$1000 difference desktop module vs keyboard version - why?

[lfm]

Just stumped over this change in just recent years as I recall it.
- used to differ $200-300 or so 5 years ago for models having both types

Is freight that more expensive with that larger weight and volume, or?

Or is the raise in keyboard versions price just by demand?

Thanks and HNY all of you....

[Funkybot's Evil Twin]

Probably depends on the product. But some reasons I can think of:

1. Smaller enclosure (less metal and/or wood)
2. No keyboard (if it's got a good keybed, this isn't cheap)
3. Less expensive pots (the Prophet Rev 4 keyboard has big chunky pots, pretty sure the desktop module doesn't use the same ones)
4. Shipping/storage costs
5. Lower assembly/labor costs (this is probably a big factor - especially if assembled in the US/Europe)

I doubt it's just an arbitrary price increase. If they're charging $1,000 less, there's probably good reason. With other synths, the differences may not be so high as whatever product you're currently looking at (Sequential or Oberheim maybe?).

[mzy12]

If you want to look at a reversal in the price difference (not quite 1000 euro/dollar/pounds), a lot of second hand instruments on local classifieds have the keyboard version priced below the rack/desktop sound module. Honestly for a lot of the same reason, they're bulky, heavy, and take up valuable real estate in someone's living space.

I'd be really curious though as to what instrument has a $1000 dollar price difference between the sound module and they keyboard version though. The only one I can think of that comes close to that is the hydrasynth, and that is because the 76 (ish) key version is polyphonic aftertouch, which apparently was a pain in ass for ASM to get right on the version with the most keys.

[cryophonik]

Probably depends on the product. But some reasons I can think of:

1. Smaller enclosure (less metal and/or wood)
2. No keyboard (if it's got a good keybed, this isn't cheap)
3. Less expensive pots (the Prophet Rev 4 keyboard has big chunky pots, pretty sure the desktop module doesn't use the same ones)
4. Shipping/storage costs
5. Lower assembly/labor costs (this is probably a big factor - especially if assembled in the US/Europe)

All this, and don’t forget the pitch and mod wheel assembly for the keyboard version. Also, regarding the housing, the keyed versions are not just larger, they’re also a more complicated design that may include at least 1 or 2 additional housing components to secure the keybed and pitch/mod wheel assembly. Desktop module housings are relatively simple in comparison.

[lfm]

Thanks.
I get what is said and it makes sense in general terms
- but all this was the same 4-5 years ago as differences were not that big?
- years pass quickly, maybe it was 6-7 years ago it was minor difference

So no it does not explain what changed suddenly!

Are all now having european/us made keybeds suddenly, or?

They just did more money on desktops before and now that set to normal?