b3plyr

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions/advice. I think most of you know I wasn't asking you to select a keyboard for me- simply to share your experiences and expertise. You delivered several times over!

Good advice, but I'm not sure I will take it! Thanks!

You are correct. Hammer action is essential as I am primarily (now) piano centric.

That is a terrific idea Scott -- I'm sure others would benefit from that test as well. I've seen numerous helpful posts by you on various forums -- but I think that's one of your best yet. Old No7 I agree - a great idea. In truth, I tried it but still can't make up my mind. However, I did not try a complete set or two - I will, thanks Scott. I fear the time I go to grab the low end and nothing is there.

Yes, predominately piano. I sometimes add some strings or bass. Thus, I do need a simple split capability. I already have the QSCs and they are great!

Well, after a couple of gigs over Christmas I have decided I need to try to find a suitable lighter weight keyboard. I currently use a Nord Grand. Great keyboard, but heavy. I play primarily piano in a duo hence the Grand (46.1 Lbs). I'm considering a Nord Piano 5 88 (40.1 lbs), Nord Piano 5 73 (34.1 lbs). Not huge differences in weight, but a pound is a pound. And a 73 key is much easier to handle. I'm also looking at the Casio S3100 (25lbs). I've thought about the Kurzweil PC4, but am not sure about the keybed. I know we have discussed lightening the rig multiple times on the forum but I'm hoping one of you that plays solo or in a duo has gone through this. My concerns are, as usual, sound quality and whether I could do with less than 88 keys. I would greatly appreciate your observations and suggestions. Oh, forgot. All musical genres. Thanks, Will

I've got the 12.9 and use it all the time for charts, sheet music, etc. As far as I'm concerned, it is perfect. I've tried smaller but they just didn't work for me. AnotherScott's summary is right on.

I use 2 K10.2s for mains and a single K8.2 for a monitor. I may be the odd man out, but the K8.2 works great for me as a monitor. I don"t elevate as the speaker as the angled side lets it tilt back into a monitor position. As to EQ, never have had a problem. Full disclosure, though - I"m using a QSC TouchMix 8 mixer. Maybe that is the difference.

Yes, a terrible loss of a musician and human being. While I didn't know him well, I did get to hear him play multiple times. And the last time (Asheville, NC) I got to meet him and he even gave me some advice on playing the B3. Tremendous individual.

Well, as I said, I have had no problems with my 10,2s or 8.2 on many gigs. To be fair, I did not install the firmware upgrade yet. I never do until I see some history.

The .2 series have an amazing bottom end. I currently gig with two k10.2s, and have played left hand bass many times with no issues. As to the k8.2s, I have one that I use as a monitor. And it has a good bottom end. Not sure if it would suit you only because I have not used as a primary speaker for keys. However, if I can get the time (trying to get house ready to sell) I will try a bit of organ with it. I'm doing the same thing you are considering - trying to reduce the lift weight! One other thing - I use the QSC TouchMix 8 with my speakers and it makes a great combination with the speakers.

You just insulted one of the nicest, smartest industry pros that frequent this forum. Not a good way to promote your own credibility when debating an issue. I'd recommend saving that approach for political arguments with strangers on Facebook. Agree, not a good thing to do to a true professional.

Same here. Really like K & M products in general. So far this is the only bench that has held up for me.

Yes, you can use two Bose L1s for stereo. However, a caution. The wide dispersion of the two towers creates the possibility of phase interference. There is probably a 'magic spacing' that will minimize this potential issue. This is not a problem with the original concept of using a single Bose system for each instrument. I tried everything I could with a single L1 Model II to get a good piano sound. Never could do it, but the only samples on the keyboard were stereo. My solution - I got 2 QSC K10.2s. Now I"m happy.

This is exactly what I do with two K10.2s. I also have a a K8.2, and with keys it easily holds it own. Never had a problem with punch and they have plenty of power. I have played large gigs with the K10.2s.

I agree, Nathanael has give a great and accurate review of The Nord Grand. Well, I have had a Grand almost since they came out - got the first one that Chuck Levin' s Washington Music received. Actually they never received it, as I ordered it from them as the distributor was shipping to them. I have used it for gigs and in the studio. My experience has been very good. I think the playability is great - the Kawai keybed, regardless of what mods have been make, is fun and versatile. I have a Forte sitting beside it and the difference between the TP40 and the Kawai is big. However, rembember the Forte is a more general purpose keyboard and is well suited to the TP40.. Having said that, I can do everything I need to with the Nord. As you know, some people love the piano sounds, others hate them. I, obviously, love the sounds. I have used it for all styles of music, including jazz, and it has come through every time. People at gigs, including other musicians, have commentedt on how much they like the sound. Note that they do not comment on my playing. That says something else! It really is not that hard to cart around. I did not get the Nord case, but one that works great from Gator. It is a little heavy, but that is what you get for a premium keybed. I have mainly used the Grand in a duo - myself and a vocalist. It has served my needs well, and I highly recommend it. And I have been satisfied even with the single velocity samples in the sample section. There is a lot of capability in this keyboard.

Staffpad is no where near as difficult as learning 26 unique stroke based letters for the Palm Pilot. However, I do agree there needs to be improvement. With StaffPad it comes down to practice. You only need to learn a few rules, but you have to practice. Entry of notes, etc., is sensitive, but does work. As an example, quick motions are key to getting the correct recognition. If you stay on the note, etc., too long, you will not get the proper entry. As I mentioned in another post, this is key to entering whole notes. I'm not using this app as my go to yet, but with a few improvement, will. For now Finale or even Notion. This is a good awareness thread.

Try a quicker motion with the whole notes. It takes some practice, but does work.

The Nord Grand really benefits from the Kawai keybed. Also, the triple sensors 'sense' position of the actual hammers - this does make a difference. I really like the playability of the Grand.

Take a look at the Singular Sound Aeros Loop Studio. 6 tracks and a bunch more.

What a phenomenal job! Beautifully done, Mike!

I have a TouchMix 8 and it is a true workhorse. I use it with our duo which has such things as vocals, keys, guitar, looper, and drum synth. And I do exactly what Jimmy ia talking about doing. We record our duo live with the TouchMix and then mix in the studio with ProTools or Logic. Transferring the audio is as easy as it gets - the QSC app works great. And I also use the TouchMix for any out of studio recording projects that I have.

Mike, You hit on a lot of good points. What version of the Mac mini are you running? Year and processor. Will

Although a good message in troubling times, as a minimum this is OT.