From hultgrenlr@mansfieldct.org Thu Dec 06 14:58:12 2001
Subject:RE: Digest Number 463

Hi Gang, Lon H. here again trying to join the discussion -- once removed as
the digest is my vehicle.

OK, so my idea to use a MOTIF as my clone, split the keyboard and be able to
do everything on one keyboard fizzled for a variety of reasons, and I took
the thing back today. I didn't like the bass patches for one and its two
fatal design flaws were: 1. You supposedly can't split the keyboard so
that each side can be controlled by separate volume pedals (necessary for
groovy fade ins and dynamical changes whilst playing with one's hands) and
2. This keyboard does not have a real-time phrase triggering mechanism such
that prerecorded phrases can be played via another midi instrument by
holding down an appropriate key or series of keys (I use a Fatar midi-pedal
to play organ chords when I am playing my bass guitar). That is, sometimes
I get up from the keys, pick up the bass and play while stepping on pedal
notes that are prerecorded chords.

So I'm back to square one thinking that I will leave well enough alone,
since my XP50 does this reasonably well, and has a decent sounding bass
patch (i.e., keep playing with two keyboards).

What I still would like to do is be able to go to the local open jams and
some (not all) rehearsals once in a while with an organ rig that is say at
least 75% as good sounding as my XK2/Leslie 122, without bringing the 122
(as you know it is just too big and too costly to be schlepping around for a
few songs -- it is bad enough doing it for a whole gig).

So, I'm ready to go try a few other keyboards and amp/speaker combinations
to do this. What's your favorite? I know this is subjective as hell, but I
need some ideas. Just showing up at the local keyboard store overwhelms me
and I end up leaving confused (or buying something that doesn't work out).

TIA,

Lon Hultgren,
Bassist/Organist for Stone Road