cassdad

My Rant re the need to use the "originally recorded key" Yup, he dropped the tunes ½ step and a whole step, respectively. Which is exactly my point! First, we're all getting older, and my opinion is that it is better to preserve the soulfulness and tonal quality of the vocal at a lower key, if needed, than to try to be "true to the original recording". Frankly, I am SO sick and tired of those who believe that "if you can't sing and perform the song in the originally recorded key, then you have no business performing it". Pockycock. BS. I've seen many a performer perform their "hit" song in a lower key than originally recorded. I understand, that for some songs, the "key" does critically change the tonality of the song. But most of the time, if not having heard the song recently in the original key, I'd guess that most would not even notice that the key is lower, and would really appreciate the performer singing in a key which projects the richness and perfect pitch of their voice in the lower key, rather than having to listen to them trying to sing it in the higher original key, and sounding like screaming banshee wolves, their voices cracking and struggling for the right pitch. My 2 cents.

OK, I've officially tried both (thank you, SweetWater). The Roland KC-990 was #1, simply too heavy. There is no way I could even lug that thing around - what were they thinking? Furthermore, it's sound was dismal. Sorry, Roland, just being frank. I just tried the Motion Sound KP-612S, and it is phenomenal, no complaints. The amp is VERY clean, and it will get one all the volume needed, the stereo is glorious and the tone does NOT deteriorate at high volume (I tried it playing with my live band, including acoustic drums, singers, etc.). However, I just returned it, because, if I put my Yamaha DXR10 speakers in the same physical location, I get the same results. And the Yamahas I can break into 2, 31-pound pieces. Although, I have to say, the 49 pounds for the Motion Sound KP-612S did NOT seem very heavy at all. I would've kept the Motion Sound if I did not already own the DXR-10's. I also have the Yamaha DXS12 Mark II subwoofer, and with either the Yamahas or Motion Sound, it's a very good piano sound. (I play a Yamaha MOXF8). I learned a LOT trying out the Motion Sound KP-612S: I've found that speaker placement is CRITICAL, and makes all the difference. So, if I'm not going to schlep around the subwoofer, then I need to place the DXR-10's properly, and they will compete (as long as I have a bass player with his own quality amp).

Thank you, folks, great input / help! Greatly appreciated.

I've tried the "search" function but can't seem to find an answer to my simple question: What is the best way to connect a laptop (computer producing the virtual instrument audio signal) to one's stage amplifier (system, or PA, etc)? Forgive my ignorance, but I'm not yet knowledgeable about virtual instruments. I've always used a dedicated keyboard which I simply hook via ¼ inch jacks to my mixer or amplifiers. So I'm assuming I start with a keyboard, and then, via either MIDI or USB, connect my keys to the computer..... but then how do I connect the computer to my amps or PA feed? I would require a pro-grade connection, full range, no hum, etc. Using the headphone jack seems like it would be less than optimal in many respects. Is it a requirement to have a mixer, and that mixer also have a USB input (from the computer)? Anyone know of a good tutorial on the subject?

Wow, but I don't think I've seen anyone post this one yet: Roundabout by Yes.

Zephonic: FWIW, I use Paul Morte Technical Services, (authorized Yamaha servicer), 946 N. Main Street, Orange, CA, (714) 532-9540, although I realize they are farther for you.

Thanks... I need it for a gig tomorrow, but maybe after that. Might you know specifically what they did to correct your problems? Lubrication or new parts?

Thank you for your response, Markyboard. Yes, I have considered calling them... in my personal experience, they have not been particularly "friendly", but yes, that is a good idea. I was hoping to not have to pay their charges... plus, neither of my axes is actually broken... I'm afraid they'll tell me (just like the car dealerships) - "operating normally". Regarding Sven's request for a video: With all due respect, it would not make a difference. It's simply noisy. If someone else has experienced it, they'll know what I'm talking about. I respectfully really do not believe that a video would provide any better explanation. Nor do I know how to do one! The keys are simply noisy, "noisy" being a subjective term. As I cannot believe I am a unique situation, apparently others either do not hear the noise, or do not find it objectionable, which is fine. I tend to like to play at very low volume levels, thus maybe that's why it is so objectionable to me. Certainly when I perform with bands or others, at those volume levels, the noise is not heard.

FWIW, I have also tried finding a solution on the Motifator Forum, as well as the general internet, all to no avail. I simply find it amazing that I'm the only one who has this problem and has actively searched to solve it. I suspect the "cause" is that I have an unusually hard touch, and I use the MOXF8 much of the time for organ voices, thus end up doing organ-like slides, etc, on the keyed, which I think has tended to "loosen up" the action more than would occur otherwise. Maybe? I was just hoping that some ingenious person had experienced the same problem, and taken it apart to find out specifically what parts are becoming "looser" so that I could change out those parts to renew the keyboards. Alas, nothing yet.

My issue with both of my Yamaha MOXF8 keyboards is not with the release (where the metal piece returns to the Stopper"). The keys makes noise as they are pressed, in the attack phase if you will. Just lightly touching the keys makes a lot of noise. Both keyboards have become extremely noisy the more I play them (hours per day). Ive replaced the keys with replacement keys (there is a black key replacement part, and 2 different white keys replacement parts), and lubricated everywhere I can find, all to no avail. I cannot determine where in the world all the noise is coming from! I cannot be the only person experiencing this! And I am experiencing it on 2 identical units (one I use for the West Coast, one for the East Coast). I love the MOXF8, its the perfect keyboard to satisfy my requirements but wow, do the keys physically make a lot of noise as they are played. I really wish someone could please tell me what the culprit is so I could quiet them down, please! Does anyone know, please?