Synthoid Posted March 23, 2013 Author Share Posted March 23, 2013 Al asks himself how hes going to get the new Casio in without being noticed. Ah yes... that's why I had most of my gear shipped to the house when my wife was at work (I have my own business at home). As he heads to the car he reaches for the keys and instead of hitting the unlock button, he hits the panic button. Al can only imagine 6 pairs of eyes immediately looking out to see whats going on. Several ask my wife, Whats that Als carrying in???? Looks like a keyboard. Does he talk with you about these things first?? Etc. Busted. Ouch! I hope you have been forgiven by now. When an eel hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's a Moray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthoid Posted March 23, 2013 Author Share Posted March 23, 2013 Anyone know how the brass is on this board? I find tons of demos of the synth sounds, sequencing, etc., but none of the EP's, strings, brass... stuff I'd actually use on a gig. The stock brass and string patches are just OK, but can be improved significantly with some tweaking/effects adjustment. There's not a whole lot you can do with the acoustic pianos and EP's though, but that's what my M3 and Motif are for. When I test drove one at GC, I found the DB organs a bit thin and then there is the beating issue, which I demo'ed on another thread here with my WK-7500 which is essentially the same DB organ. I haven't noticed a "beating issue" with my XW-P1 organs. Of course I never owned a Hammond or pro clonewheel keyboard so I'm not sure what to listen for. I do agree the organs could be warmer and richer, but hey... this keyboard only cost me $399. When an eel hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's a Moray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnotherScott Posted March 23, 2013 Share Posted March 23, 2013 For those following this, coincidentally, there's a similar/related conversation about the XW-P1 going on in the "King Korg for 2nd board?" thread. Maybe this is the best place for a shameless plug! Our now not-so-new new video at https://youtu.be/3ZRC3b4p4EI is a 40 minute adaptation of T. S. Eliot's "Prufrock" - check it out! And hopefully I'll have something new here this year. ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuzikTeechur Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 Well, you sold me. I bought one. Should be here on Wednesday. When my wife is at work. Muzikteechur is Lonnie, in Kittery, Maine. HS music teacher: Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Chorus, Music Theory, AP Music Theory, History of Rock, Musical Theatre, Piano, Guitar, Drama. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Loving Posted March 25, 2013 Share Posted March 25, 2013 Good choice. I made a promise to myself to not buy another anything gear related until I know how to use every feature of the XW-P1 "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al the Piano Guy Posted March 25, 2013 Share Posted March 25, 2013 Sorry for late reply. My wife just gave me a hard time with love. And she does like the color (orange) scheme. I say it's a tool I need for my "art". She says it's a toy. Perception. There's a topic for another discussion. Al, the Piano Guy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franz Schiller Posted March 25, 2013 Share Posted March 25, 2013 A tool can sometimes also be a toy. After all, we are "playing." Work can sometimes also be the same as play, and vise versa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthoid Posted March 26, 2013 Author Share Posted March 26, 2013 Well, you sold me. I bought one. Should be here on Wednesday. When my wife is at work. Hope you enjoy it. Just hide the box, and if she asks about the XW-P1 just say, "Ah, I've had that for ages, dear." When an eel hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's a Moray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuzikTeechur Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 Well, it got here yesterday and I had a few hours to play with it last night. It's a LOT of board - especially if you're into sequencing, phrase sequencing (little mini-sequences triggered by individual notes, can be used simultaneously with larger sequences), electronic sounds, etc. "Tangerine Dream" could have used this board. Not sure if it's really the board for me - my 2nd board needs to do brass, strings, clav, effects duty. I'll need to do some tweaking on the brass. I'm still learning my way around the board - found a good basic tutorial from Mike Martin last night for the basic features - and have found some good sounds. A lot of them still sound rather synthesized, rather than "organic", if that makes any sense. The Leslie sim is just horrible, but I'm spoiled with an XK-3c, a Vent, and even a real Leslie. I'm going to need to figure out how to remove all effects from the drawbar organs in order to use the vent with it. Keybed is good; big square keys that feel good and don't seem too plastic-y to me. Mine was "used" from Guitar Center, and shipped from Denver to the Portsmouth NH store. $329, plus $19 for shipping. No manual, but did have the power cord and I have to say the board is absolutely flawless - not scratched like one might expect a used board to be. I lucked out there. So, I'll go home tonight and play some more. If anyone has tweaked the brass around to be more ... brassy, I'd love to hear about it. Cheers Muzikteechur is Lonnie, in Kittery, Maine. HS music teacher: Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Chorus, Music Theory, AP Music Theory, History of Rock, Musical Theatre, Piano, Guitar, Drama. