Steve Force Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 OK, I have had the PX-5S for less than a day, and thanks to help from the very active Casio PX-5S Facebook Group and Mike Martin's wonderful videos have a deep comfort level with this board. When I first received it I was thinking "OK, this is a nice substitute for my Yamaha CP-33 which up to now has been my main DP axe." Uh, yes but no. In fact, this board is far more than that--it reminds me of my beloved Yamaha Motif ES6 that I spent literally years mastering. I guess coming from that architecture into this Privia architecture has really helped me quickly ramp up. My initial question about keyboard splits was more than adequately explained by Mike's "Privia PX-5S: Back to Basics" video and once I saw how to do it all I could think was "DUH", since this is very similar to the Motif ES architecture! Cool beans! Steve Force, Durham, North Carolina -------- My Professional Websites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Force Posted January 23, 2014 Author Share Posted January 23, 2014 Setting up "stage Settings" (like Motif "performance/Multi") is straightforward. In fact, easier and faar fewer steps than the Motif. MSB/LSB and Program Change send parms are simple to configure. So far, the only downside seems to be not having a global PC "Off" feature--you have to do this via the "Stage Settings". Seems like a big miss, to me anyway. Steve Force, Durham, North Carolina -------- My Professional Websites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mate stubb Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 So far, the only downside seems to be not having a global PC "Off" feature--you have to do this via the "Stage Settings". Seems like a big miss, to me anyway. That one is biting me in the butt currently. Moe --- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moon Zero Two Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 Steve I would be interested to hear what you think of the main piano sound and what Rhodes sounds are you using. Enjoy! I have a jam session I am going to tomorrow night and wish I had an ultra light. Just Lazy I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Force Posted January 23, 2014 Author Share Posted January 23, 2014 Steve I would be interested to hear what you think of the main piano sound and what Rhodes sounds are you using. Enjoy! I have a jam session I am going to tomorrow night and wish I had an ultra light. Just Lazy I guess. I think Jimmy Alfredson (B3-er) would be a better source for sound expertise (I know when I heard him perform the Rhodes sound at a gig it FLOORED me!) Steve Force, Durham, North Carolina -------- My Professional Websites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Force Posted January 23, 2014 Author Share Posted January 23, 2014 So far, the only downside seems to be not having a global PC "Off" feature--you have to do this via the "Stage Settings". Seems like a big miss, to me anyway. That one is biting me in the butt currently. Mike Martin is aware of this. Wouldn't hurt to let him know the particulars (I know you posted it on FB but still..) Steve Force, Durham, North Carolina -------- My Professional Websites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Force Posted January 23, 2014 Author Share Posted January 23, 2014 Man, setting up MIDI Program Changes is a SNAP. Perhaps 6 parameter change keystrokes(less if you use wheels 1 and 2), press Write, yeah I am sure, then Presto. Done. Steve Force, Durham, North Carolina -------- My Professional Websites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mate stubb Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 What external gear are you controlling with the PX? Moe --- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeedMoreBass Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 Steve I would be interested to hear what you think of the main piano sound and what Rhodes sounds are you using. Enjoy! I have a jam session I am going to tomorrow night and wish I had an ultra light. Just Lazy I guess. I like the HerbiesRdPhz download for a Rhodes. There are several good pianos to choose from. http://www.casiomusicforums.com/index.php?/files/download/201-herbiesroadz-updated/ Casio PX-5S...StudioLogic VMK 161 Organ Plus... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Force Posted January 23, 2014 Author Share Posted January 23, 2014 What external gear are you controlling with the PX? Right now, only to Program Change, not control a DSI Mopho x4/Prophet 08 polychained. Haven't tried the Hammond XK3C yet. Steve Force, Durham, North Carolina -------- My Professional Websites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Force Posted January 23, 2014 Author Share Posted January 23, 2014 My next task/experiment is to drive the Moog subPhatty via keyboard split (zone) without having internal voices active. EDIT: Piece of cake! Just like I suspected/expected, there is a internal generator on/off selection in the MIDI menu. Steve Force, Durham, North Carolina -------- My Professional Websites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
