jimkost2002 Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 Just got my Legend Live on Friday! I LOVE THIS BOARD! It truly is the closest thing so far to the real thing.... Raw sound is glorious, I havent even used slow as my default .... which I realized that Ive done with EVERY OTHER clone, including the Mojo... Speaking of which, Chorale is truly stunning, just right. And C/V is spot on on all 3 models. I cant believe how realistic and spacious Fastis... I found myself looking around for the spinning horn! (Im playing this through a Motion Sound KP 500S) Action: It took me a minute as (to my taste) it plays supertight (stiff) but I think that that may ease up over time... (A friend had his tech switch out the springs so it plays lighter and he is in heaven,) Upon reflection, I could get used to it really quickly, and I think I will!) To compare: Mojo seems to be the best of the clones here, Nord is springier, Hammond SK is floppy, X3-2 is almost too light....but I do like it when I am feeling lazy or if I had arthritis I would use one! Controls are super clean and tight, drawbars included. My only gripe is that CV knob is a bit to close to the first set of drawbars for my taste, but again, not a big deal and Ill get used to it. Pedal to lower is great until I get my sticks... To my ear, its a little too bloomy around low A-flat, but Im sure that will get fixed in a firmware update. The 3 models are all superb. Im partial to the 50s for now. I cant wait to hook this baby up to a Leslie. Weight and portability: I think they made a mistake in estimating actual weight... it seems less than 35 lbs to me! Super easy and light. Its a bit wider than Hammond, Nord and even Mojo, but not as much as X3-2. I had to return my Mojo due to build quality issues, and I know could have replaced it easily, but my gut said hold out and I,m GLAD I did! (I dont want to throw shade at Guido and Andrea because they have an excellent board, but that was my experience...) At this price point, they can slay EVERYONE.... I also want to give props to Kraft Music and my salespersn Michael (Briggs) Brigham. First time Ive bought from them and they were great. My UPS experience here in NYC was NOT great, but thats. another story. All in all, Im ecstatic....! Thanks to Viscount and Pat Bianchi! Quote "I have constantly tried to deliver only products which withstand the closest scrutiny � products which prove themselves superior in every respect.� Robert Bosch, 1919 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill bosco Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 i didn't know different springs were available , can they be ordered direct from fatar ? changing out springs on the keybeds is definately doable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outkaster Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 Floppy? Quote "Danny, ci manchi a tutti. La E-Street Band non e' la stessa senza di te. Riposa in pace, fratello" noblevibes.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimkost2002 Posted September 26, 2017 Author Share Posted September 26, 2017 Floppy = laggy (slow return) and sluggish Quote "I have constantly tried to deliver only products which withstand the closest scrutiny � products which prove themselves superior in every respect.� Robert Bosch, 1919 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffincltnc Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 I absolutely love my Legend Live also. Playing it is fantastic. However, I am waiting for my third Legend Live to be sent to me in early October. They are not packed well enough for UPS Ground shipping! The first one that arrived had a loose part moving around inside. Probably a screw, but I would have voided the warranty to open it up and self-repair it on a new in box product, so Kraft said they would exchange it, which they did! Paid the shipping back, etc. My second Legend Live came in with a big dent in the front and it looked like it was re-packed by UPS. The covering was re-taped and the box was dented. They will send me a third one next week. They are going to pack it in an additional box for me this time for reinforcement. I bought mine from Kraft because of their return policy for these types of issues. The other boutique dealer had an "all sales final" policy and I had not had a chance to try it beforehand. The instrument itself is superb to play!!! Quote Yamaha U1 Upright, Roland Fantom 8, Nord Stage 4 HA73, Nord Wave 2, Korg Nautilus 73, Viscount Legend Live, Lots of Mainstage/VST Libraries Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimkost2002 Posted September 26, 2017 Author Share Posted September 26, 2017 Jeff- Sorry to hear of your woes! I think doulble boxing should solve your woes..... I had that problem with the Mojo.... The Italians need to invest in better packing.... Sweetwater nedds to carry the Legend/Legend Live and all Viscount products! They double box as a default! Quote "I have constantly tried to deliver only products which withstand the closest scrutiny � products which prove themselves superior in every respect.