From bruce@ashbysolutions.com Thu Jan 17 12:45:33 2002
Subject:Re: Robustness of CX-3 Keyboard

Mark,

>Korg has still not fixed the so-called "double trigger" problem.
>My CX-3's serial number is way past when Korg claims to have fixed
>this problem. I've discussed this with another list member who also
>has this problem on his recent vintage CX-3.
>
>{snipped}

To the best of my knowledge, this problem cannot be fixed. It's a by-product of the way the action is designed, as you correctly described in your post. Because the action triggers at the top of the keystroke -- probably, even earlier than on a real B-3 -- it's susceptible to the problem you describe.

A good analogy is a guitar fretboard. If the action is set really low (assuming the neck is straight enough to do this), the guitar becomes very easy to play, but quite susceptible to fret noise. Also, playing slide becomes almost impossible. OTOH, if the action is set higher, slide playing becomes much better, but the action becomes more difficult, making regular playing difficult. A guitarist has to make a choice, depending on his/her needs. KORG seems to have opted for ease of playing, at the expense of a certain form of expression.

One could argue that the B-3 has none of these issues, so the CX-3 shouldn't either. Well, the B-3 has a completely different keybed, one that is no longer produced. It would probably be possible to create a keybed that is both very fast and less susceptible to the double-strike when "flicked" as you describe, but it would have little or no resemblance to any of the current keyboards used for pianos, synths, or organs. What that means in designer's terms is that KORG would have to pay for a special keyboard to be designed, tested, tooled, and manufactured. What that means in user's terms is that the cost of the CX-3 would have been higher. How much higher? I'd hazard a guess of $300-400 SRP more, or $200-250 more on the street; depending on the actual quantities involved, I could even be a little low in my estimate. While some CX-3 owners might have gladly paid the extra money for a closer Hammond feel, many potential buyers (and even a few owners) have bemoaned the already
high cost of the organ. Additionally, the special keybed would be a high-risk part, as KORG would be responsible for any leftover inventory.

Bottom line: I doubt that it will ever be "fixed" in the current CX-3's lifetime. If KORG produces a follow-on product -- the CX-4? BX-3? CX-3-II? -- perhaps they will address the issues there.

Regards,

-BW

--
Bruce Wahler
Ashby Solutions™ http://music.ashbysolutions.com
CloneWheel Support Group moderator
978.386.7389 voice/fax
bruce@ashbysolutions.com