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthoid Posted March 28, 2013 Author Share Posted March 28, 2013 It's a LOT of board - especially if you're into sequencing, phrase sequencing (little mini-sequences triggered by individual notes, can be used simultaneously with larger sequences), electronic sounds, etc. "Tangerine Dream" could have used this board. That's one of the main reasons I bought it. I like having a synth that works for you like that... lots of rhythmic options to get a groove going. So... it looks like I've sold 3 XW-P1 synths so far. Do I qualify for a bag of donuts or something? Mike? When an eel hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's a Moray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bossbandbob Posted March 29, 2013 Share Posted March 29, 2013 Well, it got here yesterday and I had a few hours to play with it last night. It's a LOT of board - especially if you're into sequencing, phrase sequencing (little mini-sequences triggered by individual notes, can be used simultaneously with larger sequences), electronic sounds, etc. "Tangerine Dream" could have used this board. Not sure if it's really the board for me - my 2nd board needs to do brass, strings, clav, effects duty. I'll need to do some tweaking on the brass. I'm still learning my way around the board - found a good basic tutorial from Mike Martin last night for the basic features - and have found some good sounds. A lot of them still sound rather synthesized, rather than "organic", if that makes any sense. The Leslie sim is just horrible, but I'm spoiled with an XK-3c, a Vent, and even a real Leslie. I'm going to need to figure out how to remove all effects from the drawbar organs in order to use the vent with it. Cheers If it is like my WK-7500 (I suspect it is) shut off DSP in the drawbar menu to eliminate organ effects. The menu should also offer a Vintage setting for organ as well. Unlike the 7500, this has a built in (deep- a friend tells me) EQ which you can also use to adjust the organ and other patches to your liking. I found the WK's pianos and synths to need a bit more bottom. It should sound way better with the Vent but you may want to set your fast speed slightly slower to mask any phase shifting from the beating it gets on certain intervals and db settings. Hammonds:1959 M3,1961 A-101,Vent, 2 Leslies,VB3/Axiom, Casio WK-7500,Yamaha P50m Module/DGX-300 Gig rig:Casio PX-5S/Roland VR-09/Spacestation V3 http://www.petty-larceny-band.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuzikTeechur Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 After working with the Casio for many hours, I took it back to GC for a refund. Don't get me wrong; for the money it's a GREAT board, with tons and tons of sequencing and phrasing capabilities, great sounds for today's music (not to mention 80's Electronica), and lots of pads, but it's just not right for my gig. I bought a little Yam MM6 to use in the interim. Just need decent horns, clavs, strings, saxes, flutes, etc. Not that the MM6 is the ultimate solution, but it's more suited to what I do. I do prefer the Casio keybed to the Yamaha (words I never thought I'd utter). Muzikteechur is Lonnie, in Kittery, Maine. HS music teacher: Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Chorus, Music Theory, AP Music Theory, History of Rock, Musical Theatre, Piano, Guitar, Drama. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnotherScott Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 After working with the Casio for many hours, I took it back to GC for a refund. Don't get me wrong; for the money it's a GREAT board, with tons and tons of sequencing and phrasing capabilities, great sounds for today's music (not to mention 80's Electronica), and lots of pads, but it's just not right for my gig. I bought a little Yam MM6 to use in the interim. Just need decent horns, clavs, strings, saxes, flutes, etc. Not that the MM6 is the ultimate solution, but it's more suited to what I do. I do prefer the Casio keybed to the Yamaha (words I never thought I'd utter). I went through a similar process. There was a lot I liked about the XW-P1, but ultimately, it didn't quite fill any niche for me, though it might have if my work was more synth heavy, etc. And I agree, its keybed is better than the low end Yamahas (and many others). But for a low cost "bread and butter" board, I'd probably go with the Yamaha MX. Maybe this is the best place for a shameless plug! Our now not-so-new new video at https://youtu.be/3ZRC3b4p4EI is a 40 minute adaptation of T. S. Eliot's "Prufrock" - check it out! And hopefully I'll have something new here this year. ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dana. Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 FWIW, I like the feel of the action on the gold version better than the regular version. I think the actions are the same but they feel a bit different (the gold versions is tighter) and I've confirmed this at two different stores. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthoid Posted April 1, 2013 Author Share Posted April 1, 2013 Really? I've played both but don't recall there being a difference. Hmmmmm..... When an eel hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's a Moray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Martin Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 The action is the same on all XWs -Mike Martin Casio Mike Martin Photography Instagram Facebook The Big Picture Photography Forum on Music Player Network The opinions I post here are my own and do not represent the company I work for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthoid Posted April 1, 2013 Author Share Posted April 1, 2013 Still waiting for my bag of donuts. When an eel hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's a Moray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dana. Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 The action is the same on all XWs Perhaps it's because the gold ones are newer and haven't been abused but I definitely noticed a difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuzikTeechur Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 The action is the same on all XWs I'm certain the action is richer on the gold ones. FWIW, I really think the XW-P1 is an amazing keyboard, and even more so given the low cost. As I said, the sequencing and synth-sounds are great and so many choices! The real-world instruments such as brass, reeds, strings, and keys all still sound a little too synth-y for my taste; and I only say that after playing boards that cost much, much more but deliver horns etc. which sound more organic. Hard to think of a word to describe it better. I think Casio has delivered an amazing value with a good interface. I would just like some better instruments for those of us who don't live and die by the Saw Wave. Given the state of today's music, that probably isn't going to happen. I was listening to a new tune on the local independent station (92.5 The River out of Boston) yesterday, and I'm CERTAIN the background of the tune was one of the pre-programmed sequences on the XW-P1. Too late for an old fart like me, but the younger crowd should be flocking to this thing. Muzikteechur is Lonnie, in Kittery, Maine. HS music teacher: Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Chorus, Music Theory, AP Music Theory, History of Rock, Musical Theatre, Piano, Guitar, Drama. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dana. Posted April 2, 2013 Share Posted April 2, 2013 The only horn sound I've ever heard from a digital keyboard that sounded organic is a car horn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuzikTeechur Posted April 2, 2013 Share Posted April 2, 2013 The only horn sound I've ever heard from a digital keyboard that sounded organic is a car horn. I believe I said "more" organic, not "completely" organic. I play saxophone and have taught HS/MS concert, marching, and jazz band for over 20 years now - I know what a real horn sounds like. But the reality is that most bands can't afford to hire real horns for the gig, and that's where we come in... with our digital keyboards trying to sound like the real thing. Just looking for "more" organic. Muzikteechur is Lonnie, in Kittery, Maine. HS music teacher: Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Chorus, Music Theory, AP Music Theory, History of Rock, Musical Theatre, Piano, Guitar, Drama. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Loving Posted April 2, 2013 Share Posted April 2, 2013 The XW-P1 synth-horns did the job for us last gig. We don't want the horns to sound like the horn section in Buddy Rich's big band. The synth horns don't, but they did the job. It just depends on what your ideas are and what you expect. I do not expect any synth to sound exactly like the real thing. "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthoid Posted April 3, 2013 Author Share Posted April 3, 2013 The action is the same on all XWs Perhaps it's because the gold ones are newer and haven't been abused but I definitely noticed a difference. Action is the same yes, but the color touch screen is a great addition to the gold version.... When an eel hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's a Moray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tucktronix Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 I'm on the fence about getting an XW-P1. I've just recently joined a band backing up a young female singer. We will be covering a lot of the new radio-friendly stuff, as well as some old-school r&b and jazz standards. The XW-P1 looks to be a sure-fire winner for that kind of material. Later on down the road, I'm looking to use an iPad with the Set List app to run the XW-P1, MOX8 and Triton classic. Kronos 88 Platinum, Yamaha YC88, Subsequent 37, Korg CX3, Hydrasynth 49-key, Nord Electro 5D 73, QSC K8.2, Lester K Me & The Boyz Chris Beard Band Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bossbandbob Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Does anyone know how well the XW-P1 works as a midi controller for VB3? My WK-7500 can only control VB3 with keys and the footpedal as it only has USB out (unless I'm doing something wrong). Can the XW-P1 drawbars sliders be assigned to the VB3 drawbars and percussion and CV controls be assigned to any buttons? IIRC the XW-P1 does not have an expression pedal input? Hammonds:1959 M3,1961 A-101,Vent, 2 Leslies,VB3/Axiom, Casio WK-7500,Yamaha P50m Module/DGX-300 Gig rig:Casio PX-5S/Roland VR-09/Spacestation V3 http://www.petty-larceny-band.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Martin Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Works great. Just put it in organ mode and the sliders transmit standard CC's. even the knobs can be assigned, front panel switches for percussion and rotary and more. -Mike Martin Casio Mike Martin Photography Instagram Facebook The Big Picture Photography Forum on Music Player Network The opinions I post here are my own and do not represent the company I work for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashville.Guru Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 My WK-7500 can only control VB3 with keys and the footpedal as it only has USB out (unless I'm doing something wrong). Can the XW-P1 drawbars sliders be assigned to the VB3 drawbars and percussion and CV controls be assigned to any buttons? IIRC the XW-P1 does not have an expression pedal input? Even the WK-7500's sliders can be assigned to VB3's drawbars. Having only USB out make absolutely no difference. A Midi Solutions Pedal Controller can be used to compensate for lack of expression pedal input. At least some of the other buttons on the WK-7500 are be assignable to buttons on VB3 (mod button, 2nd and 3rd Percussion, certainly; possibly others). And on the whackier more creative side, there are also ways of repurposing the pitch-bender to toggle at least two more switches on VB3 - flick up to toggle one switch, flick down to toggle another. This is really what MIDI was originally about encouraging cooperation between companies that make the world a more creative place." - Dave Smith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Martin Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Even the WK-7500's sliders can be assigned to VB3's drawbars. Having only USB out make absolutely no difference. I don't think so but I haven't tested recently. The WK-7500 doesn't send normal CC's with the sliders. I trust you if you say it does but I didn't think this was the case. -Mike Martin Casio Mike Martin Photography Instagram Facebook The Big Picture Photography Forum on Music Player Network The opinions I post here are my own and do not represent the company I work for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashville.Guru Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Mike, I've used freeware midi plugins/some VST host features that convert sysex and other non-CC messages into normal CCs (my experimentation was with the buttons on a CTK model long ago - no sliders). Pretty sure the same can be done with the WK's slider outputs. But it may involve some trial-and-error, and I now see that this may be a bit intimidating for someone not familiar with these tools! I don't have a WK-7500 with me, or I could have tested it out myself. Bossbandbob - sorry for not qualifying my previous post. While it may be possible to use the WK's sliders, it's certainly not as straightforward as with the XW. This is really what MIDI was originally about encouraging cooperation between companies that make the world a more creative place." - Dave Smith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DulceLabs.com Posted May 7, 2013 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Busted. Ahh yes... My wife was questioning some "strange" charges on our credit card statement ME: "umm.. that one is for a porn site, that one is for designer drugs from China, that one was a ring for my girlfriend" HER: "You are a f-ing liar. This is for music gear!!! ISN'T IT!!!?????" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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