rockinroller

Kurzweil checks all of your boxes. And the beauty of those is that if you don't like the factory sounds you can dive in and make literally 100's of parameter adjustments/adds/deletes/shaping, etc. etc. etc. and literally end up with what you are looking for. I currently gig with an Artis 7 which was discontinued a couple of years ago and cut my chops on their PC3 series boards when those came out. I've bought--and returned--just about every competitor and keep coming back to Kurz'.

I have been performing live in a classic rock trio (I play LH bass as well) for the past 6 years exclusively using Alto's for live output on stage and without connecting into the FOH system (also Alto's btw). Currently been gigging with a pair of TS312's and am impressed with not only the punchy power and tons of headroom, but also how those two speakers enhance the sound of both my B3 as well as "real" piano settings. For almost 1/3rd the cost of a QSC K10 or 12 (had them--returned them), the Alto TS series flies way under the radar and arguably represent one of the best values out there in sound reinforcement. The ONLY issue I had was blowing a tweeter as the highs are really hot coming out of these speakers. Easy adjustment since I use a small form mixer with 3-way EQ in between my keys and the speakers.

Kurzweil PC4-7 is my recommendation, coming from a trained pianist who evolved into electronic keyboard performing, especially emulating the B3, band and orchestral instruments and even guitars. The PC seems to cover all of the bases--plus if you're not completely satisfied with what the factory loaded into that instrument you can always learn how to get "inside" and essentially recreate just about anything you are looking for in the way of emulating an instrument, right down to the amount of air blowing through the sax's reed. And IMO you will never burn out with these instruments as the creativity--and re-creations--seem endless. And all at under 20lbs!!!

I have had extreme success with the PC3 Sound Editor, having used it (and the Artis S.E. for my other boards) for several years. On occasion I will get it to lock up or do something funky but honestly it has been a God-send for me. I love the opportunity to have all of the sounds and parameter adjustments reflected on my (27") computer screen while connected rather than trying to do everything on those tiny Kurzweil screens. Plus the entire book of parameters is right there via tabs when using the software interface.

IMO The Alto TS series are the best bang-for-the-buck out there, as far as powered speakers. I switched over to them when their 200 series came out (5 years ago?) after buying--and reselling--the QSC and Yamaha DXR models, and not being able to justify the investment. The only issue I've had during that time is blowing two tweeters at two different times, once due to a sudden burst of "buzz" from my board due to a bad cable and the other by just pushing the highs too much via the small-form mixer that I always use as an interface between my boards and the speakers. I currently use their TS312 and 315 models (I play LH bass in my trio and prefer the bottom end that that 15" provides), doing primarily outdoor events and venues. I never go through the mains, but rather my on-state wedges provide more than enough volume and punch on their own, and that's in tandem with a drummer and guitarist.

I don't think so. The price point coupled with the sequencer and other stuff that I'd never use will probably keep me from going that direction. I think I'll keep my eye out for a used PC3k or a and be done with buying boards for a while.

I ran that setup for years: Clonewheel and synth through one amp and the bass in my LH through a separate amp. I had good luck with GK (Gallien Krueger) combo bass amps with twin 10's and a tweeter. Reasonably light weight and very punchy. The only issue I had was that I continued to blow the tweeter due to the highs that were going through the amp from the keyboard. I discovered powered speakers and the rest is history, and I have not looked back. Despite the amount of bass I kick through my set up (two Alto TS312's), the clarity and separation between the parts is amazing. I never go through the PA system (Rock power trio) and have never been short of volume to fill rooms typically accommodating 60-200 people and outdoor events.

I ran that setup for years: Clonewheel and synth through one amp and the bass in my LH through a separate amp. I had good luck with GK (Gallien Krueger) combo bass amps with twin 10's and a tweeter. Reasonably light weight and very punchy. The only issue I had was that I continued to blow the tweeter due to the highs that were going through the amp from the keyboard. I discovered powered speakers and the rest is history, and I have not looked back. Despite the amount of bass I kick through my set up (two Alto TS312's), the clarity and separation between the parts is amazing. I never go through the PA system (Rock power trio) and have never been short of volume to fill rooms typically accommodating 60-200 people and outdoor events.

