JeffKeys

I have a Nord Stage 3 and Ocean Beach drawbars and I'll tell ya that they are ultimately compatible! I can't imagine having to relay on the drawbuttons!

I, also, just had the best experience with WWBW compared to all of the others. I got a $500 discount on a Nord Stage 4. No one else came close. On the first gig a B key broke. The exchange for another board was quick, effortless and very nicely done. Sorry to hear of your recent poor experience, but based on my experience, I’d highly recommend them. Much better than the other branches of Guitar Center.

I’ve been aware since I’ve exclusively been using the Nord Stage 88 that I’ve gotten into the habit of using some higher keys than exist on my console organ. I guess I’m not going to beat myself up too much for that. My apologies to the purists!

Nord Stage 3 through a Vent (1) through a MS KP612S. Not shrill to my (admittedly fried) ears.

I own the 500SN and the 612S. The 612 is in another league compared to the 500SN. The 500S came after the SN (N is indeed for the neodymium speakers it included) and I was told was an improvement sonically from its predecessor. The 612 is the best amp I"ve ever had or heard (other than a pair of powered monitors) and it has a manageable weight and size. It even sounds great with acoustic piano patches, which is always the hardest to get sounding good (using with a Nord Stage 3).

I love the small PA sound, but have been using a Motion Sound 612 for the last year. The sound is awesome, even for AP (using a Nord Stage 3). Load in/setup/strike/load out soooo much better. One keyboard one cabinet! Who could have imagined that 30 years ago! Now all I need are gigs to go to again. Ahh well. All in good time!

Small company, great products!! Have been playing through my KP612 for about a year and almost every time I play a gig, I"m taken aback by how good it sounds! Especially with acoustic piano patches!!

I have a Nord Stage 3 88HA and its the only keyboad I ever take to a gig. The action is exactly the compromise you mention. It took me a while, but I am now perfectly able to execute all of organ styles on this action, and it suits piano/ep superbly. The organ section is awesome, although I use a Ventilator sim (many think this unnecessary) and an Ocean Beach midi drawbar unit since I can't stand using "drawbuttons". Piano,ep,and synth are perfect for your uses. Great control interface and new sounds are continually being developed and over time, the keyboard has gotten even better. The only box it doesn't check is that is has fixed split points, but they can create 4 zones on the 88. Highly recommended!!

I"ve been using mine since June and I, too, have had no trouble with the treble. In fact, it"s the best amp sonically that I"ve ever used. If I was you, I"d call Jeff at MS. I was having a problem and he talked me through it. Turns out I needed a new crossover. I sent it directly to MS and they had it back to me in no time sounding great. Their customer service is great!

Firth Of Fifth gets my vote!

I love the MS Pro-145 especially with a speakeasy 122 preamp, but the Vent is just too easy and sounds too good through a stereo setup. I"m keeping the 145 with the intention of using it on organ only gigs, but that hasn"t happened now in years!

Speaking of these units, I have a 612. I love the unit, but I had a buzz on the expand. After a conversation with Jeff of MS, he sent me a label and had it back to me in under 2 weeks working perfectly. I"ve had many MS systems and never had a problem, but it"s nice to know that if a problem arrises, there is first rate customer service waiting in the wings. Props to MS for their products and customer service! Btw, the amp is really incredible!

There was only just a prototype of the 88 key model. Evidently there were plenty of 76 key models produced.

Well, I have both of those amps (described above in this thread) and the sound isnt even close. Get the 612 and youll have a BIG upgrade! (And then get a LeCover padded cover for it and youll never have a knob loss problem again!)

Just to distinguish it from the more recent KP-500S which the folks at MS told me had other upgrades over the years. I have a SN which Ive lived using for 10 years or so until I just purchased a 612.

Lou, At the MS website (msamps.com) theres an Ask the Pros tab and Im sure theyll give you an answer to that question.

I would get the serial # and contact Motion Sound. The first ones were KP-500SN (N for neodymium speaker magnets). Later they dropped the N and stopped including those as standard in the cabinets. Thats one indication.

Ive had the 612 for two weeks and its awesome. I was using a 500 but it was one of the first (a SN) and theres no comparison between the two, especially in the acoustic piano dept. Real clear with lots of overtone distinction. Ive been getting great comments on the authenticity of my Leslie sim through it (Vent) as well. Strongly recommended!

Best piano sample Nord has ever released!

Well, the only way you can tell is to hear it. As I said, I had them both side by side and at the same volume, the difference in tone was considerable in both clarity and sonic spectrum as well as depth. Otherwise Id have sent it back. It cost too much money to have an amp just marginally better than the one I have.

My 500 is about 10 years old, so I know there have been improvements along the way. I cant speak to your question. You need to hear them side by side. I think the 500 is a great amp too!

My description of what I describe asrounder sound is one that is full across the sonic spectrum and has depth as well. No holes in the sound. FWIW. Very subjective indeed!

I've played it side by side with the 500. A much rounder sound. Dialed in the midrange just to my liking in 20 sec (different on each channel since I send organ through Vent to one channel and pianos to the other). I am assuming (and hoping) that you are saying that the 612 S has the rounder sound? Does the 612 S have the rear ports to help spread the sound around, which are unfortunately missing on the 408S? Cheers. [/quote Yes, its the 612 with the rounder sound. The ports on the 612 are no longer on the back, but on the front (I guess under the grill). I assume that to be the case with the other two new amps as well. I was speaking to Jeff at MS and he was saying that helps to provide the in your face sound it has. I agree, except I, too, liked the rear ports on the 500 to allow a bit of sound to be projected behind the amp for, perhaps, the drummer.

I saw the weight listed at 49lbs, and it feels like it. Not bad at all for what it is. Comes with removable casters.

I've played it side by side with the 500. A much rounder sound. Dialed in the midrange just to my liking in 20 sec (different on each channel since I send organ through Vent to one channel and pianos to the other).