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ElmerJFudd

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Posts posted by ElmerJFudd

    SP6

    in The Keyboard Corner

    Posted

    The HP/TP100 models don't make 20lbs though.

    Only the synth/organ action 73k models get close to 20lbs, just over. To get under 20lbs you need to go 61k synth/organ action.

     

    I am really hoping the SP6 Medeli plays nicer than a HP/TP100. Strangely Kurzweil uses the TP100 in the Forte SE but only gets weight down to 40.8lbs. And at that weight there's other stage pianos that I'd prefer to play - though lacking the KB3, FX and synthesis of the Kurzweil. Always a compromise.

    SP6

    in The Keyboard Corner

    Posted

    Given your weight and key length request, I have to assume the variant you desire would be a synth action, ya? Because Nord does not do a hammer action instrument in 73/76 keys and definitely don't make the requested weight on their models that do have weighted actions. In fact, Kurzweil and Nord both get their actions from Fatar. Kurzweil is pulling off the SP6 weight on an 88k hammer action by using Medeli and a plastic construction (like Casio did on the PX-5S). Nord doesn't do plastic build instruments nor have they ever attempted a price point like $1295.

     

    However, if the SP6 is a hit, maybe they would do a shorter synth action version. I know I wonder if they'll do a synth action Forte or Forte SE. Maybe when the Artis7 is discontinued.

     

     

    SP6

    in The Keyboard Corner

    Posted

    Yeah, I don't know what path Casio will take on the 5S but there is definitely room for improvement on the UI for getting into the deeper settings and edits. This is cool, stuff is heating up in the sub $1.5k area and weight is a consideration in design.

    SP6

    in The Keyboard Corner

    Posted

    But the chances of the action on the SP6 playing like your CP4 is low... isn't it? CP4 - 38.58lbs, SP6 - 27.25lbs. Grr! :pop:

     

    But does the CP4 get a bump in 2018 with sounds off the Montage?

    Does the PX-5S get a bump in 2018 with touch screen and new patches?

     

    But yeah, I feel you... the SP6 has me a bit itchy too if it isn't obvious.

    Must find a shop near me with it on the floor.

    Forte 7 is too expensive at $3.5k and I don't typically like the TP100 on the SE - and that's $2.5k too.

    muttering to myself.

     

     

    SP6

    in The Keyboard Corner

    Posted

    Thanks, Dave and Scott.

     

    This is a decent work around for me, as the biggest issue is going to be adjusting my favorite acoustic piano sound to room when playing solo or with a sax, bass and/or drums - no PA system. If I can set this up on a user preset that's fine.

    SP6

    in The Keyboard Corner

    Posted

    I wish radial had gone a step further on the KeyLargo with EQ.

    They could probably do a nice Radial build and sonic quality stereo EQ box.

     

    But yeah... ok, so I have my VR-700 and the SP6 say run to something like the Allen and Heath ZED10 or better ($249). Beneath this point the mixers only have H and L knobs in the channel strip, or the addition of H,M,L. The 10 gives a sweepable mid. Next topic of the week - best small form factor mixers with flexible eq control.

    SP6

    in The Keyboard Corner

    Posted

    Yeah, I just read through the manual, I'm not seeing a master eq either.

    Stinky place to cut corners.

    Maybe possible in an update?

    Even a low, high, and sweepable mid would be preferable to nothing.

     

    Would be pairing this with a light weight amp a powered PA monitor which typically doesn't have EQ. Or SSv3 which has little control.

     

    SP6

    in The Keyboard Corner

    Posted

    I have to assume you can have the next patch number sitting there waiting for an Enter as well. Which ultimately becomes a one button press when you need it.

     

    Also, it appears that patches created for PC3 (shared sample sets) can be brought over - I'm assuming via the editor app? - and stored in user patch banks. And it appears the VA-1 framework (built on VAST) is present. I'm guessing patches created for VA-1 can also be shared via the editor?

     

    The SP6 should be able to load PC3 programs no problem. You'll probably have to tweak and set the knobs on some of them as the entry values might not get ported.

     

    Yes all the current stuff - Forte, Forte SE and SP6 have the VA oscillators under the hood. Synth programs in SP have the most relevant params assigned to the knobs: filter, res, env attack and release, effects stuff like phaser/chorus wet/dry, distortion drive (when applicable), reverb amount, etc.

     

    Don't know too much about the desktop editor. I was under the impression that it might be good for importing sounds but won't do full synth editing. Will try to find out.

     

     

    If they don't want to offer full VA-1 editing at this price point it would be cool to have a way too load in new patches via the software and make patch libraries available for purchase/download. That should pay for commissioning the designs - from legit devs that won't share the editor ;) and get some added value buzz going for players.

     

    At the same time... where's the synth action Forte? I'd dig a rack or desktop forte too.

    SP6

    in The Keyboard Corner

    Posted

    I have to assume you can have the next patch number sitting there waiting for an Enter as well. Which ultimately becomes a one button press when you need it.