Late to the party (I don't get on this Forum that often). I've been a Kurz' fan for the past 10+ years, after their PC3 series came out. I was looking forward to the PC4 being the end-all for me: 88 keys yet less weight than their previous 76 note PC3, plus all of that wonderful new technology. However after all of the negative reviews regarding the new key bed which really didn't impress anyone that I could see, I held off in the hopes that their 76 note version would mitigate that negative factor. I ordered one sight-unseen a few months ago and it lasted all of 24 hours before I attached the return label and sent it back. The key bed and cheapness was enough for me to not want this, and no amount of "better" sounds and capabilities was going to change my opinion. I went back to my beloved Artis 7 as the mainstay for performing. If Kurzweil continues to make such dramatic compromises in its product quality and utility in trade for weight and cost concessions, I'll be looking elsewhere.

I'd go with the Alto TS312 instead of the 310. It's only a few dollars more and believe me--regardless of the specs--the bass kicks a lot better out of the 12. I play in a trio in which I also cover bass in my LH. Most of the right hand parts are either B3 sounds, real piano, E-piano, and sometimes orchestral sounds like horns and strings. I was able to compare the two speakers side by side as coincidentally our PA system consists of two 310's. I thought the difference--especially for my organ and LH bass sounds--would be subtle, but I was surprised to hear such a difference. Even the organ sounded "thicker" and more rich through the 12 than the 10's. The 312 is heavier (by just over 10 lbs) but IMO it's worth it. By the way, that single 312 is all I use for live output during our gigs (clubs usually under 120 capacity) and it's never "not enough".

I had a PC4 for a couple of days, then returned it. I HATED the key bed (very clunky IMO, compared to my Artis 7 and previous PC3 with the Fatar TP-8 semi-weighted keys (perfect hybrid for us organ + synth + piano players). The other big feature on their flagship Forte board and my Artis 7 is a quicker-than-Quick Access series of 10 buttons right in front of the center of the keys, close to the key bed, that I have found invaluable when switching settings quickly. I've assigned 10 settings, both in the Programs mode as well as Multi (so 20 in all), and that's been the single biggest reason I have struggled with the notion of replacing the Artis 7. Although I am being challenged with the recent announcement of the PC4-7 with the lighter, semi weighted keys.

The newer Kurzweils (from the PC3 forward) have TREMENDOUS potential but no one should ever be content just using them out-of-the-box. There is so much programming capability in these boards that to buy one and merely use it as is from the factory is a disservice to the owner. Like Dave, I've spent the last few years really getting inside the V.A.S.T. architecture that is a trademark of Kurzweil's newer boards and IMO you can literally get any factory sound in these boards to a point of accuracy and authenticity based on your personal expectations and perception. I've been through three different models of the Neo Vent, thinking I could improve on the internal rotary effects that I've honed in my Kurzweils, and have ended up reselling all three, being totally content with what I have internally. This, coming from someone who was born and raised on the real deal, performing professionally for 20+ years using a B3 and 1-2 real Leslie cabinets.

IMO the best measure of being "overpriced" is determined when you try to sell your board that you bought retail, and find out what it's worth--or buy one of those "overpriced" boards as an open-box or slightly used and see what the difference is from the prevailing retail prices. What I have noticed lacking in recent years is for manufacturers to have clearance prices on boards--especially those that were originally their flagship boards, but are no longer cutting edge in terms of technology. I think the last great deal I recall in that regard were the Kurzweil PC361's, that were cleared out by retailers for under $1000.

In the 60s I used a Farfisa Combo Compact Deluxe Organ and a Wurlitzer electric piano. The organ connected via 1/4" cable to a Leslie preamp box, then the multi pin out of that into a Leslie. The piano was plugged into a Fender Bassman amp that had four 12" speakers. In addition, I mic'd the upper rotor of the Leslie using a Shure microphone plugged into the same Fender amp. In 1969 I switched over to a Hammond Model A (not A 100) with twin 31H "phonebooth" Leslies. On top of that was an Arp Soloist synth, which I ran through a number of various amps. I recall set up time to be a lot quicker with the Hammond and Leslies, but I also recall needing to befriend guys with a pickup truck or van to assist when changing locations for gigs. Fortunately, back then, you'd be booked 4-6 nights a week at the same place for several weeks.

Going on 7 years with my Artis 7 and still never an issue. Despite all the technology that's come out on the market since I bought this, I am still sold on the '7 as my all-around go-to board.