� Robert Bosch, 1919 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Quinn Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 What a beautiful love letter! It warms my heart. I've also had good experiences buying from Kraft. Quote www.alquinn.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dnsmo Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 To compare: Mojo seems to be the best of the clones here, Nord is springier, Hammond SK is floppy, X3-2 is almost too light....but I do like it when I am feeling lazy or if I had arthritis I would use one!Congratulations, Jim! Per chance, are you able to compare the Legend Live's action with that of the XK3/XK3c? Quote Dennis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smanzella Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 Would the Viscount Legend Solo provide the same tonewheel and rotary sound for someone who just needed a single manual clone? From what I can gather, they all use the same tonewheel and rotary technology. Quote Yamaha CP-73, Hammond SK Pro 73, Yamaha MODX 7, Roland Fantom 06, Roland VK-8M, Yamaha FS1R Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spanner Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 OMG ( which is the popular parlance) I have also been thinking of writing about my recent acquisition. Had the Live for about two weeks and opted for the stand. It is by far the best experience I have had with a clone. I have had the Mojo twice and think it is top notch. However, I always thought that it was something of a prototype. I have not compared it to the vent as I am happy with the Leslie as is. I really cannot imagine a better board for my needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElmerJFudd Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 Awesome pick for the organ purist with a realist's streak in your bones. Have you tried to gig with it yet? How's moving it around? Are you using a case of some kind? Did you order any extras? Stand, pedals, etc? Quote Yamaha CP88, Casio PX-560 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill bosco Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 jimkost2002 , i guess you're liking the live through the kp500s, how is the tone through this amp ? i've been seriously thinking about investing in one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Towns Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 Hi Jimkost 2002, I took delivery of a Legend Live mid July but if I had not, then your review would have probably swayed me into getting one. I'm still not sure if I should have gone for the larger Legend model but I have seen a lot of pro players (which I'm not) opting for the smaller Legend Live version. If I may, can I add one name to the list of people you thank in your first post. That of Elvio Previati who without his vision there would be no Key B organs. I have never had the pleasure of meeting him, but we have spoke on the phone three or four times. He's a proper nice guy, speaks excellent English, and totally deserves credit (along with Viscount's production and distribution skills) for bringing these organs to the public. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aussie_Chicago Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 I was one of the first or first to get a legend Live from Kraft, back in May. I have the same sentiments. This is the best rig Ive used so far. I have ended up using a 142 leslie via 1122 H/S interface. I also use a Tall and fat through the effects loop. I know its a bit of a hassle lugging a leslie , but this rig is actually the easiest and quickest setup Ive had in a long time. Literally 4-5 min setup. I was using an sk2 or xk33c , I also have a 63 B3. The sound, feel , interface is exactly what I was looking for. Is it perfect....no, but its pretty damn good. I also was on the fence about full size, Im glad I went Live, its deceivingly bigger than it looks. In its soft case, its deep, you have to hold it higher than normal to not ding it on the ground when carrying ( Im 5'10' ). The Live sounds exactly the same , just not as wide, without presets or rocker tabs. It took me 5 seconds to get used to the push buttons instead of the rockers. I rarely use presets, but the live does have 2 per manual and 2 sets of bars, plenty enough for me. Im not sure about solo, Im assuming its all the same but I did hear the drawbars are plastic instead of metal...?? If I was looking for a single manual, I think I would go for the mojo 61 with the extra sounds , but for straight out organ , I think they are close. For me, the dual manual layout of the Legend Live is what I wanted . Keys feel good , not as clunky / springy as sk2, feel better than the xk3c , not as light as a Mojo/61 . Legend is good and have softened up over time. It's really starting to feel close to my rejuvenated B3 action. The thing I really like is what you see is what you get , switch it on , adjust cpl of things realtime and off you go. No deep editing , no menus , just play. Some of you may not like that you cant do serious editing. It really dosn't need it but like I said, its not perfect either. Quote "Ive been playing Hammond since long before anybody