Justin Havu

Just got an SY77 off of Marketplace for $380. It sure is a beast, both weight-wise and sound-wise.

I've only ever used an iPad with a KeyLab 61 MkII, VB3m, and a PreSonus AudioBox iOne (sometimes through a Vent II which is currently on loan from a friend of mine), but only because it's the most affordable way I can get a passable organ sound in my rig when I need one, and I don't play organ that much. Otherwise, my rig would be 100% hardware.

Taping for a local TV show w/ one of the many projects in which I participate.

I just tried one out for the first time, and out of all the rotary sims I've used over the years, this is by far the best. It's a little out of my budget, so I might scoop up the Mini-Vent at some point.

I used my 2019 iPad with VB3m, an AudioBox iOne, and a KeyLab MkII 61, with a powered USB hub and a USB3 CCK at a gig last Saturday. All worked just fine.

Ran the South Berwick, ME Strawberry 5-mile this past Saturday, and I'm glad I did! After having a bad anxiety attack a couple days prior, I needed this! 1st pic was from last year when I was probably 50 lbs heavier than I am now, 2nd pic was from this year. Last year's time: 58:14 This year: 52:43.

I first learned on a Yamaha PSS-130. Frustrating since it only had 2-note polyphony so making triads was impossible. Then again, I just turned 5 when I got one brand-new. Started working with both hands on a PSS-270 (which I still have. Charming little board.) Basic 2-op FM synthesis, 10 voices of poly, some of the sounds were layered, so it cut the polyphony in half, even more if you were using the auto-accompaniment section. I wouldn't mind having a few of those old PortaSounds around just to play with. Like I said above, there's a bit of a charm about those.

Might be borderlining on the genre, but I'll throw in Toto's "Waiting For Your Love."

The RD-1000 is the same. Long wooden keys, lead weights. Arguably, for my hands anyway, these two beasts have the best feeling action I've ever played in a DP/controller. CP300's design is great, but I have an extremely hard time playing it due to its action.

Same reason I love my RD-1000.

A pair of Alto TX310 speakers. Low power, not a ton of bottom-end, but they're perfect for small venues or stage monitors (I don't usually like my monitors super loud anyway), and they're extremely lightweight.

GC in Boston had both the 88 and the 61. Acoustic and electric pianos sounded great. The organ, however, left a lot to be desired. Perhaps I've set my expectations way higher than I should have, I know. Action was nice on both of them, from what I remember (I was down there a week and a half ago.). Same keybed on the 61 as the MODX6/7, I'm presuming. As a MODX7 owner, I don't mind the keybed. It would be interesting to A/B the 88 action to my RD-1000, as that is where I find the most comfort in terms of playability.

First game-changer was a Korg Polysix. It was the first keyboard I ever laid hands on that allowed me to make my own sounds. Second one was the DX7. Being born in 83 and growing up with 80s music, it was eye-opening to play the very instrument responsible for many of those signature sounds.

As some of you may or may not know, today (May 29th. 2023) marks the 40th anniversary of the launch of the much-loved (I fall into this category), and apparently around here, much loathed Yamaha DX7. To celebrate this auspicious occasion, I quickly threw together a tune using just the DX7 and some RX7 samples. Enjoy!

I get it. I feel the same way about ride cymbals, as I previously mentioned. I've yet to come across one that is pleasing to my ears.

The two GCs in Boston had *some* stuff. Boylston St. had plenty of Rolands: Fantom 6, Fantom 08, RD2000, and a couple of DS's, a pair of Moogs (Grandmother and Matriarch), plus a Novation Summit. I spent more time on the Summit than anything else. Mass Ave had a heaping of DPs and a Nord Grand. Played the Grand for a little bit, but I wasn't that impressed with it.

I hate ride cymbals too, but I hate the bell more than anything. I've yet to come across a ride cymbal I like. They're all too pingy, abrasive, and annoying. If I need a ride, I'll just use an 18" crash.

More specifically, a Wuhan. I have a Sabian AAX 18" china that I absolutely love. It's very warm, not as abrasive as some others, and quite versatile.

The Cars Love: Moving In Stereo Like: Dangerous Type Hate: You Might Think (The sheer fact that Weezer covered this one completely killed it for me. I suppose I could just ignore that mess and stick with the original, though.)

Since I was born in 83, I'd probably go: Love: 70s and 80s Like: 90s, but barely. Lol Hate: 2000-present

REO: Love: Don't Let Him Go (Killer solo from Mr. Doughty) Like: Like You Do Hate: In Your Letter (I could've also said Can't Fight This Feeling, but went for some variety.)

The Police Love: Murder By Numbers Like: King of Pain Hate: Every Breath You Take And, to piggyback off of that: Sting Love: Russians Like: Seven Days Hate: Desert Rose

ELO: Love: Fire On High (I agree with you here.) Like: Can't Get It Out Of My Head Hate: Roll Over Beethoven

Alright, I need to try this challenge. I've already talked about Elton, so I'll expand on that a bit. My original choices: Love: We All Fall In Love Sometimes/Curtains Like: Madman Across The Water Hate: Rocket Man Updated List: Categorized, but in no particular order Love: We All Fall In Love Sometimes/Curtains Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding I Need You To Turn To Tonight Carla/Etude/Fanfare Empty Garden Have Mercy On The Criminal Belfast Skyline Pigeon Border Song Like: I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues Burn Down The Mission Someone Saved My Life Tonight Daniel Nikita Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me Madman Across The Water Cold As Christmas (In The Middle Of The Year) Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word Hate: Wrap Her Up Heartache All Over The World Rocket Man Jamaica Jerk Off Honky Cat Philadelphia Freedom Can You Feel The Love Tonight Crocodile Rock I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That Sad Songs Say So Much

Yeah, I need the whole PC board for the volume knobs replaced, as I can't solder to save my life. However, according to Syntaur, Yamaha has them on backorder. 🤬