I had to post up and say just how much I love my second G70. It sat for a while as I recouped, but now I'm playing and recording (mostly church stuff for cantors)and loving the key feel and piano & drawbar sounds. I needed to practice some 40s music for a friend trying out for a part and used the big band styles - wow, what a pleasure. Once again, this is the best arranger keyboard I have ever played or heard.

Good to see you well and back into playing again, Cassp, and nice to hear the G70 is working out for you.

Do you still have your Hammond XK1?

A friend of mine is selling one in mint shape...never gigged with it...I'm just wondering if you're still as pleased with the XK1 as when you first bought it?

I'm thinking seriously of getting one...have been for awhile...just wondering how yours has held up.

Ian

[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 02-09-2009).]

Glad to hear your in good spirits Cass. I too just got my mitts on a Roland arranger - the old timeless VA (at least in my book). I sure am enjoying 700+ factory styles to go through. Some terrific stuff. Now I'm thinking of (2) boards live - yikes! Keep enjoying

You're out of control, dude...



------------------
Bill in Dayton

Why if Zuki needs 2 arrangers, 2 powered Mackie 450s & the rest of the gear for his gigs & it sounds great why is he out of control?.......he must have a super act!

Now even Ian is thinking of getting a one trick pony...

What have I started?

I'm curious, zuki... there is a LOT in common between a G70 and the VA series... some drum voices, a lot of sounds (most of the VA is still in the G70), a lot of styles (and all the VA styles are converted for G70), and an OS that had quite a bit in common. Yet you were SO extreme in your dislike for the G70, and yet so happy with the VA...

What changed?

Yes, but what a pony!

Sleek and trim.

You seem to like the overweight ones.

Ian

- I have the ultimate support 2 tier stand coming, just in case
- The VA and 800 are so incredible, I want to play them both live - I know the audience will love the different sounds
- In late summer, I'll definitely be introducing the VA-Synth live

Besides, 1 (800) and (1) VA7 = (1) G70

I still have my XK-1 and do love it equally well. The whole drawbar thing with a real Hammond is very hard to beat. But right now I'm concentrating on the G70. I've put the XK-1 in its case to save space, but it will come out soon. Even though the G70 has a good drawbar section, the XK-1 is my go to organ of choice. If I were to use a two-keyboard setup, the G70 would handle all the piano and support sounds while the XK-1 would be the lead organ. Right now, it's the best of both worlds for me.

No doubt you've "weighed" this decision carefully, Jim.

You will also have the luxury of a backup.

Cool!

Ian

Maybe I didn't give the 70 my all - dunno? It really is too heavy (major downfall).

- 61 keys w/speakers
- Variphrase (yes, I like)
- Familiarity with the OS (had 4 of them over the years)
- Keybed is extremely good too
- Morphing editing can produce some interesting and useful performances

Zuki & don't forget the Roland AX7 you mentioned for when you go out into the audience with your headphone mic!

http://www.roland.com/products/en/AX-7/

Ahead of the game Donny - sold the AX1 for this one out in late July '09
http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=986

That's good to know, Cassp...I played Hammond for years, and you can't beat the real drawbars for control...and the Leslie sim on the XK1 is excellent.

It's highly likely I'll be doing a blues thing in the summer and the XK1 would be perfect for my needs.

Thanks.

Ian

Oh man thats kool....

hurry with your website I gotta see a video of this in action!

Korg PA800.. 30 lbs. 61 notes.
Roland VA7... 36 lbs. 61 notes.
Total= 66 lbs.

Roland G70... 45 lbs. 76 notes.

Maybe I just don't this math thing...

Yep, I can lift one at a time

Here ya go
http://www.performing-musician.com/news?NewsID=11177

I meant seeing YOU playing it in your act

I saw the AX-7. Can't wait to try it. Onboard sounds (Sonic Cell) make it a lot simpler to go wireless.

But I tried the older MIDI remotes Roland made, and ergonomically on the left hand controls and bender, it was a pale shadow of how good the old Yamaha KX-5 is. Much better, bigger keyboard, though (although it makes moving around more cumbersome)...

A friend has told me there's someone quite close to me that has a Roland V-Accordion. I can't WAIT to try THAT out! No dealer anywhere NEAR me has one of those...

Diki,

The on board sound controller is called AX-Synth

At 150 lbs, Ed Diaz far outweighs me I fear I might look like a little kid behind the AX

Yep, my bad... it is what I meant though!

You ever play a KX-5? Primitive MIDI, by today's standard, but those left hand controls just fell under your fingers SO naturally. What I dislike the most about the Roland's is that pressure bar that gets in the way of your hand coming round and resting on the strip. Plus it had aftertouch, so you didn't NEED this. Mind you, I virtually never use the mod wheel on a pitch strip keyboard, preferring to do a finger vibrato (like cello or violin) which is FAR more natural. It's one of the secrets to a good emulation. Mechanical vibrato is VERY unrealistic for acoustic patches, IMO...

OTOH, the wheel on the KX-5 is unsprung, so it's great for patches that change timbre or effects (Leslie, anyone?), where you can leave it in one position while you play. That pressure bar can't pull off that trick...

I'd love the AX-Synth to work out for me, but it seems that Roland haven't changed the left hand controls a whole lot. But I'll be trying it out, you can be sure...

Got the new XK-1 system in my den. Matched the boards with a Motion Sound 145. Just sounds better to me than a Leslie, and the walnut version matches nicely.


But you know what? I much prefer my old one at the club with the 145 and 147 RV...cracks, squeaks, old tubes and all.


Drawbars RULE!


Russ "old school" Lay