slickmathews Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Have a Motif as a second board. I dont like the organ and or leslie sounds on the Mo... I do like the electric pianos though. I was curious if you folks that have a Mo and a nord prefer the Rhodes and Wurly's on the Nord ???? I might get a Nord and leave the Mo at home. Feelings??? Thanks... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yannis D Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Don't have the Motif, but i think the Nord kills the Motif Rhodes and Wurli. Plus, it's so much tweakable on the fly, very light to carry around, has a fantastic hammond, everything's is there, right in front of you. The cons: it's monotimbral, so it's one instrument at a time. Be grateful for what you've got - a Nord, a laptop and two hands Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wd8dky Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Please try and audition one first. I picked up a NE3-61, but returned it after one week because I just could not get into the keyboard action at all. It felt very cheap and "plasticy," which was disappointing for such an expensive instrument. I bought it for the Hammond primarily, and ended up picking up an XK-3C instead. http://www.weisersound.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theGman Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Funny how we are all different. I have a Hammond XK1 and bought an E3/73 key BECAUSE of the lighter action. I know I'm in the minority on this, but this old guy can just play faster on it. True, lighter actions do seem and probably are cheap ?; they are counter-intutitive....It's the reverse of buying a car and feeling/hearing the thud when you slam a door. Does that make sense? : ) I do wish the E3 board could be split. With all the gadgets, you'd think this basic would be there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theGman Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 By the way, I'm keeping both the Hammond and the Nord keyboards. Love em both. When I play dual keys, I use the Hammond, when single key I use the Nord, since it's more versatile with its pianos, and the organ sounds almost as good as the Hammond. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tusker Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 I find the Yamaha Rhodes sounds to be more detailed and playable than the Nord's. Haven't tried the new Wurli in the Motif XS, but I prefer the Electro's Wurli to the Motif ES class Wurli. Effects are more plentiful and controllable with the Motif ... more immediate with an Electro. There's something to be said for both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slickmathews Posted October 19, 2009 Author Share Posted October 19, 2009 Thanks...I could just be used to the Motif acoustic piano sound, but, I thought the acoustic piano sounds were a little stronger on the Motif (in addition to the rhodes). I agree that the wurly and organ on the E3 is an solid improvement on the Motif...really appreciate the feedback...but hey>> it's shiny and red!!! (LOL) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Benhamou Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 I'm probably alone in this, but I've never been able to get a good Rhodes or Wurly sound live out of my NE2. The clav and B3 RULE, but the other stuff I've never used live. I just find there isn't enough tone when using it live. Maybe it needs to be run through better preamps and a nice reverb to work better, but for me it's never been good. The Motif rhodes, however, I find to be amazing. The wurlies are good too, but not the best. Ian Benhamou Keyboards/Guitar/Vocals [url:https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTheMusicalBox/]The Musical Box[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aidan Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 I like the Motif XS Rhodes a lot, and there are several really good variants to choose from, from really sweet to uber-punchy. Studio: Yamaha P515 | Yamaha Tyros 5 | Yamaha HX1 | Moog Sub 37 Road: Yamaha YC88 | Nord Electro 5D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slickmathews Posted October 19, 2009 Author Share Posted October 19, 2009 Thanks guys...Hey Aidan>> you have an RD 700GX...how do you like that acoustic piano compared to the Motif ??? (you used to have a yamaha stage piano as well???) Thanks again...to all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slickmathews Posted October 19, 2009 Author Share Posted October 19, 2009 Thanks guys...Hey Aidan>> you have an RD 700GX...how do you like that acoustic piano compared to the Motif ??? (you used to have a yamaha stage piano as well???) Thanks again...to all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary75 Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 What do people think of the Kurzweil PC3 ep's? Need a new board and am torn between E3 and PC3. Don't need the organ part of the E3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fusker Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 I plan to use both my XS8 and soon to be had NE3. The NE3 as a specialist board that's easier to lug (under 20 pounds) to rehearsal. I agree that the XS8 has great EP's. The stock XS8 organ sounds need third party help, I use B's Knees which I think delivers. For performances, I'll use both. I think the XS is more well rounded, but the NE3 overall delivers extremely well on the bread and butter sounds a traditional KB player needs. Steinway L, Yamaha Motif XS-8, NE3 73, Casio PX-5S, iPad, EV ZLX 12-P ZZ(x2), bunch of PA stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aidan Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Thanks guys...Hey Aidan>> you have an RD 700GX...how do you like that acoustic piano compared to the Motif ??? (you