Two-keyboard rig pairings

[Justin Havu]

I don't gig much anymore, but I used to use a Quadrasynth on the bottom and an Axiom61 w/ Mainstage on the top.

[mynameisdanno]

Nord Stage 2 SW73 on top, any old weighted 88 on bottom, preferably one with minimal top panel controls so I can get the Nord in as close as possible. The SW73 is the brains of the operation and only audio source, running in Dual KB mode, and it travels easy (under 50lbs in a Pelican 1750).

 

I keep a Yamaha CP300 in Oklahoma, and the SW73 fits perfectly on top. Covers up the buttons on the CP300 panel, but I don't need them anyway.

 

When I moved to the northwest, I left the CP300 in Oklahoma to use when back home, and went with a Yamaha P95 (because cheap, mainly). I made a custom 2nd tier for the On-Stage KS7150 inspired by the tonysounds WS-550 mod (threaded rods hold up the back end, the front feet rest directly on the bottom board).

 

http://slorg.org/kc/ks7150mod4.jpg

 

Love this rig. The Nord does 99% of what I need, ergonomics are great, and it's simple to backline any old bottom board and still have all my sounds and setups ready to go. I also keep a complete backup file from the Nord on my laptop, in the event that some disaster should befall the Nord in transit.

[Qtipcore]

Current dual-rig:

Top: Nord Electro 4D

Bottom: Korg Kronos 88

 

I'm addicted to the Korg sound, but I really don't like the CX3-engine in the Kronos. Clavia to the rescue for B3 stuff.

 

Used to have a Triton Pro, later on Triton Extreme 76 below Axiom 61 connected to Mainstage/Ableton Live.

But stopped gigging with laptops once the Kronos arrived.

 

[theGman]

Some day when I grow up I'M going to own a Stage 2, or whatever Stage is current at da time.

 

 

[Moon Zero Two]

danno - your rig looks like a Minimoog on top - great photo.

[AnotherScott]

Nord Stage 2 SW73 on top, any old weighted 88 on bottom, preferably one with minimal top panel controls so I can get the Nord in as close as possible.

Like this...

http://distilleryimage1.ak.instagram.com/c773f5d64e0b11e3b7fe12bbc166bfff_8.jpg

 

http://distilleryimage5.s3.amazonaws.com/d3ea87e04e0a11e3b76a12ffea774e9e_8.jpg

 

http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/077e253e4e0c11e390dd127b467bd7bf_8.jpg

 

and a three-tier config along the same line

http://distilleryimage8.ak.instagram.com/3a98463cbc5e11e394ff126267e46ecc_8.jpg

Though actually, when I play this rig at the moment, I pull the bottom keyboard forward just a little, to get to its voice select buttons, because I am using some of its built-in sounds.

http://distilleryimage1.ak.instagram.com/52ee45acbc6211e396a212dd559b4989_8.jpg

 

Or, there's this possibility...

http://distilleryimage2.ak.instagram.com/f7c293fcbc6811e3bf310002c9d4184a_8.jpg

[mate stubb]

I'll promote my Mojo/PX-5S rig...

 

http://www.hotrodmotm.com/images/stand/mojoPXstand38.jpg

[Kenny Ingram]

Nord Stage 2 SW73 on top, any old weighted 88 on bottom, preferably one with minimal top panel controls so I can get the Nord in as close as possible.

Like this...

http://distilleryimage1.ak.instagram.com/c773f5d64e0b11e3b7fe12bbc166bfff_8.jpg

 

http://distilleryimage5.s3.amazonaws.com/d3ea87e04e0a11e3b76a12ffea774e9e_8.jpg

 

http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/077e253e4e0c11e390dd127b467bd7bf_8.jpg

 

and a three-tier config along the same line

http://distilleryimage8.ak.instagram.com/3a98463cbc5e11e394ff126267e46ecc_8.jpg

Though actually, when I play this rig at the moment, I pull the bottom keyboard forward just a little, to get to its voice select buttons, because I am using some of its built-in sounds.

http://distilleryimage1.ak.instagram.com/52ee45acbc6211e396a212dd559b4989_8.jpg

 

Or, there's this possibility...

http://distilleryimage2.ak.instagram.com/f7c293fcbc6811e3bf310002c9d4184a_8.jpg

I'm glad I finally found someone else that uses the Privia PX-100 too..you obviously only use it as a controller, but it sounds exceptionally well when played in stereo through big PA systems. And I cannot agree more about having top tier keyboards as close as possible.