paid me to play one, I didn't do it to be cool, I didnt do it to make a statement......I just liked it " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Harrison Posted September 27, 2017 Share Posted September 27, 2017 I received a new Viscount Legend Solo a week ago. I ordered it with a padded gig bag, and it arrived promptly, well packed and factory fresh. It sounds, feels, and looks great, and the build quality appears to be very good. It has an internal power supply (not a wall wart) and weighs only 9.5 kg / 21 lb but feels solid. I believe all the Legend models are essentially the same soundwise. The action is a tad stiffer than my Hammond XK1c but feels fine. The percussion and chorus vibrato are very good. The Legend is not as tweakable as the Hammond but sounds fine out of the box and has useful control knobs for reverb, overdrive, keyclick, crosstalk, bass/mid/treble, percussion level & decay. It also has three settings for organ type: '30s, '50/60s ("jazz"), and '70s ("rock"), each with a slightly different character. It has two sets of manual drawbars (plus two pedal drawbars) and eight preset buttons. In Single mode, the whole keyboard can use both drawbar sets and four of the preset buttons. In Split mode, the keyboard is split between upper and lower voices, which get one drawbar set and four preset buttons each. There is also a Double mode for using an external keyboard. I have been using a Ventilator and wondered whether I would need it with the Legend. The Legend's Leslie sounds very good but is not adjustable beyond "Classic" and "Rock" settings, and I will probably continue to use the Ventilator for now. I hope the Legend may have options added in a future firmware update for Leslie front stop and slightly faster ramp up/down times on the bass rotor, and for slightly smoother overdrive onset, but overall it is very good as is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Analogaddict Posted September 27, 2017 Share Posted September 27, 2017 I tried a Legend Solo two weeks ago and bought it right away. I've still got my SK-1, I use the extra sounds a lot and it sounds great, but for pure Hammond the Legend is killer. I have a Mojo too (slut, indeed) and would probably have checked the one manual Mojo first if it only had more drawbars - I need two sets..! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimkost2002 Posted September 27, 2017 Author Share Posted September 27, 2017 billbosco, the sound of the Legend Live is UNREAL through the MS KP 500-S! Best non-leslie solution...although, I have heard Pat Bianchi play his through 2 Sonovox Duos and sound great, too! Quote "I have constantly tried to deliver only products which withstand the closest scrutiny � products which prove themselves superior in every respect.� Robert Bosch, 1919 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimkost2002 Posted September 27, 2017 Author Share Posted September 27, 2017 Elmer, I have not tried to gig with it yet, but I have carried it in the bag. I would echo Andys comments that you have to hold it higher than normal to the ground, but otherwise its easy, Quote "I have constantly tried to deliver only products which withstand the closest scrutiny � products which prove themselves superior in every respect.� Robert Bosch, 1919 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimkost2002 Posted September 27, 2017 Author Share Posted September 27, 2017 Dnsmo, I havent A/Bd the Live with XK3, but they have one at the Sam Ash on 34th st , so I will play that one again and report back Quote "I have constantly tried to deliver only products which withstand the closest scrutiny � products which prove themselves superior in every respect.� Robert Bosch, 1919 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimkost2002 Posted September 27, 2017 Author Share Posted September 27, 2017 thx Chris, I cant edit my post but will say here that I owe profound thanks and gratitude to the genius of Elvio Previati! Thank YOU, Maestro Previati, for your beautiful instruments! Quote "I have constantly tried to deliver only products which withstand the closest scrutiny � products which prove themselves superior in every respect.� Robert Bosch, 1919 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dockeys Posted September 28, 2017 Share Posted September 28, 2017 Id love to play one of these. Silly question but on the Legand Live it doesnt have the black preset keys like the larger version. Can you select presets via a button? Quote Yamaha MODX8, Legend Live. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimkost2002 Posted September 28, 2017 Author Share Posted September 28, 2017 Yes there are 2 buttons for each set of drawbars as well as 2 programmable buttons per manual, Dockeys. Quote "I have constantly tried to deliver only products which withstand the closest scrutiny � products which prove themselves superior in every respect.