used to have a yamaha stage piano as well???) Thanks again...to all I actually prefer the Roland sound in most solo situations. It's a little darker and more mellow. For rock, I'd go with the Yamaha sound more often than not, although I think "Full Concert Grand" on the XS needs a little work on the patch that comes straight out of the box. Studio: Yamaha P515 | Yamaha Tyros 5 | Yamaha HX1 | Moog Sub 37 Road: Yamaha YC88 | Nord Electro 5D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProfD Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 IMO, the Nord Electro is a fantastic KB conceptually. The sounds are very good. The weight is ridiculously manageable. Yet, I do not enjoy playing the Electro. As mentioned above, I also find the action is 'plasticky'. It feels more Fisher-Price than waterfall. If I had to buy a Nord, it would be the Stage. Otherwise, I will stick with the Motif ES8 as a result of the finger to ear connection. If KB action is a non-issue, the difference between the Electro and Motif EPs are negligible especially considering the sound palette and portability factor. PD "The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return."--E. Ahbez "Nature Boy" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nillerbabs Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 I find it incredibly easy to connect to the E3 keybed and enjoy playing it very much. I am odd... When in doubt, superimpose pentatonics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moon Zero Two Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 My Nord Compact Rhodes is killer - but I love the XS7 Rhodes as well - and echo the comments above - that the XS7 editing is more extensive but the Nord is more immediate - both are very good - The XS7 comes across a little thin live me thinks - at home through the studio monitors is sounds great - The K rhodes is another excellent choice - I used to layer the K and the Motif - Now I have a receptor - haven't gotten Scarbee yet - but Lounge Lizard and Mr Ray are killer - I have to say that I like them better than anything else out there. But the receptor stays home - the Nord goes to all the jam sessions but I don't think the keybed cuts it for rhodes sounds - too light - the K Pc2 or PC3 semiweighed action is a lot better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeyMoe Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 I find the ES e-pianos to be a bit more bitey or percussive than the E3. But don't get me wrong the E3 pianos are very nice and usable, just a bit mellow. The organ on the E3 is killer! Montage 7, Mojo 61, PC-3, XK-3c Pro, Kronos 88, Hammond SK-1, Motif XF- 7, Hammond SK-2, Roland FR-1, FR-18, Hammond B3 - Blond, Hammond BV -Cherry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moonglow Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 What do people think of the Kurzweil PC3 ep's? Need a new board and am torn between E3 and PC3. Don't need the organ part of the E3. The "Beatin' In Rhodes" patch on the PC-3 is my favorite among Electro, Stage, and Motif. "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meisenhower Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 I have both a Nord Electro 2 61 and a Motif ES6. Overall both keyboards have their strengths. I like the Nord and use it mostly for Clav and Hammond. I like the Nord's EP's, but only when used with my CP33 as a controller (or another good 88 key weighted board). I prefer the Motif ES Rhodes patches in general, and like the Nord, they really come to life with controlled with a good 88 key controller. If I'm doing a gig where I'll need Rhodes, clav and Hammond, and only want to travel with 2 keyboards, then its the CP33 and the Nord. If I won't be using clav or Hammond, then it will be the Motif and CP33 (or maybe just the CP33, as the rhodes is "passable", but not great. If space and crew are available, then its the CP33, Nord, Motif ES and Xk-3. YMMV Yamaha C7 Grand, My Hammonds: '57 B3, '54 C2, '42 BC, '40 D, '05 XK3 Pro System, Kawai MP9000, Fender Rhodes Mk I 73, Yamaha CP33, Motif ES6, Nord Electro 2, Minimoog Voyager & Model D, Korg MS10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Benhamou Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 What do people think of the Kurzweil PC3 ep's? Need a new board and am torn between E3 and PC3. Don't need the organ part of the E3. If you don't need the organ section, I say definitely the PC3. The NE3's strongest suit is the B3 and leslie sim. The rhodes, wurly and clav kick ass as well, and you could load samples into it. The Acoustic pianos are still very much unusable for most pianists needs. especially with that cheap action. BUT, the PC3 has full VA synthesis, killer string/orchestral and great ep's, acoustic pianos, plus a bunch of other very usable synth sounds. Ian Benhamou Keyboards/Guitar/Vocals [url:https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTheMusicalBox/]The Musical Box[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoahZark Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 IMO, the Nord Electro is a fantastic KB conceptually. The sounds are very good. The weight is ridiculously manageable. Yet, I do not enjoy playing the Electro. As mentioned above, I also find the action is 'plasticky'. It feels more Fisher-Price than waterfall. If I had to buy a Nord, it would be the Stage. Otherwise, I will stick with the Motif ES8 as a result of the finger to ear connection. If KB action is a non-issue, the difference between the Electro and Motif EPs are negligible especially considering the sound palette and portability factor. Spoken like a Motif ES owner who just spent some quality time with an Electro 3 at a Forum Hang last weekend. As an owner of both the S90ES (same sound palette as the Motif ES) and the Electro 3, here's where I come out: Organ: Electro by a mile. Clav: Electro by a mile. Wurli: Electro by a half-mile. Rhodes: Toss up, but both are very good. I really like the Yammie Rhodes a lot, and I might have a slight preference there just because, as KeyMoe says, the Rhodes sounds in the Yamaha have more bite to them. (I might use the word "depth" or "character" instead, but you get the idea.) Acoustic Piano: Yamaha by a mile. Action: Depends on what you're playing. The fully weighted action of my S90ES is definitely more satisfying when playing AP and EP, but the waterfall action of the Electro is much better for organ playing. Also, for what it's worth, I think the waterfall action of the Electro compares quite favorably to the action of my XK-1. Weight/Form Factor: Electro by a mile. 17 pounds vs. 49 pounds. 