I had an opportunity to hear Diki on keyboards with a band and he is a pretty fair player in his own right. If only we could get him to play the right kind of music . He is also a very musically knowledgeable guy, and was able to give me, not only a good explanation of, but also some really valuable tips, on getting comfortable with the rhythmic structure of Reggae music. I have never been completely comfortable with it (sorta like the first time playing 5/4) having been bred, born, and raised on 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, and 6/8. I shared his tips with the band (who don't have a problem with it, anyway) and they were intrigued to see it dissected in such an easily understandable way. Still, to play it well, you have to "feel it".

Diki did point out that the tone of the C1 could use a little more "grit". I agreed with him but pointed out that I turn off the (fake) overdrive and use a 1,3 registration instead of the more traditional (and grittier) 1,2,3. My 1,3 accentuates the percussive sound for soloing but is less ballsy (gritty?). You will need to experiment but I'm confident that between the pretty authentic drawbars, chorus, vibrato, reverb, and overdrive, you will be able to find 'your' sound (or at least close enough for government work).

Diki and I kicked around the idea of maybe meeting up in the Big Easy. I want to go down and check out the Habitat project at Musician's Village. Don't know if it will work out but if it does, it would be fantastic to have you meet us there. Although I've never been there, I know a couple of fairly prominent local musicians (no, not Branford Marsalis, though I'd love to meet him) who still live there. Keep it in the back of you mind.

chas