the greatest sounding speakers in a digital piano, and if you're looking for great monitoring capabilities, or just a phenomenal listening experience, you might be better off just buying the SV2 and using your own amp or monitor speakers of your preference. (I like the Roland KC-350/400 amps, myself, especially for a venue.) In summary, the speakers in the SV2S are a nice luxury, but probably not a necessity.

[@richardramirez3633]

Korg Kronos is the king for "all in one" gig board, definitely ahead of it's time. I've had mine for a few years now & still finding hidden treasures!

[@Przemekturowski]

hello James. Did You play on the korg d1, and if You did please tell me about sound of piano in this instrument?

[@bathe1]

The SV2 with built in speakers must be a killer to lift, I have the sv1 and it’s the heaviest modern keyboard I’ve come across.

[@ThePianoforever]

It's a beast. The SV1 isn't the heaviest keyboard out there, the one that strikes me as heaviest is the Kawai MP11SE... it doesn't even have internal speakers but the action and high build quality make it a tank. 😁

[@michalc2972]

Hi James. Could you Please review some of the popular home digital pianos such as yamaha ydp series (ydp 164, s54, s34, kawai kdp 110 , cn series) thanks and keep up the good work!

[@Cnouki]

James, I've bought my new piano thanks to you. But even though I already got it I still really like seeing your new videos.

[@ThePianoforever]

Thank you.

[@johntierney2561]

I am lookig for a good Hohner pianet N sample for live use - Nord have a NSMP sample which sounds pretty good but maybe lacks a bit of the character of the original - do both the SV1 and SV2 have Hohner pianet N samples ? how do they compare to the nord- ...Thanks

[@magicdoors]

Very good comparison, thank you =)

[@uebergebemich]

Hello thank you for the very interesting video! I like your reviews, I especially appreciate that you are obviously doing really honest work without profiting from it in any way! I hope you can help me with a problem with my brandnew Korg D1 with the RH3 action. I got delivered it today. It didn't come in a really new packaging! The problem now is, that the keyboard action smells unpleasant, not to say smelly. I'm wondering now, if it could be that it stinks, because it has been repaired already? Or is it normal that a new RH3 stinks, and will will it dissipate over time? I would be very happy with an answer. Kind regards from Germany!

[@ThePianoforever]

I have never heard of a keyboard being smelly! This is new to me. I have heard of the D1 having many action related issues, the case of the piano seems to be weak and causes the action to break. I own two Korgs (SV1 and SV2) with the RH3 and neither of them are smelly or broken. When in doubt, return it.

[@uebergebemich]

Thank you very much for your quick and helpful answer :)

[@M_E_T_R_O__9]

is it just me or the SV-1 much better? sounds way more authentic and vintage..

[@jacopomarialasala6715]

Honestly, to me the SV2 sounds like an instrument of the 70s reissued in the 80s.

[@farquoi]

"The internal speakers are definitely not the worst speakers I've heard" uh oh, that's not a great endorsement. What speakers setup do you use?

[@BlueHeatB3]

Hi I have the SV 1 and want to make an upgrade to SV 2. Are the SV 1 sounds for the SV 2 identically to the original SV1 unit? Or is there a difference in sounding because of EFX and Ampsimulation. Maybe there is a user who own both Pianos...

[@jazzpotato7483]

Check out the "Korg SV1/SV2" group at Facebook?!

[@JoseVGavila]

You have all the lovely keyboards !. Great challenge

[@matthewschultz9230]

So my question is, if I don’t have the space or money to have both, is it worth it to sell my SV-1 and buy an SV-2. I got my SV-1 Red a year before they announced the SV-2. Did anyone sell their SV-1 and pay the more money to get an SV-2? Are they happy w that decision?

[@matthewschultz9230]

Or @ThePianoForever, if you could only have 1 is the SV-2 worth it, especially since there is the SV1 sound pack for it? I do most like jazz fusion, hip-hop, etc and currently play the German Grand and the Rhodes and Wurlys on my SV1.

[@panzi45]

Wow what a nice sequence at 26:48 :) wish i could play that smooth

[@seanmurray170]

Just curious: can the amp be turned on for sounds that don't use it? That is, around 58:30 when you say 'sounds that don't use the amp sim section' is that to say A. sounds that don't utilize amp sim by default OR B. sounds that are incompatible with the amp sim section / sounds to which amp sim cannot be applied? I'd love to isolate the 'bells' (can't recall exact name) from the layered sound that features them, then run it through something real wet/dirty for 'Hell's Bells'.

[@ThePianoforever]

I haven't tried running the layered sounds through the amps but I'd be surprised if you couldn't.

[@sebasoilher8454]

It seems that they have different velocity curve selected in each keyboard.

[@darksnes]

Could you please do a video comparing the Yamaha P515 to the Kawai ES8?

[@rogerp.4489]

What song are you playing at 35:57?

[@jeffreyreid6981]

But you need to remember the SV1 The polyphony it’s only 80 on the SV two polyphony is 128

[@jeffreyreid6981]

There’s one more difference the damper pedal plugs on the SV one Left side , the SV2 damper plug is more closer to the right side

[@starikov]

How about the hammond sk1?

[@Guzco1]

Excellent! SV-2!

[@tenonakin9237]

Could you please do a video on 440Hz vs 432Hz tuning on accoustic and digital pianos?

[@HappyPhilS]

Ok I like the SB 1 way better than the new one.

[@shiznuts]

Oh yes! We're getting into KORG territory! Can't wait for the D1!

[@tlazohtlalia]

YESS! the D1

[@Cesarsound1]

The SV1 sounded better.

[@sclogse1]

I always found the toggle switches available for electric guitar to be severely wanting. And you're kinda stuck with Switchcraft. Just look at how they're made. Pathetic. You would think manufacturers of toggle switches in industry would take note, as you and I know guitars are sold, sold sold, all the time. Sometimes to people who shouldn't be allowed in stores, or even outside.... If you attempt to get a toggle switch made in Japan for aircraft, for instance, oh my god.... it's another world. You want to hear and feel quality! Or vintage toggle switches for industry, etc. Night and day doesn't even come close. I even contacted an industry that produces these for the big time, and asked why they don't produce toggles for guitars. But, hit that middle management firewall, and never heard back.

[@SanelKeys]

KORG couldn't make it at the same price, or if you want, make it affordable, upgrading it's performace. But, KORG could have made it from the point of view of technology/electronics.

[@halcore9000]

First. Cool review as always.

[@medora2499]

I hate to be that guy, but... *FIRST!*

[@metalplatedfacejob]

the sv1 reverb has more early reflection in it then the sv2..........the editor might have the solution....?