Quote:
Originally posted by Alex K:
I am to trying to single out Generalmusic, as IMO they are at the head of the pack where features are concerned. However, the fact is that Genesys, with aluminum case or not, is still 41 lbs with only 61 keys. That is very heavy. The electronic components are not heavy if they are properly designed. I bet, all the cirtuitry inside Genesys, or any other keyboard, could be placed on two PCBs - an analog one and a digital one (a cheaper design with less magnetic isolation could fit it all on one board). The fact that a typical keyboard uses many PCBs inside, each of which has to be mounted on standoffs and interconnected with wire harnesses, supports my contention that a typical arranger tries to regurgitate the existing (and usually older) technology, without really having put the proper effort into the design of the instrument. I also well understand that Drake is a DSP chip, which requires programming around it. However, the Promega series has come up with the necessary programming already. Why not incorporate the best modelled piano into the arranger keyboard? Just think of how appealing to the customers the software updates would be that would add modelled sax, guitar, violin, etc? The customers may even want to pay to get those, if they perceive the updates as adding new features to the instrument, and not just fix bugs and operational shortcomings which should not have been there in the first place.


I think you mean you are not trying to single out Generalmusic. Thanks. I forgot to mention another reason for the weight of the Genesys. Anyone who has played the Genesys will note that the keys are full size in width and length (this doesn’t really add any weight to speak of, but it is still worth pointing out) and the keys are also weighted. Each key has a lead under core to give the key substance and to offer a better tactile response. 61 little hunks of lead does add some weight to the overall unit, but again a good quality keybed is just another thing that the designers at Generalmusic feel is important in a professional instrument.

Regarding the concept of compressing multiple PCB’s down to one or two; the DRAKE chip has the power potential to do that very thing. And don’t think for a minute that it isn’t being worked on right now. But being an engineer, I am sure you are aware that there is far more to it than programming a single chip. There is a lot of supporting circuitry that must be designed both for internal housekeeping as well as the user interface itself, the software then has to be written to make it all operational, and then debugged. The internal and external structure must be designed, fitted, altered, etc. This stuff takes time, period. It doesn’t happen over night or even over a long weekend.

It sounds like a great idea to add the DRAKE chip to an existing product like the Genesys. And since both the Genesys and the Promega are already production instruments, it may seem that it is simply a matter of putting both keyboards in a softly lit room with a bottle of fine Italian wine and in about an hour or so a new product will magically immerge. “Sorry for that, please take it as an attempt at humor and not sarcasm”. Again I am sure you realize that to implement a new component into an existing system requires the original operating system to be re-worked, often to the point of having to completely start over. Plus there is the issue of internal hardware changes that must be made in order to have a place to put the new component, not to mention possible front panel changes related to the newly added features. Etc. etc.

Quote:
I do not enjoy arguing. By posting my frank, and perhaps controversial, comments, I hope that the KB manufacturers will start taking users' needs seriously, and ensure their continued presence in the marketplace, instead of going the way of Technics. I believe that the competition is healty for the market and for the end users, and simply hope that we will continue having viable choices of the keyboards.


Neither do I. And I am not trying to do so here. I am simply trying to point out some things that you maybe haven’t considered.

I am the first in line to want things to move much faster, but I have also been in and around the manufacturing side of things for long enough to know that things take time.

Please don’t stop offering comments and suggestions, whether good or bad. Believe it or not, there are people listening. You are corresponding with one right now.

Best Regards,

Dave


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Wm. David McMahan
Nat'l Product and Support Manager
Generalmusic USA
GEM Community Forums