WaveIdea has introduced NeoSynth24, an synth-on-a-card expansion board for CME keyboards (UF and VX series).
NeoSynth24 features a built in sound bank (64 MBytes/256 Mbits) that can be updated at your convenience. Various sound banks are available (General MIDI standard instruments set, Grand Piano style, Hip Hop style, Techno/House style, R&B style, etc). Multiple sound banks [...]

2008 Summer NAMM Show: Roland announced the new GW-8 workstation, an entry-level arranger-workstation. 
Description:
The GW-8 features a wide variety of pre-programmed styles, focusing on the musical styles of South America and the southwest United States. Choose from four style variations for each song progression.
In addition to onboard styles, the GW-8 allows for seamless playback of MP3, .WAV, [...]

Jeff Dunmire demos the updates to Kurzweil’s PC3/PC3X keyboards.

2008 Summer NAMM Show: Yamaha announced the new MM8 Music Synthesizer.
Like the MM6, the MM8 features sounds from the popular Motif Series, real-time control, computer integration and adds an 88-note Graded Hammer action Yamaha keyboard.
“The MM8 has all the great sounds and features of the MM6 in a full-size package,” said Yamaha’s Athan Billias. “It’s [...]

2008 Summer NAMM Show: Roland announced the new JUNO-Stage synthesizer.
Description:
The JUNO-Stage includes all the features needed for a streamlined live performance, such as simple split and layer functions, separate reverb and EQ knobs, an intuitive top panel and LED display, and the FAVORITE function. Made popular by the current JUNO series, this function allows for [...]

Korg has created 512 additional Programs for the M3, which are available as a free download from Korg’s website. The new Programs cover a number of essential sounds, such as classic keyboards, guitars, basses, brass, woodwinds and more.
These new Programs double the internal EDS Programs available on the M3, from the current 512 Programs to [...]

NAMM Show Update: Korg’s new Pa500 uses the same EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis) sound engine that powers the Korg M3 workstation, Pa800 and the new Pa2XPro.
For the songwriter, the Pa500 features both traditional “workstation” sequencing, as well as Korg’s time-saving Backing Sequencer that can record each Style part to its own track in a single [...]

NAMM Show Update: CME introduced the ASX, a DSP board which goes into the expansion slot of UF and VX series keyboards and provides a flexible synthesis engine, turning the CME MIDI controller keyboard into a stand-alone synthesizer.
Yep - it’s a $369 synth on a card.
The ASX offers sufficient DSP power to run dedicated synth [...]

This is sort of stupidtacular - Roland has introduced the C-30 Digital Harpsichord. It’s also a sign that the technology is getting cheap and good enough to be irrelevant for a lot of types of instruments, so packaging starts making more of a difference.
Description:
Roland’s “click action” F-scale keyboard provides an authentic harpsichord feel, while two [...]

Namm Update: Arturia unveiled version 1.0 of Origin Keyboard, a new hardware soft synth that they previewed last year.
“The Origin project has proved much more demanding and complex than we initially thought,” says Frédéric Brun, President of Arturia. “The modularity of the architecture, combined with the nature of the engine, based two TigerSHARC’s, and with [...]

The Yamaha CS-80 is considered by many to be the finest analog synthesizer ever manufactured. The CS80 was the flagship synth from Yamaha’s CS family from 1976-80.
It’s best known as the signature synth of Vangelis, but has been used by many other electronic and pop musicians.
CS80 Features

The CS80 is a 2 * 8 [...]

Start saving your money - Dave Smith Instruments has announced that it’s now shipping the new Prophet 08 monster analog synth.
The Prophet ‘08 is an eight-voice synthesizer with a 100% analog signal path. While the Prophet ’08’s overall sonic character will be familiar to anyone who knows Dave’s work from the ’70s and ’80s, [...]

 

 Prophet '08 Sequences [1:03m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Prophet 08 Pads [0:56m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Korg has released Operating System Version 1.5 for the Pa800.
The new operating system includes new features and enhancements, such as dual MP3 files playback, MP3 recording, Guitar Mode, a Master EQ and direct on-screen manipulation of sliders and knobs and more.

John Bowen Synth Design has introduced the Solaris keyboard synthesizer.
Bowen is best known for his work on pioneering keyboard synthesizers at Sequential Circuits, but he’s also been very active creating software synths.
“While I certainly enjoyed many good years at Sequential Circuits, working as an independent plug-in developer for the Scope platform over the last 7 [...]

Custom Synth, a UK service from Jeff Toman that offers restoration and renovation of classic gear. They can give worn gear a “face lift”, or hot rod it with new end cheeks, front panels and decals.
Yes - that’s a Roland MC909 with wood end panels in the photo, right. They provide replacement wood parts for [...]