[AnotherScott]

I'm glad I finally found someone else that uses the Privia PX-100 too..you obviously only use it as a controller, but it sounds exceptionally well when played in stereo through big PA systems.

It's actually a PX-500L, but it's from the same era. And actually, I do use it for sound... I like its Rhodes sound better than anything in the Nord, or most other boards I have. And actually, that setup was a recent experiment, and not a combo I've actually gigged with, the Casio has been paired with other things, most often a Yamaha MOX, and sometimes with another clonewheel.

 

Most of it's sounds really aren't bad. I prefer it overall to many newer Casios, in both action and sound. One weakness is the piano sound itself, which is not bad at all for rock, but they messed up the dynamics. Usually, for pianissimo, companies bring down the brightness relative to forte; they got it backwards on this series, the quiet notes lose their bottom end rather than losing their high end. It's weird. The other thing that bugs me is that the velocity curve is almost as bad as a DX-7, you can't reasonably get much over 100. But at least that's fixable... I use a velocity curve converter on it.

 

The PX-310 is a nice board too. Better wurly, better pianissimo piano, no MIDI velocity problem, storable custom registrations, accessible transpose buttons, line outputs. OTOH, Rhodes is not as good, action is not as good (but it's okay), and the fancier fx implementation also means sounds have a tendency to glitch if you sustain a note through a program change. So, pros and cons. I've gigged a lot with both, but went back to the 500L lately just because I viscerally enjoy playing it more.

 

I have never played the PX-100. My understanding is that the PX-500L is a superset of the PX-100 soundset. I don't know how the actions compare. I imagine they're similar, but not necessarily identical. There's at least a difference in manufacturing because the 500L has keys that light up. Also, though, the feels vary over time as the felt wears... I have a feeling my PX-310 used to feel better than it does now. It's not bad, but the difference between it and the 500L is more noticeable these days than what I remember. So maybe the 310 has worn a bit, or maybe I've just gotten fussier!

[joegerardi]

...and 2 Invisible Stands holding it all together!

 

I wish I could find another one for the new band rig I have.

 

..Joe

[DanL]

...and 2 Invisible Stands holding it all together!

 

I wish I could find another one for the new band rig I have.

 

..Joe

 

If Scott took off the top tier brackets on that back stand it'd be a nice compact setup for 3 boards. I have an Invisible that I bought brand new in the 80's. It's down in my basement. I should set it up with my new rig and see how it comes together. It's a real easy stand to deal with.

[Kenny Ingram]

WAIT. Light up keys? Yucky. Would never gig with that. Hope you've found a way to disable that somehow.

 

Piano and EPs are what I use it for.

 

Also, I really prefer the new Casios to the old PX-x00 series, but it gets the job done well enough that I've been procrastinating on buying a new PX-5S, ect...

[spazzkey]

 

http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o430/alanjpearson/Keyboard%20Rig/a8hWPXV2zVJeLcOG-5soAs7fPiDeg6ktbVIr-ucHuiAVrKYN4n8JYDZiv5uJh2UpMdIhScsLkW1XGPbklVzVHg_zps62e5f21f.jpg

 

 

spectacular!

 

my gigging revolves mainly around americana folk rock blues etc - acquired my sk1-73 a couple of months ago to put on top of my stage 2 - in fact it has replaced the stage as my primary single board, both rehearsing and gigging...

