Sam McDermott

My CP 73 has had an issue for about a year now where the reverb depth when I'm playing an acoustic piano will slowly creep up by one click about every ten seconds, and when I'm playing an electric piano the reverb will creep down by one click about every five seconds. I've reset the board back to manufacturer settings but that didn't help. I bought the board used but it was in practically new condition--has anyone had any experience with this? Or any experience with issues that seem to just be software bugs in their boards? I don't use reverb all that much so it's not a huge issue, I'd just like to see if I can get the issue resolved.

A Korg Prologue 8. Haven't picked it up yet, but very excited to add it to the rig.

If you don't know about Moonchild yet I would highly recommend. Just released a new album, too.

I also use one of those tents whenever I have to play outside. It only took one 45 minute set a few years ago in the direct sun on a 90+ degree day for me to make that decision haha.

Great review! Although I own the CP73, I can definitely affirm the quality of the raw samples with no effects or EQ. Coming from the SV1, on which the only way the EPs sounded good was when the amp sim and effects were on, the CP's raw samples blow me away. I can also speak to the playability of the the keybed on the 73. I played a wedding reception gig last week with a quartet, and I was using the Bosendorfer and CFX for the first hour and a half before switching to the 78 Rhodes. The key to sound connection for the pianos was great, but I've never played EPs on keyboard that just felt so good. I suppose it's hard to describe, but the 73 keybed is just killer for EPs.

I figured I should wrap up this situation, so here goes. I ended up returning the Standtastic to Sweetwater and ordering the K&M 18950 and 18952 from Thomann. They arrived yesterday and I'm very impressed with their stability and build quality, really the ideal stand for me. The best part? I ended up saving just over $150 by ordering through Thomann instead of any of the U.S. distributors. Also received great customer service from Thomann. So props to both K&M and Thomann for a great shopping experience

Man, I could never imagine being forbidden to practice. My mom has always loved when I'm playing, even if it's just shedding stuff, my dad too (our piano is in his office and it doesn't bother him at all). But of course, they're my parents haha...I imagine neighbors and strangers would be a different story...

So the Standtastic is on its way back to Sweetwater. I'm strongly considering spending a bit more and going with the K&M 18950 and 18952. Definitely pricier, but if the build quality of K&M is as good as I've read, I should be able to get some incredible mileage out of it, as I'm very careful with my gear.

Oh goodness haha. The only time I've experienced something like that was at an outdoor gig for a beer and bacon festival (really good crowd). The "stage" was essentially a small platform about 2 feet off the ground. About a half hour in, we realized the two halves of the stage had slowly been crawling away from each other--we thought it was from our drummer's foot hitting the kick drum. Anyway, aside from an electrical outage that lasted about ten minutes, that gig ended up turning out okay.

If I go with the X stand, the Quiklok 742 seems to be the most adjustable and sturdy-looking (I hate how all of this is speculation haha)

With mixed reports and not being able to see one in person, it's a tough call as much as I hate to say it, I may just resort to a two tier X stand. Or, I just found the Quiklok WS-421 and 422, which look alright. Probably not as good of build quality as the K&M equipment, but a table style stand seems very appealing. Does anyone have any experience with this pair?

Thanks for all the input! I would definitely be using it for sitting, and I don't get wild with my playing at all. I guess I'm just looking for something as solid as the Z stand but in a more portable package.

I recently ordered a Standtastic 122KS, which is a shorter two-tiered A-frame stand. However, despite reading some good reviews, both on this forum and elsewhere, I was pretty disappointed with the lack of side-to-side stability. Even with two keyboards on it, it still rocked back and forth when I played. This is a bummer because I was looking forward to how portable this stand is supposed to be with the bag it comes with. So I'll be sending it back soon. So the hunt continues. I've read some really great things about the K&M 18880, but I just can't believe how lightweight it is. Can anyone comment on not just the stability, but if there is any sideways motion when playing? I've also looked at the K&M 18810 Omega, which seems to be the ultimate solution, but the price is just a bit out of my budget. Also, it seems less portable than the 18880. If anyone can assure me that there is no lateral motion on the 18880 when it is in use, that would be great. Also, this stand would strictly be for gigging, as I have a two tiered On-Stage Z stand and ProLine X stand I use at home.

Barry is absolutely the man. His playing on Donna Lee off of Vicissitudes blows me away. It's one thing to be an incredible player, but it's another thing to be an incredible player AND an incredible educator, which he so clearly is based on all the YouTube videos I've watched. And seriously isn't he just one of the coolest dudes?

Speaking of George with Zappa, I still get chills listening to Uncle Remus off of Apostrophe. It has been my soundcheck song on many occasions. Speaking of George but NOT with Zappa, George's playing on The Black Messiah with Cannonball had a profound impact on me.