Lou_NC

OK, I'll bite. Why no XB-2? You don't like the sound? Is it unreliable? I've played clonewheels since I bought my analog Korg BX-3 new in 1985. (Before that I played a Farfisa and Leslie 760 🙂) Never owned an XB-2 but just wondering why it wouldn't work as a sound source through a Vent?

Given the editing options available in most clones these days (even back to "older" models like the Hammond XK-3), I would imagine that if you were happy with a Korg CX3, you could potentially be happy with a very affordable older used clone through the vent. I would think a used XK-3/XK-3c would work (if you're using a vent, even the XK-3 should be fine). Heck, you might even be satisfied with an older Hammond XB-2! If the vent existed before I sold my 80's analog Korg BX-3 I would probably still be playing it today through the vent! Lou

I currently have a Viscount Legend Live, Hammond XK3, and a Hammond SK2 and SKX. (In the past I also owned both analog and digital versions of the Korg BX-3's). I bought a XK3 years ago, and also found a used XLK3 lower keyboard for it, and now it stays in my rec room as my "B3 substitute", along with bass pedals. That sucker was a bear to move around (I don't have a roadie at my disposal). I decided I only wanted a dual-manual rig since I play a lot of solo organ, and the first one I found used locally was a Hammond SK2. I *REALLY* like moving the dual Hammond SK's (I currently have an SK2 AND a SKX (non-"pro")). The dual-manual SK's have a well-thought-out recessed "handle" in the back that makes them SO easy to lift and move! Plus, depending on your needs, the SK's have some additional sounds that *may* be useful to you, depending on how fussy you are. I like having them, since in a band environment, nobody really cares whether my "piano" sounds are perfect or not 🙂 I tried out a used first-generation Mojo in a music store once, and REALLY liked the action, although I've read many horror stories about reliability. When the Hammond SK2 came up, I forgot about the Mojo and haven't looked back. I like the extra drawbars on the Legend Live, but I really like the Hammond action better, plus the extra sounds in the Hammond are useful to me. Bottom line - I would say moving a Hammond SK dual manual is painless. Personally I prefer the SKX to the SKX Pro........I don't need the extra features and the used SKX I found recently was 1/2 the price of a new SKX Pro. I *might* be selling my Hammond SK2 in the future now that I have the SKX......haven't decided yet. This is NOT a sales pitch, but if you're interested send me a PM. If I sell it, it will be priced reasonably and it's in excellent shape. I will likely list it here before Reverb. Good luck, there are a LOT of great dual-manual organ choices out there these days! Lou

Dumb question, but have you taken it apart and *tested* the switches? My EE career has taught me to always check the simplest fix first, and in this case, that would be the mechanical components (switches) before assuming the electronics have gone bad. (They might have, but the probability is lower than a mechanical issue). Good luck! Lou

The narrator didn't mention it specifically, but obviously there is a finite "time limit" that you can hold a note until it.......just stops playing! Probably not that big a deal in an actual song, but still...... I had always assumed that they used tape loops not strips. Overall, quite an intriguing electro-mechanical design.

If you have a friend with a drill press this is about 2 minutes "work", converting a blank filler plate to one with holes. Any dimension you want, any spacing.

The Sam Ash in Raleigh NC hasn't had a decent keyboard department in the last decade. It's all guitars, cheap amps, and PA systems. I don't remember ever seeing a single drawbar organ in stock, regardless of brand, ever. I'm sure not all of the stores in the chain were this bad. I remember the one I used to visit on Route 4 in Paramus NJ in the 70's and 80's was much better. Sadly, the Guitar Center right across the street isn't much better, if they went out of business I wouldn't even notice.

As an engineer I can certainly appreciate the technology and effort that went into creating this "Steinway player piano", that basically enables a highly accurate recording of the original player. But it kind of reminds me of driving a Corvette with an automatic transmission. Sure, it gets you where you're going, but where's the fun in that? 🙂

I keep a 3-ring binder of about 15-20 of my favorite fake book jazz standards (think Sinatra-ish tunes) on my music stand, and just run through them in order. Takes all the "thinking" out of it......... I also keep an old iPod (remember those?😄) connected to my mixer, and it has all my MP3's on it. I hit "shuffle" and if the song strikes my fancy I'll play along a keyboard part to it. If I don't like the song I just fast forward past it. I keep myself easily entertained this way......... Lou

I was able to accomplish what you're asking by using a "vintage" Ultimate Support Systems 2-tier A-frame keyboard stand. (These things were very popular in the 80's and I snagged a used one sometime in the 90's, if I recall correctly). I put my Hammond XK-3 on the top, and aligned my Korg DW-8000 to line up almost perfectly as the "lower" keyboard of a dual-manual organ setup. (I basically used the DW-8000 as a MIDI controller only for the lower keyboard of the Hammond in this case). If memory serves, I had to flip the support arms of the upper keyboard so that the "pins" were on the rear side of the XK-3, and I lined up the rear horizontal bar of the stand to give the XK-3 additional support. I was very satisfied with the "feel" of this setup, it was very close to a dual-manual organ (at least to me!) Lou

Mel, If you think stereo imaging might be important to you at some point you might want to consider at least reading up on the Spacestation V.3 by Apen Pittman Designs. You should be able to find a used one in good shape for around $500. It's a novel design and often doesn't get the recognition it deserves for being a compact design with room-filling stereo sound. There's nothing wrong with buying two powered speakers for stereo imaging, which a lot of people seem to do these days, but personally I prefer the Spacestation for my needs. Good luck, Lou

Hey for those of you who have sold through Sweetwater, please remind me........is it easy to get the proceeds of sale as cash into your bank account, or is it limited to "sweetwater credits" for use against future purchases? My recollection is vague but I looked into this a while back and can't remember their business model. I may be selling a clonewheel in the first half of 2024 and would consider listing on gear exchange if I can get $$ instead of "store credit" only. Thanks, Lou

You bet I play bass. Both 16' and 8', in various combinations.........🙂

You mean something like this? https://www.sweetwater.com/c819--AU_TS_to_TS?highlight=EBSPG10&mrkgadid=&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=&mrkgbflag=&mrkgcat=&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=&lid=58700008506025409&dsproductgroupid=&product_id=EBSPG10&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=c&network=x&matchtype=&adpos=largenumber&locationid=9009736&creative=&targetid=&campaignid=20442635221&awsearchcpc=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwP6sBhDAARIsAPfK_waRg6_mW_lCjUHZN-xUvfA1vT7K12z1if-L_9cBCVpH9AGPP0rgsiAaAiS3EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned "The Power of Love" By Huey Lewis & The News from Back to the Future. The first bars are iconic 80's synth.