� Robert Bosch, 1919 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Coda Posted September 28, 2017 Share Posted September 28, 2017 Yes there are 2 buttons for each set of drawbars as well as 2 programmable buttons per manual, Dockeys. Wait,- that´s less than the Legend SOLO offers ! For the Viscount/KeyB SOLO the leaflet advertises: Drawbars - Upper Preset: Upper Drawbar Set A or Set B + 4 presets and Upper MIDI Local on/off Drawbars - Lower Preset: 4 presets Drawbars - Pedals: 2 drawbars 16' & 8' The manual v11 also mentions 4 presets each for lower and upper in addition to the set(s) of drawbars. At least for me that´s important because I was unsure what to order next future. Having 1 set of drawbars and FOUR presets available for upper and lower, for me is better than 2 sets of drawbars and 2 presets only for upper and lower,- especially in a multi-keyboard rig. So, I think I´ll try the SOLO. A.C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomKittel Posted September 28, 2017 Share Posted September 28, 2017 jimkost2002 , i guess you're liking the live through the kp500s, how is the tone through this amp ? i've been seriously thinking about investing in one I can't speak for the Legend. But the Uhl X3 sounds killer through the KP500S. My guess is that the same is true for the Legend. Vibrant full stereo sound in spades. Need more volume? Crank it up. Need even more? Crank it up again... clear loud sound without end... don't forget your ear muffs ;-) I only regret that I didn't buy this amp earlier. Quote LIFE IS SHORT, GO GET THE GEAR YOU WANT ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffincltnc Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 Following up on my story - I received my third Viscount Legend Live from Kraft and everything is perfect. My issues with loose parts inside and a dent in the front of the second unit can be attributed to UPS shipping. They opened my package up and reinforced it with additional bubble wrap and tape and it arrived very tightly packed and secured. They may do that as a shipping practice going forward on the Legend organs. Quote Yamaha U1 Upright, Roland Fantom 8, Nord Stage 4 HA73, Nord Wave 2, Korg Nautilus 73, Viscount Legend Live, Lots of Mainstage/VST Libraries Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Paxton Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 I got my Legend Solo yesterday. Thoughts after putting it through its paces... It arrived undamaged (from Kraft). Build quality is good and solid. Action is stiffer than other clones, but still nice to play. The interface is simple, clean and intuitive; it mimics a console where it can, and where it can't, it's done in a way that makes sense. I like the blue LEDs (which I realize is an odd thing to say; I didn't expect to have an opinion about it one way or the other, but after playing it for a while I realized I found them pleasing). And the sound... I'm honestly less blown away by the sound than I was hoping to be. It's a definite step up from an Sk1. But the Leslie sim still isn't up to Vent quality. The overdrive still has a hint of digital harshness to it. The key click is surprisingly weak; even Nord's is more realistic. And the C3 chorus isn't quite there to my ears. I don't know, maybe now that I've spent the last year with an A100 and 122 in the house I've finally become (god help me) one of those guys, and am just spoiled for clones... Verdict: If someone sent one back in time to 2007 and I'd played it then, I'm sure I would have said it was indistinguishable from the real deal and the clone war was over. But since we're fortunate to live in a time when we can be super picky, I'm going to continue to be. It may turn out to be the best gigging clone for me, and if it does I'll be perfectly happy using it. But I'm still gonna keep it in pristine shape and hold onto the shipping box until after I finally get my hands on a Mojo 61 this coming week. (Hey Joe, what kind of beer do you like?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mate stubb Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 I've finally become (god help me) one of those guys Welcome to the club! Quote Moe --- "I keep wanting to like it's sound, but every demo seems to demonstrate that it has the earth-shaking punch and peerless sonics of the Roland Gaia. " - Tusker http://www.hotrodmotm.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Muscara Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 I finally get my hands on a Mojo 61 this coming week. (Hey Joe, what kind of beer do you like?) I like lots. We have a few places literally down the street from me now, like the one that has a Covhefe Bavarian-style Hefeweizen on tap... Quote "I'm so crazy, I don't know this is impossible! Hoo hoo!" - Daffy Duck "The good news is that once you start piano you never have to worry about getting laid again. More time to practice!" - MOI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doerfler Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 I've finally become (god help me) one of those guys Welcome to the club! Joshua, you're in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wd8dky Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 They responded to my request via their website that an editor is in the works, for tweaking Leslie parameters, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.