From eslawson@juno.com Fri Apr 19 05:08:30 2002
Subject:Re: Opinions about XK-2

I used an XK-2 for about 2 years and an XB-2 prior to that for about
8 years. I have recently swapped up to the CX-3.

I prefer the CX-3 after having become acclimated to it, but it is not
a "leaps and bounds" improvement over the XK-2. It makes some
incremental improvements on the overall UI and tone, percussion and
chorus, flexibility of tone editing and Leslie simulation. I think
it takes a step backwards in keyboard action and that annoying double-
bounce defect that requires a MIDI in/out solution to eliminate.

The XK-2 is an awesome Hammond clone. It is built like a tank (all
metal and wood as opposed to particle board on the CX-3). Its
keyboard action is very robust and feels more authentic to me. It
has an 11-pin Leslie jack, which was very handy for interfacing with
my real Leslie. When I got the CX-3, I was forced to get a separate
preamp so I could still use my Leslie. Also, the XK-2 has better
MIDI implementation for those times you might use it as a
controller. Not to mention the pitch and mod wheels are a good
feature. There's also the intangible aspect of actually playing
something with the name "Hammond."

I am pleased with the CX-3 but miss certain aspects on the XK-2. One
of these days I might get another one. Sometimes I wish I had kept
both. Even the old XB-2 was a great clone, aside from the flimsy
keyboard action. Its features and tone were almost identical to the
XK-2 and it was a smaller package.

Search the archives and you will find a number of previous postings
from me and others lauding both the XK-2 and XB-2.

Regards,
Eric