'Nuff said. In short, for me at least, these two boards serve different functions, and I love them both. They will both be used in my gigging rig (leaving my one-dimensional Hammond XK-1 as the odd man out), and I am seriously enjoying the one-board factor with the Electro for band rehearsals, jams, etc. Noah Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Analogaddict Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 I'd second a PC3 with some kind of B3 emulation. I use VB3, others are pleased with running their PC3 through a Leslie sim like the Ventilator. I use my Motif ES rack quite a lot too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary75 Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 What do people think of the Kurzweil PC3 ep's? Need a new board and am torn between E3 and PC3. Don't need the organ part of the E3. If you don't need the organ section, I say definitely the PC3. The NE3's strongest suit is the B3 and leslie sim. The rhodes, wurly and clav kick ass as well, and you could load samples into it. The Acoustic pianos are still very much unusable for most pianists needs. especially with that cheap action. BUT, the PC3 has full VA synthesis, killer string/orchestral and great ep's, acoustic pianos, plus a bunch of other very usable synth sounds. I was hoping somebody would clarify my hunch! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProfD Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 Spoken like a Motif ES owner who just spent some quality time with an Electro 3 at a Forum Hang last weekend. In short, for me at least, these two boards serve different functions, and I love them both. They will both be used in my gigging rig (leaving my one-dimensional Hammond XK-1 as the odd man out), and I am seriously enjoying the one-board factor with the Electro for band rehearsals, jams, etc. You have the best of all worlds. Show off. I still have hope the Hammond XK-1 will be paired with the NE3 on gigs. To the OP, if unweighted keys are a non-issue, the Electro will get the job done. PD "The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return."--E. Ahbez "Nature Boy" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mogut Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 The only thing the motif XS is lacking is good organ. -Greg Motif XS8, MOXF8, Hammond XK1c, Vent Rhodes Mark II 88 suitcase, Yamaha P255 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeT156 Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 I really love the EP's on my Motif ES8. Quite a bit of variety, and you can have a ball with the quality and great number of FX that on the Motif ES series. I have my Mark I Suit Case Rhodes sitting close by my ES8 and use to A/B them quite a bit when i was setting up my user EP's on the Motif. I'd say that the Motif does an admirable job of emulation many well know Rhodes EP sounds. I'd give the real Rhodes the edge for expressiveness because it is a true electro-mechanical instrument and you don't hear velocity switching like you do on sample based instruments. I'd guess that the biggest complaint I've heard about Nord Electros is the cheesy KB. Can't beat 'em for great sound and being easy on your back. Mike T. Yamaha Motif ES8, Alesis Ion, Prophet 5 Rev 3.2, 1979 Rhodes Mark 1 Suitcase 73 Piano, Arp Odyssey Md III, Roland R-70 Drum Machine, Digitech Vocalist Live Pro. Roland Boss Chorus Ensemble CE-1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoahZark Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 I still have hope the Hammond XK-1 will be paired with the NE3 on gigs. The more severe my back problems get, the more likely this is! Noah Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazz+ Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 I like the Motif / S90 for Rhodes. I like the Nord for Hammond organ. I like the Roland for acoustic piano. Find 660 of my jazz piano arrangements of standards for educational purposes and tutorials at www.Patreon.com/HarryLikas Harry was the Technical Editor of Mark Levine's "The Jazz Theory Book" and helped develop "The Jazz Piano Book." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanL Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 I like the more organic tone of the Electro Rhodes, but also find they are somewhat limited. I mostly use my S90ES when I need a Rhodes sound, along with acoustic piano and everything synth related. The Yamaha EPs have more bite as mentioned and there are more tonal variations. I have 6-8 different ones loaded up in master mode so I can cover my needs. Anything from the dark tones to the laquered hammer brite sounds. The Electro does all the organ, Wurlie, and clav stuff. I trigger the Electro wurlie from the S90ES keyboard. Live: Korg Kronos 2 88, Nord Electro 5d Nord Lead A1 Toys: Roland FA08, Novation Ultranova, Moog LP, Roland SP-404SX, Roland JX10,Emu MK6 www.bksband.com www.echoesrocks.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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