yamaha kx88

[PaichRocks]

I'm considering getting a yamaha kx88. I am looking for something with wieghted keys, great piano sounds, but also a wide variety of synths....

 

anybody got pros/cons? one for sale?

were all of these boards made in the 80's? or was that just when it was originally released?

[joegerardi]

Well, I have one and I love it, but you should realize that it has NO internal sounds- it's strictly a controller.

 

The only cons I can think of is that programming it is a bit of a PITA because you must do it in hexadecimal, and the top end of key velocity is something like 100 - not 127.

 

That said, I think mine's the cat's ass!

[chris c]

For what its worth, I saw the Allman Bros. in concert this past weekend and Gregg Allman had one keyboard onstage in addition to his B3 - a Yamaha KX-88. I figure Greg could have whataver controller keyboard he wanted, so the Yammy must have something going for it. I think a lot of touring pros still use this board.

 

Now, if you want internal sounds, including great pianos (electric and acoustic) check out the S80 (or now the new S90). I have an S80 and love it, as do many others in this forum. Killer action, and great sounds.

 

Chris

[EZB]

As long as you're shopping 88's from that era, check out the Kurzweil Midiboard as well. Same type of animal, but with better Midi implementation, and much nicer action in this player's opinion. Slightly harder to find, but I see them for sale from time to time.

[Mark Zeger]

The Peavey C8 was another decent controller (with no internal sounds) that you might be able to find used. I remember seeing one finished in a Ferrari Red transparent stain that looked amazing.