KJX

What would make for good controllers for the GX-80? Seems like the ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe makes for a very good pairing. What are some other options?

I feel like I have found my people people that understand the central preoccupation of my life

Not as sick as I feel everytime I look on Reverb . . . 🤕

When everyone dumped their analog synths to go digital in the early '80s, I swept up Moogs and ARPs and two (2) Yamaha CS-80s for under $2,000 (for both). I literally had one for my left hand and one for my right hand and they became so much a part of my musical expression, part of my musical being. After falling on harder times at the end of the '90s and liquidating my analog gear, I set about recreating the magic lifeforce of the CS-80. This lead me into exploring the history of the GX-1 and where that went, which was also into the Yamaha E-70 from the same year as the CS-80. Fast forward to pursuing and finding E-70 Electones (for about $150 each) and again, one for left-hand and one for right-hand. Following the quest of expressive control, I delved into other Electones with MIDI and dual manuals, then connected those to rack synths. I got closer. Long story short, I am here and have purchased GX-80 after watching all the YouTube videos I could (especially Tim Shoebridge's excellent video) ~ and I am absolutely stunned at the GX-80. Truly magical expression right there under my fingertips. The sound is spot on. One thing that (I think) I am hearing is individual idiosyncrasies where one voice will be slightly out of tune, or that the 8 LFO's have slightly different speeds. I think? Only thing I need now is that magical physical controller keyboard with dual 61-note keyboards. That is the goal, that is now the central preoccupation of my life. Where to start? Because just as important as the synth engine, the CS-80 console was equally (if not more) a part of the transcendent magic. A keyboard you could lean into. Ribbon controller. Interrelated control sliders to bring out and tame wild expression on the fly. The GX-80 is sublime. Thank you, Cherry Audio!

If Kurzweil wants to sell more, the answer is Yamaha... ...and Nord ... and Roland (like the Go Keys) I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for Kurzweils after being so impressed by the K-250 that I invested in the Midiboard and PX-1000 series for my live setup ... and got a K-2000 fresh off the shelf .. and have enjoyed the K-2500, K-2600 and the K-2000 racks ... but then I kept thinking the last while, "whatever happened to Kurzweil?" I can't quite figure out who their market is anymore .. compared to how Yamaha or Roland or Nord build keyboards for specific markets ... anyway .... rooting for Kurzweil but can't really figure the company out anymore ...its puzzling because they've mostly made some pretty outstanding gear and set the bar high

or sometimes I just build my own console, using MIDI solution boxes as needed - merge boxes, etc.

I have been using MIDI-equipped Electones (Yamaya), Kawai (SR-7) for many years. These provide standardized, organ-friendly MIDI configuration (Upper Keyboard - Ch.1, Lower Keyboard - Ch.2, Bass Pedals - Ch.3) One MIDI output and input. So the midi merging is done onboard. You can pick up used Yamaha Electones (1989-2000 vintage) for $200 or less. And have an organ, spinet especially, all ready to go Yamaha still makes them new, and there is the DDK-7 Double Deck as well. Technics also made MIDI-equipped organs. Check your local craigslist. I've been using these to control synths, all kinds of things. Yamaha DDK-7 Double Deck