Moonglow

+1 My first thought was the transistor organ, and I think the first time I even heard the term “cheesy” it was used to describe those used in music by The Doors. However, I’ve played for a ton of Greek wedding receptions, where I always used a transistor organ (Farfisa VIP 345), and years later, a transistor organ patch in my Korg Trinity or Triton. That’s pretty much all I heard in those songs back then, and I really enjoy it in that context.

I’ve intermittently considered getting a NS3-88 over the past several years, most seriously after the substantial price hike, so the credit card remained in my wallet. Acknowledging that the recent price reduction could be predictive of a forthcoming newer model, I’m inclined to sit tight. At this point, waiting a few more months to observe if a newer model emerges won’t hurt, and if a NS3EX or NS4 indeed arrives, to evaluate the improvements.

I have mixed feelings here. His voice did become deeper and richer, which I prefer to the younger Greg Lake, but as with many singers, he lost some of his upper range, which despite lowering songs one-half step, became apparent when he/ELP performed live. I thought his voice sounded great on the Black Moon album, where he largely didn’t go after those high notes.

Always Something There to Remind Me I prefer the remake by Naked Eyes. I was surprised to learn Burt Bacharach co-wrote that tune.

I’ve done LHB at wedding gigs but don’t enjoy it. Like many, I prefer to let the bass player lay down the bass, which provides the freedom to do LH chords or other accompaniment. In my main club band our (female) lead singer plays bass, but I do LHB on a couple of tunes so she can jump around a little bit. My typical application is RH piano, organ, or synth/rompler, with my LH doing more of the same, depending on the song and/or how I have the patches mapped out across my two boards.

I’m “B” and “C” using a Kronos 88 to do all of the heavy lifting (program changes, splits, layers, volume levels, etc.) for its internal programs as well as those in a Jupiter-80, all embedded in a Combi and then arranged in Setlist mode for live performance. Although I am a retired magician (true story) I don’t always use the foot switch, but it’s nice to have when both hands are busy. I’m very interested in understanding what folks are using to accomplish “D” and “E” as I can see my rig evolving into something like that (sans I.T. job and roadie), especially with lighter gear.

I’m pretty sure Steve Winwood used one on his “Arc of a Diver” album. How extensively beyond that, not sure.

Can an external controller select programs from the Fantom while it is Chain mode? For example, referencing David’s picture showing the songs in Chain mode, could an external controller select “Wheel in the Sky” and then select “When You Love a Woman”?

Good to know, Scott! Is this true for the Fantom 6/7/8 as well? Admittedly, my experience was based on the original Fantom, before the 06/07/08 line was available. Do the original Fantoms and the “0” series have the same operating systems?

Drawing upon memory (always a risky thing), in Chain mode I only recall seeing a two digit letter/number for each song or program.

I have an original Stage 88 and still love it. The large version of the Bright Grand and the organ (through a Ventilator) beats anything I’m currently using in those categories. Although the A1 in the Stage 3 is substantially more capable and better sounding (albeit more complicated) than the original synth section, I’ve always been able to develop any type of 80’s patch I’ve needed with it. I also like the action in the original Stage 88. I find it to be a very good "compromise" action. Coupled with my Kronos 2 61, it’s a versatile, relatively lightweight, rig.

1.) Not for me. I like to see the specific name of the song or program I’m using. 2.) Yes, for sure.

I've always had an affinity for modeled pianos (GEM Pro 2) and piano modules (Kurzweil 1000 PX, GEM Realpiano Expander, GEM RPX), so an iOS version of Pianoteq is appealing. Question: Which of the pianos in Pianoteq is best for rock?

Definitely some proggy moments in that song, Jerry! But seriously, check it out at 1:47...and then the Emerson-ish lick at 1:58. Sorry, couldn't resist....

My gosh, I can’t believe it’s been ten years! Fun hang with friends, music, beverages, and of course, gear.

That’s easy! Steal…err…borrow one.

If all else fails, might there be a real piano available somewhere?

Makes sense. I don’t have a lot of experience with such methods. Just wasn’t sure if there was an expiration date somehow embedded in the software after it was loaded in the synth, module, etc., that would need to reactivated periodically ($$) by entering a code or something…if that is even possible.

Thanks for that. So when you purchase an expansion do you “own” it or do you have to keep renting it periodically?

I’m interested in understanding exactly how this woks, as well. Can someone please resolve this discrepancy?

Did you end up eating a half-dozen tacos?

Well then you can buy me a drink. I’m not sure why your post made me think of this, but back in the mid-80s-early-90s when I had my night club, my dad and the father of the sax player and lead singer in my now long-time band, were hanging out at a table near the front entrance when some fine young thing walked in wearing a skin-tight mIcro-mini skirt. At that time they were 70+ years old (and both former musicians) and I recall the following conversation: Sax player/singer’s dad: “Man, we need to get something like that!” My dad: “Yeah, but then what do we do with it when we get it?”

Thanks DD! If I ever think about changing my avatar, this is it.