 

but now preparing for first double tier gig with a Dead/Jerry Band project:

 

TOP - sk1-73/vent

BOTTOM - stage 2 - 76

I love my nord AP's although after some time with the sk1 I am always surprised by how heavy it is... so gassing for a px5s, but still loving the size and feel of the nord... and I love the still compact footprint of the whole set up...

 

I also bring in the accordion for a couple of the projects...

 

I'm using a K&M 188000 (I think) super light double tier stand with both boards as low and close as possible - and to address the issues raised re height I've been using a rocnsoc hydraulic stool with rollers for years now, allowing me to momentarily adjust height and position, definitely helps defer fatigue and keeps me comfortable on a single board through the night, but now especially helpful with a double tier set up - depending on which board I'm playing and current comfort level -

 

This being my first serious foray into double tier territory, I am thrilled with my newfound ability to go back and forth between piano and organ, or even play both at the same time (I never was one for splits, etc...) - with appropriate key weight for both...

 

still fine tuning the pedal set up with a sustain for the nord/pianos and a swell for the organ as well as a swell/control for the nord clav wah control - as well as the foot control for vent speed... a lot pedals for my feet to get confused in the heat of the moment...

[AnotherScott]

If Scott took off the top tier brackets on that back stand it'd be a nice compact setup for 3 boards.

Yes, I intended to do that if/when I gig with that exact setup.

 

WAIT. Light up keys? Yucky. Would never gig with that. Hope you've found a way to disable that somehow.

It can be disabled. Though I really don't mind it!

 

I really prefer the new Casios to the old PX-x00 series

Better in some ways, not as good in others...

[Dglavko]

I've finally put my ideal rig together:

 

Nord Stage 2-76 ON TOP of a Numa Organ.

 

Nice and close.

 

Nord controls all visible and accessable on top.

 

Front half of the Nord rests directly on the Numa. Back half also on a Tony Sounds inspired stand mod.

 

Building a custom stand next.

 

Weighted on top never bothered me. Just like on my A100.

 

Vent and Mojo seem to stay at home.

 

Sk1 for sale. Using the numa with Sonic Cell or just the Nord instead when only one keyboard used.

[drohm]

First post. My live two-keyboard rig is a NS2 (bottom) and NE3 (top). I recently sold the NE3 thinking I could use a controller. However, I decided that having the redundancy is good, and recently purchased a new NE4. This setup allows me to take the smaller NE3 to rehearsals or gigs when i don't need both keyboards. It also gives me a quick solution if one of my keyboards dies during a gig or I forget the power chord for one of themhaha! I like having the waterfall keys on the top board with the bigger piano sized keyboard on the bottom. The setup is simple and it is not too heavy to carry.

 

http://www.wavepackets.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2098525-225x300.jpg

 

[Dave Pierce]

Hi All,

 

Haven't been here in a long time, lots of life changes the past couple of years.

 

Anyway, happy to answer this. I LOVE MY RIG!!!

 

Bottom: Nord Stage 2 76

Top: Hammond XK-3c

 

Bit of redundancy with the organs, but the beauty is I can use the Nord alone with logistics require a 1-keyboard setup. The real drawbars and real waterfall action are absolutely worth the added hassle and weight when it's at all feasible.

 

The only thing that is a bit sub-optimal is that the synth stuff is on the Nord's weighted keys. I've gotten used to that, but if I played a lot of synth it would probably piss me off. I don't, so it's not a big deal.

 

I actually like the Nord's pitch stick for synth. It took some getting used to, but it feels very organic and natural to me now.

 

I've missed you guys, I'm going to try to hang out here again now.

 

--Dave

 

[Michael Wright]

Welcome Back Dave!

[Jamie Finstad]

Weighted 88 keys on the bottom with 61 waterfall keys on top.

 

Bottom: Nord Stage 2 88

Top: SK1 61/vent

 

I also use Ocean Beach drawbars, configured to control the lower manual on the SK1. That way I can use the NS2 as a lower manual for the SK1 with its own dedicated set of drawbars. Albeit it has weighted keys but it still provides the opportunity to have a two manual organ.

