From bruce@ashbysolutions.com Fri Jan 18 14:45:49 2002
Subject:Re: Robustness of CX-3 Keyboard

Guys,

I hate to throw a bucket of water on this happy party, but -- let's back up a minute. There isn't any CX-3 PB+MW update. You are proposing one, but no one at KORG has said, "OK, give us a couple of weeks." Asking about the price and specifications is premature.

First, where on the CX-3 is this update going to fit? On the BX-3, there's a second end cap, and all it has on it is the PB, MW, and three DB buttons. On the CX-3, the _only_ end cap already has nine buttons, four knobs, and six LEDs. A PB+MW setup takes at least 4 sq. in. of space; bigger, Moog-style wheels take even more. There is no place on the unit for these wheels.

I suppose that something else could be removed/moved, like the display or the Split button or something, but that's not a no-brainer thing to do. That's a complete re-design of the control panel. Also, adding more parts will clutter up the panel, and it's already pretty full. And, before someone says, "I don't care if the wheels are super-tiny," I think you really do. PB/Mod wheels only work if they are ergonomically sound. Have you ever tried to use ones located above the keyboard, like Fatar used to do? (Maybe they still do?) They're fine for leads, but bending bass parts isn't much fun. Tiny wheels would be a marginal solution.

If you really want PB+MW, buy a second keyboard, and you'll get them for free. Otherwise, you'll have to live without them. The CX-3 is one of the shorter (narrower?) clones, and there's no 'free space' for wheels. If there was, KORG would have probably added them.

At 05:24 P 1/18/2002 -0500, you wrote:
>Ed,
>I'd also be interested in that pitch bend/mod wheel upgrade kit. What's involved in it and what's the cost? Is it attached to the keyboard via midi in/out or is it an internal thing? I assume it would be the yucky, non ergonomic / non expressive (at least for me) up/down kind that everyone but Roland uses. Oops - I may be starting another debate here...........Sorry.... Either way if one exists let me know.
>Thanks,
>Dave O
>
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Regards,

-BW

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