     

    Also, it appears that patches created for PC3 (shared sample sets) can be brought over - I'm assuming via the editor app? - and stored in user patch banks. And it appears the VA-1 framework (built on VAST) is present. I'm guessing patches created for VA-1 can also be shared via the editor?

    SP6

    in The Keyboard Corner

    Posted

    No worries, here you go!

     

    [video:youtube]

     

    Just played one. The action indeed feels very similar to Yamaha's GHS (P45, MOXF8, etc). Not bad at all for the price. The board is very light - I tried to lift it and couldn't believe how light it was for a 88 keyboard.

     

    Not a huge fan of the GHS - like I would fork over the extra $ for the CP4 over a CP40 for the action alone. But, yeah. I need to see how it works with the Kurzweil sounds assuming they did their homework and got the velocity responses right on the patches that really need that worked out. Definitely a must try.

    SP6

    in The Keyboard Corner

    Posted

    Chris always does a great demo.

    Love the weight and included sounds most of all - especially at this price point.

    But that action has got to play for me or no deal.

    If it's at least comparable to the Casio - whch I don't mind playing - it's worth a good hard look.

    SP6

    in The Keyboard Corner

    Posted

    The SP6 is more expensive than the PX5s. About $500.00 more.

     

    Mike Martin stopped in the other day. $799 on the PX-5S is a holiday shopping season promotion. Goes up again after December 31. Unless, there's am update coming in 2018. ;) which he has not suggested in any way.

    SP6

    in The Keyboard Corner

    Posted

    https://www.medeli.com.hk/

     

    They are definitely going for the PX-5S with this model (IMHO). But I rarely see Kurzweil on showroom floors - they'll need to work on that, as I see Privias everywhere. I have no idea how the action on the SP6 will compare with Casio or Yamaha GHS, Fatar TP-100 or Roland Ivory Feel G. But I am eager to find out! ;)

     

     

    SP6

    in The Keyboard Corner

    Posted

    Yeah - I think there's a few issues here with Kurzweil...

    They have a user base that's heavily invested in the PC3K/A - many of which were upgraders from the PC3, and previous PC lines and they have tried to make transferring patches/"objects" possible for upgraders. Apparently this was also important when they released the Forte (which is different enough in form and function not be called the PC4?).

     

    They appear to acknowledge that giggers and home users don't need all the deep editing features of their top of line machines but want the sounds. So they do Artis and SP lines. Then I guess there are users where action is not a priority, so they meet another price point with SE models.

     

    And then I guess Kurz sees Casio selling a boatload of PX-5S keyboards due to good sound set, decent action, low weight and price around $1k. Well, there's no doubt Kurz can beat Casio on sounds - and with a plastic build + Medeli action they can do 27.25lbs and hit $1295 price mark. I hope it's a win for them. But yeah... it's not a nice neat line up.

     

    Dexibell Combo J7

    in The Keyboard Corner

    Posted

    Oh yes, now we're talking! If MIDI implementation on this instrument is complete - and your presets throw out drawbar values while auto-zipping into position for an external sound device like the Gemini or HX-3 - that's cool as heck. Doesn't quite make up for lacking the internal goods - but only because it's $2300. Which is high for a controller, no?

     

    Anyway, now that dexibell has released it and this combo organ is out in the wild - feedback will be forthcoming and firmware updates can improve most any aspect about the sound as long as the hardware is good. If they bring it to NAMM, there will be no shortage of opinions and maybe some additional artist connections can help them tweak to taste.

    Dexibell Combo J7

    in The Keyboard Corner

    Posted

    The reason you'd want motorized drawbars on a digital instrument like a Forte, Kronos, Stage 3, etc. is because the faders are used for many things as you switch sound types, layer, fx, eq etc. But when you jump into a clonewheel preset/patch the bars are where they actually are in the registration. You don't need to throw them through a previous value point to get them to match value again. Advancements and innovations always welcome IMHO. Presets can be construed as heresy as well for someone who spent a lot of time learning to grab multiple stops in real time. Or that person may say, "dang, now I can focus on more musical aspects of my playing", or "now I can push/pull more controls than are even humanly possible!". It's just perspectives, attitudes, preferences.

     

    The sound of the various organ models is a totally different thing. And if the instrument doesn't sound any good... the motorized faders won't fix that. But, would be nice to see them on a Stage, Kronos, Forte, etc.

    Dexibell Combo J7

    in The Keyboard Corner

    Posted

    It is, right? There are very few people that I am aware of that have gotten their hands on the J7, certainly in the US to comment/share on - and there just isn't (yet) much in the way of end user audio and/or video examples. So this review is promising.

     

    Ralph Schink did an amazing job putting together this definitive demo of the J7 first shared at Musikmesse (already posted above) - and it clearly suggests the J7 can cover a lot of organ timbres in a variety of organ playing styles.

    [video:youtube]

     

    Bonners in the UK got one in and gives some examples of additional ancillary sounds, but also gives a break down of the layout.

    [video:youtube]

     

    I'd really like to hear more examples that show the rotary sim, stop, fast slow - ramp up and slow down, etc. And I think we're in luck. They've just posted a few more examples.

     

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