 

Jamie

[Joe Muscara]

I've missed you guys, I'm going to try to hang out here again now

Hey Dave! Good to see you again! I hope you can hang out even a little.

 

Joe

[DulceLabs.com]

Hi

 

 

 

Hi Marc and welcome to the KC forums. Sounds like you have a great gig! Looking forward to hearing some road stories.

[Pat Azzarello]

I don't play often anymore, but when I do I have a 61 keyboard synth action on top and a larger (preferably weighted) keyboard on the bottom. The last time I did this I used a Yamaha CS1x on top, a QS7 on the bottom, both as silent controllers,running through a Motif XS Rack.

 

The QS7 is a lot lighter than the 8, and my back just can't take the weight on a regular basis anymore.

 

In my home studio I have the QS8 setup as my main controller, and now have a Numa organ as well. Am thinking about putting up the QS7 or CS1x for synth soloing. Except for the Numa, all my studio sounds come from soft synths these days.

[HAMEGZ]

http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo288/slutelservices/e6e982a0-d0cf-432f-af29-9970124039fc_zps3d4d289f.jpg

 

MOXF-8( I know its a MOX8 in the pix) with a Nord Stage 2 73 on top.

 

The Sk1-73 has been replaced by an SK2, and is brought along when space permits.

[tucktronix]

For most of the bands I currently play with and have performed with, it's always been a 2-keyboard setup for me.. 88-note weighted on the bottom, clonewheel on the top. Blues, rock or Motown accounts for most of the material that I cover with these groups, so the organ/piano combination has been the centerpiece for quite some time. I do cover horns/clavs/strings with a few groups, and splits/layers are set up on the Casio.

 

I've recently joined a band backing a great young female vocalist doing some R&B, funk and reggae-like material. I plan to bring along the Triton-classic to pair with the Casio for these gigs

[vonnor]

I use a moXF8 on the bottom and a Juno-Stage on top. Both have local-control off all the time. Routing/splits/midi-processing is via Cantabile on a Win8.1 notebook/tablet and a 4x4 midi interface. Organ comes from a Hammond XM-2 in the rack, and for those times when you absolutely, positively have to have that hard oscillator sync effect, an Access Virus Rack classic (now in that empty space there). I find the mod wheel easier to articulate than the Roland push-lever and the Yamaha is my only controller with the wheel, so there are times I need to route the MOX to the Virus, and the Juno to the MOX. Or other assorted ergonomic midi routings.

 

Old Photo:

 

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m305/Koda_Vonnor/Misc/NewRig_sm.jpg

 

~ vonnor

[WesG]

What kind of rack stand is that?

 

I'm using an old keyboard Z-stand for my mixer, and that's groovy, but it would be nice to be able to lift up the effects unit and stuff like you've got there, vonnor. Nicely done!

 

Wes

[HAMEGZ]

What kind of rack stand is that?

 

I'm using an old keyboard Z-stand for my mixer, and that's groovy, but it would be nice to be able to lift up the effects unit and stuff like you've got there, vonnor. Nicely done!

 

Wes

 

That looks like a guitar amp stand made by the usual suspects, I used one for a while set up backwards for my Rack..

 

http://www.sweetwater.com/images/items/350/AmpStd.jpg

[vonnor]

Ham has it exactly correct, with one modification. The vertical(ish) bars were removed and the horizontal(ish) bars were hacksawed off to the length of the grooves on the rack case.

 

Interestingly enough, the spacing (distance apart) on the flat bars is exactly the same as the spacing on the grooves in the SKB rack. It sits right down on there good as gold.

 

~ vonnor

[SteveQB]

Top - Kurzweil PC3

Bottom - Casio Previa PX-3 (used as a controller)

Laptop running Cantable

[jyrkik]

Hi,

 

My usual live playing setup is

 

Bottom - Nord Stage 2 88

Top - Doepfer D3m organ contoller

 

Supplemented with a rack comprising of Nord Lead 2 rack, Ventilator, reverb unit and a mixer.

 

Jyrki