I suspect a Nord Electro2 would not make a very good controller keyboard for the BK7M, but I would like the organ sounds of my Nord and Ventilator coupled with the arranger features of the BK7M.

The Nord has only basic midi, but I was thinking of having the module close enough to supplement missing midi functions with manual operation if not to cumbersome.



Any opinions ?

I think the Electro is a perfect match for that module. If it had a harmonizer on board, I might have bitten, but I'd have to bring too many pieces to replace what I have now. (PA800) I wanted to try to incorporated my E3 into my live rig, but I'd miss the monitor speakers, harmonizer, sequencer/MP3 playback .... just not the perfect fit for my shows. If I used a bigger PA setup more often, I might have considered it, but I need small, fast and EZ to accommodate my one night, in-out jobs.
Try it - I'm pretty sure it'll be a great pairing.

Bernie - I've tried the BK7m using the lower manual of my Nord C1 (which is splittable with bass) as a controller. Like you, I just put the module close enough to use the local controls on the module. The problem with the E2 is the same as with the C1, no aftertouch. The same problem exists with my VP-770. This is not a huge problem but a few voices definitely benefit from aftertouch.

Dave - I have also used the VP-770 to control the BK7m, and except for the aftertouch problem mentioned above, it would be the perfect combination for the scenario you describe. It has the best harmonizer, vocoder, MP3/WAV player implementation (with the ability to play key-assignable parts of any mp3 or wav file IN SYNC and in a variety of ways ie. loop, once only, etc.) and combined with the BK7m, playback SMF's. It has some very good internal voices but can also use the RH voices of the BK7m (which are very good). A lot of people blow this instrument off but I honestly believe that if you were able to try it out for a long enough time to discover it's true potential, you might become a believer. It's an awesome instrument for a solo act that is vocal-oriented. The deficiencies of the VP-550 have definitely been overcome with the release of the VP-770. It comes with a great headset mic that virtually eliminates feedback. Truly a hidden jewel.

chas

Chas, Thanx for the suggestion, but I have never been able to buddy up to Roland's harmonizer. I tried Fran's and I listened to demo after demo, and they always have a buzzy quality that turns me off. I Like the TC stuff much better, followed by the Digitech. None of the other built ins work for me.
I don't think the Nord is going to make it into my OMB setup ... I'll save it for school concerts and such. I might take it out nect weekend when we do "Little Shop of Horrors" ... there's tons of organ in that book. Might be fun!

Thank you Gentlemen,
I sing about 60% of my numbers. I always use my Bose Compact so don't need keyboard speakers. The BK7M can handle midi and MP3 but no lyrics. I would have to bring my MPP or buy a PDF tablet.
Also, for midikaraoke, I could get a small video monitor.

At first, I didn't consider buying one since I have a G70, but that can turn out to be an advantage in reading other threads. I am for lighter and simpler but I don't mind a few extra pieces as I only play out three times a week with ample setup time.

mmmm- maybe

Bernie

Dave , you only tried the Discover5 on a default setting for less than 10 seconds...that doesn't count

Give the G70 a real try..I know it is sooooo much better than the Korg...I know because I used them both...side by side for way more than 10 seconds.

Also I will not be surprized if the BK audio player runs circles aeound the Korg MP3 player..I know the Prelude does..

Dump that Nord..it is over rated...I hope you saved the box

Sorry ... not bitin' (unless you're buyin' lunch!) It's spring break!

I just revamped my entire home studio rigs to make room for the "possibility" of BK7m. I moved my Rhodes (thanx RUSS!) into my bedroom with the oldest dinosaur in the arsenal sitting on top for late night inspiration or relaxation. (Korg i5s) Don't laugh ... still sounds great for what it is.
In my recording room, I have the Nord Electro 3 sitting under a Roland VK8 - there's a third tier for a small mixer that feeds my M-Box into Pro-Tools or Garage Band (however hard I need to work), a music rack (for teaching), and it's just WAITING for a nice, flexible arranger type drum module ... maybe more to sit on that top tier with the rest.
It'd be a sweet setup as an alternative to my Korg rig that I use live. Now I just have to sell some stuff or hit the lotto!!!!!!!
Frankieeeeee, Georgeeeeeee ........ I need financing!!!!!!
UD

Ha ha Dave... Buy now... win later!

It seems you have a mightly load of gear there! I did laugh a bit at the i5s, but hey, I used to have an i3 and boy it was great at the time! Perhaps you should check out the VP770 as Chas suggested. I am intrigued how he uses it, because as he says it is a hidden gem. To put it in the league of the harmoniser on the DisCover5 (if I read correctly, and that is what you are doing) would mean you missed out on something completely different. The VP770 is a dedicated harmoniser, ala TRC and Digitech, but with far more advanced features. I am not going to pretend to know it all about it, because I don't, but I have heard it in action. Having performed quite well with the E80 harmoniser myself, I know what it does, but the VP770 is in a different league. The keyboardy bits [technical term] are really the add-opn to the harmoniser, not the harmoniser the add-on to the keyboard, if you see what I mean. I am no expert on it. Chas will keep you right I am sure, but he seems very passionate about it. It's definately worth a look, especially if you can get someone who knows it to show you around it.

Regards

John

Hi John,
Thanx for the input, and I know most folks will laugh at the i5s too ... there's just "somthin'" about it .... I think it's the whurly sound. It's a perfect ep/bass/drum unit as a backup - no menus to look through - no load time - better than average electronic sounds .... it's perfect on top of the Rhodes, or as a backup for emergencies. I used it all month at school for rehearsals for "Little Shop of Horrors" so I could leave it there and not miss my PA800 for weekend work.
I really think I'm a candidate for a bk7m, now that I revamped my studio space.The nord will be a stand alone EP/Organ/Clav and the VK8 will trigger the module as serve as a second manual for (rare) 2 handed organ stuff.
Now - to get started on my garage sale!!!!!! Who needs what??????

I am up for the Rhodes if you wanna send it over! I'd really love an original, but hey never mind... I;ll need to keep my eyes open over here.

Nothing wrong with your i5s Dave... so long as it makes you smile, it's worth having!

Hey John - I drove 1000 miles to get this Rhodes, and Capt Russ would shoot me if I ever sold it! (Not that I ever would!)
I went to a place where I couldn't get a decent cup of coffee, had to listen to a jazz musician playing in an all you can eat buffet, and couldn't find a pretty girl within a hundred miles .... at least one with all her teeth!
This Rhodes Suitcase will either be my coffin or my grandson's kitchen table one day.

Nice one Dave,

I see you have visited here then? (the missus is gonna kill me!) I can't blame you for wanting to never part with your Rhodes. I knew that would be the case. A friend of mine in Manchester had his stolen from him at gunpoint as he was unloading it from his car after a gig. He got it back a few years later. He found it in a music shop. The guy who had it denied it was my friend's unit, but when the serial numbers matched, he didn't want the Police involved after he found out it was an armed robbery!

I was also offered one free of charge by a good customer of mine. I just could not take it. I don't think he really realised what he was parting with. I think he does now, and is glad he didn't give it away! I am pleased I didn't take it, because he would probably not shop with me anymore, but as it happens he is one of my best customers.

One day I'll get one legitimately, and whn that time comes, I'm gonna have so much fun!

I noticed at the NAMM show this year that some small independant company has started manufacturing new ones again, but I'd still prefer the 'real' thing! Enjoy it!

Hey make it a kitchen table .... a coffin would be such a darned waste. At least someone would eventually realize they could get some cool sounds out of the kitchen table.

Picture it .... the Rhodes, open underneath a glass top! That would be SO cool!