So I've just finished my latest "build". Bottom keyboard is fully weighted Fatar, top keyboard is Fatar's waterfall keyboard for organ playing. Sides are made from elm, all other visible wood is mahogany, and the shell, underneath the brown tolex, is ply.

It weighs just under 20kgs (44lbs)

Got it all hooked up to Mainstage which is on a Mac Mini with touchscreen.

Now I'm starting my next one - the same as this but with semi weighted bottom board to reduce the weight by a half ( i'm hoping! )

Wow. Impressive to say the least.

Very nice. This is something I might try. Is there a good site(s) for information on "how to"?

Schweeeeeeet

Do you want to sell it?

Sell it? Maybe could get in the business of build to order...

Thanks for the positive feedback.

MoKen - no sites that I know of, sorry. It's mostly basic electronics though. Although you should never really say "basic" where electricity is involved....

Very cool! Where are you based if we wanted to order one?

(Personally I'd want the middle Cs to line up, but I'm goofy like that.)

You are a man after my own heart. If they don't make what you want, build it!

The C's do line up! It must be the angle of that pic.

Is there another place we can view this? The pic won't load for some reason...

Very Very nice! Why whine about controller companies not making the ultimate controller when you can build it yourself?

How long did this project take you? Can you post a good pick of the knobs and what they do?

If this was available commercially, with built in sounds, I'd definately consider buying one. The thought of having both 88 weighted AND waterfall in one unit is very tempting. Especially with the two keyboards in that close proximity. It's nice that you lined up to "C"s. I do the same with my dual boards, but I offset them so middle C lines up with Middle C.

I'd like to see how it connects, and what the controls do as well. As far as weight, it's only 4 lbs heavier than my current digital piano.

Very Nice!

And tell us what the buttons, knobs and sliders do. How do you have them assigned?

Why didn't you put in pitch bend and mod wheels?

I was only half teasing when I asked if you want to sell it. But, considering the responses you've gotten...

It does look nice. Can we see the front/back/underneath?

Thanks.

REALLY BEAUTIFUL!
there is clearly a lot of interest.
add my name to the list of buyers...
I mean it!
Keep the bottom board hammer weighted

Wow, that is some impressive piece of hardware! Great look and build.

Hobo,
That's awesome, man.

Can I ask why you built it?

Regards,
Joe

Hobo,

Did you go with shortened keyboards because that's what you had available, to lighten the load, or for some other reason?

Larry.

Awesome!

Sign me up.
Seriously. I want one. PM me to discuss if you do decide you want to do this for hire. I'll be waiting patiently in line behind the folks that replied before me.

Put me down for one also! I've been waiting to see the pics since you mentioned it last.

Can I get 88 keys + aftertouch on the top please?

Wow - looks like you've go yourself a fledgling business here, if you want it!!!!!!

Man, make the bottom an 88 and the top a full 61, and I think I'd be in hog heaven. Excellent piece of work! Where are you and how much?!?!

Very nice piece of work. Makes me wish I'd paid attention in woodwork, or at least not be so cack-handed!

I love the drawbar sliders.
If it was 61 top and 88 weighted bottom with middle C lined up, I'd buy one, too.

What is middle C on an organ? If you are using traditional registrations, with the 8' drawbar being the fundamental, then middle C is lined up. That said, we typically use 16' all or most of the way out, dropping the range an octave. Regardless I don't really mind the offset as long as the keys line up. I could play that rig all day long with a big old sh!t eating grin on my face.

Hobo,

This may be asking too much, but could I maybe have the 61-key upper movable so that it can be positioned to the left or to the right? (You'll have to make the controls movable too). I'm just thinking that sometimes I might want the upper on the right (as pictured) for right-handed organ work, but other times I might want it on the left for left-handed synth bass.

Or, I'd be interested in looking at one with a 76-key hammer action on the bottom and a 76-key synth action on the top.

Oh yeah, aftertouch on both keyboards.

Thanks. Where do I send the check?

Larry.

The way I line up my piano and organ is with the C lined up, and there is an octave on the Piano above the Hammond. One of my main registrations is 88 80000 88, which works out so that if I move in the same octave from the piano to the organ, it sounds in the same octave. Same with another of my favorites, 86 86004 68.

Of course, with a sweet instrument like that, I could adjust. I never go anywhere without piano and organ, and it would be sweet to only have to bring in one instrument.

Very cool.

Quick question to anyone who can answer it- where does one buy things like Fatar keybeds? Any special 'build your own keyboard' suppliers out there?

I don't know what that means exactly.

However, I'm not sure you can say that on a family forum.

YO, HOBO!
Where are you?
You post that great eye candy, and now you disappear!
Come back

From the classic organ world. Not the only supplier, but one that is popular with classic and theater organ enthusiasts. The following link may give people ideas for homebuilt projects.
http://www.organworks.com/Web/products/products.asp?categoryid=17&category=MIDI%20Works