voxpops Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 I like the HerbiesRdPhz download for a Rhodes. +1 I spent a very pleasant hour yesterday evening jamming using that patch. Roadz PanAmp is also good, in conjunction with slider 1 distortion. On the AP side, PriviaGRAND is a very playable variation that helps mask some of the sample deficiencies, and really rings out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Force Posted January 23, 2014 Author Share Posted January 23, 2014 OK, got what I initially needed done. 1. Program change the Mopho x4 without triggering the synth (used zone 2, and set the key range on the lowest possible key on the board.) Need to see if there is a better way. 2. Control the Moog SubPhatty via zone 1 keys (lower third of board.) easy. 3. Trigger internal Privia generated sounds on Z3. Done 4. Zone 4 is unused. Steve Force, Durham, North Carolina -------- My Professional Websites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mate stubb Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 It's pretty eye opening what 4 zones of real control can do for you in that tiny piano. Moe --- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Force Posted January 23, 2014 Author Share Posted January 23, 2014 Indeed. Steve Force, Durham, North Carolina -------- My Professional Websites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Weiser Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 When you get a chance be sure to grab the vintage keys set I did for the PX-5S a while back. http://www.casiomusicforums.com/index.php?/files/file/193-vintage-keys-set/ I love this keyboard! https://www.theboywhowantedtorock.com http://www.weisersound.com https://www.facebook.com/weisersound Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
voxpops Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 I love this keyboard! Dave, given that you also have the Krome 88, how are you utilizing each board in relation to their perceived strengths and weaknesses? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Weiser Posted January 24, 2014 Share Posted January 24, 2014 I love this keyboard! Dave, given that you also have the Krome 88, how are you utilizing each board in relation to their perceived strengths and weaknesses? You must have me confused with another Dave. I don't own a Krome, though I know it's a great board. Aside from my Casio boards, everything else I own is Kurz (I used to work for them). Oh and an old CP70 in great condition. Several of my buddies and I use the PX5 in conjunction with the PC3/PC3K or as a backup for the Kurz, depending on the gig. The PX5 pianos, EPs and clavs are outstanding (same is true for the Kurz imho but I'm a bit biased). One common combination is PX5 on the bottom for the sounds I mentioned and a Pc3K6 on top for organs and synths. https://www.theboywhowantedtorock.com http://www.weisersound.com https://www.facebook.com/weisersound Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
voxpops Posted January 24, 2014 Share Posted January 24, 2014 I love this keyboard! Dave, given that you also have the Krome 88, how are you utilizing each board in relation to their perceived strengths and weaknesses? You must have me confused with another Dave. I don't own a Krome, though I know it's a great board. I frequently get confused these days! I think it's Dave McMahan (former GEM representative) that has the Krome. Aside from my Casio boards, everything else I own is Kurz (I used to work for them). Duh! Of course you'd have Kurzweils! I'll try to engage brain first in future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Force Posted January 24, 2014 Author Share Posted January 24, 2014 When you get a chance be sure to grab the vintage keys set I did for the PX-5S a while back. http://www.casiomusicforums.com/index.php?/files/file/193-vintage-keys-set/ I love this keyboard! Thanks for the tip! Will do so this weekend. Steve Force, Durham, North Carolina -------- My Professional Websites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnotherScott Posted January 24, 2014 Share Posted January 24, 2014 [several of my buddies and I use the PX5 in conjunction with the PC3/PC3K or as a backup for the Kurz, depending on the gig. The PX5 pianos, EPs and clavs are outstanding (same is true for the Kurz imho but I'm a bit biased). One common combination is PX5 on the bottom for the sounds I mentioned and a Pc3K6 on top for organs and synths. Interesting. WIth all the MIDI and routing capabilities between these two boards, it would be easy enough to use the same two boards, but have the PX5S trigger trigger the pianos, EPs, and clavs of the PC3K6 above. So you and your buddies find the pianos, EPs, and clavs of the PX5S to be roughly at least as good as what's in the Kurz? In only minimal comparison, I do think the PX-5S pianos are competitive with the PC3 series (whereas the previous gen Casio PX3 did not sound nearly as good as the Kurz to my ears), but the stock EPs definitely didn't measure up to Kurz. But I haven't had yet a chance to try the alternate downloadable EPs programmed by yourself and others. I was skeptical that they could actually bring the EPs to Kurz levels, but it sounds like I may be surprised. A 73/76-key unweighted Artis with aftertouch would be a great board to put over a PX-5S, if they could manage to get it down to something approaching SP4-7 size and weight, and with a more organ-friendly action (i.e. the kind of action used in the PC3K6 for example, but extended another octave). 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...
tucktronix Posted January 24, 2014 Share Posted January 24, 2014 Steve.. Here's a vid I posted on the PX-5S FB page a while. I was using Jim Alfredson's phazed rhodes stage setting(don't remember the exact name).. fast forward to 5:18 for the keys solo.. [video:youtube]AFe9desG9i0&feature=youtu.be 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...
