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Post by Admin on Sept 9, 2013 16:32:15 GMT -5
I have a keyboard and no room in my music room for a full size piano/organ. It 's ok when I'm playing it, but when I play the real thing, I feel like the keyboard is just a toy!
Anyone else feel this way?
By the way my keyboard is a Yamaha 88 key
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Post by jmuscara on Sept 10, 2013 7:21:41 GMT -5
There's nothing like the real thing. However, the "real thing" can be expensive to buy and difficult to maintain. As time goes on, manufacturers get closer and closer with the keyboards to the real thing. The latest clones of the Hammond organ by Crumar (Mojo), Nord (C2D), and Hammond (SK series) are said to be really good and even inspiring to play. The Ventilator (Leslie simulator) has been replacing lugging around Leslie cabinets by many purists, and GSi's Burn looks to be great competition in that market.
On the piano side, they're probably a little further away. Still, there are some very good options as well, both in hardware and software.
But you're right. When I sit at my Hammond or at my small grand piano, there's nothing like either.
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Post by Admin on Sept 11, 2013 11:12:15 GMT -5
Thanks Joe. There's just something about the "feel" that bothers me on the keyboard. But, as I posted in the "songwriting" board, the piano/keyboard is (in my humble opinion), critical in songwriting. Not only is it easier for me to develop chord progressions, lead melodies, tempo changes, etc. on piano than guitar, the midi output can be fed (from the keyboard or electric piano) directly into software to create the score. Here's an example of a song where the keyboard came in very beneficially. Note how the piano melody leads into the guitar solo. www.soundclick.com/player/single_player.cfm?songid=9488403&q=hi
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Post by jmuscara on Sept 12, 2013 6:06:05 GMT -5
Most keyboards I play or use have "full size keys" though it can vary slightly, even on the real thing. The weighing can be another matter. There are many variations on this, from weights in the keys to some version or another of an action that's meant to simulate the weight and feel of a real piano. There are other factors as well. If you play a real piano, the whole thing vibrates and you can feel that in your fingers and sometimes even the floor. The sound doesn't come from a couple of speakers, it's spread across an area in front of you. Velocity curves, dynamic range, and many other factors can be in play as well.
Jim, your description of songwriting sounds like you think more like a keyboard player than anything else. Is getting a real piano not an option for you?
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Post by Admin on Sept 12, 2013 7:09:54 GMT -5
Not at this stage in my life Joe. But, as far as songwriting, there are songs that seem to demand a good keyboard and others that for me feels right with just the guitar.
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Post by jmuscara on Sept 13, 2013 6:40:30 GMT -5
What keyboards have you used or tried? Some of the latest models are making full-time keyboard players very happy. Perhaps I can guide you to one that makes you happy, too.
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Post by Admin on Sept 13, 2013 7:46:00 GMT -5
What keyboards have you used or tried? Some of the latest models are making full-time keyboard players very happy. Perhaps I can guide you to one that makes you happy, too. I've played a number of keyboards Joe. Right now, I'm too old (79 last Sunday) to invest in more instruments. I'm too busy giving them to my family, but I think you and Herb could definitely benefit members here by giving US ALL a review of the best keyboards, electronic pianos, organs and acoustic pianos. Thanks for the help.
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Post by jmuscara on Sept 14, 2013 7:43:56 GMT -5
I'll keep it relatively simple. I like the digital pianos from Casio in their Privia line. The new PX-5S has a great feel, great sounds, great programability, great controller functions, and more. It weighs less than 30 lbs and costs less than $1000. I hear good things about other brands and models, but I'm not familiar with them. As I mentioned before, there are some really great organ clones now. The Crumar Mojo, the Hammond SK series, and the latest Nords all have their fans who say they really enjoy playing them almost as much as a classic 400 lb Hammond. Acoustic pianos are truly a matter of taste. I'm currently shopping for a new-to-me grand piano. I've tried more than I can remember and have more to try, including a couple today. While most of them were fine and I wouldn't mind playing them or having them on a gig (once they were tuned!!!), none so far said they were the piano I should spend the cash on to take home and be The One for me. It's like pets or significant others, and I don't mean that lightly. There are plenty of nice ones, but you're looking for the who has that special something. At least, I am. P.S. Happy belated birthday, Jim!
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Post by traveler on Sept 14, 2013 17:52:49 GMT -5
Happy belated birthday from me as well, Jim!
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Post by celeste on Sept 15, 2013 20:40:58 GMT -5
We have a keyboard rather than a piano at our church. I am really glad, because it is very doubtful that they would keep the piano tuned. At least the keyboard is in tune.
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