Dave Weiser Posted January 24, 2014 Share Posted January 24, 2014 [several of my buddies and I use the PX5 in conjunction with the PC3/PC3K or as a backup for the Kurz, depending on the gig. The PX5 pianos, EPs and clavs are outstanding (same is true for the Kurz imho but I'm a bit biased). One common combination is PX5 on the bottom for the sounds I mentioned and a Pc3K6 on top for organs and synths. Interesting. WIth all the MIDI and routing capabilities between these two boards, it would be easy enough to use the same two boards, but have the PX5S trigger trigger the pianos, EPs, and clavs of the PC3K6 above. So you and your buddies find the pianos, EPs, and clavs of the PX5S to be roughly at least as good as what's in the Kurz? In only minimal comparison, I do think the PX-5S pianos are competitive with the PC3 series (whereas the previous gen Casio PX3 did not sound nearly as good as the Kurz to my ears), but the stock EPs definitely didn't measure up to Kurz. But I haven't had yet a chance to try the alternate downloadable EPs programmed by yourself and others. I was skeptical that they could actually bring the EPs to Kurz levels, but it sounds like I may be surprised. A 73/76-key unweighted Artis with aftertouch would be a great board to put over a PX-5S, if they could manage to get it down to something approaching SP4-7 size and weight, and with a more organ-friendly action (i.e. the kind of action used in the PC3K6 for example, but extended another octave). The PX5 EPs and Clav samples are quite good and the DSP tool kit is pretty cool.... so I was able to make presets that I really liked. The Kurz has more DSP, more FX, more layers (32 per program) and more flexibility... thus I can make presets that I like even more on the Kurz. And if we're talking about emulating precise sounds from specific recordings, Kurz is by far the best game in town IMHO. But it is also heavier and more expensive than the Casio. The PX5 delivers an impressive combination - good sounds, great feel, super light weight and it's $1K. https://www.theboywhowantedtorock.com http://www.weisersound.com https://www.facebook.com/weisersound Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CEB Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 I'm sorry for all the questions lately but I just don't have any good gear dealers around here handling keys and keys related gear. On the Casio. I assume the APs and EPs are good and it has a lot of sounds like Celeste and Marimba and anything you would possibly need in a Santana tribute band excluding Organ. Is the action light? Lighter than a CP33 or lighter than a Kawai stage piano? Is the key return quick? I want it weight so it feels right but I want to be able to play it riding high tilted towards me. A Kawai would wear me out. Where I am going is ... I have not found a 2-tier stand I like for the XK system where the organ rides on top. My thought is to put the 2 manual XK on the bottom and ride a stage piano on the top tier. A lighter action would be OK because I am taking the Stage piano out of it's proper plane. Thanks I will be doing Splits like EPs on the left and Celeste on the right in 'No One to Depend On.' But the splits so far are simple and don't require a ton of real estat. I suppose a 76 key board would do it. "It doesn't have to be difficult to be cool" - Mitch Towne "A great musician can bring tears to your eyes!!! So can a auto Mechanic." - Stokes Hunt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EscapeRocks Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 Thank you for the cool review of the 5s. I have a PX350 that I love. A quick question: Do you miss having an expression pedal input, and if so, how do you work around it. it is the one thing keeping from buying a PX5s. David Gig Rig:Depends on the day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CEB Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 Ouch. Thanks. "It doesn't have to be difficult to be cool" - Mitch Towne "A great musician can bring tears to your eyes!!! So can a auto Mechanic." - Stokes Hunt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mate stubb Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 http://www.midisolutions.com/ped.jpg Moe --- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADino Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 Quick question on the 5, for those who've owned it for awhile, has the action loosened up at all? I may be in minority here, but Ive tried the 5 4 times. 3 times thru phones where the action felt sluggish, 1 time thru a system, where the action felt better. Im trying to like the board, as I think the sounds are good, plus many of my cohorts around the country love the thing. Going to try it again later b4 my gig. Thks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CEB Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 http://www.midisolutions.com/ped.jpg Does that work for either polarity. I use Yamaha. I think it is called a FC-4. no that is a sustain pedal must be a FC-7 "It doesn't have to be difficult to be cool" - Mitch Towne "A great musician can bring tears to your eyes!!! So can a auto Mechanic." - Stokes Hunt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Threadslayer Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 Escape, I also have a PX-350 that I love - as a piano, which is what I bought it for. How do you feel about the other patches? My understanding is that the PX-5S synth engine is much more sophisticated than the 350, but has a similar piano. I use the acoustic piano 100% of the time, so I'm good, but if I were trying to gig with the EPs, Organs, etc. I would be disappointed. They are pretty weak and reminiscent of the old tiny-keys Casios of yore IMO. What do you think? Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. -Mark Twain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.